 la Longue Carabine, was not owing
either to shame or fear,« he said; »for neither one nor the other is the gift of
an honest man. But I do not admit the right of the Mingoes to bestow a name on
one, whose friends have been mindful of his gifts, in this particular;
especially, as their title is a lie, kill-deer being a grooved barrel, and no
carabyne. I am the man, however, that got the name of Nathaniel from my kin; the
compliment of Hawk-eye from the Delawares, who live on their own river; and whom
the Iroquois have presumed to style the long rifle, without any warranty from
him who is most concerned in the matter.«
    The eyes of all present, which had hitherto been gravely scanning the person
of Duncan, were now turned, on the instant, towards the upright, iron frame of
this new pretender to the distinguished appellation. It was in no degree
remarkable, that there should be found two who were willing to claim so great an
honour, for impostors, though rare, were not unknown amongst the natives; but it
was altogether material to the just and severe intentions of the Delawares, that
there should be no mistake in the matter. Some of their old men consulted
together, in private, and then, as it would seem, they determined to interrogate
their visiter on the subject.
    »My brother has said that a snake crept into my camp,« said the chief to
Magua; »which is he?«
    The Huron pointed to the scout.
    »Will a wise Delaware believe the barking of a wolf!« exclaimed Duncan,
still more confirmed in the evil intentions of his ancient enemy; »a dog never
lies, but when was a wolf known to speak the truth!«
    The eyes of Magua flashed fire; but suddenly recollecting the necessity of
maintaining his presence of mind, he turned away in silent disdain, well assured
that the sagacity of the Indians would not fail to extract the real merits of
the point in controversy. He was not deceived; for, after another short
consultation, the wary Delaware turned to him again, and expressed the
determination of the chiefs, though in the most considerate language.
    »My brother has been called a liar,« he said; »and his friends are angry.
They will show that he has spoken the truth. Give my prisoners guns, and let
them prove which is the man.«
    Magua affected to consider the expedient, which he well knew proceeded from
distrust of himself, as a compliment
