'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 do n'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 with.«
    Judith paused, for now that she was on the very point of explaining herself,
native modesty asserted its power, notwithstanding the encouragement and
confidence she derived from the great simplicity of her companion's character.
Her cheeks, which had so lately been pale, flushed, and her eyes lighted with
some of their former brilliancy. Feeling gave expression to her countenance and
softness to her voice, rendering her who was always beautiful, trebly seductive
and winning.
    »Deerslayer,« she said, after a considerable pause, »this is not a
