occasions, and possessed the means, the
vessel being of a form and material to render it probable it had once been an
occupant of the chest.
    As soon as the girl got a glimpse of the canoe, she ceased her hurried walk
up and down the platform, and stood ready to receive the young man, whose return
she had now been anxiously expecting for some time. She helped him to fasten the
canoe, and by aiding in the other little similar employments, manifested her
desire to reach a moment of liberty as soon as possible. When this was done, in
answer to an inquiry of his, she informed him of the manner in which their
companions had disposed of themselves. He listened attentively, for the manner
of the girl was so earnest and impressive as to apprise him that she had
something on her mind of more than common concern.
    »And now, Deerslayer,« Judith continued, »you see I have lighted the lamp,
and put it in the cabin of the Ark. That is never done with us, unless on great
occasions, and I consider this night as the most important of my life. Will you
follow me and see what I have to show you - hear what I have to say.«
    The hunter was a little surprised, but, making no objections, both were soon
in the scow, and in the room that contained the light. Here two stools were
placed at the side of the chest, with the lamp on another, and a table near by
to receive the different articles as they might be brought to view. This
arrangement had its rise in the feverish impatience of the girl, which could
brook no delay that it was in her power to obviate. Even all the padlocks were
removed, and it only remained to raise the heavy lid, again, to expose all the
treasures of this long secreted hoard.
    »I see, in part, what all this means,« observed Deerslayer - »yes, I see
through it, in part. But why is not Hetty present; now, Thomas Hutter is gone,
she is one of the owners of these cur'osities, and ought to see them opened and
handled.«
    »Hetty sleeps -« answered Judith, huskily. »Happily for her, fine clothes
and riches have no charms. Besides she has this night given her share of all
that the chest may hold, to me, that I may do with it as I please.«
    »Is poor Hetty composs enough for that, Judith?« demanded the just-minded
young man. »It