 Chapter 24 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. A single moment served to convince the youth that he was mistaken. A hand was laid with a powerful pressure on his arm and the low voice of Uncus muttered in his ear. The herons are dogs. The sight of a coward's blood can never make a warrior tremble. The grey head and the sagamore are safe and the rifle of Hawkeye is not asleep. Go! Uncus and the open hand are now strangers. It is enough. Hayward would gladly have heard more, but a gentle push from his friend urged him toward the door and admonished him of the danger that might attend the discovery of their intercourse. Slowly and reluctantly yielding to the necessity, he quitted the place and mingled with the throng that had hovered nigh. The dying fires and the clearing cast a dim and uncertain light on the dusky figures that were silently stalking to and fro, and occasionally a brighter gleam than common glanced into the lodge and exhibited the figure of Uncus, still maintaining his upright attitude near the dead body of the heron. A nod of warrior soon entered the place again and re-issuing they bore the senseless remains into the adjacent woods. After this termination of the scene Duncan wandered among the lodges, unquestioned and unnoticed, endeavouring to find some trace of her in whose behalf he incurred the risk he ran. In the present temper of the tribe it would have been easy to have fled and rejoined his companions, had such a wish crossed his mind. But in addition to the never-ceasing anxiety on account of Alice, a fresher, though feebler, interest in the fate of Uncus assisted to chain him to the spot. He continued therefore to stray from hut to hut, looking into each only to encounter additional disappointment, until he had made the entire circuit of the village. Abandoning a species of inquiry that proved so fruitless, he retraced his steps to the council lodge, resolved to seek and question David in order to put an end to his doubts. Unreaching the building which had proved to like the seat of judgment and the place of execution, the young man found that the excitement had already subsided. The warriors had re-assembled and were now calmly smoking, while they conversed gravely on the chief incidents of their recent expedition to the head of the Horrican. Though the return of Duncan was likely to remind them of his character and the suspicious circumstances of his visit, it produced no visible sensation. So far the terrible scene that had just occurred proved favourable to his views, and he required no other prompter than his own feelings to convince him of the expediency of profiting by so unexpected an advantage. Without seeming to hesitate, he walked into the lodge and took his seat with a gravity that accorded admirably with the deportment of his host. A hasty but searching glance, suffice to tell him that though Unka still remained where he had left him, David had not reappeared. No other restraint was imposed on the former than the watchful looks of a young Huron who had placed himself at hand, though an armed warrior leaned against the post that formed one side of the narrow doorway. In every other respect the captive seemed at liberty. Still he was excluded from all participation in the discourse and possessed much more of the air of some finely molded statue than a man having life and volition. Hayward had too recently witnessed a frightful instance of the prompt punishments of the people in whose hands he had fallen to hazard and exposure by any aficious boldness. He would greatly have preferred silence and meditation to speech when a discovery of his real condition might prove so instantly fatal. Unfortunately for this prudent resolution his entertainers appeared otherwise disposed. He had not long occupied the seat wisely taken a little in the shade when another of the elder warriors who spoke the French language addressed him. My Canada father does not forget his children, said the chief. I thank him. An evil spirit lives in the wife of one of my young men. Can the cunning stranger frighten him away? Hayward possessed some knowledge of the mummary practiced among the Indians in the cases of such supposed visitations. He saw at a glance that the circumstance might possibly be improved to further his own ends. It would therefore have been difficult just then to have uttered a proposal that would have given him more satisfaction. Aware of the necessity preserving the dignity of his imaginary character, however, he repressed his feelings and answered with suitable mystery. Spirits differ. Some yield to the power of wisdom, while others are too strong. My brother is a great medicine, said the cunning savage. He will try. A gesture of assent was the answer. The Huron was content with the assurance, and resuming his pipe he awaited the proper moment to move. The impatient Hayward, inwardly excricating the cold customs of the savages, which required such sacrifices to appearance, was feigned to assume an air of indifference equal to that maintained by the chief, who was in truth a near relative of the afflicted woman. The minutes lingered and the delay seemed an hour to the adventure in the empiricism, when the Huron laid aside his pipe and drew his robe across his breast, as if about to lead the way to the lodge of the invalid. Just then a warrior of powerful frame darkened the door, and stalking silently among the attentive group, he seated himself on one end of the low pile of brush which sustained Duncan. The later cast an impatient look at his neighbor, and felt his flesh creep with uncontrollable horror when he found himself in actual contact with Magwa. The sudden return of this artful and dreaded chief caused a delay in the departure of the Huron. Several pipes that had been extinguished were lighted again, while the newcomer, without speaking a word, drew his tomahawk from his girdle, and filling the bowl on its head began to inhale the vapours of the weed through the hollow handle, with as much indifference as if he had not been absent two weary days on a long and toilsome hunt. Ten minutes, which appeared so many ages to Duncan, might have passed in this manner, and the warriors were fairly enveloped in a cloud of white smoke before any of them spoke. Welcome, one at length muttered. As my friend found the moose, the young man staggered under their burdens, returned to Magwa. Let read that pens go on the hunting path. He will meet them. A deep and awful silence seceded the utterance of the forbidden name. Each pipe dropped from the lips of its owner, as though all had inhaled an impurity at the same instant. The smoke reed above their heads in little eddies, and curling in a spiral form it ascended swiftly through the opening in the roof of the lodge, leaving the place beneath clear of its fumes, and each dark visage distinctly visible. The looks of most of the warriors were riveted on the earth, though a few of the younger and less gifted the party suffered their wild and glaring eyeballs to roll in the direction of a white-headed savage who sat between two of the most venerated chiefs of the tribe. There was nothing in the air or attire of this Indian that would seem to entitle him to such a distinction. The former was rather depressed than remarkable for the bearing of the natives, and the latter was such as was commonly worn by the ordinary men of the nation. Like most around him, for more than a minute, his look, too, was on the ground. But, trusting his eyes at length to steal a glance aside, he perceived that he was becoming an object of general attention. Then he arose and lifted his voice in the general silence. It was a lie, he said. I had no son. He who was called by that name is forgotten. His blood was pale, and it came not from the veins of a Huron. The wicked Chippewas cheated my squaw. The great spirit has said that the family of Whist and Tush should end. He is happy he knows that the evil of his race dies with himself. I have done. The speaker, who was the father of the Recreant, young Indian, looked round and about him as if seeking commendation of his stoicism in the eyes of the auditors. But the stern customs of his people had made too severe an exaction on the feeble old man. The expression of his eye contradicted his figurative and boastful language, while every muscle in his wrinkled visage was working with anguish. Standing a single minute to enjoy his bitter triumph, he turned away, as if sickening at the gaze of men, and, veiling his face in his blanket, he walked from the lodge with the noiseless step of an Indian, seeking, in the privacy of his own abode, the sympathy of one like himself, aged, forlorn, and childless. The Indians who believe in hereditary transmission of virtues and defects in character suffered him to depart in silence. Then, with an elevation of breeding, that many in a more cultivated state of society might profitably emulate, one of the chiefs drew the attention of the young men from the weakness they had just witnessed, by saying the cheerful voice, addressing himself in courtesy to Mawgwa as the newest comer. The Delaware's have been like bears after the honeypots prowling around my village. But who has ever found, like Iran, asleep? The darkness of the impending cloud which precedes a burst of thunder was not blacker than the brow of Mawgwa, as he exclaimed. The Delaware's of the lakes! Not so! They who bear the petty quotes of squaws on their own river. One of them has been passing the tribe. Did my young men take his scalp? His legs were good, though his arm is better for the hoe than the tomahawk, returned the other, pointing to the immovable form of Uncus. Instead of manifesting any womanish curiosity, to feast his eyes with the sight of a captive from a people he was known to have so much reason to hate, Mawgwa continued to smoke with the meditative air that he usually maintained when there was no immediate call on his cunning or his eloquence, although secretly amazed at the facts communicated by the speech of the aged father, he permitted himself to ask no questions, reserving his inquiries for a more suitable moment. It was only after a sufficient interval that he shook the ashes from his pipe, replaced the tomahawk, tightened his girdle, and arose, casting for the first time a glance in the direction of the prisoner, who stood a little behind him. The wary though seemingly abstracted Uncus caught a glimpse of the movement and turning suddenly to the light their looks met. Near a minute these two bold and untamed spirits stood regarding one another, steadily in the eye, neither quelling in the least before the fierce gaze he encountered, the form of Uncus dilated, and his nostrils open like those of a tiger at bay, but so rigid and unyielding was his posture, that he might easily have been converted by the imagination into an exquisite and faultless representation of the warlike deity of his tribe. The liniments and the quivering features of Maqua proved more ductile. His countenance gradually lost its character of defiance in an expression of ferocious joy, and heaving a breath from the very bottom of his chest, he pronounced the loud, the formidable name of L'Eixer-fagile. Each warrior sprang upon his feet at the utterance of the well-known Appalachian, and there was a short period during which the stoical constancy of the natives was completely conquered by surprise. The hated and yet respected name was repeated as by one voice, hearing the sound even beyond the limits of the lodge, the women and children who lingered around the entrance took up the words in an echo which was succeeded by another shrill and plaintive howl. The later was not yet ended when the sensation among the men had entirely abated. Each one in presence seated himself as though ashamed of his precipitation. But it was many minutes before the meaning eyes ceased to roll toward their captive, in curious examination of a warrior who had so often proved his prowess at the best and proudest of their nation. Ancus enjoyed his victory, but was content with merely exhibiting his triumph by a quiet smile, an emblem of scorn which belongs to all time and every nation. Maqua caught the expression, and raising his arm he shook it at the captive. The light silver ornaments attached to his bracelets rattling with the trembling agitation of the limb, as in a tone of vengeance he exclaimed in English, Mohegan, you die! The healing waters will never bring the dead Hurons to life. Returned Ancus in the music of the Delaware's. The tumbling river watches their bones, their men are squaws, their woman owls. So caught together the Huron dogs that they may look upon a warrior. My nostrils are offended. They sent the blood of a coward. The latter illusion struck deep, and the injury rankled. Many of the Hurons understood the strange tongue in which the captive spoke, among which number was Maqua. This cunning savage beheld and instantly profited by his advantage. Dropping the light robe of skin from his shoulder he stretched forth his arm and commenced a burst of his dangerous and artful eloquence. However much his influence among his people had been impaired by his occasional and besetting weakness, as well as by his desertion of the tribe, his courage and his fame as an orator were undeniable. He never spoke without auditors, and rarely without making converts to his opinions. On the present occasion his native powers were stimulated by the thirst of revenge. He again recounted the events of the attack on the island at Glens, the death of his associates, and the escape of their most formidable enemies. Then he described the nature and position of the mount whether he had led such captives as had fallen into their hands. Of his own bloody intentions toward the maidens, and of his baffled malice he made no mention, but passed rapidly on to the surprise of the party by La Long Caribbean and its fatal termination. Here he paused and looked about him in the effected veneration of the departed, but in truth to note the effect of his opening narrative. As usual every eye was riveted on his face. Each dusky figure seemed a breathing statue, so motionless was the posture, so intense the attention of the individual. Then Mach would drop his voice, which had hitherto been clear, strong and elevated, and touched upon the merits of the dead. No quality that was likely to command the sympathy of an Indian escaped his notice. One had never been known to follow the chase in vain. Another had been indefatigable on the trail of their enemies. This was brave, that generous. In short, he so managed his illusions that in a nation which was composed of so few families he contrived to strike every chord that might find in its turn some breast in which to vibrate. Are the bones of my young men, he concluded, in the burial place of the Hurons? You know that they are not. Their spirits are gone toward the setting sun, and are already crossing the great waters to the happy hunting grounds. But they departed without food, without guns or knives, without moccasins, naked and poor as they were born. Shall this be? Are there souls to enter the land of the just like hungry Iroquois or unmanly Delaware's, or shall they meet their friends with arms in their hands and robes on their backs? What will our fathers think the tribes of the Wyandots have become? They will look on their children with a dark eye and say, Go, a Chippewa has come hither with the name of a Huron. Brothers, we must not forget the dead. Our red skin never ceases to remember. We will load the back of this Mohican until he staggers under our bounty and dispatch him after my young men. They call to us for aid. Though our ears are not open, they say, Forget us not. When they see the spirit of this Mohican toiling after them with his burden, they will know that we are of that mind. Then they will go unhappy, and our children will say, So did our fathers to their friends. So must we do to them. What is a Yankee? We have slain many, but the earth is still pale. A stain on the name of a Huron can only be hid by blood that comes from the veins of an Indian. Let this Delaware die. The effect of such a Hurang delivered in the nervous language and with the emphatic manner of a Huron orator could scarcely be mistaken. Maqua had so artfully blended the natural sympathies with the religious superstition of his auditors that their minds already prepared by custom to sacrifice a victim to the mains of their countrymen lost every vestige of humanity in a wish for revenge. One warrior in particular, a man of wild and ferocious mean, had been conspicuous for the attention he had given to the words of the speaker. His countenance had changed with each passing emotion, until it settled on a look of deadly malice. As Maqua ended, he arose and uttering the yell of a demon, his polished little axe was seen glancing in the torchlight as he whirled it above his head. The motion and the cry were too sudden for words to interrupt his bloody intention. It appeared as if a bright gleam shot from his hand, which was crossed at the same moment by a dark and powerful line. The former was the tomhawk in its passage. The later the arm of Maqua darted forward to divert its aim. The quick and ready motion of the chief was not entirely too late. The keen weapon cut the war plume of the scalping tuft of Uncus and passed through the frail wall of the lodge as though it were hurled from some formidable engine. Duncan had seen the threatening action and sprung upon his feet with a heart which, while it leaped into its throat, swelled with the most generous resolution in behalf of his friend. A glance told him that the blow had failed and terror changed to admiration. Uncus stood still, looking his enemy in the eye with features that seemed superior to emotion. Marble could not be colder, calmer or steadier than the countenance he put upon the sudden and vindictive attack. Then, as if pitting a want of skill which had proved so fortunate to himself, he smiled and muttered a few words of contempt in his own tongue. No! said Maqua after satisfying himself with the safety of the captive. The sun must shine on his shame. The squasma see his flesh tremble, or our revenge would be like the play of boys. Go take him where there is silence. Let us see if a Delaware can sleep at night and in the morning die. The young man whose duty it was to guard the prisoner instantly passed their ligaments a bark across his arms, and led him from the lodge amid a profound and ominous silence. It was only as the figure of Uncus stood in the opening of the door that his firm step hesitated. There he turned, and in the sweeping and haughty glance that he threw around the circle of his enemies, Duncan caught a look which he was glad to construe into an expression that he was not entirely deserted by hope. Maqua was content with his success, or too much occupied with his secret purposes to push his inquiries any further. Shaking his mantle and folding it on his bosom, he also quitted the place without pursuing a subject which might have proved so fatal to the individual at his elbow. Notwithstanding his rising resentment, his natural firmness, and his anxiety on behalf of Uncus, Hayward felt sensibly relieved by the absence of so dangerous and subtle a foe. The excitement produced by the speech gradually subsided, the warriors resumed their seats, and clouds of smoke once more filled the lodge. For near half an hour not a syllable was uttered, or scarcely a look cast aside. A grave and meditative silence, being the ordinary succession to every scheme of violence and commotion among these beings, who were alike so impetuous, and yet so self-restraint, when the chief who had solicited the aid of Duncan finished his pipe, he made a final and successful movement toward departing. A motion of a finger was the intimation he gave the supposed physician to follow, and, passing through the clouds of smoke, Duncan was glad on more accounts than one, to be able at least to breathe the pure air of a cool and refreshing summer evening. Instead of pursuing his way among those lodges where Hayward had already made his unsuccessful search, his companion turned aside and proceeded directly toward the base of an adjacent mountain which overhung the temporary village. A thicket of brush skirted its foot, and it became necessary to proceed through a crooked and narrow path. The boys had resumed their sports in the clearing, and were enacting the mimic chase to the posts among themselves. In order to render their games as like the reality as possible, one of the boldest of their number had conveyed a few brands into some piles of treetops that had hithered to escape the burning. The blaze of one of these fires lighted the way of the chief and Duncan, and gave a character of additional wildness to the rude scenery. At a little distance from a bald rock, and directly in its front, they entered a grassy opening which they prepared to cross. Just then fresh fuel was added to the fire, and a powerful light penetrated even to that distance spot. It fell upon the white surface of the mountain, and was reflected downward upon a dark and mysterious looking being that arose unexpectedly in their path. The Indian paused as if doubtful whether to proceed, and permitted his companion to approach his side. A large black ball, which at first seemed stationary, now began to move in a manner that to the latter was inexplicable. Again the fire brightened, and its glare fell more distinctly on the object. Then even Duncan knew it by its restless and sidling attitudes which kept the upper part of its form in constant motion, while the animal itself appeared seated to be a bear. Though it growled loudly and fiercely, and there were instances when its glistening eyeballs might be seen, it gave no other indications of hostility. The Huron, at least, and assured that the intentions of the singular intrudable were peaceable, for after giving it an attentive examination, he quietly pursued his course. Duncan, who knew that the animal was often domesticated among the Indians, followed the example of his companion, believing that some favorite of the tribe had found its way into the thicket in search of food. They passed it unmolested. Though obliged to come nearly in contact with the monster, the Huron, who at first so warily determined the character of this strange visitor, was now content with proceeding without wasting a moment in further examination. But Hayward was unable to prevent his eyes from looking backward, in salutary watchfulness against attacks from the rear. His uneasiness was in no degree diminished when he perceived the beast rolling along their path and following their footsteps. He would have spoken, but the Indian at that moment shoved aside a door of bark and entered a cavern in the bosom of the mountain. Profiting by so easy a method of retreat, Duncan stepped after him and was gladly closing the slight cover to the opening when he felt it drawn from his hand by the beast, whose shaggy form immediately darkened the passage. They were now in a straight and long gallery, in a chasm of the rocks, where retreat without encountering the animal was impossible. Making the best of the circumstances, the young man pressed forward, keeping as close as possible to his conductor, the bear growled, frequently at his heels. And once or twice its enormous paws were laid on his person as if disposed to prevent his further passage into the den. How long the nerves of Hayward would have sustained him in this extraordinary situation. It might be difficult to decide, for happily he soon found relief. A glimmer of light had constantly been in their front, and they now arrived at the place once it proceeded. A large cavity in the rock had been rudely fitted to answer the purposes of many apartments. These subdivisions were simple but ingenious. Being composed of stone, sticks, and bark intermingled. Openings above admitted the light by day, and at night fires and torches supplied the place of the sun. Hither the Hurons had brought most of their valuables, especially those which were more particularly pertain to the nation. And hither as it now appeared, the sick woman who was believed to be the victim of supernatural power had been transported also under an impression that her tormentor would find more difficulty in making his assaults through the walls of stone than through the leafy coverings of the lodges. The apartment into which Duncan and his guide first entered had been exclusively devoted to her accommodation. The latter approached her bedside, which was surrounded by females, in the center of whom Hayward was surprised to find his missing friend. David, a single look, was sufficient to apprise the pretended leech that the invalid was far beyond his powers of healing. She lay in a sort of paralysis, indifferent to the objects which crowded before her sight, and happily unconscious of suffering. Hayward was far from regretting that his memories were to be performed on one who was much too ill to take an interest in their failure or success. The slight qualms of conscience which had been excited by the intended deception was instantly appeased, and he began to collect his thoughts in order to enact his part with suitable spirit, when he found that he was about to be anticipated in his skill by an attempt to prove the power of music. Gamut, who had stood prepared to pour forth his spirit and song when the visitors entered, after delaying a moment, drew a strain from his pipe, and commenced to him that might have worked a miracle, had faith in its efficacy, been of much avail. He was allowed to proceed to the close, the Indians respecting his imaginary infirmity, and Duncan, too glad of the delay, too hazarded the slightest interruption. As the dying cadence of his strains was falling on the ears of the latter, he started aside at hearing them repeated behind him in a voice half human and half sepical. Looking around he beheld the shaggy monster seated on end in a shadow of the cavern, where, while his restless body swung in the uneasy manner of the animal, it repeated a sort of low growl sounds, if not words, which bore some slight resemblance to the melody of the singer. The effect of so strange an echo on David may be better imagined than described. His eyes opened as if he doubted their truth, and his voice became instantly mute in excess of wonder. A deep-laid scheme of commuting cating, some important intelligent to Hayward, was driven from his recollection by an emotion which very nearly resembled fear, but which he was feigned to believe was admiration. Under its influence he exclaimed the loud. He expects you and is at hand, and precipitately left the cavern. End of Chapter 24 This reading by Gary W. Sherwin of Yukon, Pennsylvania, in the autumn of 2007. Chapter 25 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 25. Quote. Snug. Have you the lion's part written? Pray you. If it be, give it to me, for I am slow of study. Quincey, you may do it extempore, for it is nothing but roaring. Unquote. From Midsummer Night's Dream. There was a strange blending of the ridiculous, with that which was solemn in this scene. The beast still continued its rolling, and apparently untiring movements, though its ludicrous attempt to imitate the melody of David, ceased the instant the latter abandoned the field. The words of Gamut were, as has been seen in his native tongue, and to Duncan they seemed pregnant with some hidden meaning, though nothing present assisted him in discovering the object of their illusion. A speedy end was, however, put to every conjecture on the subject by the manner of the chief, who advanced to the bedside of the invalid and back into way the whole group of female attendants that had clustered there to witness the skill of the stranger. He was implicitly, though reluctantly, obeyed, and when the low echo which rang along the hollow natural gallery from the distant closing door had ceased, pointing toward his insensible daughter, he said, Now let my brother show his power. Thus unequivocally called on to exercise the functions of his assumed character, Hayward was apprehensive that the smallest delay might prove dangerous. Endeavoring, then, to collect his ideas, he prepared to perform that species of incantation and those uncouth rites under which the Indian conjurers are accustomed to conceal their ignorance and impotency. It is more than probable that, in the disordered state of his thoughts, he would soon have fallen into some suspicious, if not fatal, error had not his insipid attempts been interrupted by a fierce growl from the quadruped. Three several times did he renew his efforts to proceed, and as often was he met by the same unaccountable opposition. Each interruption seemed more savage and threatening than the proceeding. The cunning ones are jealous, said the Huron. I go. Brother, the woman is the wife of one of my bravest young men. Deal justly by her. Peace, he added, beckoning to the discontented beast to be quiet. I go. The chief was as good as his word. And Duncan now found himself alone in that wild and desolate abode with the helpless invalid and the fierce and dangerous brute. He listened to the movements of the Indian with that air of sagacity that a bear is known to possess until another echo announced that he had also left the cavern. When it turned it came waddling up to Duncan, before whom it seated himself in its natural attitude, erect like a man. The youth looked anxiously about him for some weapon, with which he might make a resistance against the attack he now seriously expected. It seemed, however, as the humor of the animal had suddenly changed. Instead of continuing its discontented growls or manifesting any further signs of anger, the whole of its shaggy body shook violently as if agitated by some strange internal convulsion. The huge and unwieldly talons pawed stupidly about the grinning muzzle, and while Hayward kept his eyes riveted on its movements with jealous watchfulness, the grim head fell on one side, and in its place appeared the honest sturdy countenance of the scout, who was indulging from the bottom of his soul in his own peculiar expression of merriment. Shhh! said the wary woodsman, interrupting Hayward's exclamation of surprise. The violets are about the place, and any sounds that are not natural to witchcraft would bring them back upon us in a body. Tell me the meaning of this masquerade, and why you have attempted so desperate an adventure. Ah! Reason and calculation are often outdone by accident returned the scout. But as a story should always commence from the beginning I will tell you the whole in order. After we departed I placed the Commandant and the Sagamore in an old beaver lodge where they are safer from the Hurons than they would be in the garrison of Edward. For your high north-west Indians, not having as yet got the traders among them, continued to venerate the beaver, after which Uncus and I pushed for the other encampment as was agreed. Have you seen the lad? To my great grief he is captive, and condemned to die at the rising of the sun. I had misgivings that such would be his fate, resumed the scout, in a less confident and joyous tone, but soon regaining his naturally firm voice he continued. His bad fortune is the true reason for my being here. For it would never do to abandon such a boy to the Hurons. A rare time the Naves would have it. Could they tie the bounding elk, and the long carabine as they call me, to the same stake? There why they have given me such a name I never knew. There being as little likeness between the gifts of Kildir and the performance of one of your real Canada carabines as there is between the nature of a pipe stone and a flint. Keep to your tail, said the impatient Hayward. We know not at what moment the Hurons may return. No fear of them. A conjurer must have his time, like a straggling priest in the settlements. We are as safe from interruption as a missionary would be at the beginning of a two hours discourse. Well, Uncus and I felt in with a return party of the violets. The lad was much too forward for a scout. Nay, for that matter, being of hot blood, he was not so much to blame. And after all, one of the Hurons proved a coward. And in fleeing led him into an ambushment. And dearly has he paid for the weakness. The scout significantly passed his hand across his own throat and nodded. As if he said, I comprehend your meaning. After which he continued in a more audible, though scarcely more intelligible language. After the loss of the boy, I turned upon the Hurons as you may judge. There have been scrimmages between one or two of their outliers and myself. But that is neither here nor there. So after I had shot the Ems, I got pretty nigh to the lodges without further commotion. Then what should luck do in my favor but lead me to the very spot where one of the most famous conjurers of the tribe was dressing himself, as I well knew, for some great battle with Satan. Though why should I call that luck, which it now seems was in the special ordering of Providence? So I judged a magical rap over the head stiffened the lying imposter for a time and leaving him a bit of walnut for his super to prevent an uproar, and stringing him up between two samplings, I made free with his finery and took the part of the bear on myself in order that the operations might proceed. And admirably did you enact the character? The animal itself might have been shamed by the representation. Lord Major returned the flattered woodsman. I should be but a poor scholar for one who has studied so long in the wilderness that I not know how to set forth the movements or nature of such a beast. Had it been now a catamount, or even a full-sized panther, I would have embellished a performance for you worth regarding. But it is no such marvelous feat to exhibit the feats of so dollabies. Though for that matter, too, a bear may be overacted. Yes, yes, it is not every imitator that knows nature may be outdone easier than she is equaled. But all our work is yet before us. Where is the gentleman? Heaven knows. I have examined every lodge in the village without discovering the slightest trace of her presence in the trod. You heard what the singer said as he left us. She is at hand and expects you? I have been compelled to believe he alluded to this unhappy woman. The simpleton was frightened and blundered through his message. But he had a deeper meaning. Here are walls enough to separate the whole settlement. A bear ought to climb, therefore I will take a look above them. There may be honeypots hidden these rocks. And I am a beast you know, that has a hankering for the sweets. The scout looked behind him, laughing at his own conceit, while he clambered up the partition, imitating as he went the clumsy motions of the beast he represented. But the instant the summit was gained, he made a gesture of silence, and slid down with the utmost precipitation. She is here, he whispered, and by that door you will find her. I would have spoken a word of comfort to the afflicted soul, but the sight of such a monster might upset her reason. Though for that matter, major, you are none of the most inviting yourself in your paint. Duncan, who had already swung eagerly forward, drew instantly back on hearing these discouraging words. Am I then so very revolting? He demanded with an air of chagrin, you might not startle a wolf or turn the royal Americans from a discharge. But I have seen the time when you had better favored look. Your strict countenances are not ill-judged of by the squaws, but young woman of white blood give the preference to their own color. See, he added, pointing to a place where the water trickled from a rock, forming a little crystal spring, before it found an issue through the adjacent crevices. You may easily get rid of the Sagamore's daub, and when you come back, I will try my hand at a new embellishments. It's as common for a conjurer to alter his paint as for a buck in the settlements to change his finery. The deliberate woodsman had little occasion to hunt for arguments to enforce his advice. He was yet speaking when Duncan availed himself of the water. In a moment every frightful or offensive mark was obliterated, and the youth appeared again in the liniments with which he had been gifted by nature. Thus prepared for an interview with his mistress, he took a hasty leave of his companion and disappeared through the indicated passage. The scout witnessed his departure with complacency, nodding his head after him and muttering his good wishes, after which he very coolly set about an examination of the state of the latter. Among the Hurons, the cavern, among other purposes, being used as a receptacle for the fruits of their hunts. Duncan had no other guide than a distant glimmering light which served, however, the office of a polar star to the lover. By its aid he was enabled to enter the haven of his hopes, which was merely another apartment of the cavern that had been solely appropriated to the safekeeping of so important a prisoner as the daughter of the Commodant of William Henry. It was profusely strewed with the plunder of that unlucky fortress. In the midst of this confusion he found her he sought, pale, anxious, and terrified, but lovely. Duncan had prepared her for such a visit. Duncan, she exclaimed, in a voice that seemed to tremble at the sounds created by itself. Alice! he answered, leaping carelessly among trunks, boxes, arms, and furniture, until he stood at her side. I knew you would never desert me! she said, looking up with a momentary glow on her otherwise dejected continence. But you are alone! Grateful as it is to be thus remembered! I could wish to think you are not entirely alone! Duncan, observing that she trembled in a manner which betrayed her inability to stand, gently induced her to be seated, while he recounted those leading incidents which it has been our task to accord. Alice listened with breathless interest, and though the young man touched lightly on the sorrows of the stricken father, taking care, however, not to wound the self-love of his auditor, the tears ran as freely down the cheeks of the daughter as those she had never wept before. The soothing tenderness of Duncan, however, soon quieted the first burst of her emotions, and she then heard him to the close with undivided attention, if not with composure. And now, Alice, he added, you will see how much is still expected of you, by the assistance of our experienced and invaluable friend, the Scout. We may find our way from this savage people, but you will have to exert your utmost fortitude. Remember that you fly to the arms of your venerable parent, and how much his happiness, as well as your own, depends on these exertions. Can I do otherwise? For a father who has done so much for me? And for me, too, continued the youth, gently pressing the hand he held in both his own. The look of innocence and surprise which he received in return convinced Duncan of the necessity of being more explicit. This is neither the place nor the occasion to detain you with selfish wishes, he added. But what heart loaded like mine would not wish to cast its burden. They say misery is the closest of all ties. Our common suffering in your behalf left but little to be explained between your father and myself. Dear as Cora, Duncan, surely Cora was not forgotten. Not forgotten? No, regretted, as woman was seldom worn before. Your venerable father knew no difference between his children. But I... Alice, you will not be offended when I say that to me her worth was in a degree obscured. Then you knew not the merit of my sister, said Alice, withdrawing her hand. Of you she ever speaks as one who is her dearest friend. I would gladly believe her such, returned Duncan hastily. I could wish her to be even more. But with you, Alice, I have the permission of your father to aspire to a still nearer and dearer tie. Alice trembled violently, and there was an instant during which she bent her face aside, yielding to the emotions common to her sex. But they quickly passed away, leaving her mistress of her deportment, if not of her affections. Heyward! she said, looking him full in the face with a touching expression of innocence and dependency. Give me the sacred presence and the holy sanction of that parent before you urge me further. The more I should not, lest I could not say, the youth was about to answer, when he was interrupted by a light tap on his shoulder. Starting to his feet he turned, and confronting the intruder his looks fell on the dark form and the malignant visage of Magwa. The deep guttural laugh of the savage sounded as such a moment to dunk in like the hellish taunt of a demon. Had he pursued the sudden and fierce impulse of the instant, he would have cast himself on the Huron and committed their fortunes to the issue of a deadly struggle. But without arms of any description, ignorant of what Sukar, his subtle enemy, could command, and charged with the safety of one who was just then dearer than ever to his heart, he no sooner entertained than he abandoned the desperate intention. What is your purpose? set Alice meekly folding her arms on her bosom, and struggling to conceal an agony of apprehension in behalf of Hayward in the usual cold and distant manner with which she received the visits of her captor. The exalting Indian had resumed his austere countenance, though he drew warily back from the menacing glance of the young man's fiery eye. He regarded both his captives for a moment with a steady look, and then, stepping aside, he dropped a log of wood across a door different from that by which Duncan had entered. The later now comprehended the manner of his surprise, and, believing him irretrievably lost, he drew Alice to his bosom, and stood prepared to meet a fate which he hardly regretted, since it was suffered in such company. But Mokwa meditated no immediate violence. His first measures were very evidently taken to secure his new captive, nor did he even bestow a second glance at the motionless forms at the center of the cavern, until he had completely cut off every hope of retreat. Through the private outlet he had himself used. He was watched in all his movements by Hayward, who, however, remained firm, still folding the fragile form of Alice to his heart, at once too proud and too hopeless, to ask favor of an enemy so often foiled. When Mokwa had affected his object, he approached his prisoners and said in English, The pale faces trapped the cunning beavers, but their red skins know how to take the anguise. You're on, do your worst! exclaimed the excited Hayward, forgetful that a double stake was involved in his life. You and your vengeance are alike despised. Will the white men speak these words at the stake? asked Mokwa, manifesting at the same time how little faith he had in the other's resolution by the sneer that accompanied his words. Here, singly in your face or in the presence of your nation. Le Renard Subtil is a great chief. Returned the Indian, he will go and bring his young men to see how bravely a pale face can laugh at tortures. He turned away while speaking and was about to leave the place through the avenue by which Duncan had approached when a growl caught his ear and caused him to hesitate. The figure of the bear appeared in the door where it sat rolling from side to side in its customary restlessness. Mokwa, like the father of the sick woman, eyed it keenly for a moment as if to ascertain its character. He was far above the more vulgar superstitions of his tribe, and so soon as he recognized the well-known attire of the conjurer, he prepared to pass it in cold contempt. But a louder and more threatening growl caused him again to pause. Then he seemed as if suddenly resolved to trifle no longer, and moved resolutely forward. The mimic animal, which had advanced a little, retired slowly in his front until it arrived again at the pass, when, rearing on its hindered legs, it beat the air with its paws in the manner practiced by its brutal prototype. Fool! exclaimed the chief in Huron, go play with the children and squazz. Leave men to their wisdom. He once more endeavored to pass the supposed empiric, scorning even the parade of threatening to use the knife or tomahawk that was pennant from his belt. Suddenly the beast extended its arms or rather legs and enclosed him in a grass that would abide with far feigned power of the bear's hug itself. Hayward had watched the whole procedure on the part of Hawkeye with breathless interest. At first he relinquished his hold on Alice. Then he caught up a thong of buckskin which had been used around some bundle, and when he beheld his enemy about his two arms pinned to his side by the iron muscles of the scout, he rushed upon him and effectually secured them there. Arms, legs, and feet were encircled in twenty folds of the thong in less time than we have taken to record the circumstance. When the formidable Huron was completely pinioned, the scout released his hold, and Duncan laid his enemy on his back, utterly helpless. Throughout the whole of this sudden and extraordinary operation, Makwa, though he had struggled violently until assured he was in the hands of one whose nerves were far better strung than his own, had not uttered the slightest exclamation. But when Hawkeye, by way of making a summary explanation of his conduct, removed the shaggy jaws of the beast and exposed his own rugged and earnest countenance to the gaze of the Huron, the philosophy of the latter was so far mastered as to permit him to utter the never-failing, HUG! I, you found your tongue, said his undisturbed conqueror. Now, in order that you shall not use it to our ruin, I must make free to stop your mouth. And there was no time to be lost. The scout immediately set about effecting so necessary a precaution, and when he had gagged the Indian, his enemy might safely have been considered as Urs de Combat. By what place did the imp enter it? asked the industrious scout when his work was ended. Not a soul has passed my way since you left me. Duncan pointed out the door by which Makwa had come, and which now presented too many obstacles for a quick retreat. Bring on the gentle one, then continued his friend. We must make a push for the woods by the other outlet. Tis impossible, said Duncan. Fear has overcome her, and she is helpless. Alice, my sweet, my own Alice, arouse yourself. Now is the moment to fly. Tis in vain. She hears but is unable to follow. Go, noble and worthy friend, save yourself, and leave me to my fate. Every trail has its end, and every calamity brings its lesson, returned the scout. There, wrap her in them Indian cloths. Conceal all of her little form. Nay, that foot has no fellow in the wilderness. It will betray her. All every part. Now take her in your arms and follow. Leave the rest to me. Me. Duncan, as may be gathered from the words of his companion, was eagerly obeying, and as the other finished speaking he took the light person of Alice in his arms and followed in the footsteps of the scout. They found the sick woman as they had left her, still alone, and passed swiftly on by the natural gallery to the place of entrance. As they approached the little door of bark a murmur of voices without announced that the friends and relatives of the Invalid were gathered about the place, patiently awaiting a summons to re-enter. If I open my lips to speak, Hawkeye whispered, my English, which is the genuine tongue of a white skin, will tell the farlets that an enemy is among them. You must give them your jargon, Major, and say that we have shut the evil spirit in the cave, and we are taking the woman to the woods in order to find strengthening roots. Practice all your cunning, for it is a lawful undertaking. The door opened a little as if one without was listening to the proceedings within, and compelled the scout to cease his directions. A fierce growl repelled the eavesdropper, and then the scout boldly threw open the covering of bark and left the place, enacting the character of a bear as he proceeded. Duncan kept close at his heels, and soon found himself in the center of a cluster of twenty anxious relatives and friends. The crowd fell back a little and permitted the father and one who appeared to be the husband of the woman to approach. Has it, my brother, driven away the evil spirit? demanded the former. What has he in his arms? Thy child returned Duncan gravely. The disease has gone out of her. It is shut up in the rocks. I take the woman to a distance, where I will strengthen her against any further attacks. She will be in the wigwam of the young man when the sun comes again. When the father had translated the meaning of the stranger's words into the Huron language, a suppressed murmur announced the satisfaction with which this intelligence was received. The chief himself waved his hand for Duncan to proceed, saying aloud in a firm voice and with a lofty manner. Go, I am a man, and I will enter the rock and fight the wicked one. He were gladly obeyed, and was already past the little group when those startling words arrested him. Is my brother mad, he exclaimed? Is he cruel? He will meet the disease and it will enter him, or he will drive out the disease and it will chase his daughter into the woods. No, let my children wait without, and if the spirit appears, beat him down with clubs. He is cunning and will bury himself in the mountain when he sees how many are ready to fight him. This singular warning had the desired effect. Instead of entering the cavern, the father and the husband drew their tomahawks and posted themselves in readiness to deal their vengeance on the imaginary tormentor of their sick relative, while the woman and children broke branches from the bushes or seized fragments of the rock with a similar intention. At this favorable moment the counterfeit conjurers disappeared. Hawkeye at the same time that he had presumed so far in the nature of the Indian superstitions was not ignorant that they were rather tolerated than relied on by the wisest of the chiefs. He well knew the value of time in the present emergency. Whatever might be the extent of the self-delusion of his enemies, and however it had tended to assist his schemes, the slightest cause of suspicion acting on the subtle nature of an Indian would be likely to prove fatal. Taking the path, therefore, that was most likely to avoid observation, he rather skirted than entered the village. The warriors were still to be seen in the distance by the fading light of the fires, stalking from lodge to lodge. But the children had abandoned their sports for their beds of skins, and the quiet of night was already beginning to prevail over the turbulence and excitement of so busy and important an evening. Alice revived under the renovating influence of the open air, and as her physical rather than her mental powers had been the subject of weakness, she stood in no need of any explanation of that which had occurred. Now let me make an effort to walk, she said, as they had entered the forest, blushing, though unseen, that she had not been sooner able to quit the arms of Duncan. I am indeed restored. Nay, Alice, you are yet too weak. The maiden struggled gently to release herself, and Hayward was compelled to part with his precious burden. The representative of the bear had certainly been an entire stranger to the delicious emotions of the lover, while his arms encircled his mistress. And he was perhaps a stranger also to the nature of that feeling of ingenuous shame that oppressed the trembling Alice. But when he found himself at a suitable distance from the lodges, he made a halt, and spoke on a subject of which he was thoroughly the master. This path will lead you to the brook, he said. Follow its northern bank until you come to a fall. Mount the hill on your right, and you will see the fires of the other people. There you must go and demand protection. If they are true Delaware's, you will be safe. A distant flight with that gentleman, just now, is impossible. The Hurons would follow up our trail and master our scalps before we got a dozen miles. Go, and Providence be with you. And you demanded Hayward in surprise? Surely we not part here. The Hurons hold the pride of the Delaware's, the last of the high blood of the Mehecans in their power, returned the scout. I go to see what can be done in his favor. Had they mastered your scout major, a knave should have fallen for every hair it held, as I promised. But if the young Sagamore is to be led to the stake, the Indians shall also see how a man without a cross can die. Not in the least offended with the decided preference that the sturdy woodsman gave to one who might, in some degree, be called the child of his adoption. Duncan still continued to urge such reasons against so desperate an effort as presented themselves. He was aided by Alice, who mingled her in treaties with those of Hayward, that he would abandon a resolution that promised so much danger with so little hope of success. Their eloquence and ingenuity were expended in vain. The scout heard them attentively but impatiently, and finally closed the discussion by answering in a tone that instantly silenced Alice. While it told Hayward how fruitless any further remonstrances would be. I have heard, he said, that there is a feeling in youth which binds man to a woman closer than father is tied to the son. It may be so. I have seldom been where woman of my color dwell. But such may be the gifts of nature in the settlements. You have risked life and all that is dear to you to bring off this gentle one. And I suppose that some such disposition is at the bottom of it all. As for me, I taught the lad the real character of a rifle, and well has he paid me for it. I fought at his side in many a bloody scrimmage, and so long as I could hear the crack of his peace in one year and that of the Sagamore and the other, I knew no enemy was on my back. Winters and summer. Nights and days we have roved the wilderness and company. Eating of the same dish, one sleeping while the other watched, and before it shall be said that Ancus was taken to the torment and I at hand. There is but a single ruler of us all, whatever may the color of the skin. And him I call to witness. That before the Mohican boy shall perish for the want of a friend, good faith shall depart the earth, and kill dear, become as harmless as the tooting weapon of the singer. Duncan released his hold on the arm of the scout, who turned and steadily retraced his steps toward the lodges. After pausing a moment to gaze at his retiring form, the successful and yet sorrowful Hayward and Alice took their way together toward the distant village of the Delaware's. End of Chapter 25 This reading by Gary W. Sherwin of Yukon, Pennsylvania in the autumn of 2007. Chapter 26 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 26 Quote But let me play the lion, too. From Midsummer Night's Dream Notwithstanding the high resolution of Hawkeye, he fully comprehended all the difficulties and danger he was about to incur. In his return to the camp, his acute and practiced intellects were intently engaged in devising means to counteract the watchfulness and suspicion on the part of his enemies, that he knew were, in no degree, inferior to his own. Nothing but the color of his skin had saved the lives of Makwa and the conjurer, who would have been the first victim sacrificed to his own security, had not the scalp believed such an act, however congenial it might be to the nature of an Indian, utterly unworthy of one who boasted a descent from men who knew no cross of blood. Accordingly, he trusted to the wives and ligaments with which he had bound his captives, and pursued his way directly toward the center of the lodges. As he approached the buildings, his steps become more deliberate, and his vigilant eye suffered no sign whether friendly or hostile to escape him. A neglected hut was a little in advance of the others, and appeared as if it had been deserted when half completed, most probably on account of failing in some of the more important requisites, such as wood or water. A faint light glimmered through its cracks, however, and announced that, notwithstanding its imperfect structure, it was not without a tenant. Thither than the scout proceeded, like a prudent general who was about to feel the advanced positions of his enemy before he hazarded the main attack. Throwing himself into a suitable posture for the beast he represented, Hawkeye crawled to a little opening where he might command a view of the interior. It proved to be the abiding place of David Gamut. Hither, the faithful singing master had now brought himself together with all his sorrows, his apprehensions, and his meek dependence on the protection of Providence. At the precise moment when his ungainly person came under the observation of the scout in the manner just mentioned, the woodsman himself, though in his assumed character, was the subject of the solitary being's profounded reflections. However implicit the faith of David was in the performance of ancient miracles, he eschewed the belief of any direct supernatural agency in the management of modern morality. In other words, while he had implicit faith in the ability of Balaam's ass to speak, he was somewhat skeptical on the subject of a bear singing, and yet he had been assured of the latter on the testimony of his own exquisite organs. There was something in his air and manner that betrayed to the scout the utter confusion of the state of his mind. He was seated on a pile of brush, a few twigs from which occasionally fed his low fire, with his head leaning on his arm, in a posture of melancholy musing. The costume of the votary of music had undergone no other alteration from that so lately described, except that he had covered his bald head with the triangular beaver, which had not proved sufficiently alluring to excite the cupidity of any of his captors. The ingenious Hawkeye, who recalled the hasty manner in which the other had abandoned his post at the bedside of the sick woman, was not without his suspicions concerning the subject of so much solemn deliberation, first making the circuit of the hut and assers taining that it stood quite alone, and that the character of his inmate was likely to protect it from visitors. He ventured through its low door into the very presence of Gamut. The position of the latter brought the fire between them and when Hawkeye had seated himself on end, near a minute lapsed, during which the two remained regarding each other without speaking. The suddenness and the nature of the surprise had nearly proved too much for, we will not say the philosophy, but for the pitch and resolution of David. He fumbled for his pitch pipe and arose with a confused intention of attempting a musical exorcism. Dark and mysterious monster, he exclaimed, while with trembling hands he disposed of his auxiliary eyes and sought his never-failing resource in trouble, the gifted version of the Psalms. I know not your nature nor intents, but if ought you meditate against the person and rites of one of the humblest servants of the temple, listen to the inspired language of the youth of Israel and repent. The bear shook his saggy sides, and then a well-known voice replied, Put up the tooting weapon and teach your throat modesty. Five words of plain and comprehensible English are worth just now an hour of squalling. Would art thou? demanded David, utterly disqualified to pursue his original intention and nearly gasping for breath. A man like yourself and one who is blood is as little tainted by the cross of a bear or an Indian as your own. Have you so soon forgotten from whom you received the foolish instrument you hold in your hand? Can these things be? returned David, breathing more freely as the truth began to dawn upon him. I have found many marvels during my sojourn with the heathen, but surely nothing to excel this. Calm, calm, returned Hawkeye, uncasing his honest countenance, the better to assure the wavering confidence of his companion. You may see a skin which, if it be not as white as one of the gentle ones, has no tinge of red to it that the winds of heaven and sun have not bestowed. Now let us to business. First, tell me of the maiden, and of the youth who so bravely sought her, interrupted David. I, they are happily freed from the tomahawks of these varlots, but can you put me on the centavancas? The young man is in bondage, and much I fear his death is decreed. I greatly mourn that one so well disposed should die in his ignorance, and I have sought a goodly him. Can you lead me to him? The task will not be difficult, returned David hesitating, though I greatly fear your presence would rather increase than mitigate his unhappy fortunes. No more words, but lead on, returned Hawkeye, concealing his face again and setting the example in his own person, by instantly quitting the lodge. As they proceeded, the scout ascertained that his companion found access to Uncus, under privilege of his imaginary infirmity, aided by the favor he had acquired with one of the guards, who, in consequence of speaking a little English, had been selected by David as the subject of a religious conversion. How far the Huron comprehended the intentions of his new friend may well be doubted, but as exclusive attention is as flattering to a savage as a more civilized individual, it had produced the effect we have mentioned. It is unnecessary to repeat the shrewd manner with which the scout extracted these particulars from the simple David. Neither shall we dwell in this place on the nature of the instruction he delivered, when completely master of all the necessary facts, as the whole will be sufficiently explained to the reader in the course of the narrative. The lodge in which Uncus was confined was in the very center of the village, and in a situation perhaps more difficult than any other to approach or leave without observation. But it was not the policy of Hawkeye to affect the least concealment. Presuming on his disguise and his ability to sustain the character he had assumed, he took the most plain and direct route to the place. The hour, however, afforded him some little of that protection which he appeared so much to despise. The boys were already buried in sleep, and all the women and most of the warriors had retired to their lodges for the night. Four or five of the ladder only lingered about the door of the prison of Uncus. Wary but close observers of the manner of their captive. At the site of Gamut, accompanied by one in the well-known masquerade of their most distinguished conjurer, they readily made way for them both. Still, they betrayed no intention to depart. On the other hand, they were evidently disposed to remain bound to the place by an additional interest in the mysterious memories that they, of course, expected from such a visit. From the total inability of the scout to address the Hurons in their own language, he was compelled to trust the conversation entirely to David. Notwithstanding the simplicity of the ladder, he did ample justice to the instructions he had received, more than fulfilling the strongest hopes of his teacher. The Delaware's are women. He exclaimed, addressing himself to the savage, who had a slight understanding of the language in which he spoke. The Yangis, my foolish countrymen, have told them to take up the tomahawk and strike their fathers in the Candidates, and they have forgotten their sex. Thus my brother wished to hear they surf Agile ask for his petticoats and see him weep before the Hurons at the stake. The exclamation, delivered in a strong tone of assent, announced the gratification the savage would receive in witnessing such an exhibition of weakness, in an enemy so long hated and so much feared. Then let him step aside, and the cunning man will blow upon the dog. Tell it to my brothers. The Huron explained the meaning of David to his fellows, who in their turn listened to the project with that sort of satisfaction that their untamed spirits might be expected to find in such a refinement in cruelty. They drew back a little from the entrance, and motioned to the supposed conjurer to enter. But the bear, instead of obeying, maintained the seat it had taken, and growled. The cunning man is afraid that his breath will blow upon his brothers, and take away their courage too, continued David. Improving the hint he received, they must stand further off. The Hurons, who would have deemed such a misfortune the heaviest calamity that could befall them, fell back in a body, taking a position where they were out of earshot, though at the same time they could command a view of the entrance to the lodge. Then, as if satisfied of their safety, the scout left his position, and slowly entered the place. It was silent and gloomy, being tenanted solely by the captive, and lighted by the dying embers of fire, which had been used for the purpose of cookery. Uncus occupied a distant corner in a reclining attitude, being rigidly bound both hands and feet by strong and painful wives. When the frightful object first presented itself to the young Mohican, he did not deign to bestow a single glance on the animal. The scout, who had left David at the door to ascertain they were not observed, thought it prudent to preserve his disguise until assured of their privacy. Instead of speaking, therefore, he exerted himself to enact one of the antics of the animal he represented. The young Mohican, who at first believed his enemies, had sent in a real beast to torment him and try his nerves, detected in those performances that to Hayward had appeared so accurate, certain blemishes, that at once betrayed the counterfeit. Had Hawkeye been aware of the low estimation in which the skillful Uncus held his representation, he would probably have prolonged the entertainment a little in peak. But the scornful expression of the young man's eye admitted of so many constructions that the worthy scout was spared the mortification of such a discovery. As soon, therefore, as David gave the pre-concerted signal, a low hissing sound was heard in the lodge, in place of the fierce growlings of the bear. Uncus had cast his body back against the wall of the hut and closed his eyes, as if willing to exclude so contemptible and disagreeable an object from his sight. But the moment the noise of the serpent was heard, he arose and cast his looks on each side of him, bending his head low and turning it inquiringly in every direction until his keen eye rested on the shaggy monster, where it remained riveted as though fixed by the power of a charm. Again, the same sounds were repeated, evidently preceding from the mouth of the beast. Once more the eyes of the youth roamed over the interior of the lodge and returning to the former resting place he uttered in a deep, suppressed voice. Hawkeye! Cut his bands, said Hawkeye to David, who just then approached them. The singer did as he was ordered and Uncus found his limbs released. At the same moment the dried skin of the animal rattled and presently the scout arose to his feet in proper person. The mohican appeared to comprehend the nature of the attempt his friend had made. Intuitively, neither tongue nor feature betraying another symptom of surprise. When Hawkeye had cast his shaggy vestment, which was done by simply loosening certain thongs of skin, he drew a long glittering knife and put it in the hands of Uncus. The red Hurons are without, he said, let us be ready. At the same time he laid his fingers significantly on another similar weapon, both being fruits of his prowlness among their enemies during the evening. We will go, said Uncus. Wither to the tortoises. They are the children of my grandfather's. Island, said the scout in English. A language he was apt to use when a little abstracted in mind. The same blood runs in your veins, I believe. But time and distance has a little changed its color. What shall we do with the mingos at the door? They count six, and this singer is as good as nothing. The Hurons are posters, said Uncus scornfully. Their totem is a moose, and they run like snails. The Delaware's are children of the tortoise, and they outstrip the deer. Island, there is truth in what you say, and I doubt not, on a rush, you would pass the whole nation and, in a straight race of two miles, would be in and get your breath again. A foreign nave of them all was within hearing of the other village. But the gift of a white man lies more in his arms than in his legs. As for myself, I can brain a Huron as well as a better man, but when it comes to a race, the nays would prove too much for me. Uncus, who had already approached the door in readiness to lead the way, now recoiled and placed himself once more in the bottom of the lodge. But Hawkeye, who was too much occupied with his own thoughts to note the movement, continued speaking more to himself than to his companion. After all, he said, it is unreasonable to keep one man in bondage to the gifts of another. So, Uncus, you had better take the lead while I will put on the skin again, and trust to cunning for one of speed. The young Mohican made no reply, but quietly folded his arms and leaned his body against one of the upright posts that supported the wall of the hut. Well, said the scout looking at him, why do you tarry? There will be time enough for me as the nays will give chase to you at first. Uncus will stay, was the calm reply. For what? To fight with his father's brother and die with the friend of the Delaware's. I, lad, returned Hawkeye, squeezing the hand of Uncus between his own iron fingers. It would have been more like a mingo than a Mohican had you left me. But I thought I would make the offer, seeing that youth commonly loves life. Well, what can't be done by main courage in war must be done by circumvention. Put on the skin. I doubt not you can play the bear nearly as well as myself. Whatever might have been the private opinion of Uncus, of their respective abilities in this particular, his grave countenance manifested no opinion of his superiority. He silently and expeditiously encased himself in the covering of the beast and then awaited such other movements as his more agent companion saw fit to dictate. Now friend, said Hawkeye addressing David, an exchange of garments will be a great convenience to you in as much as you are but little accustomed to the makeshifts of the wilderness. Here, take my hunting shirt and cap and give me your blanket and hat. You must trust me with the book and the spectacles as well as the tutor too. If we ever meet again in better times, you shall have all back again with many thanks into the bargain. David parted with the several articles named with a readiness that would have done great credit to his liberality had he not certainly profited in many particulars by the exchange. Hawkeye was not long assuming his borrowed garments and when his restless eyes were hid behind the glasses and his head was surmounted by the triangular beaver, as their statues were not dissimilar he might readily have passed for the singer by starlight. As soon as these dispositions were made, the scout turned to David and gave him his parting instructions. Are you much given to cowardice? he bluntly asked by way of obtaining a suitable understanding of the whole case before he ventured a prescription. My pursuits are peaceful and my temper, I humbly trust, is greatly given to mercy and love. Return David. A little nettle at so direct an attack on his manhood. But there are none who can say that I have ever forgotten my faith in the Lord, even in the greatest straights. Your chiefest danger will be at the moment when the savages find out they have been deceived. If you are not then knocked on the head, your being a non-composer will protect you. And you'll then have a good reason to expect to die in your bed. If you stay it must be to sit down here in the shadow and take the part of Uncus until such time as the cunning of the Indians discover the cheat, when, as I have already said, your times of trial will come. So choose for yourself to make a rush or tarry here. Even so, said David firmly, I will abide in the place of the Delaware. Bravely and generously has he battled in my behalf, and this and more will I dare in his service. You have spoken as a man, and like one who, under wiser schooling, would have been brought to better things. Hold your head down and draw in your legs. Their formation might tell the truth too early. Keep silent as long as may be, and it would be wise when you do speak to break suddenly in one of your shoutings, which will serve to remind the Indians that you are not altogether as responsible as men should be. If, however, they take your scalp, as I trust and believe they will not, depend on it, Uncus and I will not forget the deed, but revenge it as becomes true warriors and trusty friends. Hold, said David, perceiving that with this assurance they were about to leave him. I am an unworthy and humble follower of one who taught not the damnable principle of revenge. Should I fall, therefore, seek no victims to my mains, but rather forgive my destroyers. And if you remember them at all, let it be in prayers for the enlightening of their minds and for their eternal welfare. The scout hesitated and appeared to Muse. There is a principle in that, he said, different from the law of the woods, and yet it is fair and noble to reflect upon. Then heaving a heavy sigh, probably among the last he ever drew in pining for a condition, he had so long abandoned, he added, It is what I would wish to practice myself, as one without a cross of blood, though it is not always easy to deal with an Indian as you would with a fellow Christian. God bless you, friend. I do believe your scent is not greatly wrong when the matter is duly considered. And keeping eternity before the eyes, though much depends on the natural gifts and the force of temptation. So saying, the scout returned and shook David cordially by the hand. After which act of friendship he immediately left the lodge, attended by the new representative of the beast. The instant Hawkeye found himself under the observation of the Iran's, he drew up his tall form in the rigid manner of David, throughout his arm in the act of keeping tune, and commenced what he intended for an imitation of his psalmody. Happily for the success of this delicate adventure, he had to deal with ears but little practiced in the concord of sweet sounds, or the miserable effort would infallibly have been detected. It was necessary to pass within dangerous proximity of the dark group of the savages, and the voice of the scout grew louder as they drew nire. When at the nearest point, the Huron who spaked the English thrust out on arm and stopped the supposed singing master, The Delaware Dog, he said leaning forward and peering through the dim light to catch the expression of the other's features. Is he afraid? Will the Hurons hear his groans? A growl so exceedingly fierce and natural proceeded from the beast that the young Indian released his hold and started aside, as if to assure himself that it was not a veritable bear, and no counterfeit that was rolling before him. Hawkeye, who feared his voice would betray him to his subtle enemies, gladly profited by the interruption, to break out anew in such a burst of musical expression as would probably in a more refined state of society be termed a grand crash. Among his actual auditors, however, it merely gave him an additional claim to that respect which they never withhold from such as are believed to be the subject of mental alienation. The little knot of Indians drew back in a body and suffered as they thought the conjure and his inspired assistant to proceed. It required no common exercise of fortitude in Uncus and the Scout to continue the dignified and deliberate pace they had assumed in passing the lodge, especially as they immediately perceived that curiosity had so far mastered fear as to induce the watchers to approach the hut in order to witness the effect of the incantations. The least injudicious or impatient movement on the part of David might betray them, and time was absolutely necessary to ensure the safety of the Scout. The loud noise of the ladder conceived it politic to continue, drew many curious gazers to the doors of the different huts as they passed, and once or twice a dark looking warrior stepped across their path, led to the act by superstition and watchfulness. They were not, however, interrupted the darkness of the hour and the boldness of the attempt proving their principal friends. The adventurers had got clear of the village and were now swiftly approaching the shelter of the woods when a loud and long cry arose from the lodge where Uncus had been confined. The Mohican started on his feet and shook his shaggy covering as though the animal he counterfeited was about to make some desperate effort. Hold said the Scout, grasping his friend by the shoulder, let them yell again. It was nothing but wonderment. He had no occasion to delay. For at the next instant a burst of cries filled the outer air and ran along the whole extent of the village. Uncus cast his skin and stepped forth in his own beautiful proportions. Hawkeye tapped him lightly on the shoulder and glided ahead. Now let the devil strike our scent, said the Scout, tearing two rifles with all their intended accoutrements from beneath a bush and flourishing kill-deer as he handed Uncus his weapon. Two at least will find it to their deaths. Then throwing their pieces to a low trail, like sportsmen in readiness for the game, they dash forward and were soon buried in the somber darkness of the forest. End of chapter 26. This reading