t be in 'arnest!« exclaimed Deerslayer; taken so much by
surprise, as to betray more emotion than it was usual for him to manifest on
ordinary occasions. »Such a gift would be fit for a ra'al King to make; yes, and
for a ra'al King to receive.«
    »I never was more in earnest, in my life, Deerslayer, and I am as much in
earnest in the wish as in the gift.«
    »Well, gal, well; we'll find time to talk of this ag'in. You must n't be
down hearted, Hurry, for Judith is a sprightly young woman, and she has a quick
reason; she knows that the credit of her father's rifle is safer in my hands,
than it can possibly be in yourn; and, therefore, you must n't be down hearted.
In other matters, more to your liking, too, you'll find she'll give you the
preference.«
    Hurry growled out his dissatisfaction, but he was too intent on quitting the
lake, and in making his preparations, to waste his breath on a subject of this
nature. Shortly after, the supper was ready, and it was eaten in silence, as is
so much the habit of those who consider the table as merely a place of animal
refreshment. On this occasion, however, sadness and thought contributed their
share to the general desire not to converse, for Deerslayer was so far an
exception to the usages of men of his cast, as not only to wish to hold
discourse on such occasions, but as often to create a similar desire in his
companions.
    The meal ended, and the humble preparations removed, the whole party
assembled on the platform to hear the expected intelligence from Deerslayer on
the subject of his visit. It had been evident he was in no haste to make his
communication, but the feelings of Judith would no longer admit of delay. Stools
were brought from the Ark and the hut, and the whole six placed themselves in a
circle, near the door, watching each other's countenances, as best they could,
by the scanty means that were furnished by a lovely star-light night. Along the
shores, beneath the mountains, lay the usual body of gloom, but in the broad
lake no shadow was cast, and a thousand mimic stars were dancing in the limpid
element, that was just stirred enough by the evening air to set them all in
motion.
    »Now, Deerslayer,« commenced Judith, whose impatience