little trifles? If you was handsome, or ever like
to be, I'd be one of the first to tell you of it, and that ought to content you.
Now, if Jude was to tell me that I'm as ugly as a sinner, I'd take it as a sort
of obligation, and try not to believe her.«
    »It's easy for them that natur' has favored, to jest about such matters,
Hurry, though it is sometimes hard for others. I'll not deny but I've had my
cravings towards good looks; yes I have; but then I've always been able to get
them down by considering how many I've known with fair outsides, who have had
nothing to boast of inwardly. I'll not deny, Hurry, that I often wish I'd been
created more comely to the eye, and more like such a one as yourself, in them
particulars, but then I get the feelin' under by remembering how much better off
I am in a great many respects, than some fellow mortals. I might have been born
lame, and onfit even for a squirrel hunt; or, blind, which would have made me a
burthen on myself, as well as on my fri'nds, or, without hearing, which would
have totally onqualified me for ever campaigning, or scouting, which I look
forward to, as part of a man's duty in troublesome times. Yes - yes; it's not
pleasant, I will allow, to see them that's more comely, and more sought a'ter,
and honored than yourself; but it may all be borne, if a man looks the evil in
the face, and don't mistake his gifts and his obligations.«
    Hurry, in the main, was a good hearted, as well as good-natured fellow, and
the self abasement of his companion completely got the better of the passing
feeling of personal vanity. He regretted the allusion he had made to the other's
appearance, and endeavored to express as much, though it was done in the uncouth
manner that belonged to the habits and opinions of the frontier.
    »I meant no harm, Deerslayer,« he answered in a deprecating manner, »and
hope you'll forget what I've said. If you're not downright handsome, you've a
sartain look that says plainer than any words, that all's right within. Then you
set no valie by looks, and so