d
will prevent the Iroquois from venturing again to visit it for a long
time to come."

"That it will! Yes, that may be set down as sartain. I do not mean to
pass this-a-way, ag'in, so long as the war lasts, for, to my mind no
Huron moccasin will leave its print on the leaves of this forest,
until their traditions have forgotten to tell their young men of their
disgrace and rout."

"And do you so delight in violence and bloodshed? I had thought better
of you, Deerslayer--believed you one who could find his happiness in
a quiet domestic home, with an attached and loving wife ready to study
your wishes, and healthy and dutiful children anxious to follow in your
footsteps, and to become as honest and just as yourself."

"Lord, Judith, what a tongue you're mistress of! Speech and looks go
hand in hand, like, and what one can't do, the other is pretty sartain
to perform! Such a gal, in a month, might spoil the stoutest warrior in
the colony."

"And am I then so mistaken? Do you really love war, Deerslayer, better
than the hearth, and the affections?"

"I understand your meaning, gal; yes, I do understand what you mean, I
believe, though I don't think you altogether understand me. Warrior I
may now call myself, I suppose, for I've both fou't and conquered, which
is sufficient for the name; neither will I deny that I've feelin's
for the callin', which is both manful and honorable when carried on
accordin' to nat'ral gifts, but I've no relish for blood. Youth is
youth, howsever, and a Mingo is a Mingo. If the young men of this region
stood by, and suffered the vagabonds to overrun the land, why, we might
as well all turn Frenchers at once, and give up country and kin. I'm no
fire eater, Judith, or one that likes fightin' for fightin's sake, but I
can see no great difference atween givin' up territory afore a war, out
of a dread of war, and givin' it up a'ter a war, because we can't help
it, onless it be that the last is the most manful and honorable."

"No woman would ever wish to see her husband or brother stand by and
submit to insult and wrong, Deerslayer, however she might mourn the
necessity of his running into the dangers of battle. But, you've done
enough already, in clearing this region of the Hurons; since to you
is principally owing the credit of our late victory. Now, listen to
me patiently, and answer me with that native honesty, which it is as
pleasant to regard in one of your sex, as it is unusual to meet w