Cut his bands, said Hawkeye to David, who just then approached them.

The singer did as he was ordered, and Uncas found his limbs released. At the same moment the dried skin of the animal rattled, and presently the scout arose to his feet, in proper person. The Mohican appeared to comprehend the nature of the attempt his friend had made, intuitively, neither tongue nor feature betraying another symptom of surprise. When Hawkeye had cast his shaggy vestment, which was done by simply loosing certain thongs of skin, he drew a long, glittering knife, and put it in the hands of Uncas.

The red Hurons are without, he said; let us be ready. At the same time he laid hisfinger significantly on another similar weapon, both being the fruits of his prowess among their enemies during the evening.

We will go, said Uncas.

Whither?

To the Tortoises; they are the children of my grandfathers.

Ay, lad, said the scout in English - a language he was apt to use when a little abstracted in mind; the same blood runs in your veins, I believe; but time and distance has a little changed its color. What shall we do with the Mingoes at the door? They count six, and this singer is as good as nothing.

The Hurons are boasters, said Uncas, scornfully; their totem is a moose, and they run like snails. The Delawares are children of the tortoise, and they outstrip the deer.

Ay, lad, there is truth in what you say; and I doubt not, on a rush, you would pass the whole nation; and, in a straight race of two miles, would be in, and get your breath again, afore a knave of them all was within hearing of the other village. But the gift of a white man lies more in his arms than in his legs. As for myself, I can brain a Huron as well as a better man; but when it comes to a race the knaves would prove too much for me.

Uncas, who had already approached the door, in readiness to lead the way, now recoiled, and placed himself, once more, in the bottom of the lodge. But Hawkeye, who was too much occupied with his own thoughts to note the movement, continued speaking more to himself than to his companion.

After all, he said, it is unreasonable to keep one man in bondage to the gifts of another. So, Uncas, you had better take the lead, while I will put on the skin again, and trust to cunning for want of speed.

The young Mohican made no reply, but quietly folded his arms, and leaned his body against one of the upright posts that supported the wall of the hut.

Well, said the scout looking up at him, why do you tarry? There will be time enough for me, as the knaves will give chase to you at first.

Uncas will stay, was the calm reply.

For what?

To fight with his father's brother, and die with the friend of the Delawares.

Ay, lad, returned Hawkeye, squeezing the hand of Uncas between his own iron fingers; 'twould have been more like a Mingo than a Mohican had you left me. But I thought I would make the offer, seeing that youth commonly loves life. Well, what can't be done by main courage, in war, must be done by circumvention. Put on the skin; I doubt not you can play the bear nearly as well as myself.

Whatever might have been the private opinion of Uncas of their respective abilities in this particular, his grave countenance manifested no opinion of his superiority. He silently and expeditiously encased