Latest / Adventure Books Collection / 16 - The Last Of The Mohicans - James Cooper

Transcript

16 - The Last Of The Mohicans - James Cooper · Adventure Books Collection

0:00
Chapter sixteen, quote E. D g. Before you fight the battle Ope
0:07
this letter unquote from lear Major Heyward, found Monroe, attended only by his
0:15
daughters. Alice sat upon his knee, parting the gray hairs of the forehead
0:21
of the old man with her delicate fingers, and whenever he effected to frown
0:26
on her trifling, appeasing his assumed anger by pressing her ruby lips fondly on
0:32
his wrinkled brow. Cora was seated nigh them, a calm and amused looker
0:38
on, regarding the wayward movements of her more youthful sister, with that species
0:44
of maternal fondness which characterized her love for Alice. Not only the dangers through
0:50
which they had passed, but those which still impended above them, appeared to
0:55
be momentarily forgotten in the soothing indulgence of such a family meeting. It seemed
1:02
as if they had profited by the short truce to devote an instant to the
1:06
purest and best affection, the daughters forgetting their fears, and the veteran his
1:11
cares. In the security of the moment of this scene, Duncan, who
1:17
in his eagerness to report his arrival, had entered unannounced, stood many moments
1:23
an unobserved and a delighted spectator, But the quick and dancing eyes of Alice
1:29
soon caught a glimpse of his figure reflected from a glass, and she sprang,
1:34
blushing from her father's knee, exclaiming aloud, Major Hayward, what of
1:40
the lad demanded her father, I have sent him to crack a little with
1:45
the frenchman. Ah, Sir, you are young, and you are nimble
1:51
away with ye ye bag age, as if there were not troubles enough for
1:55
a soldier without having his camp filled with such prattling hussies as yourself. Alice
2:00
laughingly followed her sister, who instantly led the way from an apartment where she
2:06
perceived their presence was no longer desirable. Monroe, instead of demanding the result
2:12
of the young man's mission, paced the room for a few moments with his
2:15
hands behind his back and his head inclined toward the floor, like a man
2:22
lost in thought. At length, he raised his eyes, glistening with a
2:27
father's fondness, and exclaimed, they are a pair of excellent girls, Heyward,
2:32
and such as any one may boast of, you are not now to
2:38
learn my opinion of your daughter's colonel Monrou True, lad True, interrupted the
2:44
impatient old man. You were about opening your mind more fully on that matter
2:49
the day you got in. But I did not think it becoming in an
2:53
old soldier to be talking of nuptial blessings and wedding jokes when the enemies of
2:59
his king were likely to be unbidden guessed at the feast. But I was
3:04
wrong, Duncan boy, I was wrong there, and I am now ready
3:08
to hear what you have to say, notwithstanding the pleasure your assurance gives me.
3:14
Dear Sir, I have just now a message from one calm. Let
3:19
the Frenchman and all his hosts go to the devil, Sir, exclaimed the
3:24
hasty veteran. He has not yet master of William Henry, nor shall he
3:30
ever be, provided Webb proves himself the man he should no, sir,
3:36
Thank Heaven, we are not yet in such a strait that it can be
3:39
said Monroe is too much pressed to discharge the little domestic duties of his own
3:45
family. Your mother was the only child of my bosom friend, Duncan,
3:51
and I'll just give you a hearing. Though all the knights of Saint Louis,
3:55
were he in a body at the sally Port with the French ain't at
4:00
their head crying to speak a word under favor. A pretty degree of knighthood,
4:04
sir, is that which can be brought with sugar hogsheads. And then
4:11
your two penny mark, you sates the thistle is the order for dignity and
4:16
antiguity, the veritable neimo me impune la sit of chivalry. He had ancestors
4:25
in that degree, Duncan, and they were an ornament to the nobles of
4:30
Scotland. Heyward, who perceived that his superior took a malicious pleasure in exhibiting
4:35
his contempt for the message of the French general, was fain to humor,
4:40
a spleen that he knew would be short lived. He therefore replied with as
4:45
much indifference as he could assume on such a subject. My request, as
4:50
you know, Sir, went so far as to presume the honor of being
4:57
your son. Ah, you found words to make yourself very plainly comprehended.
5:05
But let me ask ye, sir, have you been as intelligible to the
5:11
girl? Oh? My honor, no, exclaimed Duncan warmly. There would
5:16
have been an abuse of a confided trust. Had I taken advantage of my
5:20
situation for such a purpose. Your notions are those of a gentleman, Major
5:27
Heyward, and well enough in their place. But Cora Monroe is a maiden
5:32
too discreet and of a mind too elevated and improved to need the guardianship even
5:39
of a father. Cora, I, Cora, we are talking of your
5:45
pretensions to miss Monroe, are we not, sir? I I was not
5:51
conscious of having mentioned her name, said Duncan, stammering, And to marry
5:57
whom? Then did you wish? My concer, Major Heyward, demanded the
6:01
old soldier, erecting himself in the dignity of offended feeling. You have another
6:09
and not less lovely child, Alice, exclaimed the father, in an astonishment
6:15
equal to that with which Duncan had just repeated the name of her sister.
6:19
Such was the direction of my wishes, sir. The young man waited in
6:26
silence, the result of the extraordinary effect produced by communication, which, as
6:30
it now appeared, was so unexpected. For several minutes Monroe paced the chamber
6:36
with long and rapid strides, his rigid features working convulsively, and every faculty
6:44
seemingly absorbed in the musings of his own mind. At length, he paused
6:48
directly in front of Heyward, and riveting his eyes upon those of the other,
6:54
he said, with a lip that quivered violently, Duncan Hayward, I
7:00
have loved you for the sake of him whose blood is in your veins.
7:03
I have loved you for your own good qualities. And I have loved you
7:08
because I thought you would contribute to the happiness of my child. But all
7:13
this love would turn to hatred where I assured that what I so much apprehend
7:18
is true. God forbid that any act or thought of mine should lead to
7:25
such a change, exclaimed the young man, whose eye never quailed under the
7:30
penetrating look it encountered. Without adverting to the impossibility of the others comprehending those
7:36
feelings which were hid in his own Bosom Monroe suffered himself to be appeased by
7:43
the unaltered countenance he meant, and with a voice sensibly softened, he continued,
7:49
he would be my son, Duncan, and you're ignorant of the history
7:54
the man you wish to call your father. Sit ye down, young man,
7:59
and I will open to you the wounds of a sacred heart in as
8:03
few words as may be suitable. By this time the message of Montcalm was
8:09
as much forgotten by him who bored as by the man for whose ears it
8:13
was intended. Each drew a chair, and while the veteran communed a few
8:18
moments with his own thoughts, apparently in sadness, the youth suppressed his impatience
8:26
in a look and attitude of respectful attention. At length, the former spoke,
8:31
you know already, Major Heyward, that my family was both ancient and
8:39
honorable, commenced the Scotsman, though it might not altogether be endowed with that
8:46
amount of wealth that should correspond with its degree. I was maybe such an
8:54
one as yourself when I plighted my faith to Alice Graham, the only child
9:01
of a neighboring laird of some estate. But the connection was disagreeable to her
9:07
father on more accounts than my poverty. I did, therefore what an honest
9:13
man should, restored the maiden her troth, and departed the country in the
9:18
service of my king. I had seen many regions, and had shed much
9:24
blood in different lands before duty called me to the islands of the West Indies.
9:30
There it was my lot to form a connection with one who in time
9:35
became my wife and the mother of Cora. She was the daughter of a
9:41
gentleman of those isles, by a lady whose misfortunate was, if you will,
9:46
said the old man, proudly to be descended remotely from that unfortunate class,
9:54
who are so basely enslaved to administer to the wants of a luxurious people.
10:01
Ay, sir, that is a curse entailed on Scotland by her unnatural
10:05
union with a foreign and trading people. But could I find a man among
10:13
them who would dare to reflect on my child? He should feel the weight
10:16
of a father's anger. Ha, Major Heyward, you are yourself born at
10:22
the South, where these unfortunate beings are considered of a race inferior to your
10:28
own. Tis most unfortunately true, sir, said duncan unable any longer to
10:35
prevent his eyes from sinking to the floor in embarrassment. And you cast it
10:39
on my child as a reproach. You scorned to mingle the blood of the
10:46
Heywards with one so degraded. Lovely and virtuous, though she be fiercely demanded
10:52
the jealous parent Heaven protect me from a prejudice so unworthy of my reason,
10:58
returned Duncan, at the same time, conscious of such a feeling, and
11:03
that as deeply rooted as if it had been engrafted in his nature. The
11:09
sweetness, the beauty, the witchery of your younger daughter, Colonel Monroe might
11:16
explain my motives without imputing to me this injustice. Ye are right, sir,
11:24
returned the old man again, changing his tones to those of gentleness,
11:28
or rather softness. That girl is the image of what her mother was at
11:35
her years, and before she had become acquainted with grief. When death deprived
11:41
me of my wife, I returned to Scotland enriched by the marriage. And
11:48
would you think it, Duncan, the suffering angel had remained in the heartless
11:52
state of celebracy twenty long years, and that for the sake of a man
12:01
who could forget her, she did more, sir. She overlooked my want
12:07
of faith, and all difficulties being now removed, she took me for her
12:13
husband and became the mother of Alice, exclaimed Duncan, with an eagerness that
12:18
might have proved dangerous at a moment when the thoughts of Monroe were less occupied
12:22
than at present she did, indeed, said the old man, And dearly
12:28
did she pay for the blessing she bestowed. But she is a saint in
12:33
heaven, Sir, and it ill becomes one whose foot rest on the grave
12:37
to mourn a lot so blessed. I had her been a single year,
12:41
though a short term of happiness for one who had seen her youth fade in
12:48
hopeless pining. There was something so commanding in the distress of the old man
12:54
that Heyward did not dare to venture a syllable of consolation. Monroe sat utterly,
13:01
unconscious of the other's presence, his features exposed and working with the anguish
13:07
of his regrets, while heavy tears fell from his eyes and rolled unheeded from
13:13
his cheeks to the floor. At length he moved, and as if suddenly
13:20
recovering his recollection, when he arose, and taking a single turn across the
13:24
room, he approached his companion with an air of military grandeur, and demanded,
13:31
have ye not, Majored Hayward, some communication that I should hear from
13:37
the Marquis de del Marcme Duncan started in his turn, and immediately commenced in
13:45
an embarrassed voice. The half forgotten message. It is unnecessary to dwell upon
13:50
the evasive, though polite manner with which the French general had eluded every attempt
13:56
of Heyward to warm from him the purport of the communication he had proposed making,
14:03
or on the decided, though still polished message by which he now gave
14:07
his enemy to understand that unless he chose to receive it in person, he
14:13
should not receive it at all. As Munroe listened to the detail of Duncan,
14:18
the excited feelings of the father gradually gave way before the obligations of his
14:24
station, And when the other was done, he saw before him nothing but
14:30
the veteran swelling with the wounded feelings of a soldier. Ye have said enough,
14:37
Major Heyward, exclaimed the angry old man, enough to make a volume
14:41
of commentary on French civility. Here has this gentleman invited me to a conference,
14:48
and when I sent him a capable substitute, figure out of that Duncan
14:52
their yet years beef few, He answers me with a riddle. Ye may
14:58
have thought less favorably of the substitute, my dear sir, And you will
15:03
remember that the invitation which he now repeats was to the commandant of the works,
15:09
and not to his second, who, well, Sir, is not
15:13
a substitute clothed with all the powder and dignity of him who grants the commission
15:20
he wishes to confer with Monroe faith, Sir, I have much inclination to
15:26
indulge the man, if it should only be to let him behold the firm
15:31
countenance we maintain in spite of his numbers and his summons, there might not
15:37
be bad policy in such a stroke. Young Man Duncan, who believed it
15:43
of the last importance that they should speedily come to the contents of the letter
15:48
borne by the scout, gladly encouraged this idea. Without a doubt. He
15:54
could gather no confidence by witnessing our indifference. He said, you never said
16:02
a truer word. I could wish, Sir, that he would visit the
16:06
works in open day and in the forum of a storming party. That is
16:11
the least failing method of proving the countenance of an enemy, and would be
16:18
far preferable to the battering system he has chosen. But the beauty and manliness
16:25
of warfare has been much deformed Major Heyward by the arts of Monsieur Vauban,
16:33
our ancestors were far above such scientific cowardice. It may be very true,
16:40
sir, but we are now obliged to repel art by art. What is
16:47
your pleasure in the matter of the interview? I will meet the Frenchman,
16:52
and that without fear or delay. Promptly, sir, as becomes a servant
16:57
of my royal master, go Major Heyward and give them a flourish of the
17:03
music, and send out a messenger to let them know who is coming.
17:07
We will follow with a small guard, for such respect is due to one
17:11
who holds the honor of his king in keeping. And harkye duncan he added
17:18
in a half whisper, Though they were alone, it may be prudent to
17:22
have some aid at hand in case there should be treachery at the bottom of
17:27
it all. The young man availed himself of this order to quit the apartment,
17:33
and as the day was fast coming to a close, he hastened without
17:37
delay to make the necessary arrangements at very few minutes, only where necessary,
17:44
to pray a few files, and to despatch an orderly with a flag to
17:48
announce the approach of the commandant of the fort. When Duncan had done both
17:52
these. He led the guard to the sally port, near which he found
17:56
his superior ready waiting his appearance. As soon as the usual ceremonials of a
18:02
military departure were observed, the veteran and his more youthful companion left the fortress,
18:08
attended by the escort. They had proceeded only a few hundred yards from
18:14
the works when the little array which attended the French general to the conference was
18:18
seen issuing from a hollow way which formed the bed of a brook that ran
18:23
between the batteries of the besiegers and the fort From the moment that Monroe left
18:29
his own works to appear in front of his enemies, his heir had been
18:33
grand, and his step and countenance highly military. The instant he caught a
18:41
glimpse of the white plume that waved in the hat of Montcalm. His eye
18:45
lighted an age no longer appeared to possess any influence over his vast and steel
18:52
muscular person. Speak to the boys. To be watchfun, sir, he
18:59
said, in an eye undertoned to Duncan, and to look well to their
19:03
fins and steel, for one is never safe with a servant of these louise.
19:08
At the same time, we shall show them the front of men in
19:12
deep security. Ye'll understand me, Major Heyward. He was interrupted by the
19:18
clamor of a drum from the approaching Frenchman, which was immediately answered when each
19:22
party pushed and orderly in advance, bearing a white flag, and the warry
19:27
Scotsman halted with his guard close at his back. As soon as this slight
19:33
salutation had passed, Montcalm moved toward them with a quick but graceful step,
19:40
bearing his head to the veteran and dropping his spotless plume neatly to the earth
19:45
in courtesy. If the air of Monroe was more commanding and manly, it
19:52
wanted both the ease and insinuating polish of that of the Frenchman. Neither spoke
19:57
for a few moments, each regarding the other with curious and interested eyes.
20:04
Then, as became his superior rank and the nature of the interview, Montcalm
20:11
broke the silence. After uttering the usual words of greeting, he turned to
20:15
Duncan and continued with a smile of recognition, speaking always in French, I
20:22
am rejoiced, monsieur, that you have given us the pleasure of your company
20:26
on this occasion, there will be no necessity to employ an ordinary interpreter,
20:33
for in your hands I feel the same security as if I spoke your language
20:38
myself. Duncan acknowledged the compliment, when Montcalm, turning to his guard,
20:45
which in imitation of that of their enemies, pressed close upon him, continued
20:49
and arie masafants if fal chald retiree vau old peu. Before Major Heyward could
20:57
imitate this proof of confidevidence, he glanced his eyes around the plane and beheld
21:03
with uneasiness the numerous dusky groups of savages who looked out from the margin of
21:08
the surrounding woods, curious spectators of the interview. Monsieur deig Montcalm will readily
21:15
acknowledge the difference in our situation, he said, with some embarrassment, pointing
21:21
at the same time toward those danger's foes, who were to be seen in
21:25
almost every direction. Were we to dismiss our guard, we should stand here
21:30
at the mercy of our enemies. Monsieur, you have the plighted faith of
21:36
un gentulum francaise for your safety, returned Montcalm, laying his hand impressively on
21:44
his heart, it should suffice, it shall fall back, Duncan added to
21:49
the officer who led the escort, fall back, Sir, beyond hearing and
21:55
wait for orders. Monroe witnessed this movement with manifest uneasy, Nor did he
22:02
fail to demand an instant explanation. Is it not our interests, sir,
22:07
to betray distrust? Retorted Duncan. Monsieur de Montcalm pledges his word for our
22:14
safety, and I have ordered the men to withdraw a little in order to
22:18
prove how much we depend on his assurance. Yet may be all right,
22:22
sir, but I have no overwhelming reliance on the faith of these marquesses or
22:29
my keys. As they tell themselves, their patents of nobility are too common
22:34
to be certain that they bear the seal of true honor. You forget,
22:40
dear Sir, that we confer with an officer distinguished alike in Europe and America
22:45
for his deeds from a soldier of his reputation, we can have nothing to
22:52
apprehend. The old man made a gesture of resignation, though his rigid features
22:57
still betrayed his obstinate adherence to a distrust which he derived from a sort of
23:03
hereditary contempt of his enemy, rather than from any present signs which might warrant
23:10
so uncharitable. A feeling Montcalm waited patiently until this little dialog in demi voice
23:17
was ended. When he drew Nigher and opened the subject of their conference.
23:22
I have solicited this interview from your superior Monsieur, he said, because I
23:29
believe he will allow himself to be persuaded, that he has already done everything
23:34
which is necessary for the honor of his prince, and will now listen to
23:41
the admonitions of humanity. I will forever bear testimony that his resistance has been
23:48
gallant and has continued as long as there was hope. When this opening was
23:53
translated to Monroe, he answered with dignity, but with sufficient curtis. See,
24:00
however I may prize such testimony from Monsieur Mancombe. It will be more
24:06
valuable when it shall be better merited. The French general smiled as Duncan gave
24:11
him the purport of his reply, and observed, what is so freely accorded
24:17
to approved courage may be refused to useless obstinacy. Monsieur would wish to see
24:23
my camp and witness for himself are numbers, and the impossibility of his resisting
24:30
them with success. I know that the King of Frances well served, returned
24:37
the unmoved Scotsman, as soon as Duncan ended his translation. That my own
24:41
master has as many and as faithful troops, though not at hand fortunately for
24:48
us, said Montcalm, without waiting in his ardor for the interpreter. There
24:55
is destiny in war to which a brave man knows how to submit with the
25:00
same courage that he faces his foes. Had I been conscious that Monsieur Montcalm
25:07
was a master of the English, I should have spared myself the trouble of
25:11
so awkward a translation, said the vexed Duncan, dryly, remembering instantly his
25:17
recent by play with Monroe. Your pardon, monsieur, rejoined the Frenchman,
25:22
suffering a slight color to appear in his dark cheek. There is a vast
25:27
difference between understanding and speaking a foreign tongue. You will therefore please to assist
25:33
me. Still, then, after a short pause, he added, these
25:38
hills afford us every opportunity of reconnoitering your works, monsieurs, and I am
25:45
possibly as well acquainted with their weak condition. As you can be yourselves.
25:52
Ask the French general if he has glasses to reach the Hudson, said Monroe
25:56
proudly, And if he knows when and where to expect the army of Webb,
26:00
let General web Be his own interpreter, returned the politic Montcalm, suddenly
26:07
extending an open letter toward Monroe. As he spoke, ye, will they
26:11
learn, monsieur, that his movements are not likely to prove embarrassing to my
26:18
army. The veteran seized the offered paper, without waiting for Duncan to translate
26:23
the speech, and with an eagerness that betrayed how important he deemed its contents.
26:30
As his eyes passed hastily over the words, his countenance changed from its
26:34
look of military pride to one of deep chagrin. His lip began to quiver,
26:42
and, suffering the paper to fall from his hand, his head dropped
26:47
upon his chest, like that of a man whose hopes were withered in a
26:52
single blow. Duncan caught the letter from the ground, and, without apology
26:57
for the liberty he took, he read at a glance its cruel report their
27:03
common superior, so far from encouraging them to resist advised a speedy surrender,
27:12
urging in the plainest language as a reason the utter impossibility of his sending a
27:18
single man to their rescue. Here is no deception, exclaimed Duncan, examining
27:26
the billet both inside and out. This is the signature of Webb and must
27:32
be the captured letter. The man has betrayed me, Monroe at length bitterly
27:37
exclaimed. He has brought dishonor to the door of one where disgrace has never
27:44
before known to dwell, And shame has he reaped heavily on my gray hairs.
27:49
Say not so, cried Duncan. We are yet masters of the fort
27:56
and of our honor. Let us then sell our lives at such a rate
28:00
as shall make our enemies believe the purchase too. Dear boy, I thank
28:04
thee, exclaimed the old man, rousing himself from his stupor. You have
28:10
for once reminded Monroe of his duty. We will go back and dig our
28:15
graves behind those ramparts, monsieurs, said montcalm, advancing toward them a step
28:22
in generous interest. You little know, Louise de Saint Valin, if you
28:27
believe him capable of profiting by this letter to humble brave men, or to
28:33
build up a dishonest reputation for himself. Listen to my terms before you leave
28:40
me. What said is the frenchman, demanded the veteran sternly, does he
28:45
make a merit of having captured a scout with a note from headquarters? Sir,
28:52
he had better raise his siege to go and sit before Edward if he
28:55
wishes to frighten his enemy with words, Duncan explained the other, meaning Monseilles
29:00
mantues, we will hear you. The veteran added, more calmly as Duncan
29:06
ended. To retain the forte is now impossible, said his liberal enemy.
29:14
It is necessary in the interest of my master that it should be destroyed.
29:19
But as for yourself and your brave comrades, there is no privilege, dear
29:26
a soldier that shall be denied. Are colors? Demanded, Heyward, Carry
29:32
them to England and show them to your king our arms keep them. None
29:40
can use them better our march. The surrender of the place shall be done
29:47
in a way most honorable to yourselves. Duncan now turned to explain these proposals
29:52
to his commander, who heard them with amazement and a sensibility that was deeply
29:59
touched by soigny usual and unexpected generosity. Go you, Duncan, he said,
30:04
go with this marquise, as indeed marquise he should be. Go to
30:10
his marquis and arrange it all. I have lived to see two things in
30:15
my old age that never did I expect to behold an Englishman afraid to support
30:22
a friend, and a Frenchman too honest to profit by his advantage. So
30:29
saying, the veteran again dropped his head to his chest and returned slowly toward
30:34
the fort, exhibiting by the dejection of his heir to the anxious garrison a
30:40
harbinger of evil tidings. From the shock of this unexpected blow, the haughty
30:45
feelings of Monroe never recovered, but from that moment there commenced a change in
30:52
his determined character which accompanied him to a speedy grave. Duncan remained to settle
31:00
the terms of the capitulation. He was seen to re enter the works during
31:03
the first watches of the night, and immediately after a private conference with the
31:08
commonant to leave them again. It was then openly announced that hostilities must cease.
31:18
Monroe, having signed a treaty by which the place was to be yielded
31:21
to the enemy. With the morning the garrison to retain their arms, the
31:26
colors, and their baggage, and consequently, according to military opinion, their
31:32
honor. End of Chapter sixteen