the movement, and he perceived that the animal just mentioned was beautifully, though faintly, worked in
blue tint, on the swarthy breast of the chief. All that he had ever heard of the violent separation of the
vast tribes of the Delawares rushed across his mind, and he awaited the proper moment to speak, with
a suspense that was rendered nearly intolerable by his interest in the stake. His wish, however, was
anticipated by the scout who turned from his red friend, saying:
We have found that which may be good or evil to us, as heaven disposes. The Sagamore is of the high
blood of the Delawares, and is the great chief of their Tortoises! That some of this stock are among
the people of whom the singer tells us, is plain by his words; and, had he but spent half the breath in
prudent questions that he has blown away in making a trumpet of his throat, we might have known how
many warriors they numbered. It is, altogether, a dangerous path we move in; for a friend whose face is
turned from you often bears a bloodier mind than the enemy who seeks your scalp.
Explain, said Duncan.
'Tis a long and melancholy tradition, and one I little like to think of; for it is not to be denied that the evil
has been mainly done by men with white skins. But it has ended in turning the tomahawk of brother
against brother, and brought the Mingo and the Delaware to travel in the same path.
You, then, suspect it is a portion of that people among whom Cora resides?
The scout nodded his head in assent, though he seemed anxious to waive the further discussion of a
subject that appeared painful. The impatient Duncan now made several hasty and desperate propositions
to attempt the release of the sisters. Munro seemed to shake off his apathy, and listened to the wild
schemes of the young man with a deference that his gray hairs and reverend years should have denied.
But the scout, after suffering the ardor of the lover to expend itself a little, found means to convince him
of the folly of precipitation, in a manner that would require their coolest judgment and utmost fortitude.
It would be well, he added, to let this man go in again, as usual, and for him to tarry in the lodges,
giving notice to the gentle ones of our approach, until we call him out, by signal, to consult. You know
the cry of a crow, friend, from the whistle of the whip-poor-will?
'Tis a pleasing bird, returned David, and has a soft and melancholy note! though the time is rather
quick and ill-measured.
He speaks of the wish-ton-wish, said the scout; well, since you like his whistle, it shall be your signal.
Remember, then, when you hear the whip-poor-will's call three times repeated, you are to come into the
bushes where the bird might be supposed - -
Stop, interrupted Heyward; I will accompany him.
You! exclaimed the astonished Hawkeye; are you tired of seeing the sun rise and set?
David is a living proof that the Hurons can be merciful.
Ay, but David can use his throat, as no man in his senses would pervart the gift.
I too can play the madman, the fool, the hero; in short, any or everything to rescue her I love. Name
your objections no longer: I am resolved.
Hawkeye regarded the young man a moment in speechless amazement. But Duncan, who, in deference
to the other's skill and services, had hitherto submitted somewhat implicitly to his dictation, now assumed
the superior, with a manner that was not easily resisted. He waved his hand, in sign of his dislike to all
remonstrance, and then, in more tempered language, he continued: