 relieved from a burthen of doubt, as the
proud and determined, though wild, expression of the features of the young
warrior forced itself on their notice. They felt it might be a being partially
benighted in the vale of ignorance, but it could not be one who would willingly
devote his rich natural gifts to the purposes of wanton treachery. The ingenuous
Alice gazed at his free air and proud carriage, as she would have looked upon
some precious relic of the Grecian chisel, to which life had been imparted, by
the intervention of a miracle; while Heyward, though accustomed to see the
perfection of form which abounds among the uncorrupted natives, openly expressed
his admiration at such an unblemished specimen of the noblest proportions of
man.
    »I could sleep in peace,« whispered Alice, in reply, »with such a fearless
and generous looking youth for my sentinel. Surely, Duncan, those cruel murders,
those terrific scenes of torture, of which we read and hear so much, are never
acted in the presence of such as he!«
    »This, certainly, is a rare and brilliant instance of those natural
qualities, in which these peculiar people are said to excel,« he answered. »I
agree with you, Alice, in thinking that such a front and eye were formed rather
to intimidate than to deceive; but let us not practise a deception on ourselves,
by expecting any other exhibition of what we esteem virtue, than according to
the fashion of a savage. As bright examples of great qualities are but too
uncommon among christians, so are they singular and solitary with the Indians;
though, for the honour of our common nature, neither are incapable of producing
them. Let us then hope, that this Mohican may not disappoint our wishes, but
prove, what his looks assert him to be, a brave and constant friend.«
    »Now Major Heyward speaks, as Major Heyward should,« said Cora; »who, that
looks at this creature of nature, remembers the shades of his skin!«
    A short, and apparently an embarrassed, silence succeeded this remark, which
was interrupted by the scout calling to them aloud, to enter.
    »This fire begins to show too bright a flame,« he continued, as they
complied, »and might light the Mingoes to our undoing. Uncas, drop the blanket,
and show the knaves its dark side. This is not such a supper as a major of the
Royal Americans has a right to expect, but I've known stout detachments of the
corps glad to eat their venison raw, and
