, or tried to harm, forgive us. I suppose natur' seeks this relief, by way
of getting a pardon on 'arth, as we never can know whether He pardons, who is
all in all, 'till judgment itself comes. It's soothing to know that any pardon,
at such times, and that I conclude is the secret. Now, as for myself, I overlook
altogether your designs ag'in my life; first, because no harm came of 'em; next,
because it's your gifts, and natur' and trainin', and I ought not to have
trusted you, at all; and, finally and chiefly, because I can bear no ill will to
a dying man, whether heathen or christian. So put your heart at ease, so far as
I'm consarned; you know best what other matters ought to trouble you, or what
ought to give you satisfaction in so trying a moment.«
    It is probable that the Indian had some of the fearful glimpses of the
unknown state of being, which God, in mercy, seems, at times, to afford to all
the human race, but they were necessarily in conformity with his habits and
prejudices. Like most of his people, and like too many of our own, he thought
more of dying in a way to gain applause among those he left, than to secure a
better state of existence, hereafter. While Deerslayer was speaking, his mind
was a little bewildered, though he felt that the intention was good; and when he
had done, a regret passed over his spirit that none of his own tribe were
present to witness his stoicism, under extreme bodily suffering, and the
firmness with which he met his end. With the high, innate courtesy that so often
distinguishes the Indian warrior, before he becomes corrupted by too much
intercourse with the worst class of the white men, he endeavored to express his
thankfulness for the other's good intentions, and to let him understand that
they were appreciated.
    »Good!« he repeated, for this was an English word much used by savages -
»good - young head; young heart, too. Old heart tough; no shed tear. Hear Indian
when he die, and no want to lie - what he call him?«
    »Deerslayer is the name I bear now, though the Delawares have said that when
I get back from this war-path, I shall bear a more manly title, provided I can
'arn one.«
    »That good name for boy - poor name