she said. »It is best father and you should be quiet
and peaceable, 'till I have spoken to the Iroquois, when all will be well and
happy. I do'n't wish either of you to follow, but leave me to myself. As soon as
all is settled, and you are at liberty to go back to the castle, I will come and
let you know it.«
    Hetty spoke with so much simple earnestness, seemed so confident of success,
and wore so high an air of moral feeling and truth, that both the listeners felt
more disposed to attach an importance to her mediation, than might otherwise
have happened. When she manifested an intention to quit them, therefore, they
offered no obstacle, though they saw she was about to join the group of chiefs
who were consulting apart, seemingly on the manner and motive of her own sudden
appearance.
    When Hist - for so we love best, to call her - quitted her companion, she
strayed near one or two of the elder warriors, who had shown her most kindness
in her captivity, the principal man of whom, had even offered to adopt her as
his child, if she would consent to become a Huron. In taking this direction, the
shrewd girl did so to invite inquiry. She was too well trained in the habits of
her people, to obtrude the opinions of one of her sex and years on men and
warriors, but nature had furnished a tact and ingenuity that enabled her to
attract the attention she desired, without wounding the pride of those to whom
it was her duty to defer, and respect. Even her affected indifference stimulated
curiosity, and Hetty had hardly reached the side of her father, before the
Delaware girl was brought within the circle of the warriors, by a secret but
significant gesture. Here she was questioned as to the person of her companion,
and the motives that had brought her to the camp. This was all that Hist
desired. She explained the manner in which she had detected the weakness of
Hetty's reason, rather exaggerating than lessening the deficiency in her
intellect, and then she related, in general terms, the object of the girl in
venturing among her enemies. The effect was all that the speaker expected, her
account investing the person and character of their visitor with a sacredness
and respect, that she well knew would prove her protection. As soon as her own
purpose was attained, Hist withdrew to a distance, where, with female
consideration, and a sisterly tenderness she set about the preparation of a
meal, to be offered