 to dwell on the charms of
natural objects; and, as the scout had not found it necessary to cease his
culinary labours while he spoke, unless to point out, with a broken fork, the
direction of some particularly obnoxious point in the rebellious stream, they
now suffered their attention to be drawn to the necessary though more vulgar
consideration of their supper.
    The repast, which was greatly aided by the addition of a few delicacies,
that Heyward had the precaution to bring with him, when they left their horses,
was exceedingly refreshing to the wearied party. Uncas acted as attendant to the
females, performing all the little offices within his power, with a mixture of
dignity and anxious grace, that served to amuse Heyward, who well knew that it
was an utter innovation on the Indian customs, which forbid their warriors to
descend to any menial employment, especially in favour of their women. As the
rites of hospitality were, however, considered sacred among them, this little
departure from the dignity of manhood excited no audible comment. Had there been
one there sufficiently disengaged to become a close observer, he might have
fancied that the services of the young chief were not entirely impartial. That,
while he tendered to Alice the gourd of sweet water, and the venison in a
trencher, neatly carved from the knot of the pepperage, with sufficient
courtesy, in performing the same offices to her sister, his dark eye lingered on
her rich, speaking, countenance. Once or twice he was compelled to speak, to
command the attention of those he served. In such cases, he made use of English,
broken and imperfect, but sufficiently intelligible, and which he rendered so
mild and musical, by his14 deep, guttural voice, that it never failed to cause
both ladies to look up in admiration and astonishment. In the course of these
civilities, a few sentences were exchanged, that served to establish the
appearance of an amicable intercourse between the parties.
    In the meanwhile, the gravity of Chingachgook remained immovable. He had
seated himself more within the circle of light, where the frequent, uneasy
glances of his guests were better enabled to separate the natural expression of
his face, from the artificial terrors of the war-paint. They found a strong
resemblance between father and son, with the difference that might be expected
from age and hardship. The fierceness of his countenance now seemed to slumber,
and in its place was to be seen the quiet, vacant composure, which distinguishes
an Indian warrior, when his faculties are not required for any of the greater
purposes of his existence. It was
