 both the attentive Mohicans in a breath; while the scout
shook his head with the air of one who had made an important, but by no means a
pleasing discovery. Then the father spoke, in the language of the Delawares, and
with a calmness and dignity that instantly arrested the attention even of those,
to whom his words were unintelligible. His gestures were impressive, and, at
times, energetic. Once he lifted his arm on high, and as it descended, the
action threw aside the folds of his light mantle, a finger resting on his
breast, as if he would enforce his meaning by the attitude. Duncan's eyes
followed the movement, and he perceived that the animal just mentioned was
beautifully, though faintly, worked in a 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 is 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,
