 Chapter 15 of The Last of the Mohicans. A narrative of 1757 by James Fenimore Cooper. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Chapter 15. Then go we in to know his embassy, which I could with ready guests declare, before the Frenchmen speak a word of it. Unquote. From King Henry V. A few seceding days were passed amid the privations, the uproar and the dangers of the siege, which was vigorously pressed by a power against whose approaches Monroe possessed no competent means of resistance. It appeared as if Webb, with his army which lay slumbering on the banks of the Hudson, had utterly forgotten the strait to which his countrymen were reduced. Montcom had filled the woods of the portage with his savages, every yell and hoop of whom rang through the British encampment, chilling the hearts of men who were already but too much disposed to magnify the danger. Not so, however, with the besieged. Animated by the words and stimulated by the examples of their leaders, they had found their courage and maintained their ancient reputation with a zeal that did justice to the stern character of their commander. As if satisfied with the toil of marching through the wilderness to encounter his enemy, the French general, though of approved skill, had neglected to seize the adjacent mountains, once the besieged might have been exterminated with impunity, and which, in the more modern warfare of the country, would not have been neglected for a single hour. This sort of contempt for eminences, or rather dread of the labor of ascending them, might have been termed the besetting weakness of the warfare of the period. It originated in the simplicity of the Indian contest, in which from the nature of the combats and the density of the forest, fortresses were rare and artillery next to useless. The carelessness engendered by these usages descended even to the war of the revolution, and lost the states the important fortress of Ticonderoga, opening away for the army of Burgoyne into what was then the bosom of the country. We look back at this ignorance, or infatuation, whichever it may be called, with wonder, knowing that the neglect of an eminence whose difficulties like those of Mount Defiance have been so greatly exaggerated, would at the present time prove fatal to the reputation of the engineer who had planned the works at their base, or to that general whose lot it was to defend them. The tourist, the valetudinarian, or the amateur of the beauties of nature, who, in the train of his foreign hand, now rolls through the scenes we have attempted to describe, in quest of information, health or pleasure, or floats steadily toward his object on those artificial waters, which have sprung up under the administration of a statesman, who has dared to stake his political character on the hazardous issue, is not to suppose that his ancestors traversed those hills, or struggled with the same currents with equal facility. Footnote. Evidently, the late D. Witt Clinton, who died governor of New York in 1828. Footnote. The transportation of a single heavy gun was often considered equal to a victory gained. If happily, the difficulties of the passage had not so far separated from its necessary concomitant the ammunition, as to render it no more than a useless tube of unwieldy iron. The evils of this state of things pressed heavily on the fortunes of the resolute Scotsman, who now defended William Henry. Though his adversary neglected the hills, he had planted his batteries with judgment on the plain, and caused them to be served with vigor and skill. Against this assault, the besiege could only oppose the imperfect and hasty preparations of a fortress in the wilderness. It was on the afternoon of the fifth day of the siege, and the fourth of his own service in it, that Major Hayward profited by a parley that had just been beaten by repairing to the ramparts of one of the water bastions to breathe the cool air from the lake and to take a survey of the progress of the siege. He was alone, if the solitary sentinel who paced the mound be accepted, for the artillery had hastened also to profit by the temporary suspension of their arduous duties. The evening was delightfully calm, and the light air from the limpid water fresh and soothing. It seemed as if, with the termination of the roar of artillery and the plunging of shot, nature had also seized the moment to assume her mildest and most captivating form. The sun poured down his parting glory on the scene, without the oppression of those fierce rays that belonged to the climate and the season. The mountains looked green and fresh and lovely, tempered with the milder light, or softened in shadow, as thin vapors floated between them and the sun. The numerous islands rested on the bosom of the hurricane, some low and sunken, as if embedded in the waters, and others appearing to hover above the element in little hillocks of green velvet, among which the fishermen of the beleaguering army peacefully rode their skiffs or floated at rest on the glassy mirror in pursuit of their employment. The scene was at once animated and still. All that pertained to nature was sweet or simply grand, while those parts which depended on the temper and movements of man were lively and playful. Two little spotless flags were abroad, the one on a salient angle of the fort, and the other on the advanced battery of the besiegers. Emblems of the truth which existed, not only to the acts, but it would seem also to the enmity of the combatants. Behind these again swung heavily opening and closing in silken folds the rival standards of England and France. A hundred gay and thoughtless young Frenchmen were drawing a net to the pebbly beach, with in dangerous proximity to the sullen but silent canon of the fort, while the eastern mountain was sending back the loud shouts and gay merriment that attended their sport. Some were rushing equally to enjoy the aquatic games of the lake, and others were already toiling their way up the neighboring hills with the restless curiosity of their nation. To all these sports and pursuits, those of the enemy who watched the besieged, and the besieged themselves were, however, merely the idle, though sympathizing spectators. Here and there a picket had indeed raised a song or mingled in a dance, which had drawn the dusky savages around them from their lairs in the forest. In short, everything were rather the appearance of a day of pleasure than of an hour stolen from the dangers and toil of a bloody and vindictive warfare. Duncan had stood in amusing attitude, contemplating this scene a few minutes when his eyes were directed to the glossy in front of the Sallyport already mentioned by the sounds of approaching footsteps. He walked to an angle of the bastion and beheld the scout advancing under the custody of a French officer to the body of the fort. The countenance of Hawkeye was haggard and careworn, and his air dejected, as though he felt the deepest degradation at having fallen into the power of his enemies. He was without his favorite weapon, and his arms were even bound behind him with thongs made of the skin of a deer. The arrival of flags to cover the messengers of summons had occurred so often aflate that when Hayford first drew his careless glance on this group, he expected to see another of the officers of the enemy charged with a similar office. But the instant he recognized the tall person and the still-sturdy, the downcast features of his friend the woodsman, he started with surprise and turned to descend from the bastion into the bosom of the work. The sounds of other voices, however, caught his attention, and for a moment caused him to forget his purpose. At the inner angle of the mound he met the sisters, walking along the parapet in search, like himself, of air and relief from confinement. They had not met from that painful moment when he deserted them on the plane only to assure their safety. He had parted with them, worn with care, and jaded with fatigue. He now saw them refreshed and blooming, though timid and anxious. Under such an inducement it will cause no surprise that the young man lost sight of a time of other objects in order to address them. He was, however, anticipated by the voice of the ingenious and youthful Alice. Oh, you tyrant, you recrant knight! He'll abandons his damsels in the very list, she cried. Here have we been days, they ages, expecting you at our feet, imploring mercy and forgetfulness of your craven backsliding. Or I should rather say backrunning, for verily you fled in the matter that no stricken deer as our worthy friend the scout would say could be equal. You know that Alice means our thanks and our blessings, added the graver and more thoughtful Quora. In truth we have a little wonder why you should so rigidly absent yourself from a place where the gratitude of the daughters might receive the support of a parent's thanks. Your father himself could tell you that though absent from your presence I have not been altogether forgetful of your safety, returned the young man. The mastery of yonder village of Hutts, pointing to the entrenched camp, has been keenly disputed, and he who holds it is sure to be possessed of this fort and that which it contains. My days and nights have all been past there since we separated, because I thought that duty called me thither, but he added with an air of chagrin which he endeavored though unsuccessfully to conceal. Had I been aware that what I then believed a soldier's conduct could be so construed, shame would have added to the list of reasons. Hayward Duncan exclaimed Alice, bending forward to read his half averted countenance, until a lock of her golden hair rested on her flushed cheek, and nearly concealed the tear that had started to her eye. Did I think this idle tongue of mine had pain you? I would silence it for ever. Cora can say if Cora would how justly we have prized your services, and how deep I had almost said how fervent is our gratitude. And will Cora attest the truth of this? cried Duncan, suffering the cloud to be chased from his countenance, by a smile of open pleasure. What says the graver sister? Will she find an excuse for the neglect of the night in the duty of a soldier? Cora made no immediate answer, but turned her face toward the water as if looking on the sheet of the hurricane. When she did bend her eyes on the young man, they were yet filled with an expression of anguish that at once drove every thought but that of kind solitude from his mind. You are not well, dearest Miss Monroe, he exclaimed. We have trifled while you are in suffering. To his nothing, she answered, refusing his support with feminine reserve, that I cannot see the sonny of a picture of life like this artless but ardent enthusiast, she added, laying her hand lightly but affectionately on the arm of her sister, is the penalty of experience and perhaps the misfortune of my nature. See, she continued, as if determined to shake off infirmity in a sense of duty, look around you, Major Hayward, and tell me what a prospect it is for the daughter of a soldier whose greatest happiness is his honor and his military renown. Neither ought nor shall be tarnished by circumstances over which he has had no control, Duncan warmly replied, but your words recall me to my own duty. I go now to your gallant father to hear his determination in manners of the last moment of the defense. God bless you in every fortune, noble, Cora, I may and must call you. She frankly gave him her hand, though her lip quivered, and her cheeks gradually became of ashy paleness. In every fortune I know you will be an ornament and honor to your sex. Alice, adieu. His voice changed from admiration to tenderness. Adieu, Alice. We shall soon meet again, as conquerors I trust, and amid rejoicings. Without waiting for an answer from either, the young man threw himself down the grassy steps of the bastion, and moving rapidly across the parade, he was quickly in the presence of their father. Monroe was pacing his narrow apartment, with the disturbed air and gigantic strides, as Duncan entered. You have anticipated my wishes, Major Hayward, he said. I was about to request this favor. I am sorry to see, sir, that the messenger I so warmly recommended has returned in custody of the French. I hope there is no reason to distrust his fidelity. The fidelity of the long rifle is well known to me, returned Monroe, and is above suspicion, though his usual good fortune seems at last to have failed. Moncalum has got him, and with the accursed politeness of his nation, he has sent him with a doleful pill of, knowing how I valued the fellow, he could not think of retaining him, a Jesuitical way that, Major Duncan Hayward, of telling a man of his misfortunes. But the general and his suker? Did he look to the south as he entered? And could he not see them? said the old soldier, laughing bitterly. Hoot, hoot! You are an impatient boy, sir, and cannot give the gentleman leisure for their march. They are coming, then. The scout has said as much. When, and by what path, for the dances omitted to tell me this, there is a letter it would seem, too, and the only agreeable part of the matter. For the customary tensions of your marquis of Moncalum, I warn't me, Duncan, that he, of Lothonian, would buy a dozen such marquisettes. But if the news of the letter were bad, the gentility of this French monsoor would certainly compel him to let us know it. He keeps the letter, then, while he releases the messenger? I, that does he, and all for the sake of what you call your bone-hummy. I would venture, if the truth was known, the fellow's grandfather taught the noble science of dancing. But what says the scout? He has eyes and ears and a tongue. What verbal report does he make? O, sir, he is not wanting natural organs, and he is free to tell all that he has seen and heard. The whole amount is this. There is a fort of his majesties on the banks of the Hudson called Edward. In honor of his gracious highness of York, you'll know, and it is well filled with our men, as such a work should be. But was there no movement, no signs of any intention to advance to our relief? There were the morning and evening parades, and when one of the provincial looms, you'll know, Duncan, you're half a Scotsman yourself, when one of them dropped his powder over his porridge. If it touched the coals, it just burned. Then, suddenly changing his bitter and ironical manner, to one more grave and thoughtful, he continued, And yet there might, and there must be, something in that letter, which it would be well to know. Our decision should be speedy, said Duncan, gladly availing himself of this change of humor to press the more important objects of their interview. I cannot conceal from you, sir, that the camp will not be much longer tenable, and, I am sorry to add, that things appear no better in the fort, more than half the guns are bursted. And how should it be otherwise? And how should it be otherwise? Some were fished from the bottom of the lake, some have been rusting in wood since the discovery of the country, and some were never guns at all, mere private-tearsmen's play things. Do you think, sir, you can have Woolwich Warrant in the midst of a wilderness, three thousand miles from Great Britain? The walls are crumbling about our ears, and provisions begin to fail us, continued Hayward, without regarding the new burst of indignation. Even the men show signs of discontent and alarm. Major Hayward, said Monroe, turning to his youthful associate with the dignity of his years, and superior rank. I should have served his majesty for half a century, and earned these gray hairs in vain, were I ignorant of all you say, and of the pressing nature of our circumstances. Still, there is everything due to honor of the king's arms, and something to ourselves. While there is hope of succor, this fortress will I defend, though it be done with pebbles gathered on the lake shore. It is a sight of the letter, therefore, that we want, that we may know the intentions of the Earl of Ludin, has left among us as his substitute. And can I be of service in that matter? Sir, you can. The Marquis of Moncombe has in addition, to his other civilities, invited me to a personal interview between the works and his own camp. In order, as he says, to impart some additional information. Now, I think it would not be wise to show any undue solitude to meet him. And I would employ you, an officer of rank, as my substitute, for it would but ill comport with honor of Scotland, to let it be said one of her gentlemen was outdone in civility, by a native of any other country on earth. Without assuming the super-erogatory task of entering into a discussion of the comparative merits of national courtesy, Duncan cheerfully ascended to supply the place of the veteran in the approaching interview. A long and confidential communication now seceded, during which the young men received some additional insight into his duty from the experience and native acuteness of his commander. And then the former took his leave, as Duncan could only act as the representative of his, were of course dispersed with. The truth still existed, and with a roll and beat of the drum, and covered by a little white flag, Duncan left the sallyport within ten minutes after his instructions were ended. He was received by the French officer in advance, with the usual formalities, and immediately accompanied to a distant marquee of the renowned soldier who led the forces of France. The general of the enemy received the youthful messenger surrounded by his principal officers, and by a swirly band of the native chiefs, who had followed him to the field with the warriors of their several tribes. Hayward paused short, when, englancing his eyes rapidly over the dark group of the later, he beheld the malignant countenance of Makwa, regarding him with the calm but sullen attention which marked the expression of that subtle savage. A slight exclamation of surprise even burst from the lips of the young men, but instantly, recollecting his errand and the presence in which he stood, he suppressed every appearance of emotion. And turned to the hostile leader, who had already advanced a step to receive him. The marquee of Montcom was, at that period of which we write, in the flower of his age, and, it may be added, in the zenith of his fortunes. But even in that enviable situation he was affable and distinguished, as much for his attention to the forms of courtesy, as for that chivalrous courage which, only two short years afterwards, induced him to throw away his life on the plains of Abraham. Duncan, in turning his eyes from the malign expression of Makwa, suffered them to rest with pleasure on the smiling and polished features and the noble military air of the French general. Montsul, said the latter, j'ai beaucoup de plaisir, but où est-ce interprète? J'y crois, monsieur, qu'il ne sert pas nécessaire, Hayward modestly replied, j'ai problem pour le français. Ah, je suis bien ici, said Makon, taking Duncan familiarly by the arm, and leading him deep into the marquee, a little out of ear shot. Tu j'ai détesté pour vouloir. On s'est jamais circulé le pied et l'un vécu. Y bien, monsieur, he continued, still speaking in French, though I should have been proud of receiving your commandant. I am very happy that he has seen proper to employ an officer so distinguished and who I am sure is so amiable as yourself. Duncan bowed low, pleased with the compliment, in spite of a most heroic determination to suffer no artifice to allure him into forgetfulness of the interest of his prince. Anne, mon calme, after a pause of a moment, as if to collect his thoughts preceded. Your commandant is a brave man, and well qualified to repel my assault. Monsieur, is it not time to make more counsel of humanity and less of your courage? The one has strongly characterized the hero as the other. We consider the qualities as inseparable, returned Duncan smiling. But while we find in the vigour of your excellency every motive to stimulate the one, we can as yet see no particular call for the exercise of the other. Mon calme in his turn slightly bowed, but it was with the air of a man too practised to remember the language of flattery. After musing a moment he added, it is possible my glasses have deceived me, and that your works resist our canon better than I had supposed? You know our force? Our accounts vary, said Duncan carelessly. The highest, however, has not exceeded twenty thousand men. The Frenchman bit his lip, and fastened his eyes keenly on the other as if to read his thoughts. Then, with a readiness peculiar to himself, he continued as if assenting to the truth of an enumeration which quite doubled his army. It is a poor compliment to the vigilance of a soldier's mensur, that do what we will, we never can conceal our numbers. If it were to be done at all, one would believe it might succeed in these woods. Though you think it too soon to listen to the calls of humanity, he added smiling archly, I may be permitted to believe that gallantry is not forgotten by one so young as yourself. The daughters of the commandant on learn have passed into the fort since it was invested. It is true, one saw, but so far from weakening our efforts, they set us an example of courage in their own fortitude, where nothing but resolution necessary to repel so accomplished a soldier as M. D. McCollum. I would gladly trust the defense of William Henry to the elder of those ladies. We have a wise ordinance in our civic laws which says, The crown of France shall never degrade the lance of the dystaph, said M. McCollum dryly and with a little hachure, but instantly adding with his former frank and easy air. As all the noble qualities are hereditary. I can easily credit you though, as I said before, courage has its limits, and humanity must not be forgotten. I trust, Monsour, you come authorized to treat for a surrender of the police? Has your Excellency found our defense so feeble as to believe the measure necessary? I would be sorry to have the defense protracted in such a manner as to irritate my red friends there, continued M. McCollum, glancing his eyes at the group of grave and attentive Indians. Without attending to the others' questions, I find it difficult, even now, to limit them to the usages of war. Hayward was silent, for a painful recollection of the dangers he had so recently escaped came over his mind, and recalled the images of those defenseless beings who had shared in all his sufferings. Say, Monsieur Le, said M. McCollum, following up the advantage which he conceived he had gained, or most formidable when baffled. And it is unnecessary to tell you with what difficulty they are restrained in their anger. Eh bien, Monsour, shall we speak of the terms? I fear your Excellency has been deceived as to the strength of William Henry and the resources of its garrison. I have not sat down before Quebec, but in earthenwork. That is defended by twenty-three hundred-gallon men, was the Lyconic reply. Our mounds are earthen, certainly, nor are they seated on the rocks of caped diamond, but they stand on that shore which proved so destructive to Discau and his army. There is also a powerful force within a few hours' march of us, which we account upon as part of our means. Some six or eight thousand men return Monsour, with much apparent indifference, whom their leader wisely judges to be safer in their works than in the field. It was now Hayward's turn to bite his lip with vexation, as the other so coolly alluded to a force which the young man knew to be overrated. Both mused a little while in silence, when Monsour renewed the conversation in a way that showed he believed the visit of his guest was solely to propose terms of capitulation. On the other hand, Hayward began to throw sundry inducements in the way of the French general to betray the discoveries he had made through the intercepted letter. The artifice of neither, however, seceded, and after a protracted and fruitless interview, Duncan took his leave, favorably impressed with an opinion of the courtesy and talents of the enemy's captain, but as ignorant of what he came to learn as when he arrived. Montcom followed him as far as the entrance of the Marquis, renewing his invitations to the commandant of the fort to give him immediate meeting in the open ground between the two armies. There they separated, and Duncan returned to the advanced post of the French, accompanied as before, once he instantly proceeded to the fort and to the quarters of his own commander. End of Chapter 15 This reading by Gary W. Sherwin of Yukon, Pennsylvania in the autumn of 2007 Chapter 16 of The Last of the Mohicans A narrative of 1757 by James Fenimore Cooper This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Chapter 16 Quote EDG Before you fight the battle, op this letter. Unquote From Lear Major Hayward Falmon Rowe attended only by his daughters. Alice sat upon his knee, parting the grey hairs of the forehead of the old man with her delicate fingers. And whenever he affected to frown on her trifling, appeasing his assumed anger, by pressing her ruby lips fondly on his wrinkled brow, Quora was seated nigh them, a calm and amused looker on, regarding the wayward movements of her more youthful sister, with that species of maternal fondness which characterized her love for Alice. Not only the dangers through which they had passed, but those which still impended above them, appeared to be momentarily forgotten in the soothing indulgence of such a family meeting. It seemed as if they had profited by the short truce, to devote an instant to the purest and best affection. The daughters forgetting their fears, and the veteran, his cares, in the security of the moment. Of this scene Duncan, who in his eagerness to report his arrival, had entered unannounced, stood many moments an unobserved and a delighted spectator. But the quick and dancing eyes of Alice soon caught a glimpse of his figure, reflected from a glass, and she sprang blushing from her father's knee, exclaiming aloud, Major Hayward, what of the lad, demanded her father, I have sent him to crack a little with the Frenchman. Ah, sir, you are young and you are nimble. Away with ye, ye baggage, as if there were not troubles enough for a soldier without having his camp filled with such prattling hussies as yourself. Alice laughingly followed her sister, who instantly led the way from an apartment where she perceived their presence was no longer desirable. Monroe, instead of demanding the result of the young man's mission, paced the room for a few moments, with his hands behind his back, and his head inclined toward the floor, like a man lost in thought. At length he raised his eyes, glistening with a father's fondness and exclaimed, They are a pair of excellent girls, Hayward, and such as any one may boast of. You are not now to learn my opinion of your daughter's, Colonel Monroe. True lad, true, interrupted the impatient old man. You were about opening your mind more fully on that matter the day you got in. But I did not think it be coming in an old soldier to be talking of nuptial blessings and wedding jokes, when the enemies of his king were likely to be unbidden guests at the feast. But I was wrong, Duncan, boy. I was wrong there, and I am now ready to hear what you have to say. Notwithstanding the pleasure your assurance gives me, dear sir, I have just now a message from one call. Let the Frenchman and all his hosts go to the devil, sir, exclaimed the hasty veteran. He has not yet mastered of William Henry, nor shall he ever be, provided Webb proves himself the man he should. No, sir, thank heaven we are not yet in such a strait that it can be said Monroe is too much pressed to discharge the little domestic duties of his own family. Your mother was the only child of my bosom friend, Duncan, and I'll just give you a hearing, though all the knights of St. Louis were in a body at the Salliport with the French saint at their head crying to speak a word under favour. A pretty degree of knighthood, sir, is that which can be brought with sugar hogs' heads, and then your two penny-mark he says. The fissle is the order for dignity and antiquity. The veritable nemo may impun la cit of chivalry. Ye had ancestors in that degree, Duncan, and they were an ornament to the nobles of Scotland. Hayward, who perceived that his superior took a malicious pleasure in exhibiting his contempt for the message of the French general, was feigned to humorous spleen that he knew would be short-lived. He therefore replied with as much indifference as he could assume on such a subject. My request, as you know, sir, went so far as to presume the honour of being your son. Ah, boy! You found words to make yourself very plainly comprehended. But let me ask ye, sir, have you been as intelligible to the girl? Oh, my honour, no, exclaimed Duncan warmly. There would have been an abuse of a confided trust had I taken advantage of my situation for such a purpose. Your notions are those of a gentleman, Major Hayward, and well enough in their place. But Cora Monroe is a maiden too discreet and of a mind too elevated and improved to need the guardianship, even of a father. Cora? Aye, Cora. We are talking of your pretensions to Miss Monroe. Are we not, sir? Aye, aye, I was not conscious of having mentioned her name, said Duncan stammering. And to marry whom, then? Did you wish my consent, Major Hayward? demanded the old soldier, erecting himself in the dignity of an offended feeling. You have another, and not less lovely, child. Alice! exclaimed the father, in an astonishment equal to that with which Duncan had just repeated the name of her sister. Such was the direction of my wishes, sir. The young man waited in silence. The result of the extraordinary effect produced by communication, which as it now appeared was so unexpected. For several minutes Monroe paced the chamber with long and rapid strides, his rigid features working convulsively, and every faculty seemingly absorbed in the musings of his own mind. At length he paused directly in front of Hayward, and riveting his eyes upon those of the other, he said, with a lip thequivered violently. Duncan Hayward! I have loved you for the sake of him whose blood is in your veins. I have loved you for your own good qualities, and I have loved you because I thought you would contribute to the happiness of my child. But all this love would turn to hatred, where I assured that what I so much apprehend is true. God forbid that any act or thought of mind should lead to such a change, exclaimed the young man, whose eye never quailed under the penetrating look it encountered, without averting to the impossibility of the others comprehending those feelings which were hid in his own bosom. Monroe suffered himself to be appeased by the unaltered countenance he met, and with a voice sensibly softened, he continued, he would be my son, Duncan, and you're ignorant of the history the man you wish to call your father. Sit ye down, young man, and I will open to you the wounds of a sacred heart, in as few words as may be suitable. By this time the message of Montcalm was as much forgotten by him who bore it, as by the man for whose ears it was intended. Each drew a chair, and while the veteran communed a few moments with his own thoughts, apparently in sadness, the youth suppressed his impatience in a look and attitude of respectful attention. At length the former spoke. You know already, Major Hayward, that my family was both ancient and honorable, commenced the Scotsman, though it might not altogether be endowed with that amount of wealth that should correspond with its degree. I was, may be, such and one as yourself, when I plighted my faith to Alice Graham, the only child of a neighbouring lair of some estate, but the connection was disagreeable to her father on more accounts than my poverty. I did therefore, what an honest man should, restored the maiden her troth, and departed the country, in the service of my king. I had seen many regions, and had shed much blood in different lands, before duty called me to the islands of the West Indies. There it was my lot to form a connection with one who in time became my wife, and the mother of Cora. She was the daughter of a gentleman of those isles, by a lady whose misfortune it was, if you will, said the old man proudly, to be descended remotely from that unfortunate class who are so basely enslaved to administer to the wants of a luxurious people. I, sir, that is a curse entailed on Scotland by her unnatural union with a foreign and trading people. But could I find a man among them who would dare to reflect on my child? He should feel the weight of a father's anger. Ha! major Hayward, you are yourself born at the south, where these unfortunate beings are considered of a race inferior to your own. Tis most unfortunately true, sir, said Duncan, unable any longer to prevent his eyes from sinking to the floor in embarrassment. And you cast it on my child as a reproach? You scorned and mingled the blood of the Haywards with one so degraded. Lovely and virtuous, though she be, fiercely demanded the jealous parent. Heaven protect me from a prejudice so unworthy of my reason, returned Duncan, at the same time conscious of such a feeling, and that as deeply rooted as if it had been engrafted in his nature. The sweetness, the beauty, the witchery of your younger daughter, Colonel Monroe, might explain my motives without imputing to me this injustice. Ye are right, sir, returned the old man, again changing his tones to those of gentleness, or rather softness. The girl is the image of what her mother was at her years, and before she had become acquainted with grief, when death deprived me of my wife, I returned to Scotland, enriched by the marriage. And would you think, Duncan, the suffering angel had remained in the heartless state of celibacy twenty long years, and that for the sake of a man who could forget her. She did more, sir, she overlooked my want of faith, and all difficulties being now removed, she took me for her husband. And became the mother of Alice, exclaimed Duncan, with an eagerness that might have proved dangerous at a moment when the thoughts of Monroe were less occupied than at present. She did indeed, said the old man, and dearly did she pay for the blessings she bestowed. But she is a saint in heaven, sir, and it ill becomes one whose foot rests on the grave to mourn a lot so blessed. I had her by the single year, though, a short term of happiness for one who had seen her youth fade in hopeless pining. There was something so commanding in the distress of the old man that Hayward did not dare to venture a syllable of consolation. Monroe sat utterly unconscious of the other's presence, his features exposed and working with anguish of his regrets. While heavy tears fell from his eyes and rolled unheeded from his cheeks to the floor. At length he moved, and as if suddenly recovering his recollection, when he arose and taking a single turn across the room, he approached his companion with an air of military grandeur and demanded, Have ye not, Major Hayward, some communication that I should hear from the Marquis de Malcombe? Duncan started in his turn, and immediately commenced in an embarrassed voice the half-forgotten message. It is unnecessary to dwell upon the evasive though polite manner with which the French general had eluded every attempt of Hayward to warm from him the purport of the communication he had proposed making or on the decided though still polished message by which he now gave his enemy to understand that unless he chose to receive it in person, he should not receive it at all. As Monroe listened to the detail of Duncan, the excited feelings of the father gradually gave way before the obligations of his station, and when the other was done, he saw before him nothing but the veteran, swelling with the wounded feelings of a soldier. Ye have said enough, Major Hayward, exclaimed the angry old man, enough to make a volume of commentary on French civility. Here has this gentleman invited me to a conference, and when I sent him a caper-boo substitute, figure all of that, Duncan, there ye years beep-foot-few. He answers me with a riddle. Ye may have thought less favorably of the substitute, my dear sir, and you will remember that the invitation, which he now repeats, was to the commandant of the works, and not to his second. Well, sir, is not a substitute clothed with all the power and dignity of him who grants the commission? He wishes to confer with Monroe? Faith, sir, I have much inclination to indulge the man, if it should only be to let him behold the firm countenance we maintain in spite of his numbers and his summons. There might not be bad policy in such a stroked young man. Duncan, who believed it of the last importance that they should speedily come to the contents of the letter borne by the scout, gladly encouraged this idea. Without a doubt he could gather no confidence by witnessing our indifference, he said. You never said a truer word. I could wish, sir, that he would visit the works in open day and in the forum of a storming party. That is the least failing method of proving the countenance of an enemy, and would be far preferable to the battering system he has chosen. The beauty and manliness of warfare has been much deferred, Major Hayward, by the arts of Mansoul Vauban. Our ancestors were far above such scientific cowardice. It may be very true, sir, but we are now obliged to repel art by art. What is your pleasure in the matter of the interview? I will meet the Frenchman, and that without fear or delay. Promptly, sir, as becomes a servant of my royal master. Go, Major Hayward, and give them a flourish of the music, and send out a messenger to let them know who is coming. We will follow with a small guard, for such respect is due to one who holds the honor of his king in keeping. And Harky, Duncan, he added in a half whisper, though they were alone, it may be prudent to have some aid at hand, in case there should be treachery at the bottom of it all. The young man availed himself of this order to quit the apartment, and as the day was fast coming to a close, he hastened, without delay, to make the necessary arrangements. At very few minutes only were necessary to parade a few files, and to dispatch an orderly with a flag to announce the approach of the commandant of the fort. When Duncan had done both, he led the guard to the sally-port, near which he found his superior, ready, waiting his appearance. As soon as the usual ceremonials of a military departure were observed, the veteran and his more youthful companion left the fortress, attended by the escort. They had preceded only a few hundred yards from the works, when the little array which attended the French general to the conference was seen issuing from a hollow way which formed the bed of a brook that ran between the batteries of the besiegers and the fort. From the moment that Monroe left his own works to appear in front of his enemies, his air had been grand, and his step and countenance highly military. The instant he caught a glimpse of the white plume that waved in the hat of Montcombe, his eye lighted, an age no longer appeared to possess any influence over his vast and still muscular person. Speak to the boys to be watchful, sir, he said in an undertone to Duncan, and to look well to their flints and steel, for one is never safe with a servant of these louis. At the same time we shall show them the front of men in deep security. You'll understand me, Major Hayward. He was interrupted by the clamor of a drum from the approaching Frenchman, which was immediately answered when each party pushed in orderly in advance bearing a white flag, and the weary Scotsman, halted with his guard close at his back. As soon as this slight salutation had passed, Montcombe moved toward them with a quick but graceful step, bearing his head to the veteran, and dropping his spotless plume neatly to the earth in courtesy. If the air of Monroe was more commanding and manly, it wanted both the ease and insinuating polish of that of the Frenchman. Neither spoke for a few moments, each regarding the other with curious and interested eyes. Then, as became his superior rank and the nature of the interview, Montcombe broke the silence. After uttering the usual words of greeting, he turned to Duncan and continued with a smile of recognition, speaking always in French. I am rejoiced, Montsour, that you have given us the pleasure of your company on this occasion. There will be no necessity to employ an ordinary interpreter, for in your hands I feel the same security as if I spoke your language myself. Duncan acknowledged the compliment, when Montcombe turning to his guard, which in imitation of that of their enemies, pressed close upon him, continued. He glanced his eyes around the plane, and beheld with uneasiness the numerous dusky groups of savages, who looked out from the margin of the surrounding woods, curious spectators of the interview. Montsour de Montcombe will readily acknowledge the difference in our situation. He said with some embarrassment, pointing at the same time toward those dangerous foes, who were to be seen in almost every direction. Where we to dismiss our guard, we should stand here at the mercy of our enemies. Montsour, you have the plighted faith of un gentil homme français, for your safety, return Montcombe, laying his hand impressively on his heart. It should suffice. It shall fall back, Duncan added to the officer who led the escort. Fall back, sir, beyond hearing, and wait for orders. Monroe witnessed this movement, with manifest uneasiness. Nor did he fail to demand an instant explanation. Is it not our interest, sir, to betray distrust, retorted Duncan? Montsour de Montcombe pledges his word for our safety, and I have ordered the men to withdraw a little, in order to prove how much we depend on his assurance. It may be all right, sir, but have no overwhelming reliance on the faith of these marquises, or marquises as they tell themselves. Their patents of nobility are too common to be certain that they bear the seal of true honour. You forget, dear sir, that we confer with an officer, distinguished alike in Europe and America for his deeds. From a soldier of his reputation, we can have nothing to apprehend. The old man made a gesture of resignation, though his rigid features still betrayed his obstinate adherence to a distrust which he derived from a sort of hereditary contempt of his enemy, rather than from any present signs which might warrant so uncharitable feeling. Montcombe waited patiently until this little dialogue in Demi-voice was ended, when he drew nire and opened the subject of their conference. I have solicited this interview from your superior, Montsour, he said, because I believe he will allow himself to be persuaded that he has already done everything which is necessary for the honour of his prince, and will now listen to the admonitions of humanity. I will forever bear testimony that his resistance has been gallant, and has continued as long as there was hope. When this opening was translated to Monroe, he answered with dignity, but with sufficient courtesy, however I may prize such testimony from Montsour-Montcombe, it will be more valuable when it shall be better merited. The French general smiled, as Duncan gave him the purport of his reply and observed, What is so freely accorded to approve courage may be refused to useless obstinacy. Montsour would wish to see my camp, and witness for himself our numbers, and the impossibility of his resisting them with success. I knew that the king of France's well-served returned the unmoved Scotsman, as soon as Duncan ended his translation, That my own royal master has as many and as faithful troops, though not at hand, fortunately for us, said Montcombe, without waiting in his ardour for the interpreter. There is destiny in war, to which a brave man knows how to submit with the same courage that he faces his foes. Had I been conscious that Montsour-Montcombe was master of the English, I should have spared myself the trouble of so awkward a translation, said the vexed Duncan dryly, remembering instantly his recent by-play with Monroe. Your pardon, Montsour! rejoined the Frenchman, suffering a slight coward to appear in his dark cheek. There is a vast difference between understanding and speaking of foreign tongue. You will, therefore, please to assist me still? Then, after a short pause, he added, These hills afford us every opportunity of reconnoitering your works, mischewers, and I am possibly as well acquainted with their weak condition, as you can be yourselves. Ask the French general if he has glasses to reach the Hudson, said Monroe proudly, and if he knows when and where to expect the army of Webb. Let General Webb be his own interpreter, returned the politic Montcombe, suddenly extending an open letter to word Monroe as he spoke. You will, therefore, learn, Montsour, that his movements are not likely to prove embarrassing to my army. The veteran seized the offered paper without waiting for Duncan to translate the speech, and with an eagerness that betrayed how important he deemed its contents. As his eyes passed hastily over the words, his countenance changed from its look of military pride to one of deep chagrin. His lip began to quiver, and suffering the paper to fall from his hand, his head dropped upon his chest, like that of a man whose hopes were withered in a single blow. Duncan caught the letter from the ground, and without apology for the liberty he took, he read at a glance its cruel report. Their common superior, so far from encouraging them to resist, advised a speedy surrender, urging in the plainest language as a reason the utter impossibility of his sending a single man to their rescue. Here is no deception, exclaimed Duncan, examining the billet both inside and out. This is the signature of Webb, and must be the captured letter. The man has betrayed me, Monroe at length bitterly exclaimed. He has brought dishonor to the door of one where disgrace has never before known to dwell, and shame has he reaped heavily on my gray hairs. Say not so, cried Duncan. We are yet masters of the fort, and of our honor. Let us then sell our lives at such a rate as shall make our enemies believe the purchase too dear. Boy, I thank thee, exclaimed the old man, rousing himself from his stupor. You have there once reminded Monroe of his duty. We will go back and dig our graves behind those ramparts. Monsieur's, said Montcom, advancing toward them a step in generous interest. You little know, Louis de Saint-Ferrand, if you believe him capable of profiting by this letter to humble brave men, or to build up dishonest reputation for himself. Listen to my terms before you leave me. What said is the Frenchman, demanded the veteran sternly? Does he make a merit of having captured a scout with a note from headquarters? Sir, he had better raise his siege to go and sit before Edward if he wishes to frighten his enemy with words. Duncan explained the other's meaning. Monsieur Montcom, we will heal you, the veteran added more calmly as Duncan ended. To retain the fort is now impossible, said his liberal enemy. It is necessary, in the interest of my master, that it should be destroyed. But as for yourself and your brave comrades, there is no privileged dearer a soldier that shall be denied. Our killers, demanded Hayward, carry them to England and show them to your king. Our arms? Keep them. None can use them better. Our march? The surrender of the place? Shall be done in a way most honorable to yourselves. Duncan now turned to explain these proposals to his commander, who heard them with amazement, and a sensibility that was deeply touched by so unusual and unexpected generosity. Go, you Duncan, he said, go with this Marques, as indeed Marques he should be. Go to his Marques and arrange it all. I have lived to see two things in my old age that never did I expect to behold. An Englishman afraid to support a friend and a Frenchman too honest to profit by his advantage. So, saying, the veteran again dropped his head to his chest and returned slowly toward the fort, exhibiting by the dejection of his air to the anxious garrison, a harbinger of evil tidings. From the shock of this unexpected blow, the haughty feelings of Monroe never recovered. But from that moment there commenced a change in his determined character, which accompanied him to a speedy grave. Duncan remained to settle the terms of the capitulation. He was seen to re-enter the works during the first watches of the night, and immediately, after a private conference with the commandant, to leave them again. It was then openly announced that hostilities must cease, Monroe having signed a treaty by which the place was to be yielded to the enemy with the mourning, the garrison to retain their arms, the colors and their baggage, and consequently, according to military opinion, their honor. End of Chapter 16 This reading by Gary W. Sherwin of Yukon, Pennsylvania in the autumn of 2007. Chapter 17 of The Last of the Mohicans A narrative of 1757 by James Fenimore Cooper. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Chapter 17 Quote Weave the woof, the thread is spun, the web is wove, the work is done. Quote By Gray The hostile armies which lay in the wilds of the hurricane, past the night of the ninth of August 1757, much in the manner they would had they encountered on the fairest field of Europe, while the conquered were still, sullen, and ejected, the victors triumphed. But there are limits alike to grief and joy, and long before the watches of the morning came, the stillness of those boundless woods was only broken by a gay call from some exalting young Frenchman of the advanced pickets, or a menacing challenge from the fort which sternly forbade the approach of any hostile footsteps before the stipulated moment. Even these occasional threatening sounds cease to be heard in that dull hour which precedes the day, at which period a listener might have sought in vain any evidence of the presence of those armed powers that then slumbered on the shores of the Holy Lake. It was during these moments of deep silence that the canvas which concealed the entrance to a spacious marquee in the French encampment was shoved aside, and a man issued from beneath a drapery into the open air. He galloped in a cloak which might have been intended as a protection from the chilling damps of the woods, but which served equally well as a mantle to conceal his person. He was permitted to pass the grenadier who watched over the slumbers of the French commander without interruption, the man making the usual salute which betokens military deference, as the other passed swiftly through the little city of tents in the direction of William Henry. Whenever this unknown individual encountered one of the numberless sentinels who crossed his path, his answer was prompt and, as it appeared satisfactory, for he was uniformly allowed to proceed without further interrogation. With the exception of such repeated but brief interruptions, he had moved silently from the center of the camp to its most advanced outpost. When he drew nigh the soldier who held his watch nearest to the works of the enemy, as he approached he was received with the usual challenge. Que vivait? Français was the reply. Le mot de odré. Les victories! said the other, drawing so nigh as to be heard in a loud whisper. C'est bien, returned the sentinel, throwing his musket from the charge to his shoulder. Vos promenés bien mentis, mon seul. Il est nécessaire d'être vigilant mon enfant, the other observed, dropping a fold of his cloak and looking the soldier close in the face as he passed him, still continuing his way toward the British fortification. The man started. His arms rattled heavily as he threw them forward in the lowest and most respectful salute. And when he had again recovered his peace, he turned to walk his post, muttering between his teeth. The officer proceeded without effecting to hear the words which escaped the sentinel in his surprise. Nor did he again pause until he had reached the low strand and in a somewhat dangerous vicinity to the western water bastion of the fort. The light of an obscure moon was dimmed. He therefore took the precaution to place himself against the trunk of a tree, where he leaned for many minutes and seemed to contemplate the dark and silent mounds of the English works in profound attention. The light of an obscure moon was just sufficient to render objects, though dim, perceptible in their outlines. His gaze at the ramparts was not that of a curious or idle spectator, but his looks wandered from point to point, denoting his knowledge of military usages and betraying that his search was not unaccompanied by distress. At length he appeared satisfied and having cast his eyes impatiently upward toward the summit of the eastern mountain, as if anticipating the approach of the morning he was in the act of turning on his footsteps when a light sound on the nearest angle of the bastion caught his ear and induced him to remain. Just then a figure was seen to approach the edge of the rampart where it stood, apparently contemplating in its turn the distant tense of the French encampment. Its head was then turned toward the east, as though equally anxious for the appearance of light. When the form leaned against the mound and seemed to gaze upon the glassy expanse of the waters, which, like a submarine firmament, glittered with its thousand mimic stars, the melancholy air, the hour, together with the vast frame of the man who thus leaned, musing against the English ramparts, left no doubt as to his person in the mind of the observant spectator. Delicacy, no less than prudence, now urged him to retire, and he had moved cautiously round the body of the tree for that purpose when another sound drew his attention and once more arrested his footsteps. It was a low and almost inaudible movement of the water and was seceded by a grating of pebbles one against the other. In a moment he saw a dark form rise as it were out of the lake and still without further noise to the land within a few feet of the place where he himself stood. A rifle next slowly rose between his eyes and the watery mirror, but before it could be discharged his own hand was on the lock. Exclaim the savage, whose treacherous aim was so singularly and unexpectedly interrupted, without making any reply the French officer laid his hand on the shoulder of the Indian and led him in profound silence to a distance from the spot where their subsequent dialogue might have proved dangerous and where it seemed that one of them at least sought a victim. Then throwing open his cloak so as to expose his uniform in the cross of St. Louis, which was suspended at his breast, Montcalm sternly demanded, What means this? Does my son not know that the hatchet is buried between the English and his Canadian father? What can the Iran's do? returned the savage, speaking also, though imperfectly, in the French language. Not a warrior has a scalp, and the pale faces make friends. Ah, the Reynard subtele! Me thinks this is an excess of zeal for a friend who was so late an enemy. How many sons have set since the Reynard struck the war post of the English? Where is that son? demanded the solemn savage. Behind the hill, and it is dark and cold, but when he comes again it will be bright and warm. Le subtele is the son of his tribe. There have been clouds and many mountains between him and his nation. But now he shines and it is a clear sky. The Reynard has power with his people, I well know, For yesterday he hunted for their scalps, and today they hear him at the council fire. Markway's a great chief. Let him prove it by teaching his nation how to conduct themselves toward our new friends. Why did the chief of the Canada's bring this young man into the woods and fire his cannon at the earthen house? Demanded the subtle Indian. To subdue it, my master owns the land, and your father was ordered to drive off these English squatters. They have consented to go, and now he calls them enemies no longer. Tis well, Markway took the hatchet to colour it with blood. It is now bright. When it is red it shall be buried. But Markway has pledged not to sully the lilies of France. The enemies of the great king across the Salt Lake are his enemies. His friends, the friends of Hurons. Friends, repeated the Indian in scorn, Let his father give Markway a hand. Montcom, who felt that his influence over the warlike tribes he had gathered, was to be maintained by concession rather than by power, complied reluctantly with the other's request. The savage placed the fingers of the French commander on a deep scar in his bosom, and then exultantly demanded, Does my father know that? What warrior does not? Tis where a leaden bullet has cut. And this, continued the Indian, who had turned his naked back to the other, his body being without its usual calico mantle. This my son has been sadly injured here. Who has done this? Markway slept hard in the English wigwams, and the sticks have left their mark, returned the savage with a hollow laugh, which did not conceal the fierce temper which nearly choked him. Then recollecting himself with the sullen and native dignity he added, Go teach your young man at his peace. They renounced until knows how to speak to a Huron warrior. Without daining to bestow further words, or to wait for any answer, the savage cast his rifle into the hollow of his arm, and moved silently through the encampment toward the woods where his own tribe was known to lie. Every few yards as he proceeded, he was challenged by the sentinels, but he stalked sullenly onward, utterly disregarding the summons of the soldiers, who only spared his life because they knew the air and tread, no less than the obstinate daring of an Indian. Montcalm lingered long and melancholy on the stand where he had been left by his companion, brooding deeply on the temper which his ungovernable ally had just discovered. Already had his fair fame been tarnished by one horde scene, and in circumstances fearfully resembling those under which he now found himself. As he mused, he became keenly sensible of the deep responsibility they assume, who disregard the means to attain an end, and of all the danger of setting in motion an engine which exceeds human power to control. Then, shaking off a train of reflection, which he accounted a weakness in such a moment of triumph, he retraced his steps toward his tent, giving the order as he passed to make the signal that should arouse the army from its slumbers. The first tap of the French drums was echoed from the bosom of the fort, and presently the valley was filled with the strains of martial music rising long, thrilling, and lively above the rattling accompaniment. The horns of the victors sounded merry and cheerful flourishes until the last lager to the camp was at his post, but the instant the British Fife's had blown their shrill signal, they became mute. In the meantime the day had dawned, and when the line of the French army was ready to receive its general, the rays of a brilliant sun were glancing along the glittering array. Then that success, which was already so well known, was officially announced. The favored band who were selected to guard the gates of the fort were detailed and defiled before their chief. The signal of their approach was given, and all the usual preparations for a change of masters were ordered and executed, directly under the guns of the contested works. A very different scene presented itself within the lines of the Anglo-American army. As soon as the warning signal was given, it exhibited all the signs of a hurried and forced departure. The silent soldiers shouldered their empty tubes and fell into their places, like men whose blood had been heated by the past contest, and who only desired the opportunity to revenge an indignity which was still wounding to their pride, concealed, as it was, under the observances of military etiquette. Woman and children ran from place to place, some bearing the scanty remnants of their baggage, and others searching in the ranks for those countenances they looked up to for protection. Monroe appeared among his silent troops, firm but dejected. It was evident that the unexpected blow had struck deep into his heart, though he struggled to sustain his misfortune with the port of a man. Duncan was touched at the quiet and impressive exhibition of his grief. He had discharged his own duty, and he now pressed to the side of the old man to know in what particular he might serve him. My daughters was the brief but expressive reply. Good heavens! Are not arrangements already made for their convenience? Today I am only a soldier, Major Hayward, said the veteran. All that you see here claim I like to be my children. Duncan had heard enough. Without losing one of those moments, which had now become so precious, he flew toward the quarters of Monroe in quest of the sisters. He found them on the threshold of the low edifice, already prepared to depart, and surrounded by clamorous and weeping assemblage of their own sex, who had gathered about the place with a sort of instinctive consciousness that it was the point most likely to be protected. Though the cheeks of Coral were pale and her countenance anxious, she had lost none of her firmness. But the eyes of Alice were inflamed and betrayed how long and bitterly she had wept. They both, however, received the young man with undisguised pleasure, the former for a novelty, being the first to speak. The fort is lost, she said with a melancholy smile. Though our good name, I trust, remains. It is brighter than ever, but, dearest Miss Monroe, it is time to think less of others and to make some provision for yourself. Military usage, pride, that pride on which you so much value yourself, demands that your father and I should for a little while continue with the troops. Then where to seek a proper protector for you, against the confusion and chances of such a scene? None is necessary, returned Cora. Who would dare to injure or insult the daughter of such a father at a time like this? I would not leave you alone, continued the youth, looking about him in a hurried manner. Command of the best regiment in the pay of the king. Remember, our Alice is not gifted with all your firmness, and God only knows the terrors she might endure. You may be right, Cora replied, smiling again, but far more sadly than before. Listen, chance has already set us a friend when he is most needed. Duncan did listen, and on the instant comprehended her meaning. The low and serious sounds of the sacred music, so well known to the eastern provinces, caught his ear, and instantly drew him to an apartment in an adjacent building, which had already been deserted by its customary tenants. There he found David pouring out his pious feelings through the only medium in which he ever indulged. Duncan waited until by the cessation of the movement of the hand he believed the strain was ended, when by touching his shoulder he drew the attention of the other two himself, and in a few words explained his wishes. Even so, replied the single-minded disciple of the king of Israel when the young manhand ended, I have found much that is comely and melodious in the maidens, and it is fitting that we who have consorted in so much peril shall abide together in peace. I will attend them when I have completed my morning praise to which nothing is now wanting but the doxology. Will thou beared a part, friend? The meter is common, and the tune south-well. Then extending the little volume and giving the pitch of the air anew with considerate attention. David, then extending the little volume and giving the pitch of the air anew with considerate attention, David recommenced and finished his strains with a fixedness of manner that is not easy to interrupt. Hayward was feigned to wait until the verse was ended, when seeing David relieving himself from the spectacles and replacing the book he continued. It will be your duty to see that none dare approach the ladies with any rude intention, or to offer insult or to taunt at the misfortune of their brave father. In this task you will be seconded by the domestics of their household. Even so, it is possible that the Indians and stragglers of the enemy may intrude in which case you will remind them of the terms of the capitulation and threaten to report their conduct to Montcoln. A word will suffice. If not, I have that here which shall, returned David. Exhibiting his book with an air in which meekness and confidence were singularly blended. Here are words which uttered or rathered, thundered with proper emphasis, and in major time, shall quiet the most unruly temper. Why rage, the heathen furiously? Enough, said Hayward, interrupting the burst of his musical invocation. We understand each other. It is time that we should now assume our respective duties. Gamut cheerfully ascended, and together they sought the females. Korra received her new and somewhat extraordinary protector courteously, at least, and even the pallid features of Alice lighted again with some of their native arch-ness, as she thanked Hayward for his care. Duncan took occasion to assure them he had done the best that circumstances permitted, and, as he believed, quite enough for the security of their feelings. Of danger there was none. He then spoke gladly of his intention to rejoin them the moment he had led the advance a few miles toward the Hudson, and immediately took his leave. By this time the signal for departure had been given, and the head of the English column was in motion. The sisters started at the sound, and glancing their eyes around, they saw the white uniforms of the French grenadiers, who had already taken possession of the gates of the fort. At that moment an enormous cloud seemed to pass suddenly above their heads, and looking upward, they discovered they stood beneath the wide folds of the standard of France. Let us go! said Cora. This is no longer the place for the children of an English officer. Alice clung to the arm of her sister, and together they left the parade, accompanied by the moving throng that surrounded them. As they passed the gates, the French officers who had learned their rank bowed often and low, for bearing, however, to intrude those attentions, which they saw with peculiar tact, might not be agreeable. As every vehicle and each beast of burden was occupied by the sick and wounded, Cora had decided to endure the fatigues of a foot march, rather than interfere with their comforts. Indeed, many a maimed and feeble soldier was compelled to drag his exhausted limbs into the rear of the columns, for the one of the necessary means of conveyance in that wilderness. The whole, however, was in motion, the weak and wounded groaning and in suffering, their comrades silent and sullen, and the women and children in terror, they knew not of what, as the confused and timid throng left the protecting mounds of the fort and issued on the open plain. The scene was at once presented to their eyes. At a little distance on the right and somewhat in the rear, the French army stood to their arms, one calm having collected his party so soon as his guard had possession of the works. They were attentive but silent observers of the proceedings of the vanquished, failing in none of the stipulated military honors and offering no taunt or insult in their success through the less fortunate foes. Living masses of the English to the amount in the whole of near three thousand were moving slowly across the plain toward the common center and gradually approached each other as they converged to the point of their march. A vista cut through the lofty trees where the road to the Huntson entered the forest. Along the sweeping borders of the woods hung a dark cloud of savages, eyeing the passage of their enemies and hovering at a distance like vultures who were only kept from swooping on their prey by the presence and restraint of a superior army. A few had straggled among the conquered columns where they stalked in sullen discontent, attentive though as yet, passive observers of the moving multitude. The advance with Hayward at its head had already reached the defile and was slowly disappearing when the attention of Cora was drawn to a collection of stragglers by the sounds of contention. A truant provincial was paying the forfeit of his disobedience by being plundered of those very effects which had caused him to desert his place in the ranks. The man was of powerful frame and too avaricious to part with his goods without a struggle. Individuals from either party interfered. The one side to prevent and the other to aid in the robbery. Voices grew loud and angry and a hundred savages appeared as it were by magic where a dozen only had been seen a minute before. It was then that Cora saw the form of Magwa blighting among his countrymen and speaking with his fatal and artful eloquence. The mass of women and children stopped and hovered together like alarmed and fluttering birds. But the cupidity of the Indian was soon gratified and the different bodies again moved slowly onward. The savages now fell back and seemed content to let their enemies advance without further molestation. But as the female crowd approached them the gaudy colors of a shawl attracted the eyes of a wild and untutored Huron. He advanced to seize it without the least hesitation. The woman, more in terror than through love of the ornament wrapped her child in the coveted article and folded both more closely to her bosom. Cora was in the act of speaking with an intent to advise the woman to abandon the trifle when the savage relinquished his hold on the shawl and tore the screaming infant from her arms. Abandoning everything to the greedy grasp of those around her the mother darted with distraction of her mean to reclaim her child. The Indian smiled grimly and extended one hand in sign of a willingness to exchange while with the other he florished the babe over his head holding it by the feet as if to enhance the value of the ransom. Here, here, there, oh, Eddie, everything! exclaimed the breathless woman tearing the lighter articles of dress from her person with ill-directed and trembling fingers. Take, oh, but give me my babe! The savage spurned the worthless rags and perceiving that the shawl had already become a prize to another. His bantering but silent smile changing to a gleam of ferocity he dashed the head of the infant against a rock and cast its quivering remains to her very feet. For an instant the mother stood. Like a statue of despair looking wildly down at the unseemly object which had so lately nestled in her bosom and smiled in her face. And then she raised her eyes and countens toward heaven as if calling on God to curse the perpetrator of the foul deed. She was spared the sin of such a prayer for maddened at his disappointment and excited at the sight of blood the Huron mercifully drove his tomahawk into her own brain. The mother sank under the blow and fell grasping at her child in death with the same engrossing love that had caused her to cherish it when living. At that dangerous moment Malka placed his hands to his mouth and raised the fatal and appalling hoop. The scattered Indians started at the well-known cry as coursers bound at the signal to quit the goal and directly there arose such a yell along the plain and through the arches of the wood as seldom burst from human lips before. They who heard it listened with a curdling horror at the heart little inferior to that dread which may be expected to attend the blast of the final summons. More than two thousand raving savages broke from the forest at the signal and threw themselves across the fatal plain with instinctive alacrity. We shall not dwell on the revolting horrors that succeeded. Death was everywhere. And in his most terrific and disgusting aspects resistance only seemed to inflame the murders who inflicted their furious blows long after their victims were beyond the power of their resentment. The flow of blood might be likened to the outbreaking of a torrent and as the natives became heated and maddened by the sight many among them even kneeled to the earth and drank freely exultingly hellishly of the crimson tide. The trained bodies of the troops threw themselves quickly into solid masses endeavoring to awe their assailants by the imposing appearance of a military front. The experiment in some measures succeeded though far too many suffered their unloaded muskets to be torn from their hands in the vain hope of appeasing the savages. In such a scene none had leisure to devote the fleeting moments. It might have been ten minutes. It seemed an age that the sisters had stood riveted to one spot horror-stricken and nearly hopeless. When the first blow was struck their screaming companions had pressed upon them in a body rendering flight impossible. And now that fear of death had scattered most if not all from around them no avenue open but such is conducted to the tomahawks of their foes. On every side arose shrieks, groans, exhortations, and curses. At this moment Alice caught a glimpse of the vast form of her father moving rapidly across the plain in the direction of the French army. He was in truth proceeding to Montcom fearless of any danger to claim the tardy escort for which he had before conditioned. Fifty glittering axes and barbed spears were offered unheeded at his life but the savages respected his rank and calmness even in their fury. The dangerous weapons were brushed aside by the still nervous arm of the veteran or fell of themselves after menacing an act that it would seem no one had courage to perform. Fortunately the vindictive mockle was searching for his victim in the very band the veteran had just quitted. Father, father, we are here! Shrieked Alice as he passed at no great distance without appearing to heed them. Come to us, father, or we die! The cry was repeated and in terms and tones that might have melted a heart of stone but it was unanswered. Once indeed the old man appeared to catch the sound for he paused and listened but Alice had dropped senseless on the earth and Cora had sunk at her side hovering in untiring tenderness over her lifeless form. Monroe shook his head in disappointment and proceeded bent on the high duty of his station. Lady, said Gamut, who helpless and useless as he was had not yet dreamed of deserting his trust. It is the jubilee of the devils and this is not a me place for Christians to tarry in. Let us up and fly! Go! said Cora, still gazing at her unconscious sister. Save thyself! To me thou canst not be of further use. David comprehended the unyielding character of a resolution by the single but expressive gesture that accompanied her words. He gazed for a moment at the dusky forms that were acting their hellish rites on every side of him and his tall person grew more erect while his chest heaved and every feature swelled and seemed to speak with the power of the feelings by which he was governed. If the Jewish boy might tame the spirit of soul by the sound of his harp and the words of sacred song it may not be amiss, he said, to try the potency of music here. Then raising his voice to its highest tone he poured out a strain so powerful as to be heard even amid the din of that bloody field. More than one savage rushed toward them, thinking to rifle the unprotected sisters of their attire and bear away their scalps. But when they found this strange and unmoved figure riveted to his post they paused to listen. Astonishment soon changed to admiration and they passed on to other and less courageous victims openly expressing their satisfaction at the firmness with which the white warrior sang his death song. Encouraged and deluded by his success David exerted all his power to extend what he believed so wholly in influence. The unwanted sounds caught the ears of a distant savage who flew raging from group to group like one who, scorning to touch the vulgar herd, hunted for some victim more worthy of his renown. It was Maqua who uttered a yell of pleasure to be held his ancient prisoners again at his mercy. Come! he said laying his soiled hands on the dress of Cora. The wigwam of the urine is still open. Is it not better than this place? Away! cried Cora veiling her eyes from his revolting aspect. The Indian laughed tauntingly as he held up his reeking hand and answered, It is red, but it comes from white veins. Monster! there is blood, oceans of blood upon my soul. Thy spirit has moved this scene. Maqua is a great chief, returned the exulting savage. Will the hair go to his tribe? Never strike if thou wilt and complete thy revenge! He hesitated a moment when catching the light and senseless form of Alice in his arms. The subtle Indian moved swiftly across the plane toward the woods. Hold! shrieked Cora, following wildly in on his footsteps. Release the child, wretch! What is it you do? But Maqua was deaf to her voice, or rather he knew his power, and was determined to maintain it. Stay, ladies, stay! called Gamut after the unconscious Cora. Holy charm is beginning to be felt, and soon shall thou see this horrid tumult stilled! Perceiving that, in his turn, he was unheeded. The faithful David followed the distracted sister, raising his voice again in sacred song, and sweeping the air to measure with his long arm, indeligent accompaniment. In this manner they traversed the plane through the flying and wounded of the dead. The fierce Huron was any time sufficient for himself, and the victim that he bore. Though Cora would have fallen more than once under the blows of her savage enemies, but for the extraordinary being who stalked in her rear, and who now appeared to the astonished natives, gifted with the protected spirit of madness. Maqua, who knew how to avoid the more pressing dangers, and also to elude pursuit, entered the woods through a low ravine, where he quickly found the narrow gansets, which the travellers had abandoned so shortly before, awaiting his appearance in custody of a savage as fierce and malign in expression as himself. Laying Alice on one of the horses, he made a sign to Cora to mount the other. Notwithstanding the horror excited by the presence of her captor, there was a present relief of escaping from the bloody scene enacting on the plane, to which Cora could not be altogether insensible. She took her seat and held forth her arms for her sister, with an air of entreaty and love that even the Huron could not deny. Placing Alice then on the same animal with Cora, he seized the bridle and commenced his route by plunging deeper into the forest. David, perceiving that he was left alone, utterly disregarded as a subject too worthless even to destroy, threw his long limb across the saddle of the beast they had deserted, and made such progress in the pursuit as the difficulty of the path permitted. They soon began to ascend, but as the motion had a tendency to revive the dormant faculties of her sister, the attention of Cora was too much divided between the tenderest solicitude in her behalf and in listening to the cries which were still too audible on the plane to note the direction which they journeyed. When, however, they gained the flattened surface of the mountaintop and approached the eastern precipice, she recognized the spot to which she had once before been led under the more friendly auspices of the scout. Here Mokwas suffered them to dismount, and notwithstanding their own captivity, the curiosity which seems inseparable from horror induced them to gaze at the sickening sight below. The cruel work was still unchecked, on every side the captured were flying before their relentless persecutors, while the armed columns of the Christian king stood afast in an apathy which has never been explained, and which has left an immovable blot on the otherwise fair escutcheon of their leader. Nor was the sword of death stayed until cupidity got the mastery of revenge. Then indeed the shrieks of the wounded and the yells of their murderers grew less frequent, until finally the cries of horror were lost to their ear, or were drowned in the loud, long, and piercing hoops of the triumphant salvages.