but tell him truth. I
have lived in the woods for forty long years, and have spent five at a time
without seeing the light of a clearing, bigger than a wind-row in the trees, and
I should like to know where you'll find a man, in his sixty-eighth year, who can
get an easier living, for all your betterments, and your deer-laws; and, as for
honesty, or doing what's right between man and man, I'll not turn my back to the
longest winded deacon on your Patent.«
    »Thou art an exception, Leather-stocking,« returned the Judge, nodding
good-naturedly at the hunter; »for thou hast a temperance unusual in thy class,
and a hardihood exceeding thy years. But this youth is made of materials too
precious to be wasted in the forest. I entreat thee to join my family, if it be
but till thy arm be healed. My daughter here, who is mistress of my dwelling,
will tell thee that thou art welcome.«
    »Certainly,« said Elizabeth, whose earnestness was a little checked by
female reserve. »The unfortunate would be welcome at any time, but doubly so,
when we feel that we have occasioned the evil ourselves.«
    »Yes,« said Richard, »and if you relish turkey, young man, there are plenty
in the coops, and of the best kind, I can assure you.«
    Finding himself thus ably seconded, Marmaduke pushed his advantage to the
utmost. He entered into a detail of the duties that would attend the situation,
and circumstantially mentioned the reward, and all those points which are deemed
of importance among men of business. The youth listened in extreme agitation.
There was an evident contest in his feelings; at times he appeared to wish
eagerly for the change, and then again, the incomprehensible expression of
disgust would cross his features, like a dark cloud obscuring a noon-day sun.
    The Indian, in whose manner the depression of self-abasement was most
powerfully exhibited, listened to the offers of the Judge, with an interest that
increased with each syllable. Gradually he drew nigher to the group, and when,
with his keen glance, he detected the most marked evidence of yielding in the
countenance of his young companion, he changed at once from his attitude and
look of shame, to the front of an Indian warrior, and moving, with great
dignity, closer to the parties, he spoke -
    »Listen to your Father,« he said; »