canvass lying within an inch of the lid.
    »Here's a full cargo,« said Deerslayer, eyeing the arrangement, »and we had
needs go to work leisurely, and at our ease. Sarpent, bring some stools, while I
spread this blanket on the floor, and then we'll begin work orderly, and in
comfort.«
    The Delaware complied, Deerslayer civilly placed a stool for Judith, took
one himself, and commenced the removal of the canvas covering. This was done
deliberately, and in as cautious a manner, as if it were believed that fabrics
of a delicate construction lay hidden beneath. When the canvass was removed, the
first articles that came in view were some of the habiliments of the male sex.
They were of fine materials, and, according to the fashions of the age, were gay
in colours, and rich in ornaments. One coat in particular was of scarlet, and
had button holes worked in gold thread. Still it was not military, but was part
of the attire of a civilian of condition, at a period when social rank was
rigidly respected in dress. Chingachgook could not refrain from an exclamation
of pleasure, as soon as Deerslayer opened this coat, and held it up to view,
for, notwithstanding all his trained self-command, the splendor of the vestment
was too much for the philosophy of an Indian. Deerslayer turned quickly, and he
regarded his friend with momentary displeasure, as this burst of weakness
escaped him, and then he soliloquized as was his practice, whenever any strong
feeling suddenly got the ascendant.
    »'Tis his gift! - yes, 'tis the gift of a redskin to love finery, and he is
not to be blamed. This is an extr'ornary garment, too, and extr'ornary things
get up extr'ornary feelin's. I think this will do, Judith, for the Indian heart
is hardly to be found in all America, that can withstand, colours like these,
and glitter like that. If this coat was ever made for your father, you've come
honestly by the taste for finery, you have.«
    »That coat was never made for father,« answered the girl, quickly - »it is
much too long, while father is short and square.«
    »Cloth was plenty if it was, and glitter cheap,« answered Deerslayer, with
his silent, joyous laugh. »Sarpent, this garment was made for a man of your
size, and I should like to see it on your shoulders.«
    Chingachgook, nothing