 present feelings,
induced him to prepare to depart. The Delaware got the canoe ready for his
friend, as soon as apprised of his intention, while Hist busied herself in
making the few arrangements that were thought necessary to his comfort. All this
was done without ostentation, but in a way that left Deerslayer fully acquainted
with, and equally disposed to appreciate, the motive. When all was ready, both
returned to the side of Judith and Hetty, neither of whom had moved from the
spot where the young hunter sat.
    »The best fri'nds must often part,« the last began, when he saw the whole
party grouped around him - »yes, fri'ndship can't alter the ways of Providence,
and let our feelin's be as they may, we must part. I've often thought there's
moments when our words dwell longer on the mind than common, and when advice is
remembered, just because the mouth that gives it, is n't likely to give it
ag'in. No one knows what will happen in this world, and therefore it may be
well, when fri'nds separate under a likelihood that the parting may be long, to
say a few words in kindness, as a sort of keepsakes. If all but one will go into
the Ark, I'll talk to each in turn, and what is more, I'll listen to what you
may have to say back ag'in, for it's a poor counsellor that won't take as well
as give.«
    As the meaning of the speaker was understood, the two Indians immediately
withdrew as desired, leaving the sisters, however, still standing at the young
man's side. A look of Deerslayer's induced Judith to explain.
    »You can advise Hetty as you land,« she said hastily, »for I intend that she
shall accompany you to the shore.«
    »Is this wise, Judith? It's true, that under common sarcumstances a
feeble-mind is a great protection among red-skins, but when their feelin's are
up, and they're bent on revenge, it's hard to say what may come to pass. Besides
-«
    »What were you about to say, Deerslayer?« asked Judith, whose gentleness of
voice and manner amounted nearly to tenderness, though she struggled hard to
keep her emotions and apprehensions in subjection.
    »Why, simply that there are sights and doin's that one even as little gifted
with reason and memory as
