die in your bed. If you stay, it must be to sit down
here in the shadow, and take the part of Uncas, until such times as the
cunning of the Indians discover the cheat, when, as I have already said,
your time 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 out 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, Uncas 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 manes, 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 practise, 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 Hurons,
he drew up his tall form in the rigid manner of David, th