Latest / Classic Adventure Books Collection / 02 - The Last Of The Mohicans - James Cooper

Transcript

02 - The Last Of The Mohicans - James Cooper · Classic Adventure Books Collection

0:00
Chapter two quote Sola Sola woe ha ho sola unquote by Shakespeare. While one
0:12
of the lovely beings we have so curiously presented to the reader was thus lost
0:17
in thought, the other quickly recovered from the alarm which had induced the exclamation,
0:23
and, laughing at her own weakness, she inquired of the youth who
0:27
rode by her side? Are such specters frequent in the woods, heyward?
0:32
Or is this sight and especial entertainment ordered on our behalf? If the latter,
0:39
gratitude must close our mouths. But if the former, both Cora and
0:44
I shall have need to draw largely on that stock of hereditary courage which we
0:49
boast even before we were made to encounter the redoubtable montcalmb Yon Indian is a
0:55
runner of the army, and after the fashion of his people, he may
1:00
be accounted a hero. Returned the officer he has volunteered to guide us to
1:04
the lake by a path but little known. Sooner than if we followed the
1:10
tardy movements of the column, and by a consequence more agreeably I like him
1:17
not, said the lady, shuddering partly, and assumed yet more in real
1:22
terror. You know him Duncan, or would you not trust yourself so freely
1:27
to his keeping? Say rather, Alice, that I would not trust you
1:33
I do know him, or he would not have my confidence. And least
1:37
of all, at this moment, he is said to be a Canadian too.
1:42
And yet he served with our friends, the Mohawks, who, as
1:45
you know, are one of the six Allied nations. He was brought among
1:49
us, as I have heard, by some strange accident in which your father
1:53
was interested, and in which the savage was rigidly dealt by. But I
1:59
forget the idle tale. It is enough he is now our friend. If
2:05
he has been my father's enemy, I like him still less exclaimed the know
2:09
really anxious girl, Will you not speak to him, Major Heyward, that
2:15
I may hear his tones? Foolish though it may be, you have often
2:20
heard me avow my faith in the tones of the human voice. It would
2:24
be in vain, and answered, most probably by an ejaculation. Though he
2:30
may understand it, he affects, like most of his people, to be
2:32
ignorant of the English. And least of all will he condescend to speak it
2:38
now that the war demands the utmost exercise of his dignity, but he stops
2:46
the private path by which we are to journey is doubtless at hand. The
2:51
conjecture of Major Heyward was true when they reached the spot where the Indians stood,
2:55
Pointing into the thicket that fringed the military road, A narrow and blind
3:00
path which might, with some little inconvenience receive one person at a time,
3:05
became visible. Here then lies our way, said the young man in a
3:10
low voice. Manifest no distrust, or you may invite the danger you appear
3:15
to apprehend. Cora, what think you asked the reluctant fair one. If
3:21
we journey with the troops, though we may find their presence irksome, shall
3:25
we not feel better assurance of our safety, being little accustomed to the practices
3:30
of the savages? Alice, you mistake the place of real danger, said
3:36
Heyward. If enemies have reached the portage at all, a thing by no
3:40
means probable. As our scalps are abroad, they will surely be found skirting
3:46
the column where scalps abound most the route of the detachment is known, while
3:52
ours, having been determined within the hour, must still be secret. Should
3:57
we distrust the man because his men are not our manners, and that his
4:01
skin is dark. Coldly asked Cora Alice hesitated no longer, but giving her
4:08
Narragansett a smart cut of the whip, she was the first to dash aside
4:12
the slight branches of the bushes, and to follow the runner along the dark
4:15
and tangled pathway. Footnote. In the state of Rhode Island, there is
4:19
a bay called Narraganset, so named after a powerful tribe of Indians which formerly
4:25
dwelt on its banks. Accident or one of those unaccountable freaks which nature sometimes
4:30
plays. In the animal world gave rise to a breed of horses which were
4:34
once well known in America and distinguished by their habit of pacing. Horses of
4:41
this race were and are still in much request as saddle horses on account of
4:46
their hardiness and the ease of their movements, as they were also sure of
4:50
foot. The Narraganset were greatly sought for by females who were obliged to travel
4:57
over the roots and holes in the new countries and a footnote. The young
5:02
man regarded the last speaker in open admiration and even permitted her fare, though
5:08
certainly not more beautiful companion to proceed unattended, while he said uselessly opened the
5:14
way himself for the passage of her, who has been called Cora. It
5:19
would seem that the domestics had been previously instructed, for instead of penetrating the
5:25
thicket, they followed the route of the column, a mesure which Heyward stated
5:30
had been dictated by the sagacity of their guide, in order to diminish the
5:34
marks of their trail. If haply the Canadian savages should be lurking so far
5:40
in advance of their army. For many minutes, the intricacy of the route
5:45
admitted of no further dialog, after which they emerged from the broad border of
5:49
underbrush which grew along the line of the highway and entered under the high but
5:55
dark arches of the forest. Here their progress was less interrupted, and the
6:00
instant the guide perceived that the females could command their steeds. He moved on
6:05
at a pace between a trot and a walk, and at a rate which
6:09
kept the surefooted and peculiar animals. They rode at a fast yet easy amble.
6:14
The youth had turned to speak to the dark eyed Cora, when the
6:17
distant sound of horses hoofs clattering over the roots of the broken way in its
6:21
rear caused him to check his charger, and as his companions drew their reins
6:27
at the same instant, the whole party came to a halt in order to
6:30
obtain an explanation of the unlooked for interruption. In a few moments, a
6:36
colt was seen gliding like a fallow deer among the straight trunks of the pines,
6:41
and in another instant, the person of the ungainly man described in the
6:45
preceding chapter came into view with as much rapidity as he could excite his meager
6:50
beasts to endure without coming to an open rupture. Until now his personage had
6:57
escaped the observation of the travelers. If he possessed the power to arrest any
7:00
wondering eye when exhibiting the glories of his altitude on foot, his equestrian graces
7:06
were still more likely to attract attention, notwithstanding a constant application of his one
7:13
armed heel to the flanks of the mare. The most confirmed gait that he
7:16
could establish was a Canterbury gallop with the hind legs, in which those more
7:21
forward assisted for doubtful moments, and generally content to maintain eloping trot. Perhaps
7:29
the rapidity of the changes from one of these paces to the other created an
7:33
optical illusion which might thus magnify the powers of the beast. For it is
7:39
certain that Heyward, who possessed a true eye for the merits of a horse,
7:43
was unable, with his utmost ingenuity to decide by what sort of movement
7:47
his pursuer worked his sinuous way on his footsteps. With such persevering hardihood,
7:55
the industry and the movements of the rider were not less remarkable than those of
7:59
the ridden. At each change in the evolutions of the latter, the former
8:03
raised his tall person in the stirrups, producing in this matter by the undoe
8:07
elongation of his legs such sudden growths and diminishings of the stature as baffled every
8:15
conjecture that might be made as to his dimensions. If to this be added
8:20
the fact, in consequence of the exparte application of the spur, one side
8:24
of the mare appeared to journey faster than the other, and that the aggrieved
8:30
flank was resolutely indicated by unremitted flourishes of a bushy tail. We finished the
8:37
picture of both horse and man. The frown which had gathered around the handsome,
8:41
open and manly brow of Hayward gradually relaxed, and his lips curled into
8:46
a slight smile as he regarded the stranger. Alice made no very powerful effort
8:52
to control her merriment, and even the dark, thoughtful eye of Cora lighted
8:58
with the humor that it would seem the habit rather than nature of its mistress
9:01
repressed. Seek you any here, demanded Heyward, when the other had arrived
9:07
sufficiently nigh to abate his speed. I trust you are no messenger of evil
9:11
tidings. Even so, replied the stranger, making diligent use of his triangular
9:18
castor to produce a circulation in the close air of the woods, and leaving
9:22
his hearers in doubt to which of the young man's questions he responded, When,
9:26
however, he had cooled his face and recovered his breath, he continued,
9:31
I hear you are writing to William Henry, as I am journing thither
9:35
word myself, I concluded good company would seem consistent to the wishes of both
9:41
parties. You appear to possess the privilege of a casting vote, returned,
9:46
Heyward, we are three, while you have consulted no one but yourself.
9:52
Even so, the first point to be obtained is to know one's own mind.
9:58
Once sure of that, and were women and concerned, it is not
10:01
easy. The next is to act up to the decision. I have endeavored
10:07
to do both, and here I am. If you make the journey to
10:11
the lake, you have mistaken your route, said Heyward, haughtily. The
10:15
highway thither is least a half a mile behind you. Even so, replied
10:20
the stranger, nothing daunted by his cold reception. I have tarried at Edward
10:26
a week, and I should be dumb not to have inquired the road I
10:30
was to journey. And if dumb, there would be an end to my
10:33
calling. After simpering in a small way, like one whose modesty prohibited a
10:39
more open expression of his admiration of a witticism that was perfectly unintelligible to his
10:45
hearers, he continued, is it not prudent for any one of my profession
10:50
to be too familiar with those he has to instruct? For which reason I
10:54
follow not the line of the army, Besides which I conclude that a gentleman
11:00
of your character is the best judgment in matters of wayfaring. I have therefore
11:05
decided to join company in order that the ride may be made agreeable and partake
11:09
of social communion. A most arbitrary, if not a hasty decision, exclaimed
11:15
Heyward, undecided whether to give vent to his growing anger or to laugh in
11:20
the other's face. But you speak of instruction and of a profession. Are
11:24
you an adjunct to the provincial corps as a master of the noble science of
11:28
defense and offense? Or perhaps you're the one who draws lines and angles under
11:33
the pretense of expounding the mathematics. The stranger regarded his interrogreator for a moment
11:39
in wonder, and then, losing every mark of self satisfaction, in an
11:45
expression of solemn humility, he answered, of offense, I hope there is
11:50
none to either party. Of defense, I make none, by God's good
11:54
mercy, having committed no palpable sin since last entreating his pardoning Great, I
12:01
understand not your allusions about lines and angles, and I leave expounding to those
12:05
who have been called and set apart for that holy office. I lay claim
12:09
through no higher gift than a small insight into the glorious art of petitioning and
12:15
thanksgiving as practice in Psalmoity. This man is most manifestly a disciple of Apollo,
12:22
cried the amused Alice. And I take him under my own especial protection.
12:26
Nay, throw aside that frown heyward, and in pity to my longing
12:31
ears, suffer him to journey in our trade. Besides, she added in
12:35
a low and hurried voice, casting a glance at the distant Cora, who
12:39
slowly followed the footsteps of their silent but sullen guide. It may be a
12:43
friend added to her strength in the time of need, think you, Alice,
12:48
I would trust those I loved by this secret path. Did I imagine
12:52
such need could happen? Nay, nay, I think not of it now.
12:58
But this strange man amuses me. And if he hath music in his
13:01
soul, let us not courlyously reject his company. She pointed persuasively along the
13:07
path with her riding whip, while her eyes met in a look which the
13:11
young men lingered a moment to prolong. Then, yielding to her gentle influence,
13:16
he clapped his spurs to his charger, and in a few bounds was
13:20
again at the side of Cora. I am glad to encounter thee friend,
13:24
continued the maiden, waving her hand to the stranger to proceed, as she
13:30
urged her narro against to renew its amble. Partial relatives have almost persuaded me
13:35
that I am not entirely worthless in a duet myself. And we may enliven
13:41
our wayfaring by indulging in our favorite pursuit. It might be of signal advantage
13:46
to one ignorant as I, to hear the opinions and experience of a master
13:50
of the art. It is refreshing both to the spirits and the body to
13:54
indulge in psalmody in befitting seasons, returned the master of song, unhesitatingly,
14:01
complying with her intimation to follow. And nothing would relieve the mind more than
14:05
such a consoling communion. But four parts are altogether necessary for the perfection of
14:11
melody. You have all the manifestations of a soft and rich trouble. I
14:16
can buy a special aid carry a full tenor to the highest letter, but
14:22
we lack counter and base yon. Officer of the King, who hesitated to
14:26
admit me to his company, might fill the letter if one may judge from
14:31
the intonations of his voice in common dialog. Judge not too rashly from hasty
14:35
and deceptive appearances, said the lady, smiling. Though Major Heyward can assume
14:41
such deep notes on occasion, believe me his natural tones are better fitted to
14:46
a mellow tenor than the base you heard. Is he then much practiced in
14:50
the art of psalmody, demanded her simple companion, Alice, felt disposed to
14:56
laugh, though she succeeded in suppressing her merriment. She answered, I apprehend
15:03
that he is rather addicted to profane song. The chances of a soldier's life
15:07
are but little fitted to the encouragement of more sober inclinations. Man's voice was
15:13
given to him, like his other talents, to be used and not to
15:18
be abused. None can say they have ever known me to neglect my gifts.
15:22
I am thankful that, through my boyhood may be said to have been
15:26
set apart, like the youth of the Royal David, for the purposes of
15:31
music. No syllable of rude verse has ever profaned my lips. You have
15:37
then limited your efforts to sacred song, even so as the psalms of David
15:43
exceed all other language. So does the psalmody that has been fitted to them
15:48
by the divines and sages of the land surpass all vain poetry. Happily,
15:54
I may say that I utter nothing but the thoughts and wishes of the King
15:58
of Israel himself. For though the times may call for some slight changes,
16:03
yet does this version which we use in the colonies of New England so much
16:07
exceed all other versions, that, by its richness, its exactness, and
16:12
its spiritual simplicity, it approacheth as near as may be, the great work
16:18
of the inspired writer. I never abide in any place, sleeping or waking
16:23
without an example of this gifted work. Tis the sixth and twentieth edition promulgated
16:30
at Boston, Agno Domini, seventeen forty four, and is entitled The Psalms,
16:37
Hymns and Spiritual Songs of the Old and New Testaments, Faithfully translated into
16:44
English meter for the use, edification and comfort of the Saints in public and
16:49
private, especially in New England. During his euloquium on the rare production of
16:56
his native poets, the Stranger had drawn the book from him his pocket,
17:00
and fitting a pair of iron rimmed spectacles to his nose, opened the volume
17:04
with a care and veneration suited to its sacred purposes. Then, without circumlocution
17:11
or apology, first pronounced the word standish, and placing the unknown engine already
17:17
described to his mouth, from which he drew a high, shrill sound that
17:21
was followed by an octave below from his own voice. He commenced singing the
17:25
following words in full, sweet and melodious tones that set the music, the
17:30
poetry, and even the uneasy motion of his ill trained beast at defiance.
17:36
How good it is o c and how it pleaseth well together Ian in unity
17:41
for brethren, so to dwell. It's like the choice ointment from the head
17:47
to the beard did go down aaron's head, that downward went his garment skirts.
17:52
Unto the delivery of these skillful rhymes was accompanied on the part of the
17:56
stranger by a regular rise and fall of his right hand, which terminated at
18:00
the descent, by suffering the fingers to dwell a moment on the leaves of
18:03
the little volume, and on assent by a flourish of the member. As
18:08
none but the initiated might ever hope to imitate, it would seem long practice
18:14
had rendered this manual accompaniment necessary, for it did not cease until the proposition
18:19
which the poet had selected for the close of his verse had been duly delivered,
18:25
like a word of two syllables. Such an innovation on the silence and
18:30
the retirement of the forest could not fail to enlist the ears of those who
18:33
journeyed at so short a distance. In advance. The Indian muttered a few
18:37
words in broken English to Heyward, who, in his turn spoke to the
18:41
stranger, at once interrupting and for the time closing his musical efforts. Though
18:45
we are not in danger, common prudence would teach us to journey through this
18:49
wilderness and as quiet a manner as possible. You will then pardon me,
18:55
Alice, should I diminish your enjoyments by requesting this gentleman to postpone him chance
19:00
until a safer opportunity, you will diminish them. Indeed, returned the arch
19:06
girl, for never did I hear a more unworthy conjunction of execution and language
19:11
than that to which I have been listening, And I was far gone in
19:15
a learned inquiry into the causes of such an unfitness between sound and sense when
19:21
you broke the charm of my musing by that bass of yours. Duncan I
19:26
know not what you call my bass, said Heyward, piqued at her remark,
19:30
But I know that your safety, in that of Cora, is far
19:33
dearer to me than could be any orchestra of Handel's music. He paused and
19:38
turned his head quickly toward a thicket, and then bent his eyes suspiciously on
19:42
their guide, who continued his steady face in undisturbed gravity. The young man
19:48
smiled to himself, for he believed he had mistaken some shining berry of the
19:52
woods for the glistening eyeballs of a prowling savage. As he rode forward,
19:57
continuing the conversation which had been interrupted by the passing thought, Major Heyward was
20:03
mistaken only in suffering his youthful and generous pride to suppress his active watchfulness.
20:10
The cavalcade had not long passed before the branches of the bushes that formed the
20:15
thicket were cautiously moved asunder, and a human visage as fiercely wild as savage
20:21
art and unbridled passions could make it peered out on the retiring footsteps of the
20:25
travelers. A gleam of exultation shot across the darkly painted lineaments of the inhabitant
20:30
of the forest as he traced the route of his intended victims, who rode
20:34
unconsciously onward. The light and graceful forms of the females waving among the trees
20:40
in the curvatures of their path, followed at each bend by the manly figure
20:44
of Hayward, until finally the shapeless person of the Singing Master was concealed behind
20:49
the numberless trunks of trees that rose in dark lines in the intermediate space.
20:56
End of Chapter two