 CHAPTER XI. The great king of kings hathen the table of his law commanded that thou shalt do no murder. Take heed, for he holds vengeance in his hand to hurl upon their heads that break his law. CHAPTER III. Act I, Scene IV. Lines 195 to 197 and 199 to 200. That the party to which hisce compulsorily belonged was not one that was regularly on the war-path, was evident by the presence of females. It was a small fragment of a tribe that had been hunting and fishing within the English limits, where it was found by the commencement of hostilities, and after passing the winter and spring by living on what was strictly the property of its enemies, it chose to strike a hostile blow before it finally retired. There was also deep Indian sagacity in the maneuver which had led them so far into the territory of their foes. When the runner arrived who announced the breaking out of hostilities between the English and French, a struggle that was certain to carry with it all the tribes that dwelt within the influence of the respective belligerents, this particular party of the Iroquois, were posted on the shores of the Oneida, a lake that lies some fifty miles nearer to their own frontier than that which is the scene of our tale. To have fled in a direct line for the Canada's would have exposed them to the dangers of a direct pursuit, and the chiefs had determined to adopt the expedient of penetrating deeper into a region that had now become dangerous in the hope of being able to retire in the rear of their pursuers instead of having them on their trail. The presence of the women had induced the attempt at this ruse, the strength of these feebler members of the party being unequal to the effort of escaping from the pursuit of warriors. When the reader remembers the vast extent of the American wilderness at that early day, he will perceive that it was possible for even a tribe to remain months undiscovered in particular portions of it, nor was the danger of encountering a foe, the usual precautions being observed as great in the woods as it is on the high seas in a time of active warfare. The encampment being temporary it offered to the eye no more than the rude protection of a bivouac, relieved in some slight degree by the ingenious expedience which suggested themselves to the readiness of those who passed their lives amid similar scenes. One fire that had been kindled against the roots of a living oak sufficed for the whole party, the weather being too mild to require it for any purpose but cooking, scattered around this center of attraction were some fifteen or twenty low huts, or perhaps kennels would be a better word into which there are different owners crept at night, and which were also intended to meet the exigencies of a storm. These little huts were made of the branches of trees put together with some ingenuity, and they were uniformly topped with bark that had been stripped from fallen trees, of which every virgin forest possesses hundreds, in all stages of decay. Of furniture they had next to none. Cooking utensils of the simplest sort were lying near the fire, a few articles of clothing were to be seen in or around the huts, rifles, horns, and pouches leaned against the trees, or were suspended from the lower branches, and the carcasses of two or three deer were stretched to view on the same natural shambles. As the encampment was in the midst of a dense wood, the eye could not take in its two-ton sambla at a glance, but hut after hut started out of the gloomy picture as one gazed about him in quest of objects. There was no center, unless the fire might be so considered, no open area where the possessors of this rude village might congregate, but all was dark, covert, and cunning, like its owners. A few children strayed from hut to hut, giving the spot a little of the air of domestic life, and the suppressed laugh and low voices of the women occasionally broke in upon the deep stillness of the somber forest. As for the men, they either ate, slept, or examined their arms. They conversed but little, and then usually apart, or in groups withdrawn from the females. Just an air of untiring innate watchfulness and apprehension of danger seemed to be blended even with their slumbers. As the two girls came near the encampment, had he uttered a slight exclamation on catching a view of the person of her father, he was seated on the ground with his back to a tree, and hurry stood near him indolently whittling a twig. Apparently they were as much at liberty as any others in or about the camp, and no one unaccustomed to Indian usages would have mistaken them for visitors, instead of supposing them to be captives. Wattawa led her new friend quite near them, and then modestly withdrew, that her own presence might be no restraint on her feelings. But had he was not sufficiently familiar with caresses or outward demonstrations of fondness to indulge in any outbreaking of feeling, she merely approached and stood at her father's side without speaking, resembling a silent statue of filial affection. The old man expressed neither alarm nor surprise at her sudden appearance. In these particulars he had caught the stoicism of the Indians, well knowing that there was no more certain mode of securing their respect than by imitating their self-command. Nor did the savages themselves betray the least sign of surprise at this sudden appearance of a stranger among them. In a word this arrival produced much less visible sensation, though occurring under circumstances so peculiar them would be seen in a village of higher pretensions to civilization, did an ordinary traveller drive up to the door of its principal inn. Still, a few warriors collected, and it was evident by the manner in which they glanced at Hedi as they conversed together, that she was the subject of their discourse, and probable that the reasons of her unlooked-for appearance were matters of discussion. This flim of manner is characteristic of the North American Indian, some say of his white successor also, but in this case much should be attributed to the peculiar situation in which the party was placed. The force in the ark, the presence of Chingich Kuk accepted, was well known, no tribe or body of troops was believed to be near, and vigilant eyes were posted round the entire lake, watching day and night the slightest movement of those whom it would not be exaggerated now to term the besieged. Hatter was inwardly much moved by the conduct of Hedi, though he affected so much indifference of manner. He recollected her gentle appeal to him before he left the ark, and misfortune rendered that of weight which might have been forgotten amid the triumph of success. Then he knew the simple, single-hearted fidelity of his child, and understood why she had come, and the total disregard of self that reigned in all her acts. "'This is not well, Hedi,' he said, deprecating the consequences to the girl herself more than any other evil. These are fierce Iroquois, and are as little apt to forget an injury as a favour. "'Tell me, Father,' returned the girl, looking furtively about her, as if fearful of being overheard, "'did God let you do the cruel errand on which you came? I want much to know this that I may speak to the Indians plainly, if he did not. You should not have come hither, Hatti. These brutes will not understand your nature or your intentions.' "'How was it, Father? Neither you nor Huri seems to have anything that looks like scalps.' "'If that will set your mind at peace, child, I can answer you, no. I had caught the young creature who came here with you, but her screeches soon brought down upon me a troop of the wild cats. That was too much for any single Christian to withstand. If that will do you any good, we are as innocent of having taken a scalp this time, as I make no doubt we shall also be innocent of receiving the bounty. Thank God for that, Father. Now I can speak boldly to the Iroquois, and with an easy conscience. I hope Huri, too, has not been able to harm any of the Indians.' "'Why, as to that matter, Hedi,' returned the individual in question, "'you put it pretty much in the native character of the religious truth.' "'Huri has not been able, and that is the long and short of it.' "'I've seen many squalls, old fellow, both on land and on the water, but never did I feel one as lively and as snappish as that which come down upon us night or for last, in the shape of an Indian hara boys. Why, Hatti, you're no great matter at a reason, or an ID that lies a little deeper than common, but you're human and have some human notions. Now I'll just ask you to look at them circumstances. Here was old Tom, your father, and myself, bent on a legal operation, as is to be seen in the words of the law and the proclamation. Thinking no harm. When we were set upon by critters that were more like a pack of hungry wolves than mortal savages even. And there they had us tethered like two sheep, in less time than it has taken me to tell you the story. "'You are free now, Huri,' returned Hatti, glancing timidly at the fine unfettered limbs of the young giant. You have no cords, or withes, to pain your arms or legs now. "'Not I, Hatti. Nature is nature, and freedom is nature, too. My limbs have a free look. But that's pretty much the amount of it, sin I can't use them in the way I should like. Even these trees have eyes, eye, and tongues, too, for was the old man here, or eye, to start one single rod beyond our jail limits? This would be put on the bale before we could gird up our loins for a race. And like as not, four or five rifle bullets would be traveling after us, carrying so many invitations to curb our impatience. There isn't a jail in the colony as tight as this we are now in. For I've tried the varchues of two or three on them, and I know the materials they are made of, as well as the men that made them. Taken down being the next step in schooling, to putting up in all such fabrications. Perhaps the reader should get an exaggerated opinion of hurry's demerits from this boastful and indiscreet revelation. It may be well to say that his offenses were confined to assaults and batteries, for several of which he had been imprisoned, when, as he has just said, he often escaped by demonstrating the flimsiness of the constructions in which he was confined, by opening for himself doors in spots where the architects had neglected to place them. But had he had no knowledge of jails, and little of the nature of crimes, beyond what her unadulterated and almost instinctive perceptions of right and wrong taught her, and this sally of the rude being who had spoken was lost upon her, she understood his general meaning, however, and answered him reference to that alone. It's so best, hurry, she said. It is best, Father, and you should be quiet and peaceable, till I have spoken to the Iroquois, when all will be well and happy. I don't wish either of you to follow, but lead me to myself. As soon as all is settled, and you are at liberty to go back to the castle, I will come and let you know it. Had he spoke with so much simple earnestness, seemed so confident of success and war so high an error of moral feeling and truth, that both the listeners felt more disposed to attach an importance to her mediation than might otherwise have happened. When she manifested an intention to quit them, therefore, they offered no obstacle, though they saw she was about to join the group of chiefs who were consulting apart, seemingly on the manner and motive of her own sudden appearance. When hissed, for so we love best to call her, quit at her companion, she strayed near one or two of the elder warriors who had shown her most kindness in her captivity, the principal man of whom had even offered to adopt her as his child if she would consent to become a Huron. In taking this direction, the shrewd girl did so to invite inquiry. She was too well trained in the habits of her people to obtrude the opinions of one of her sex and years on men and warriors, but nature had furnished a tact and ingenuity that enabled her to attract the attention she desired, without wounding the pride of those to whom it was her duty to defer and respect. Even her affected indifference stimulated curiosity, and had he had hardly reached the side of her father before the Delaware girl was brought within the circle of the warriors by a secret but significant gesture. Here she was questioned as to the person of her companion, and the motives that had brought her to the camp. This was all that hissed desired. She explained the manner in which she had detected the weakness of Hattie's reason, rather exaggerating than lessening the deficiency in her intellect. And then she related in general terms the object of the girl and venturing among her enemies. The effect was all that the speaker expected, her account investing the person and character of their visitor with a sacredness and respect that she well knew would prove her protection. As soon as her own purpose was attained, hissed withdrew to a distance, where with female consideration and a sisterly tenderness she set about the preparation of a meal to be offered to her new friend as soon as the latter might be at liberty to partake of it. While thus occupied, however, the ready girl in no degree relaxed her watchfulness, noting every change of countenance among the chiefs, every movement of Hattie's, and the smallest occurrence that could be likely to affect her own interests, or that of her new friend. As Hattie approached the chiefs, they opened their little circle with an ease and deference of manner that would have done credit to men of more courtly origin. A fallen tree lay near, and the oldest of the warriors made a quiet sign for the girl to be seated on it, taking his place at her side with the gentleness of a father. The others arranged themselves around the two with grave dignity, and then the girl, who had sufficient observation to perceive that such a course was expected of her, began to reveal the object of her visit. The moment she opened her mouth to speak, however, the old chief gave a gentle sign for her to forebear, and set a few words to one of his juniors, and then waited in silent patience until the latter had summoned HIST to the party. This interruption proceeded from the chiefs having discovered that there existed a necessity for an interpreter. Few of the Huron's present understanding the English language, and they but imperfectly. Wattawa was not sorry to be called upon to be present at the interview, and least of all in the character in which she was now wanted. She was aware of the hazards she ran in attempting to deceive one or two of the party, but was nonetheless resolved to use every means that offered, and to practice every artifice that an Indian education could supply to conceal the facts of the vicinity of her betrothed, and of the errand on which he had come. One unpracticed in the expedience and opinions of savage life would not have suspected the readiness of invention, the wariness of action, the high resolution, the noble impulses, the deep self-devotion, and the feminine disregard of self when the affections were concerned, that lay concealed beneath the demure looks, the mild eyes, and the sunny smiles of this young Indian beauty. As she approached them, the grim old warriors regarded her with pleasure, for they had a secret pride in the hope of engrafting so rare a scion on the stock of their own nation, adoption being as regularly practiced, and is distinctly recognized among the tribes of America, as it ever had been, among those nations that submit to the sway of the civil law. As soon as HIST was seated by the side of Hetty, the old chief desired her to ask the fair young paleface what had brought her among the Iroquois, and what they could do to serve her. Tell them, HIST, who I am, Thomas Hutter's youngest daughter. Thomas Hutter, the oldest of their two prisoners. He who owns the castle and the ark, and who has the best right to be thought the owner of these hills, and that lake, since he has dwelt so long and trapped so long, and fished so long among them. They'll know whom you mean by Thomas Hutter, if you tell them that. And then tell them that I've come here to convince them they ought not to harm father and hurry. But let them go in peace, and to treat them as brethren rather than as enemies. Now tell them all this plainly, HIST, and fear nothing for yourself or me. God will protect us. Watawa did as the other desired, taking care to render the words of her friend as literally as possible into the Iroquois tone, a language she used with a readiness almost equal to that with which she spoke her own. The chiefs heard this opening explanation with grave decorum, the two who had a little knowledge of English intimating their satisfaction with the interpreter by furtive but significant glasses of the eyes. And now, HIST, continued Hetty, as soon as it was intimated to her that she might proceed. And now, HIST, I wish you to tell these red men, word for word, what I am about to say. Tell them first that father and hurry came here with an intention to take as many scalps as they could, for the wicked governor and the province have offered money for scalps, whether of warriors or women, men or children, and the love of gold was too strong for their hearts to withstand it. Tell them this, dear HIST, just as you have heard it from me, word for word. Watois hesitated about rendering this speech as literally as had been desired. But detecting the intelligence of those who understood English and apprehending even a greater knowledge than they actually possessed, she found herself compelled to comply. Contrary to what a civilized man would have expected, the admission of the motives and of the errands of their prisoners produced no visible effect on either the countenances or the feelings of the listeners. They probably considered the act meritorious, and that which neither of them would have hesitated to perform in his own person he would not be apt to censure in another. And now, HIST, resumed HETI as soon as she perceived that her first speeches were understood by the chiefs. You can tell them more. They know that father and hurry did not succeed, and therefore they can bear them no grudge for any harm that has been done. If they had slain their children and wives it would not alter the matter, and I am not certain that what I am about to tell them would not have more weight had there been mischief done. But ask them first, HIST, if they know there was a God who reigns over the whole earth and is ruler and chief of all who live, let them be red or white or what color they may. Watois looked a little surprised at this question, for the idea of the Great Spirit has seldom long absent from the mind of an Indian girl. She put the question as literally as possible, however, and received a grave answer in the affirmative. This is right, continued HETI, and my duty will now be light. This Great Spirit, as you call our God, has caused a book to be written that we call a Bible, and in this book have been set down all his commandments, and his holy will and pleasure, and the rules by which all men are to live, and directions how to govern the thoughts even, and the wishes and the will. Here this is one of these holy books, and you must tell the chiefs what I am about to read to them from its sacred pages. As HETI concluded, she reverently unrolled a small English Bible from its envelope of course's calico, treating the volume with the sort of external respect that a Romanist would be apt to show to her religious relic. As she slowly proceeded in her task, the grim warriors watched each movement with riveted eyes, and when they saw the little volume appear a slight expression of surprise escaped one or two of them. But HETI held it out towards them in triumph, as if she expected the sight would produce a visible miracle, and then without betraying either surprise or mortification at the stoicism of the Indian, she turned eagerly to her new friend in order to renew the discourse. This is the sacred volume, HIST, she said, and these words and lines and verses and chapters all came from God. Why great spirit, no send book to engine, too, demanded HIST, with the directness of a mind that was totally unsophisticated? Why? answered HETI, a little bewildered by a question so unexpected. Why? Ah! You know the Indians don't know how to read. If HIST was not satisfied with this explanation she did not deem the point of sufficient importance to be pressed. Simply bending her body in a gentle admission of the truth of what she heard she sat patiently awaiting the further arguments of the pale-faced enthusiast. You can tell these chiefs that throughout this book men are ordered to forgive their enemies, to treat them as they would brethren, and never to injure their fellow creatures, more especially on account of revenge or any evil passions. Do you think you can tell them this so that they will understand it, HIST? Tell him well enough! But he know very easy to understand. HIST then conveyed the ideas of HETI in the best manner she could to the attentive Indians, who heard her words with some such surprise as an American of our own times would be apt to betray at a suggestion that the great modern but vacillating ruler of things human, public opinion, might be wrong. One or two of their number, however, having met with missionaries, said a few words in explanation, and then the group gave all its attention to the communications that were to follow. Before HETI resumed she inquired earnestly of HIST if the chiefs had understood her, and receiving an evasive answer was feigned to be satisfied. I will now read to the warriors some of the verses that it is good for them to know continued the girl, whose manner grew more solemn and earnest as she proceeded, and they will remember that they are the very words of the great spirit. First then ye are commanded to love thy neighbor as thyself. Tell them that, dear HIST. Neighbor for Injun, no mean pale face, answered the Delaware girl with more decision than she had hitherto thought it necessary to use. Neighbor mean Iroquois for Iroquois, Mohican for Mohican, pale face for pale face. No need tell chief anything else. You forget, HIST. These are the words of the great spirit, and the chiefs must obey them as well as others. Here is another commandment. Whosoever shall smite thee on the right cheek turn to him the other also. What that mean demanded HIST with the quickness of lightning. HETI explained that it was in order not to resent injuries, but rather to submit to receive fresh wrongs from the offender. And here this too, HIST, she added, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. By this time HETI had become excited, her eye gleamed with the earnestness of her feelings, her cheeks flushed, and her voice usually so low and modulated became stronger and more impressive. With the Bible she had been early made familiar by her mother, she now turned from passage to passage with surprising rapidity, making care to cull such verses as taught the sublime lessons of Christian charity and Christian forgiveness. To translate half she said in her pious earnestness, Watawa would have found impracticable had she made the effort, but wonder held her tongue tied equally with the chiefs, and the young simple-minded enthusiast had fairly become exhausted with her own efforts before the other opened her mouth again to utter a syllable. Then indeed the Delaware girl gave a brief translation of the substance of what had been both read and said, confining herself to one or two of the more striking of the verses, those that had struck her own imagination as the most paradoxical and which certainly would have been the most applicable to the case. Could the uninstructed minds of the listeners embrace the great moral truths they conveyed? It will be scarcely necessary to tell the reader the effect that such novel duties would be likely to produce among a group of Indian warriors, with whom it was a species of religious principle never to forget a benefit or to forgive an injury. Fortunately the previous explanations of HIST had prepared the minds of the Hurons for something extravagant, and most of that which to them seemed inconsistent and paradoxical was accounted for by the fact that the speaker possessed a mind that was constituted differently from those of most of the human race. Still, there were one or two old men who had heard similar doctrines from the missionaries, and these felt a desire to occupy an idle moment by pursuing a subject that they found so curious. This is the good book of the pale faces, observed one of these chiefs, taking the volume from the unresisting hands of Hetty, who gazed anxiously at his face while he turned at the leaves, as if she expected to witness some visible results from the circumstance. This is the law by which my white brethren professes to live? HIST, to whom this question was addressed, if it might be considered as addressed to any one in particular, answered simply in the affirmative, adding that both the French of the Canadas and the Yengis of the British provinces equally admitted its authority and effected to revere its principles. "'Tell my young sister,' said the Huron, looking directly at HIST, "'that I will open my mouth and say a few words.' "'The Iroquois chief go to speak, my pale-face friend listen,' said HIST. "'I rejoice to hear it,' exclaimed Hetty. God has touched his heart, and he will now let father and hurry go.' "'This is the pale-face law,' resumed the chief. It tells him to do good to them that hurt him, and when his brother asks him for his rifle to give him the powder-horn too, such as the pale-face law?' "'Not so, not so,' answered Hetty earnestly, when these words had been interpreted, there is not a word about rifles in the whole book, and powder and bullets give offence to the great spirit.' "'Why, then, does the pale-face use them? If he is ordered to give double to him that asks only for one thing, why does he take double from the poor Indian who asks for no thing? He comes from beyond the rising sun, with this book in his hand, and he teaches the red man to read it. But why does he forget himself all it says? When the Indian gives, he is never satisfied. And now he offers gold for the scalps of our women and children, though he calls us beasts if we take the scalp of a warrior killed in open war. My name is Riven Oak.' When Hetty had got this formidable question fairly presented to her mind in the translation, and HIST did her duty with more than usual readiness on this occasion, it scarcely need be said that she was sorely perplexed. Abler heads than that of this poor girl have frequently been puzzled by questions of a similar drift. And it is not surprising that with all her own earnestness and sincerity she did not know what answer to make. "'What shall I tell them, HIST?' she asked imploringly. "'I know that all I have read from the book is true, and yet it wouldn't seem so, would it, by the conduct of those to whom the book was given. Give them pale-face reason,' returned HIST, ironically, that always good for one side, they'll be bad for another. "'No, no, HIST, there can't be two sides to truth. And yet it does seem strange. I'm certain I have read the verses right, and no one would be so wicked as to print the word of God wrong. That can never be,' HIST. "'Well, to poor Indian girl, it seems everything can be to pale-faces,' returned the other coolly. "'One time a say white, and one time a say black. Why never can be?' Hetty was more and more embarrassed, until overcome with the apprehension that she had failed in her object, and that the lives of her father and hurry would be the forfeit of some blunder of her own, she burst into tears. From that moment the manner of HIST lost all its irony and cool indifference, and she became the fond caressing friend again. Throwing her arms around the afflicted girl, she attempted to soothe her sorrows by the scarcely ever-failing remedy of female sympathy. "'Stop cry, no cry,' she said, wiping the tears from the face of Hetty, as she would have performed the same office for a child, and stopping to press her occasionally to her own warm bosom with the affection of a sister. Why you so troubled? You no make he book, if he be wrong, and you no make he pale face, if he wicked. They're wicked red men, and wicked white men. No color all good, no color all wicked. Chiefs know that well enough." Hetty soon recovered from this sudden burst of grief, and then her mind reverted to the purpose of her visit, with all its single-hearted earnestness. Perceiving that the grim-looking chiefs were still standing around her in grave attention, she hoped that another effort to convince them of the right might be successful. "'Listen,' hissed she said, struggling to suppress her sobs, and to speak distinctly, tell the chiefs that it matters not what the wicked do. Right is right. The words of the great spirit are the words of the great spirit, and no one can go harmless for doing an evil act, because another has done it before him. "'Render good for evil,' says this book, and that is the law for the red man as well as for the white man.' "'Do you hear such law among Delaware or among Iroquois?' answered hissed soothingly. No good to tell chiefs any such laws as that. Tell them something they believe.' Hissed was about to proceed, notwithstanding, when a tap on the shoulder from the finger of the oldest chief caused her to look up. She then perceived that one of the warriors had left the group, and was already returning to it with hotter and hurry. Understanding that the two last were to become parties in the story, she became mute, with the unhesitating obedience of an Indian woman. In a few seconds the prisoners stood face to face with the principal man of the captors. "'Daughter,' said the senior chief to the young Delaware, asked this gray beard why he came into our camp. The question was put by hissed, in her own imperfect English, but in a way that was easy to be understood. Hotter was too stern and obdurate by nature to shrink from the consequences of any of his acts. And he was also too familiar with the opinions of the savages not to understand that nothing was to be gained by equivocation or an unmanly dread of their anger. Without hesitating, therefore, he avowed the purpose with which he had landed, merely justifying it by the fact that the government of the province had bid high for scalps. This frank avowal was received by the Iroquois with evident satisfaction. Not so much, however, on account of the advantage it gave them in a moral point of view, as by its proving that they had captured a man worthy of occupying their thoughts and of becoming a subject of their revenge. Hury, when interrogated, confessed the truth, though he would have been more disposed to concealment than his sterner companion. Did the circumstances very well admit of its adoption? But he had tacked enough to discover that equivocation would be useless at that moment, and he made a merit of necessity by imitating a frankness which, in the case of Hutter, was the offspring of habits of indifference acting on a disposition that was always ruthless and reckless of personal consequences. As soon as the chiefs had received the answers to their questions, they walked away in silence like men who deemed the matter disposed of, all had his dogmas being thrown away on beings trained in violence from infancy to manhood. Had he and hist were now left alone with Hutter and Hury, no visible restraint being placed on the movements of either, though all four, in fact, were vigilantly and unceasingly watched. As respects the men, care was had to prevent them from getting possession of any of the rifles that lay scattered about, their own included, and where all open manifestations of watchfulness ceased. But they, who were so experienced in Indian practices, knew too well how great was the distance between appearances and reality, to become the dupes of this seeming carelessness. Although both thought incessantly of the means of escape, and this without concert, each was aware of the uselessness of attempting any project of the sort that was not deeply laid, and promptly executed. They had been long enough in the encampment, and were sufficiently observant to have ascertained that hist, also, was a sort of captive, and presuming, on the circumstance, Hutter spoke in her presence more openly than he might otherwise have thought it prudent to do, inducing Hury to be equally unguarded by his example. I'll not blame you, Hetty, for coming on this errand, which was well meant if not very wisely planned, commenced the father, seating himself by the side of his daughter, and taking her hand. A sign of affection that this rude being was accustomed to manifest to this particular child. The preaching, and the Bible, are not the means to turn an Indian from his ways. Has Deer Slayer sent any message, or has he any scheme by which he thinks to get us free? Aye, that's the substance of it, put in Hury. If you can help us gal to half a mile of freedom, or even a good start of a short quarter, I'll answer for the rest. Perhaps the old man may want a little more. But for one of my height in years that will meet all objections. Hetty looked distressed. Seeing her eyes from one to the other, but she had no answer to give the question of the reckless Hury. Father, she said, neither Deer Slayer nor Judith knew of my coming until I had left the Ark. They are afraid the Iroquois will make a raft and try to get off to the hut, and think more of defending that, than of coming to aid you. No, no, no, said Hist hurriedly, though in a low voice, and with her face bent towards the earth, in order to conceal from those whom she knew to be watching them the fact of her speaking at all. No, no, no! Deer Slayer, different man! He no-tink of defending self, with friend in danger, help one another, and all get to hut. This sounds well, old Tom, said Hury, winking and laughing, though he too used the precaution to speak low. Give me a ready-witted squaw for a friend, and though I'll not downright defy an Iroquois, I think I would defy the devil. No talk loud, said Hist, some Iroquois got Yankee's tongue, and all got Yankee's ear. Have we a friend in you, young woman, inquired Hutter with an increasing interest in the conference? If so, you may calculate on a solid reward, and nothing will be easier than to send you to your own tribe, if we can once fairly get you off with us to the castle. Give us the Ark in the canoes, and we can command the lake, spite of all the savages in the Canada's. Nothing but artillery could drive us out of the castle. If we can get back to it. Suppose I come ashore to take scalp, retorted Hist, with cool irony, at which the girl appeared to be more expert than is common for her sex. Aye, aye, that was a mistake. But there was little use in lamentations, and less still young woman in flings. Father, said Hedy, Judith thinks of breaking open the big chest, in hopes of finding something in that which may buy your freedom of the savages. A dark look came over Hutter at the announcement of this fact, and he muttered his dissatisfaction in a way to render it intelligible enough. What for no break open chest, put in Hist? Life sweeter than old chest, scalp sweeter than old chest, if no tell darter to break him open, what to why no help him to run away? He know not what you ask. Yeah, but silly girls, and the wisest way for you both is to speak of what you understand, and to speak of nothing else. I little like this cold neglect of the savages, hurry. It's a proof that they think of something serious, and if we are to do anything we must do it soon. Can we count on this young woman, thank you? "'Listen,' said Hist, quickly, and with an earnestness that proved how much her feelings were concerned. What to what no irrequy. All over Delaware, got Delaware heart, Delaware feeling. She prisoner too. One prisoner helped utter prisoner. No good to talk more now. Doctors stay with fodder, what to what come and see friend. All look right. Then tell what he do. This was said in a low voice, but distinctly, and in a manner to make an impression. As soon as it was uttered the girl arose and left the group walking composantly towards the hut she occupied, as if she had no further interest in what might pass between the pale faces. She speaks much of her father, says she hears there's tricks in the world, and hems and beats her breast. Spurns enviously at straws, speaks things in doubt, that carry but half sense, her speech is nothing, yet the unshaped use of it doth move the hearers to collection. Hamlet, Act IV, Scene V, Lines IV through IX We left the occupants of the castle and the ark buried in sleep. Once or twice in the course of the night it is true, dear slayer or the Delaware arose and looked out upon the tranquil lake, when finding all safe each returned to his pallet and slept like a man who was not easily deprived of his natural rest. At the first signs of the dawn the former arose, however, and made his personal arrangements for the day, though his companion, whose knights had not been tranquil or without disturbances of late, continued on his blanket until the sun had fairly risen. With two was later than common that morning, for the earlier hours of the night had brought her little of either refreshment or sleep. But ere the sun had shown himself over the eastern hills, these two were up in a foot, even the tardy in that region seldom remaining on their pallets after the appearance of the great luminary. Chingoch Cook was in the act of arranging his forest toilet, when dear slayer entered the cabin of the ark and threw him a few coarse but light summer vestments that belonged to Hutter. "'Judith hath given me them for your use, chief,' said the latter, as he cast the jacket and trousers at the feet of the Indian, for it's again all prudence and caution to be seen in your ward-dress and paint. Wash off all them fiery streaks from your cheeks. Put on these garments. And here is a hat, such as it is, that will give you an awful uncivilized sort of civilization, as the missionaries call it. Remember that hissed is at hand, and what we do for the maiden must be done while we are doing for others. I know it's again your gifts and your nature to wear clothes unless they are cut and carried in a red man's fashion. But make a virtue of necessity and put these on at once, even if they do rise a little in your throat." Chingoch Cook, or the serpent, eyed the vestments with strong disgust, but he saw the usefulness of the disguise, if not its absolute necessity. Should the Iroquois discover a red man in or about the castle, it might indeed place them more on their guard, and give their suspicions a direction towards their female captive. Anything was better than a failure, as it regarded his betrothed, and after turning the different garments round and round, examining them with a species of grave irony, affecting to draw them on in a way that defeated itself, and otherwise manifesting the reluctance of a young savage to confine his limbs in the usual appliances of civilized life, the chief submitted to the directions of his companion, and finally stood forth, so far as the eye could detect, a red man in color alone. Little was to be apprehended from this last peculiarity, however, the distance from the shore and the want of glasses preventing any very close scrutiny, and dear Slayer himself, though of a brighter and fresher tint, had a countenance that was burnt by the sun to a hue scarcely less red than that of his Mohican companion. The awkwardness of the Delaware in his new attire caused his friend to smile more than once that day, but he carefully abstained from the use of any of those jokes which would have been bandied among white men on such an occasion, the habits of a chief, the dignity of a warrior on his first path, and the gravity of the circumstances in which they were placed, uniting to render so much levity out of season. The meeting at the morning meal of the three islanders, if we may use the term, was silent, grave and thoughtful. Judith showed by her looks that she had passed an unquiet night while the two men had the future before them, with its unseen and unknown events. A few words of courtesy passed between dear Slayer and the girl in the course of the breakfast, but no illusion was made to their situation. At length Judith, whose heart was full and whose novel feelings disposed her to entertain sentiments more gentle and tender than common, introduced the subject, and this in a way to show how much of her thoughts it had occupied in the course of the last sleepless night. It would be dreadful, dear Slayer, the girl abruptly exclaimed, should anything serious befall my father and Hetty, we cannot remain quietly here and leave them in the hands of the Iroquois without befinking us of some means of serving them. I'm ready, Judith, to serve them, and all others who are in trouble. Could the way to do it be pointed out? It's no trifling matter to fall into red-skinned hands, when men set out on an errand like that which took hotter and hurry ashore. That I know as well as another, and I wouldn't wish my worst enemy in such a strait, much less them with whom I've journeyed, and eat, and slept. Have you any scheme that you would like to have the Sarpin to me endeavour to carry out? I know of no other means to release the prisoners, than by bribing the Iroquois. They are not proof against presence, and we might offer enough, perhaps, to make them think it better to carry away what to them will be rich gifts than to carry away poor prisoners, if indeed they should carry them away at all. This is well enough, Judith. Yes, it's well enough, if the enemy is to be bought, and we can find articles to make the purchase with. Your father has a convenient lodge, and it is most cunningly placed, though it doesn't seem overstocked with riches that will be likely to buy his ransom. There's the piece he calls kill-deer, might count for something, and I understand there's a keg of powder about, which might be a make-wait-sartan. And yet two able-bodied men are not to be bought off for a trifle. Besides what, demanded Judith impatiently, observing that the other hesitated to proceed probably from our reluctance to distress her, why, Judith, the Frenchers offer bounties as well as our own side, and the price of two scalps would purchase a keg of powder and a rifle, though I'll not say one of the latter altogether as good as kill-deer there, which your father vaunt says uncommon and unequaled like, a fair powder and a pretty-sartan rifle. Then the red men are not the expertest in firearms, and don't always know the difference that tweaks that which is rail and that which is seeming. This is horrible, muttered the girl, struck by the homely manner in which her companion was accustomed to state his facts. But you overlook my own clothes, dear Slayer, and they, I think, might go far with the women of the Iroquois. No doubt they would. No doubt they would, Judith, returned the other, looking at her keenly, as if he would ascertain whether she were really capable of making such a sacrifice. But are you certain, gal, you could find it in your heart to part with your own finery for such a purpose? Many is the man who has thought he was valiant, till danger stared him in the face. I've known them, too, that can say to they were kind and ready to give away all they had to the poor, when they've been listening to other people's hard heartedness. But whose fists have clenched as tight as the ribbon hickory when it came to downright offerings of their own? Besides, Judith, you're handsome. Uncommon in that way one might observe and do no harm to the truth. And they that have beauty like to have that which will adorn it. Are you certain you could find it in your heart to part with your own finery? The soothing allusion to the personal charms of the girl was well timed, to counteract the effect produced by the distrust that the young man expressed of Judith's devotion to her filial duties. Had another said as much as, dear Slayer, the compliment would most probably have been overlooked in the indignation awakened by the doubts. But even the unpolished sincerity that so often made this simple-minded hunter bear his thoughts had a charm for the girl. And while she colored, and for an instant her eyes flashed fire, she could not find it in her heart to be really angry with one whose very soul seemed truth and manly kindness. Look her reproaches she did. But conquering the desire to retort, she succeeded in answering in a mild and friendly manner. You must keep all your favorable opinions for the Delaware girls, dear Slayer, if you seriously think thus of those of your own color. She said, affecting to laugh. But try me. If you find that I regret either ribbon or feather, silk or muslin, then may you think what you please of my heart, and say what you think. That's justice. The rarest thing to find on earth is a truly just man. So says Temanund, the wisest prophet of the Delaware's, and so almost think that have occasion to see and talk and act among mankind. I love a just man, Sarpent. His eyes are never covered with darkness towards his enemies, while they are all sunshine and brightness towards his friends. He uses the reason that God has given him, and he uses it with a feeling of his being ordered to look at, and to consider things as they are, and not as he wants them to be. It's easy enough to find men who call themselves just, but it's wonderful uncommon to find them that are the very thing, in fact. How often have I seen Indians, Gal, who believed they were looking into a matter agreeable to the will of the Great Spirit, when in truth they were only striving to act up to their own will and pleasure, and this, half the time, with a temptation to go wrong that could no more be seen by themselves than the stream that runs in the next valley can be seen by us through yonder mountain, though any looker on may have discovered it as plainly as we can discover the parched that are swimming around this hut? Very true, dear Slayer, rejoined Judith, losing every trace of displeasure in a bright smile. Very true, and I hope to see you act on this love of justice in all matters in which I am concerned. Above all, I hope you will judge for yourself and not believe every evil story that a prating idler like Harry Harry may have to tell, that goes to touch the good name of any young woman, who may not happen to have the same opinion of his face and person that the blustering gallant has of himself. Harry Harry's IDs. Do not pass for gospel with me, Judith. But even worse than he may have eyes and ears, returned the other gravely. Enough of this, exclaimed Judith, with flashing eye and a flush that mounted to her temples, and more of my father and his ransom. Tis, as you say, dear Slayer, the Indians will not be likely to give up their prisoners without a heavier bribe than my clothes can offer. And father's rifle and powder. There is the chest. I, there is the chest, as you say, Judith, and when the question gets to be between a secret and a scalp, I should think most men would prefer keeping the last. Did your father ever give you any downright commands concerning that chest? Never. He has always appeared to think its locks and its steel bands and its strength its best protection. Tis a rare chest, and altogether of curious build returned dear Slayer, rising and approaching the thing in question, on which he seated himself with a view to examine it with greater ease. Chingich Kuk, this is no wood that comes of any force that you or I have ever trailed through. Tisn't the black walnut, and yet it's quite as comely if not more so, did the smoke and the treatment give it fair play? The Delaware drew near, felt of the wood, examined its grain, endeavored to indent the surface with a nail, and passed his hand curiously over the steel bands, the heavy padlocks, and the other novel peculiarities of the mess of box. No. Nothing like this grows in these regions, resumed dear Slayer. I've seen all the oaks, both the maples, the elms, the bass woods, all the walnuts, the butternuts, and every tree that has a substance and color, wrought into some form or other, but never have I before seen such a wood as this. Judith, the chest itself would buy your father's freedom, or Iroquois curiosity isn't as strong as red-skinned curiosity, in general, especially in the matter of woods. The purchase might be cheaper made, perhaps, dear Slayer. The chest is full, and it would be better to part with half than to part with the whole, besides. Father, I know not why, but father values that chest highly. He would seem to prize what it holds more than the chest itself, judging by the manner in which he treats the outside, and secures the inside. Here are three locks, Judith. Is there no key? I've never seen one. And yet key there must be, since had he told us she had often seen the chest opened. Keys no more lie in the air or float in the water than humans, gal. If there is a key, there must be a place in which it is kept. That is true, and it might not be difficult to find it, did we dare to search. This is for you, Judith. It is altogether for you. The chest is your own, or your father's. And Hutter is your father, not mine. Curiosity is a woman's, and not a man's, failing. And there you have got all the reasons before you. If the chest has articles for ransom, it seems to me they would be wisely used in redeeming their owner's life, or even in saving his scalp. But that is a matter for your judgment, and not for Owen. When the lawful owner of a trap or a buck or a canoe isn't present, his next of kin becomes his representative by all the laws of the woods. We therefore leave you to say whether the chest shall, or shall not be, opened. I hope you do not believe I can hesitate when my father's life's in danger, dear Slayer. Why, it's pretty much putting a scolding against tears and mourning. It's not unreasonable to foretell that old Tom may find fault with what you've done, when he sees himself once more in his hut, here. But there's nothing unusual in men's falling out with what has been done for their own good. I dare to say that even the moon would seem a different thing from what it now does. Could we look at it from the other side? Dear Slayer, if we can find the key, I will authorize you to open the chest, and to take such things from it as you may think will buy Father's ransom. First, find the key, Gal. We'll talk of the rest afterwards. Sarpent, you vise like a fly, and a judgment that's seldom out. Can you help us in calculating where floating Tom would be apt to keep the key of a chest that he holds to be as private as this? The Delaware had taken no part in the discourse until he was thus directly appealed to, when he quitted the chest which had continued to attract his attention, and cast about him for the place in which a key would be likely to be concealed under such circumstances. As Judith and Dear Slayer were not idled the while, the whole three were soon engaged in an anxious and spirited search. As it was certain that the desired key was not to be found in any of the common drawers or closets of which there were several in the building, none looked there. But all turned their inquiries to those places that struck them as ingenious hiding places, and more likely to be used for such a purpose. In this manner the outer room was thoroughly but fruitlessly examined, when they entered the sleeping apartment of Hutter. This part of the rude building was better furnished than the rest of the structure, containing several articles that have been especially devoted to the service of the deceased wife of its owner. But as Judith had all the rest of the keys, it was soon rummaged without bringing to light the particular key desired. They now entered the bedroom of the daughters. Chingoch Cook was immediately struck with the contrast between the articles and the arrangement of that side of the room that might be called Judith's, and that which more properly belonged to Hetty. A slight exclamation then escaped him, and pointing in each direction he alluded to the fact in a low voice speaking to his friend in the Delaware tongue. "'Tis as you think, Sarpent,' answered Dear Slayer, whose remarks we always translate into English, preserving as much as possible of the peculiar phraseology and manner of the man. "'Tis just so, as any one may see, and is all founded in nature. One sister loves finery, some say over much, while the other is as meek and lowly as God ever created goodness and truth. Yet, after all, I dare say that Judith has her virtue's, and Hetty has her valence. "'And the feeble mind has seen the chist opened,' inquired Chingoch Cook, with curiosity in his glance. "'Sartan, that much I've heard from her own lips. And for that matter so have you. It seems her father doesn't misgive her discretion, though he does that of his eldest darter. Then the key is hid only from the wild rose. For so Chingoch Cook had begun gallantly to term Judith in his private discourse with his friend. "'That's it. That's just it. One he trusts, and the other he doesn't. There's red and white in that, Sarpent, all tribes and nations agreeing in trusting some and refusing to trust other some. It depends on character and judgment. Where could a key be put so little likely to be found by the wild rose as among coarse clothes?' Dear Slayer started, and turning to his friend with admiration expressed in every liniment of his face, he fairly laughed, in his silent but hearty manner, at the ingenuity and readiness of the conjecture. "'Your name's well bestowed, Sarpent. Yes, it is well bestowed. Sure enough. Where would a lover of finery be so little likely to search, as among garments as coarse and unseemly as these of poor hatties?' I dares to say Judith's delicate fingers haven't touched a bit of cloth as rough and uncomely as that petticoat now since she first made acquaintance with the officers. Yet who knows? The key may be as likely to be on the same peg as in any other place. Take down the garment, Delaware, and let us see if you are really a prophet.' Chingoch Cook did as desired, but no key was found. A coarse pocket, apparently empty, hung on the adjoining peg, and this was next examined. By this time the attention of Judith was called in that direction, and she spoke hurriedly and like one who wished to save unnecessary trouble. "'Those are only the clothes of poor hattie, dear simple girl,' she said. "'Nothing we seek would be likely to be there.' The words were hardly out of the handsome mouth of the speaker, when Chingoch Cook drew the desired key from the pocket. Judith was too quick of apprehension not to understand the reason a hiding place so simple and exposed had been used. The blood rushed to her face, as much with resentment perhaps as with shame, and she bit her lip, though she continued silent. Dear Slayer and his friend now discover the delicacy of men of native refinement, neither smiling nor even by a glance betraying how completely he understood the motives and ingenuity of this clever artifice. The former, who had taken the key from the Indian, led the way into the adjoining room, and applying it to a lock ascertained that the right instrument had actually been found. There were three padlocks, each of which, however, was easily opened by this single key. Dear Slayer removed them all, loosened the hasps, raised the lid a little to make certain it was loose, and then he drew back from the chest several feet, signing to his friend to follow. This is a family-chist, Judith, he said, and is like to hold family secrets. The Sopprenton and I will go into the Ark and look to the canoes and paddles and oars while you can examine it by yourself, and find out whether anything that will be a make-weight and a ransom is or is not among the articles. When you've got through, give us a call, and we'll all sit and counsel together, touching the valley of the articles. Stop, dear Slayer, exclaimed the girl, as he was about to withdraw. Not a single thing will I touch. I will not even raise the lid, unless you are present. Father and Hetty have seen fit to keep the inside of this chest a secret from me, and I am much too proud to pry into their hidden treasures, unless it were for their own good. But on no account will I open the chest alone. Stay with me, then. I want witnesses of what I do. I rather think, Sarpent, that the girl is right. Confidence and reliance beget security, but suspicion is like to make us all wary. Judith has a right to ask us to be present, and should the chest hold any of Master Hutter's secrets, they will fall into the keeping of two as closed-mouthed young men as are to be found. We will stay with you, Judith. But first let us take a look at the lake and the shore, for this chest will not be emptied in a minute. The two men now went out on the platform, and Deer Slayer swept the shore with the glass, while the Indian gravely turned his eye on the water and the woods, in quest of any sign that might betray the machinations of their enemies. Nothing was visible, and assured of their temporary security the three collected around the chest again with the avowed object of opening it. Judith had held this chest and its unknown contents in a species of reverence as long as she could remember. Neither her father nor her mother ever mentioned it in her presence. And there appeared to be a silent convention that in naming the different objects that occasionally stood near it, or even lay on its lid, care should be had to avoid any allusion to the chest itself. Habit had rendered this so easy, and so much a matter, of course, that it was only quite recently the girl had began even to muse on the singularity of the circumstance. But there had never been sufficient intimacy between Hutter and his eldest daughter to invite confidence. At times he was kind, but in general, with her more especially, he was stern and morose. Least of all had his authority been exercised in a way to embolden his child to venture on the liberty she was about to take, without many misgivings of the consequences, although the liberty proceeded from a desire to serve himself. Then Judith was not altogether free from a little superstition on the subject of this chest, which had stood a sort of tabooed relic before her eyes from childhood to the present hour. Nevertheless, the time had come when it would seem that this mystery was to be explained, and that under circumstances too which left her very little choice in the matter. Finding that both her companions were watching her movements in grave silence, Judith placed a hand on the lid and endeavored to raise it. Her strength, however, was insufficient, and it appeared to the girl, who was fully aware that all the fastenings were removed, that she was resisted in an unhallowed attempt by some supernatural power. I cannot raise the lid, dear Slayer, she said. Had we not better give up the attempt and find some other means of releasing the prisoners? Not so, Judith. Not so, Gal. No means are as certain and easy as a good bribe, answered the other, as for the lid is held by nothing but its own weight, which is prodigious for so small a piece of wood, loaded with iron as it is. As dear Slayer spoke he applied his own strength to the effort, and succeeded in raising the lid against the timbers of the house, where he took care to secure it by a sufficient prop. Judith fairly trembled as she cast her first glance at the interior, and she felt a temporary relief in discovering that a piece of canvas that was carefully tucked in around the edges effectually concealed all beneath it. The chest was apparently well stored, however, the canvas lying within an inch of the lid. Here's a full cargo, said dear Slayer, eyeing the arrangement, and we had needs go to work leisurely and at our ease. Serpent, bring some stools while I spread this blanket on the floor, and then we'll begin work orderly and in comfort. The deli were complied. Dear Slayer civilly placed a stool for Judith, took one himself, and commenced the removal of the canvas covering. This was done deliberately, and in as cautious a manner as if it were believed that the fabrics of a delicate construction lay hidden beneath. When the canvas was removed, the first articles that came in view were some of the habiliments of the male sex. They were of fine materials, and according to the fashions of the age were gay in colors and rich in ornaments. One coat in particular was of scarlet and had buttonholes worked in gold thread. Still it was not military, but was part of the attire of a civilian of condition, at a period when social rank was rigidly respected in dress. Chingoch could not refrain from an exclamation of pleasure as soon as Dear Slayer opened this coat, and held it up to view. For, notwithstanding all his trained self-command, the splendor of the vestment was too much for the philosophy of an Indian. Dear Slayer turned quickly, and he regarded his friend with momentary displeasure as this burst of weakness escaped him, and then he soliloquized, as was his practice whenever any strong feeling suddenly got the ascendancy. Tis his gift, yes. Tis the gift of a red skin to love finery, and he is not to be blamed. This is an extraordinary garment, too. An extraordinary things get up extraordinary feelings. I think this will do, Judith, for the Indian heart is hardly to be found in all America that can withstand colors like these, and glitter like that. If this coat was ever made for your father, you've come honestly by the taste for finery you have. That coat was never made for a father, answered the girl quickly. It is much too long, while father is short and square. Cloth was plenty if it was, and glitter-cheap, answered Dear Slayer, with his silent joyous laugh. Sarpent, this garment was made for a man of your size, and I should like to see it on your shoulders. Jingoch Cook, nothing loath, submitted to the trial, throwing aside the coarse and threadbare jacket of hutter, to deck his person in a coat that was originally intended for a gentleman. The transformation was ludicrous, but as men are seldom struck with incongruities in their own appearance any more than in their own conduct, the Delaware studied this change in a common glass by which hutter was in the habit of shaving, with grave interest. At that moment he thought of hisst, and we owe it to truth to say, though it may militate a little against the stern character of a warrior to avow it, that he wished he could be seen by her in his present improved aspect. Off with it, Sarpent, off with it, resumed the inflexible Dear Slayer, such garments as little become you as they would become me. Your gifts are for paint and hawksfeathers and blankets and wampum, and mine are for doublets of skins, tough leggings, and serviceable moccasins. I say moccasins, Judith, for though white, living as I do in the woods, it's necessary to take some of the practices of the woods. For comfort, sake, and cheapness. I see no reason, Dear Slayer, why one man may not wear a scarlet coat as well as another, return the girl. I wish I could see you in this handsome garment. See me in a coat fit for a lord? Well, Judith, if you wait till that day you'll wait until you see me beyond reason and memory. No, no, gal. My gifts are my gifts, and I'll live and die in them, though I never bring down another deer or spear another salmon. What have I done that you should wish to see me in such a flaunting coat, Judith? Because I think, Dear Slayer, that the false tongueed and false hearted young gallants of the garrisons ought not alone appear in fine feathers, but that truth and honesty have their claims to be honoured and exalted. And what exaltification the reader will have remarked that, Dear Slayer, had not very critically studied his dictionary. And what exaltification would it be to me, Judith, to be bedisoned and be scarleted like a mingo chief that has just got his presence up from Quebec? No, no. I'm well as I am, and if not I can be no better. Lay the coat down on the blanket, serpent, and let us look farther into the chist. The tempting garment, one surely that was never intended for Hutter, was laid aside, and the examination proceeded. The male attire, all of which corresponded with the coat in quality, was soon exhausted, and then succeeded female. A beautiful dress of brocade, a little the worse from negligent treatment, followed, and this time open exclamations of delight escaped the lips of Judith. Much as the girl had been addicted to dress, and favourable as had been her opportunities of seeing some little pretension in that way among the wives of the different commandants and other ladies of the forts, never before had she beheld a tissue or tints to equal those that were now so unexpectedly placed before her eyes. Her rapture was almost childish, nor would she allow the inquiry to proceed until she had attired her person in a robe so unsuited to her habits and her abode. With this end she withdrew into her own room, where with hands practised in such offices she soon got rid of her own neat gown of linen, and stood forth in the gay tints of the brocade. The dress happened to fit the fine, full person of Judith, and certainly it had never adorned a being better qualified by natural gifts to do credit to its really rich hues and fine texture. When she returned, both Dear Slayer and Chingach Cook, who had passed the brief time of her absence in taking a second look at the male garments, arose in surprise, each permitting exclamations of wonder and pleasure to escape him, in a way so unequivocal as to add new luster to the eyes of Judith, by flushing her cheeks with a glow of triumph. Affecting, however, not to notice the impression she had made, the girl seated herself with the statelyness of a queen, desiring that the chest might be looked into further. I don't know a better way to treat with the mingos gal, cried Dear Slayer, than to send you ashore as you be, and to tell him that a queen has arrived among them. They'll give up old hotter and hurry, and heady, too, at such a spectacle. I thought your tongue too honest to flatter, Dear Slayer returned the girl, gratified at this admiration more than she would have cared to own. One of the chief reasons of my respect for you was your love for truth. And tis truth, and solemn truth, Judith, and nothing else, never did eyes of mine gaze on as glorious a look and creature as you be yourself, at this very moment. I've seen beauties in my time, too, both white and red, and then that was renowned and talked of, far and near, but never have I beheld one that could hold any comparison with what you are at this blessed instant, Judith. The glance of delight which the girl bestowed on the frank speaking hunter in no degree lessened the effect of her charms. And as the humid eyes blended with it a look of sensibility perhaps Judith never appeared more truly lovely than at what the young man had called that blessed instant. He shook his head, held it suspend at a moment over the open chest, like one in doubt, and then proceeded with the examination. All of the minor articles of female dress came next, all of equality to correspond with the gown. These were laid at Judith's feet in silence as if she had a natural claim to their possession. One or two, such as gloves and lace, the girl caught up and depended to her already rich attire in affected playfulness, but with the real design of decorating her person as far as circumstances would allow. When these two remarkable suits, male and female, they might be termed, were removed. Another canvas covering separated the remainder of the articles from the part of the chest which they had occupied. As soon as Dear Slayer perceived this arrangement he paused, doubtful of the propriety of proceeding any further. Every man has his secrets, I suppose, he said, and all men have a right to their enjoyment. We've got low enough in this chest in my judgment to answer our wants, and it seems to me we should do well by going no farther, and by letting Master Hutter have to himself and his own feelings all that's beneath this cover. Do you mean, Dear Slayer, to offer these clothes to the Iroquois as ransom demanded Judith quickly? Sarton. What are we prying into another man's chest for, but to serve its owner in the best way we can? This coat alone would be very apt to gain over the head chief of the reptiles, and if his wife or daughter should happen to be out with him, that their gown would soften the heart of any woman that is to be found between Albany and Montreal. I do not see that we want a larger stock in trade than them two articles. But of what use could a dress like this be to any Indian woman? She could not wear it among the branches of the trees, the dirt and smoke of the wigwam would soon soil it, and how would a pair of red arms appear thrust through these short laced sleeves? All very true, gal, and you might go on and say it is altogether out of time and place in season, in this region at all. What is it to us how the finery is treated so long as it answers our wishes? I do not see that your father can make any use of such clothes, and it's lucky he has things that are of no valley to himself, that will bear a high price with others. We can make no better trade for him than to offer these duds for his liberty. We'll throw in the light for valities and get hurry off in the bargain. Then you think, dear Slayer, that Thomas Hutter has no one in his family, no child, no daughter to whom this dress may be thought becoming, and whom you could wish to see in it once in a while, even though it should be at long intervals and only in playfulness. I understand you, Judith. Yes, I now understand your meaning, but I think I can say your wishes. That you are as glorious in that dress as the sun when it rises or sets in a soft October day I'm ready to allow. And that you greatly become it is a good deal more certain than that it becomes you. There's gifts in clothes as well as in other things. Now I do not think that a warrior on his first path ought to lay on the same awful paints as a chief that has had his virtue tried, and knows from experience he will not disgrace his pretensions. So it is with all of us, red or white, you are Thomas Hutter's daughter, and that gown was made for the child of some governor or a lady of high station, and it was intended to be worn among fine furniture and in rich company. In my eyes, Judith, a modest maiden never looks more becoming than when becomingly clad, and nothing is suitable that is out of character. Besides, Gal, if there's a creature in the colony that can afford to do without finery and to trust to her own good looks and sweet countenance, it's yourself. I'll take off the rubbish this instant, dear Slayer, cried the girl, springing up to leave the room, and never do I wish to see it on any human being again. So it is with them all, Sarpence said the other, turning to his friend and laughing. As soon as the beauty had disappeared, they like finery, but they like their native charms most of all. I'm glad the gal has consented to lay aside her furbulous south-heather, for it's again reason for one of her class to wear them, and then she is handsome enough, as I call it, to go alone. HIST would show uncommon likelihood, too, in such a gowned, Delaware. Watawah is a red-skinned girl, dear Slayer, returned the Indian. Like the young of the pigeon, she is to be known by her own feathers. I should pass by without knowing her were she dressed in such a skin. It's wisest always to be so glad that our friends need not ask us our names. The wild rose is very pleasant, but she is no sweeter for so many colors. That's it. That's nature, and the true foundation for love and protection. When a man stoops to pick a wild strawberry, he does not expect to find a melon, and when he wishes to gather a melon, he's disappointed if it proves to be a squash. Those squashes be often brighter to the eye than melons. That's it. And it means stick to your gifts, and your gifts will stick to you. The two men had now a little discussion together, touching the propriety of penetrating any farther into the chest of Hutter. When Judith reappeared, divested of her robes, and in her own simple linen frock again. Thank you, Judith, said dear Slayer, taking her kindly by the hand, for I know it went a little again the natural cravings of women to lay aside so much finery, as it might be in a lump. But you're more pleasing to the eye as you stand, you be, than if you had a crown on your head, and jewels dangling from your hair. The question now is whether to lift this covering to see what will be really the best bargain we can make for Master Hutter, for we must do as we think he would be willing to do. Did he stand here in our places? Judith looked very happy, accustomed as she was to adulation, the homely homage of dear Slayer had given her more true satisfaction than she had ever yet received from the tongue of man. It was not the terms in which this admiration had been expressed, for they were simple enough, that produced so strong an impression, nor yet their novelty, or their warmth of manner, nor any of those peculiarities that usually give value to praise, but the unflinching truth of the speaker that carried his words so directly to the heart of the listener. This is one of the great advantages of plain dealing and frankness. The habitual and wily flatterer may succeed until his practices recoil on himself, and like other sweets his element cloys its excess. But he who deals honestly, though he often necessarily offends, possesses a power of praising that no quality but sincerity can bestow, since his words go directly to the heart, finding their support in the understanding. Thus it was with dear Slayer and Judith, so soon and so deeply did this simple hunter impress those who knew him with a conviction of his unending honesty, that all he uttered in commendation was as certain to please, as all he uttered in the way of rebuke was as certain to wrinkle and excite enmity, where his character had not awakened a respect and affection that in another sense rendered it painful. In afterlife, when the career of this untutored being brought him in contact with officers of rank and others entrusted with the care of the interests of the state, this same influence was exerted on a wider field, even generals listening to his commendations with a glow of pleasure, that it was not always in the power of their official superiors to awaken. Perhaps Judith was the first individual of his own color who fairly submitted to this natural consequence of truth and fair dealing on the part of dear Slayer. She had actually pined for his praise, and she had now received it, and that, in the form which was most agreeable to her weaknesses and habits of thought, the result will appear in the course of the narrative. If we knew all that chest holds, dear Slayer, returned the girl, when she had a little recovered from the immediate effect produced by his commendations of her personal appearance, we could better determine on the course we ought to take. That's not unreasonable, gal, though it's more a pale face than a red skin gift to be prying into other people's secrets. Curiosity is natural, and it is expected that all human beings should have human failings. Whenever I've been at the garrisons I've found that most in and about them had a longing to learn their neighbor's secrets. Yes, and sometimes to fancy them when they couldn't find him out. That's the difference between an Indian gentleman and a white gentleman. The serpent here would turn his head aside if he found himself unknowingly looking into another chief's wigwam. Whereas in the settlements, while all pretend to be great people, most prove they've got betters by the manner in which they talk of their concerns. I'll be bound, Judith, you wouldn't get the serpent there to confess there was another in the tribe so much greater than himself as to become the subject of his IDs and to imply his tongue in conversations about his movements and ways and food and all the other little matters that occupy a man when he's not implied in his greater duties. He who does this is but little better than a blackard in the grain, and them that encourages him is pretty much of the same kidney. Let them wear coats as fine as they may, or of what dye they please. But this is not another man's wigwam. It belongs to my father. These are his things, and they are wanted in his service. That's true, gal, that's true, and it carries weight with it. Well, when all is before us, we may indeed best judge which to offer for the ransom and which to withhold. Judith was not altogether as disinterested in her feelings as she affected to be. She remembered that the curiosity of Hetty had been indulged in connection with this chest, while her own had been disregarded. And she was not sorry to possess an opportunity of being placed on a level with her less gifted sister in this one particular. It appearing to be admitted all round that the inquiry into the contents of the chest ought to be renewed. Dear Slayer proceeded to remove the second covering of canvas. The articles that lay uppermost, when the curtain was again raised on the secrets of the chest, were a pair of pistols curiously inlaid with silver. Their value would have been considerable in one of the towns, though as weapons in the woods they were a species of armed seldom employed. Never indeed, unless it might be by some officer from Europe, who visited the colonies, as many were then want to do so much impressed with the superiority of the usages of London as to fancy they were not to be laid aside on the frontiers of America. What occurred on the discovery of these weapons will appear in the succeeding chapter. End of Chapter 12 Recording by Bill Borscht