 the well-known
appellation, and there was a short period, during which the stoical constancy of
the natives was completely conquered by surprise. The hated and yet respected
name was repeated, as by one voice, carrying the sound even beyond the limits of
the lodge. The women and children, who lingered around the entrance, took up the
words in an echo, which was succeeded by another shrill and plaintive howl. The
latter was not yet ended, when the sensation among the men had entirely abated.
Each one in presence seated himself, as though ashamed of his precipitation, but
it was many minutes before their meaning eyes ceased to roll towards their
captive, in curious examination of a warrior, who had so often proved his
prowess on the best and proudest of their nation.
    Uncas enjoyed his victory, but was content with merely exhibiting his
triumph, by a quiet smile - an emblem of scorn which belongs to all time and
every nation. Magua caught the expression, and raising his arm, he shook it at
the captive - the light silver ornaments attached to his bracelet rattling with
the trembling agitation of the limb, as, in a tone of vengeance, he exclaimed,
in English -
    »Mohican, you die!«
    »The healing waters will never bring the dead Hurons to life!« returned
Uncas, in the music of the Delawares; »the tumbling river washes their bones!
their men are squaws; their women owls. Go - call together the Huron dogs, that
they may look upon a warrior. My nostrils are offended; they scent the blood of
a coward!«
    The latter allusion struck deep, and the injury rankled. Many of the Hurons
understood the strange tongue in which the captive spoke, among which number was
Magua. This cunning savage beheld, and instantly profited by, his advantage.
Dropping the light robe of skin from his shoulder, he stretched forth his arm,
and commenced a burst of his dangerous and artful eloquence. However much his
influence among his people had been impaired by his occasional and besetting
weakness, as well as by his desertion of the tribe, his courage, and his fame as
an orator, were undeniable. He never spoke without auditors, and rarely without
making converts to his opinions. On the present occasion, his native powers were
stimulated by the thirst of revenge.
    He again recounted the events of the attack on the island at Glenn's; the
death of his associates; and the escape of their most formidable enemies. Then
he described the nature and position of the mount whither he had led such
captives as had
