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26 - The Last Of The Mohicans - James Cooper · Adventure Books Library

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Chapter twenty six quote but let me play the lion too unquote from Midsummer Night's
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Dream. Notwithstanding the high resolution of Hawkeye, he fully comprehended all the difficulties
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in danger he was about to incur in his return to the camp. His
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acute and practiced intellects were intently engaged in devising means to counteract the watchfulness and
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suspicion on the part of his enemies that he knew were in no degree inferior
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to his own. Nothing but the color of his skin had saved the lives
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of Magua and the Conjurer, who would have been the first victim sacrificed to
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his own security, had not the scout believed such an act, however congenial
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it might be to the nature of an Indian, utterly unworthy of one who
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boasted a descent from men who knew no cross of blood. Accordingly, he
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trusted to the wives and ligaments with which he had bound his captives, and
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pursued his way directly toward the center of the lodges. As he approached the
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buildings, his steps become more deliberate, and his vigilant eye suffered no sign,
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whether friendly or hostile to escape him. A neglected hut was a little
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in advance of the others, and appeared as if it had been deserted when
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half completed, most probably on account of failing in some of the more important
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requisites, such as wood or water. A faint light glimmered through its cracks,
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however, and announced that, notwithstanding its imperfect structure, it was not
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without a tenant. Thither then the scout proceeded like a prudent general who was
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about to feel the advanced positions of his enemy before he hazarded the main attack.
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Throwing himself into a suitable posture for the beast he represented, Hawkeye crawled
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to a little opening, where he might command a view of the interior.
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It proved to be the abiding place of David Gamut. Hither the faithful singing
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Master had now brought himself together with all his sorrows, his apprehensions, and
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his meek dependence on the protection of Providence, at the precise moment when his
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ungainly person came under the observation of the scout in the manner just mentioned,
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the woodsman himself, though in his assumed character, was the subject of the
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solitary being's profounded reflections. However, implicit the faith of David was in the
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performance of ancient miracles, he essueed the belief of any direct supernatural agency in
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the management of modern morality. In other words, while he had implicit faith
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in the ability of Balem's ass to speak, he was somewhat skeptical on the
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subject of a bear singing. And yet he had been assured of the latter
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on the testimony of his own exquisite organs. There was something in his air
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and manner that betrayed to the scalp the utter confusion of the state of his
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mind. He was seated on a pile of brush, a few twigs from
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which occasionally fed his low fire, with his head leaning on his arm in
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a posture of melancholy, musing the costume of the votary of music. Had
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undergone no other alteration from that so lately described, except that he had covered
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his bald head with the triangular beaver, which had not proved sufficiently alluring to
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excite the cupidity of any of his captors. The ingenious Hawkeye, who recalled
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the hasty manner in which the other had abandoned his post at the bedside of
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the sick woman was not without his suspicions concerning the subject of so much solemn
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deliberation. First making the circuit of the hut, and ascertaining that it stood
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quite alone, and that the character of his inmate was likely to protect it
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from visitors, he ventured through its low door into the very presence of Gamut.
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The position of the latter brought the fire between them, and when Hawkeye
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had seated himself on end, near a minute lapsed, during which the two
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remained regarding each other without speaking. The suddenness and the nature of the surprise
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had nearly proved too much for we will not say the philosophy, but for
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the pitch and resolution of David. He fumbled for his pitch pipe and arose
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with a confused intention of attempting a musical exorcism. S dark and mysterious monster,
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he exclaimed, while with trembling hands he disposed of his auxiliary eyes and
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his never failing resource in trouble, the gifted version of the Psalms. I
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know not your nature nor intense, but if aught you meditate against the person
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and rights of one of the humblest servants of the temple, listen to the
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inspired language of the youth of Israel and repent. The bear shook his saggy
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sides, and then a well known voice replied, put up the touting weapon
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and teach your throat modesty. Five words of plain and comprehendible English are worth
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just now an hour of squalling? What art thou demanded? David, utterly
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disqualified to pursue his original intention, and nearly gasping for breath. A man
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like yourself, and one who is blood is as little tainted by the cross
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of a bear or an Indian as your own? Have you so soon forgotten
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from whom you receive the foolish instrument you hold in your hand? Can these
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things be returned? David, breathing more freely as the truth began to dawn
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upon him. I have found many marvels during my sojourn with the heathen,
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but surely nothing to excel this. Come, Come, returned Hawkeye, uncasing
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his honest countenance, the better to assure the wavering confidence of his companion.
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You may see a skin, which, if it be not as white as
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one of the gentle ones, has no tinge of red to it. That
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the winds of heaven and son have not bestowed. Now led us to business.
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First, tell me of the maiden and of the youth who so bravely
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sought her, interrupted David. I they are happily freed from the tomahawks of
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these varlets. But can you put me on the scent of Uncas. The
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young man is in bondie, and much I fear his death is decreed.
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I greatly mourned that one so well disposed should die in his ignorance, and
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I have sought a goodly hymn. Can you lead me to him? The
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task will not be difficult, returned David, hesitating, though I greatly fear
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your presence would rather increase than mitigate his unhappy fortunes. No more words,
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but lead on, returned Hawkeye, concealing his face again and setting the example
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in his own person by instantly quitting the lodge. As they proceeded, The
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scout ascertained that his companion found access to Uncas under privilege of his imaginary infirmity,
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aided by the favor he had acquired with one of the guards, who,
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in consequence of speaking a little English, had been selected by David as
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the subject of a religious conversion. How far the huron comprehended. The intentions
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of his new friend may well be doubted, but as exclusive attention is as
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flattering to a savage as a more civilized individual, it had produced the effect
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we have mentioned. It is unnecessary to repeat the shrewd manner with which the
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scout extracted these particulars from the simple David. Neither shall we dwell in this
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place on the nature of the instruction he delivered, when completely master of all
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the necessary facts, as the whole will be sufficiently explained to the reader in
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the course of the narrative. The lodge in which Uncas was confined was in
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the very center of the village, and in a situation perhaps more difficult than
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any other to approach or leave without observation. But it was not the policy
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of Hawkeye to effect the least concealment. Presuming on his disguise and his ability
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to sustain the character he had assumed, he took the most plain and direct
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route to the place. The hour, however, afforded him some little of
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that protection which he appeared so much to despise. The boys were already buried
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in sleep, and all the women and most of the warriors had retired to
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their lodges for the night. Four or five of the latter only lingered about
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the door of the prison of uncas, weary but close observers of the manner
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of their captive. At the sight of Gamut, accompanied by one in the
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well known masquerade of their most distinguished conjurer, they readily made way for them.
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Both. Still they betrayed no intention to depart. On the other hand,
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they were evidently disposed to remain bound to the place by an additional interest
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in the mysterious mummeries that they, of course expected from such a visit.
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From the total inability of the scout to address the Hurons in their own language,
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he was compelled to trust the conversation entirely to David. Notwithstanding the simplicity
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of the latter, he did ample justice to the instructions he had received,
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more than fulfilling the strongest hopes of his teacher. The Delawares are women,
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he exclaimed, addressing himself to the savage, who had a slight understanding of
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the language in which he spoke, the Youngeese. My foolish countrymen have told
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them to take up the tomahawk and strike their fathers in the candidates, and
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they have forgotten their sex. Does my brother wish to hear they serve a
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gel esque for his petticoats, and see him weep before the Hurons at the
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stake. The exclamation huh, delivered in a strong tone of assent, announced
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the gratification the savage would receive in witnessing such an exhibition of weakness in an
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enemy so long hated and so much feared. Then let him step aside,
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and the cunning man will blow upon the dog. Tell it to my brothers.
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The Huron explained the meaning of David to his fellows, who in their
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turn listened to the project with that sort of satisfaction that their untamed spirits might
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be expected to find in such a refinement in cruelty. They drew back a
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little from the entrance and motioned to the supposed conjure to enter. But the
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bear, instead of obeying, maintained the seat it had taken and growled.
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The cunning man is afraid that his breath will blow upon his brothers and take
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away their courage to continued David. Improving the hint he received, they must
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stand further off the Hurons, who would have deemed such a misfortune. The
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heaviest calamity that could befall them fell back in a body, taking a position
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where they were out of earshot, though at the same time they could command
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a view of the entrance to the lodge. Then, as if satisfied of
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their safety, the scout left his position and slowly entered the place. It
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was silent and gloomy, being tenanted solely by the captive, and lighted by
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the dying embers of fire which had been used for the purpose of cookery.
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Uncas occupied a distant corner in a reclining attitude, being rigidly bound both hands
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and feet by strong and painful wives. When the frightful object first presented itself
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to the young Mohican, he did not deign to bestow a single glance on
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the animal. The scout, who had left David at the door to ascertain
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they were not observed, thought it prudent to preserve his disguise until assured of
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their privacy. Instead of speaking. Therefore, he exerted himself to enact one
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of the antics of the animal he represented. The young Mohiquan, who at
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first believed his enemies had sent in a real beast to torment him and try
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his nerves detected in the performances that to Heyward had appeared so accurate, certain
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blemishes that at once betrayed the counterfeit. Had Hawkeye been aware of the low
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estimation in which the skillful Uncas held his representation, he would probably have prolonged
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the entertainment a little in pique. But the scornful expression of the young man's
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eye admitted of so many constructions that the worthy scout was spared the mortification of
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such a discovery. As soon therefore, as David gave the preconcerted signal,
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a low, hissing sound was heard in the lodge in place of the fierce
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growlings of the bear. Uncas had cast his body back against the wall of
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the hut and closed his eyes, as willing to exclude so contemptible and disagreeable
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an object from his sight. But the moment the noise of the serpent was
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heard, he arose and cast his looks on each side of him, bending
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his head low and turning it inquiringly in every direction, until his keen eye
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rested on the shaggy monster, where it remained riveted, as though fixed by
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the power of a charm. Again, the same sounds were repeated, evidently
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proceeding from the mouth of the beast. Once more, the eyes of the
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youth roamed over the interior of the lodge, and returning to the former resting
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place, he uttered in a deep suppressed voice. Ow God got his bands,
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said Hawkeye to David, who just then approached them. The singer did
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as he was ordered, and Uncas found his limbs released. At the same
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moment, the dried skin of the animal rattled, and presently the scout rose
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to his feet in proper person. The Mohican appeared to comprehend the nature of
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the attempt his friend had made, intuitively, neither tongue nor feature, betraying
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another symptom of surprise. When Hawkeye had cast his shaggy vestment, which was
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done by simply loosing certain thongs of skin, he drew a long, glittering
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knife and put it in the hands of Uncas. The red Hurons are without,
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he said, let us be ready. At the same time he laid
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his fingers significantly on another similar weapon, both being fruits of his proudness among
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their enemies. During the evening, we will go, said Uncas, whither
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to the tortoises. They are the children of my grandfather's high, lad,
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said the scout in English, a language he was apt to use when a
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little abstracted in mind. The same blood runs in your veins, I believe,
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but time in distance has a little changed its color. What shall we
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do with the mingoes at the door? They count six, And this singer
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is as good as nothing. The Hurons are posters, said Uncas scornfully.
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Their totem is a mouse, and they run like snails. The delawares are
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children of the tortoise, and they outstrip the deer eye. Lad, there
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is truth in what you say, and I doubt not on a rush you
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would pass the whole nation, and in a straight race of two miles would
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be in and get your breath again. A foreign knave of them all was
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within hearing of the other village. But the gift of a white man lies
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more in his arms than in his legs. As for myself, I can
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brain a uron as well as a better man. But when it comes to
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a race, the knaves would prove too much for me. Uncas, who
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had already approached the door in readiness to lead the way, now recoiled and
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placed himself once more in the bottom of the lodge. But Hawkeye, who
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was too much occupied with his own thoughts to note the movement, continued,
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speaking more to himself than to his companion. After all, he said,
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it is unreasonable to keep one man in bondage to the gifts of another,
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So Uncas you had better take the lead, while I will put on the
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skin again and trust to Cunning for want of speed. The young Mohican made
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no reply, but quietly folded his arms and leaned his body against one of
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the upright posts that supported the wall of the hut. Well, said the
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scout, looking at him, Why do you tarry? There will be time
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enough for me, as the knaves will give chase to you at first.
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Uncus will stay, was the calm reply. For what to fight with his
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father's brother and die with the friend of the delawares Aye Lad, returned Hawkeye,
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squeezing the hand of Uncas between his own iron fingers. Twould have been
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more like a Mingo than a Mohican had you left me. But I thought
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I would make the offer, seeing that youth commonly loves life. Well,
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what can't be done by main courage and war must be done by circumvention put
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on the skin. I doubt not you can play the bear nearly as well
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as myself. Whatever might have been the private opinion of Uncas of their respective
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abilities in this particular, his grave countenance manifested no opinion of his superiority.
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He silently and expeditiously encased himself in the covering of the beast, and then
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awaited such other movements as his more aged companion saw fit to dictate. Now,
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friend, said Hawkeye, addressing David, an exchange of garments will be
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a great convenience to you, inasmuch as you are but little accustomed to the
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makeshifts of the wilderness. Here take my hunting shirt and cap, and give
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me your blanket and hat. You must trust me with the book and the
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spectacles, as well as the tutor too. If we ever meet again in
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better times, you shall have all back again, with many thanks into the
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bargain. David parted with the several articles named with a readiness that would have
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done great credit to his liberality, had he not certainly profited in many particulars
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by the exchange. Hawkeye was not long assuming his bowered garments, and when
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his restless eyes were hid behind the glasses, and his head was surmounted by
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the triangular beaver. As their statures were not dissimilar, he might readily have
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passed for the singer by starlight. As soon as these dispositions were made,
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the scout turned to David and gave him his parting instructions. Are you much
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given to cowardice, he bluntly asked, by way of obtaining a suitable understanding
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of the whole case, before he ventured a prescription. My pursuits are peaceful,
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and my temper I humbly trust is greatly given to mercy and love,
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returned David, a little nettled at so direct an attack on his manhood.
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But there are none who can say that I have ever forgotten my faith in
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the Lord, even in the greatest straits. Your chiefest danger will be at
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the moment when the savages find out they have been deceived. If you are
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not then knocked on the head, your being a non composer will protect you,
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and you'll then have a good reason to expect to die in your bed.
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If you stay, it must be to sit down here in the shadow
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and take the part of uncas until such time as the cunning of the Indians
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discover the cheat when, as I have already said, your times of trial
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will come. So choose for yourself to make a rush or tarry here even
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sou said David firmly, I will abide in the place of the delaware.
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Bravely and generously has he battled in my behalf, And this and more will
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I dare in his surface. You have spoken as a man, and like
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one who under wiser schooling would have been brought to better things. Hold your
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head down and draw in your legs. Their formation might tell the truth too
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early. Keep silent as long as may be, and it would be wise,
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when you do speak, to break suddenly in one of your shoutings,
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which will serve to remind the Indians that you are not altogether as responsible as
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men should be. If, however, they take your scalp as I trust
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and believe they will not depend upon it uncas, and I will not forget
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the deed, but revenge it as becomes true warriors and trusty friends hood,
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said David, perceiving that with this assurance they were about to leave him.
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I am an unworthy and humble follower of one who taught not the damnable principle
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of revenge should I fall, therefore, seek no victims to my mans,
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but rather forgive my destroyers. And if you remember them at all, let
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it be in prayers for the enlightening of their minds and for their eternal welfare.
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The scout hesitated and appeared to muse. There is a principle in that,
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he said, different from the law of the woods, and yet it
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is fair and noble to reflect upon. Then, heaving a heavy sigh,
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probably among the last he ever drew, in pining for a condition he had
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so long abandoned, he added, it is what I would wish to practice
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myself as one without a cross of blood. Though it is not always easy
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to deal with an Indian as you would with a fellow Christian. God bless
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you, friend. I do believe your scent is not greatly wrong when the
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matter is duly considered and keeping eternity before the eyes, though much depends on
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the natural gifts and the force of temptation. So saying, the scout returned
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and shook David cordially by the hand, after which act of friendship he immediately
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left the lodge, attended by the new representative of the Beast the instant hawkeye
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found himself under the observation of the Irans. He drew up his tall form
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in the rigid manner of David, threw out his arm in the act of
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keeping tune, and commenced what he intended for an imitation of issalmity. Happily,
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for the success of this delicate adventure he had to deal with ears,
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but little practiced in the concord of sweet sounds, or the miserable effort would
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infallibly have been detected. It was necessary to pass with in dangerous proximity of
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the dark group of the savages, and the voice of the scout grew louder
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as they drew nigher, when at the nearest point, the Huron who spake
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the English, thrust out on arm and stopped the supposed singing master. The
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delaware dog, he said, leaning forward and peering through the dim light to
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catch the expression of the other's features. Is he afraid? Will the hurrahs
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hear his groans? A growl so exceedingly fierce and natural proceeded from the beast
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that the young Indian released his hold and started aside, as if to assure
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himself that it was not a veritable bear, and no counterfeit that was rolling
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before him. Hawkeye, who feared his voice would betray him to his subtle
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enemies, gladly profited by the interruption to break out anew in such a burst
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of musical expression, as would probably in a more refined state of society,
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be termed a grand crash among his actual auditors. However, it merely gave
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him an additional claim to that respect which they never withhold from such as are
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believed to be the subject of mental alienation. The little nod of Indians drew
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back in a body and suffered, as they thought the Conjure and his inspired
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assistant. It required no common exercise of fortitude in Uncas and the Scout to
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continue the dignified and deliberate pace they had assumed in passing the lodge, especially
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as they immediately perceived that curiosity had so far mastered fear as to induce the
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watchers to approach the hut in order to witness the effect of the incantations.
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The least injudicious or impatient movement on the part of David might betray them,
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and time was absolutely necessary to ensure the safety of the scout. The loud
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noise. The latter conceived it politic to continue, drew many curious gazers to
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the doors of the different huts as they passed, and once or twice a
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dark looking warrior stepped across their path. Led to the act by superstition and
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watchfulness, they were not, however, interrupted, the darkness of the hour
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and the boldness of the attempt proving their principal friends. The adventurers had got
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clear of the village and were now swiftly approaching the shelter of the woods,
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when a loud and long cry arose from the lodge where Uncas had been confined.
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The Mohicans started on his feet and shook his shaggy covering, as though
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the animal he counterfeited was about to make some desperate effort. Hold, said
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the scout, grasping his friend by the shoulder. Let them yell again,
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twas nothing but wonderment. He had no occasion to delay, for at the
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next instant a burst of cries filled the outer air and ran along the whole
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extent of the village. Uncas cast his skin and stepped forth in his own
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beautiful proportions. Hawkeye tapped him lightly on the shoulder and glided ahead. Now
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let the devil strike our scent, said the scout, tearing two rifles with
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all their intended accouterments from beneath a bush, and flourish and kill deer.
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As he handed Uncas his weapon, too, at least will find it to
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their deaths. Then, throwing their pieces to a low trail, like sportsmen
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in readiness for their game, they dashed forward and were soon buried in the
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somber darkness of the forest. End of Chapter twenty six.