“The great King of Kings
Hath in the table of his law commanded,
That thou shalt do no murder.
Take heed1; for he holds vengeance2 in his hand,
To hurl3 upon their heads that break his law.”
Richard III, I.iv.i95–97 199–200.
That the party to which Hist compulsorily4 belonged was not one that was regularly on the war path, was evident by the presence of females. It was a small fragment of a tribe that had been hunting and fishing within the English limits, where it was found by the commencement of hostilities5, and, after passing the winter and spring by living on what was strictly6 the property of its enemies, it chose to strike a hostile blow before it finally retired7. There was also deep Indian sagacity in the manoeuvre8 which had led them so far into the territory of their foes9. When the runner arrived who announced the breaking out of hostilities between the English and French — a struggle that was certain to carry with it all the tribes that dwelt within the influence of the respective belligerents11 — this particular party of the Iroquois were posted on the shores of the Oneida, a lake that lies some fifty miles nearer to their own frontier than that which is the scene of our tale.
To have fled in a direct line for the Canadas would have exposed them to the dangers of a direct pursuit, and the chiefs had determined12 to adopt the expedient13 of penetrating14 deeper into a region that had now become dangerous, in the hope of being able to retire in the rear of their pursuers, instead of having them on their trail. The presence of the women had induced the attempt at this ruse15, the strength of these feebler members of the party being unequal to the effort of escaping from the pursuit of warriors16. When the reader remembers the vast extent of the American wilderness18, at that early day, he will perceive that it was possible for even a tribe to remain months undiscovered in particular portions of it; nor was the danger of encountering a foe10, the usual precautions being observed, as great in the woods, as it is on the high seas, in a time of active warfare19.
The encampment being temporary, it offered to the eye no more than the rude protection of a bivouac, relieved in some slight degree by the ingenious expedients20 which suggested themselves to the readiness of those who passed their lives amid similar scenes. One fire, that had been kindled21 against the roots of a living oak, sufficed for the whole party; the weather being too mild to require it for any purpose but cooking. Scattered22 around this centre of attraction, were some fifteen or twenty low huts, or perhaps kennels23 would be a better word, into which their different owners crept at night, and which were also intended to meet the exigencies24 of a storm.
These little huts were made of the branches of trees, put together with some ingenuity25, and they were uniformly topped with bark that had been stripped from fallen trees; of which every virgin26 forest possesses hundreds, in all stages of decay. Of furniture they had next to none. Cooking utensils27 of the simplest sort were lying near the fire, a few articles of clothing were to be seen in or around the huts, rifles, horns, and pouches28 leaned against the trees, or were suspended from the lower branches, and the carcasses of two or three deer were stretched to view on the same natural shambles29.
As the encampment was in the midst of a dense30 wood, the eye could not take in its tout31 ensemble32 at a glance, but hut after hut started out of the gloomy picture, as one gazed about him in quest of objects. There was no centre, unless the fire might be so considered, no open area where the possessors of this rude village might congregate33, but all was dark, covert34 and cunning, like its owners. A few children strayed from hut to hut, giving the spot a little of the air of domestic life, and the suppressed laugh and low voices of the women occasionally broke in upon the deep stillness of the sombre forest. As for the men, they either ate, slept, or examined their arms. They conversed35 but little, and then usually apart, or in groups withdrawn36 from the females, whilst an air of untiring, innate37 watchfulness38 and apprehension39 of danger seemed to be blended even with their slumbers40.
As the two girls came near the encampment, Hetty uttered a slight exclamation41, on catching42 a view of the person of her father. He was seated on the ground with his back to a tree, and Hurry stood near him indolently whittling43 a twig44. Apparently45 they were as much at liberty as any others in or about the camp, and one unaccustomed to Indian usages would have mistaken them for visitors, instead of supposing them to be captives. Wah-ta-Wah led her new friend quite near them, and then modestly withdrew, that her own presence might be no restraint on her feelings. But Hetty was not sufficiently46 familiar with caresses47 or outward demonstrations48 of fondness, to indulge in any outbreaking of feeling. She merely approached and stood at her father’s side without speaking, resembling a silent statue of filial affection. The old man expressed neither alarm nor surprise at her sudden appearance. In these particulars he had caught the stoicism of the Indians, well knowing that there was no more certain mode of securing their respect than by imitating their self-command. Nor did the savages49 themselves betray the least sign of surprise at this sudden appearance of a stranger among them. In a word, this arrival produced much less visible sensation, though occurring under circumstances so peculiar51, than would be seen in a village of higher pretensions52 to civilization did an ordinary traveler drive up to the door of its principal inn.
Still a few warriors collected, and it was evident by the manner in which they glanced at Hetty as they conversed together, that she was the subject of their discourse53, and probable that the reasons of her unlooked-for appearance were matters of discussion. This phlegm of manner is characteristic of the North American Indian — some say of his white successor also — but, in this case much should be attributed to the peculiar situation in which the party was placed. The force in the Ark, the presence of Chingachgook excepted, was well known, no tribe or body of troops was believed to be near, and vigilant54 eyes were posted round the entire lake, watching day and night the slightest movement of those whom it would not be exaggerated now to term the besieged55.
Hutter was inwardly much moved by the conduct of Hetty, though he affected56 so much indifference57 of manner. He recollected58 her gentle appeal to him before he left the Ark, and misfortune rendered that of weight which might have been forgotten amid the triumph of success. Then he knew the simple, single-hearted fidelity59 of his child, and understood why she had come, and the total disregard of self that reigned60 in all her acts.
“This is not well, Hetty,” he said, deprecating the consequences to the girl herself more than any other evil. “These are fierce Iroquois, and are as little apt to forget an injury, as a favor.”
“Tell me, father —” returned the girl, looking furtively62 about her as if fearful of being overheard, “did God let you do the cruel errand on which you came? I want much to know this, that I may speak to the Indians plainly, if he did not.”
“You should not have come hither, Hetty; these brutes63 will not understand your nature or your intentions!”
“How was it, father; neither you nor Hurry seems to have any thing that looks like scalps.”
“If that will set your mind at peace, child, I can answer you, no. I had caught the young creatur’ who came here with you, but her screeches64 soon brought down upon me a troop of the wild cats, that was too much for any single Christian65 to withstand. If that will do you any good, we are as innocent of having taken a scalp, this time, as I make no doubt we shall also be innocent of receiving the bounty66.”
“Thank God for that, father! Now I can speak boldly to the Iroquois, and with an easy conscience. I hope Hurry, too, has not been able to harm any of the Indians?”
“Why, as to that matter, Hetty,” returned the individual in question, “you’ve put it pretty much in the natyve character of the religious truth. Hurry has not been able, and that is the long and short of it. I’ve seen many squalls, old fellow, both on land and on the water, but never did I feel one as lively and as snappish as that which come down upon us, night afore last, in the shape of an Indian hurrah-boys! Why, Hetty, you’re no great matter at a reason, or an idee that lies a little deeper than common, but you’re human and have some human notions — now I’ll just ask you to look at them circumstances. Here was old Tom, your father, and myself, bent67 on a legal operation, as is to be seen in the words of the law and the proclamation; thinking no harm; when we were set upon by critturs that were more like a pack of hungry wolves than mortal savages even, and there they had us tethered like two sheep, in less time than it has taken me to tell you the story.”
“You are free now, Hurry,” returned Hetty, glancing timidly at the fine unfettered limbs of the young giant —“You have no cords, or withes, to pain your arms, or legs, now.”
“Not I, Hetty. Natur’ is natur’, and freedom is natur’, too. My limbs have a free look, but that’s pretty much the amount of it, sin’ I can’t use them in the way I should like. Even these trees have eyes; ay, and tongues too; for was the old man, here, or I, to start one single rod beyond our gaol69 limits, sarvice would be put on the bail70 afore we could ‘gird up our loins’ for a race, and, like as not, four or five rifle bullets would be travelling arter us, carrying so many invitations to curb71 our impatience72. There isn’t a gaol in the colony as tight as this we are now in; for I’ve tried the vartues of two or three on ’em, and I know the mater’als they are made of, as well as the men that made ’em; takin’ down being the next step in schoolin’, to puttin’ up, in all such fabrications.”
Lest the reader should get an exaggerated opinion of Hurry’s demerits from this boastful and indiscreet revelation, it may be well to say that his offences were confined to assaults and batteries, for several of which he had been imprisoned73, when, as he has just said, he often escaped by demonstrating the flimsiness of the constructions in which he was confined, by opening for himself doors in spots where the architects had neglected to place them. But Hetty had no knowledge of gaols74, and little of the nature of crimes, beyond what her unadulterated and almost instinctive75 perceptions of right and wrong taught her, and this sally of the rude being who had spoken was lost upon her. She understood his general meaning, however, and answered in reference to that alone.
“It’s so best, Hurry,” 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 don’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 spoke76 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 mediation77, 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 motive78 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 captivity79, 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 inquiry80. She was too well trained in the habits of her people to obtrude81 the opinions of one of her sex and years on men and warriors, but nature had furnished a tact82 and ingenuity that enabled her to attract the attention she desired, without wounding the pride of those to whom it was her duty to defer83 and respect. Even her affected indifference stimulated84 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 motives85 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 lessening86 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 attained87, Hist withdrew to a distance, where, with female consideration and a sisterly tenderness she set about the preparation of a meal, to be offered to her new friend as soon as the latter might be at liberty to partake of it. While thus occupied, however, the ready girl in no degree relaxed in her watchfulness, noting every change of countenance88 among the chiefs, every movement of Hetty’s, and the smallest occurrence that could be likely to affect her own interests, or that of her new friend.
As Hetty approached the chiefs they opened their little circle, with an ease and deference89 of manner that would have done credit to men of more courtly origin. A fallen tree lay near, and the oldest of the warriors made a quiet sign for the girl to be seated on it, taking his place at her side with the gentleness of a father. The others arranged themselves around the two with grave dignity, and then the girl, who had sufficient observation to perceive that such a course was expected of her, began to reveal the object of her visit. The moment she opened her mouth to speak, however, the old chief gave a gentle sign for her to forbear, said a few words to one of his juniors, and then waited in silent patience until the latter had summoned Hist to the party. This interruption proceeded from the chief’s having discovered that there existed a necessity for an interpreter, few of the Hurons present understanding the English language, and they but imperfectly.
Wah-ta-Wah was not sorry to be called upon to be present at the interview, and least of all in the character in which she was now wanted. She was aware of the hazards she ran in attempting to deceive one or two of the party, but was none the less resolved to use every means that offered, and to practice every artifice91 that an Indian education could supply, to conceal92 the facts of the vicinity of her betrothed93, and of the errand on which he had come. One unpracticed in the expedients and opinions of savage50 life would not have suspected the readiness of invention, the wariness94 of action, the high resolution, the noble impulses, the deep self-devotion, and the feminine disregard of self when the affections were concerned, that lay concealed95 beneath the demure96 looks, the mild eyes, and the sunny smiles of this young Indian beauty. As she approached them, the grim old warriors regarded her with pleasure, for they had a secret pride in the hope of engrafting so rare a scion97 on the stock of their own nation; adoption98 being as regularly practised, and as distinctly recognized among the tribes of America, as it ever had been among those nations that submit to the sway of the Civil Law.
As soon as Hist was seated by the side of Hetty, the old chief desired her to ask “the fair young pale-face” what had brought her among the Iroquois, and what they could do to serve her.
“Tell them, Hist, who I am — Thomas Hutter’s youngest daughter; Thomas Hutter, the oldest of their two prisoners; he who owns the castle and the Ark, and who has the best right to be thought the owner of these hills, and that lake, since he has dwelt so long, and trapped so long, and fished so long, among them — They’ll know whom you mean by Thomas Hutter, if you tell them, that. And then tell them that I’ve come here to convince them they ought not to harm father and Hurry, but let them go in peace, and to treat them as brethren rather than as enemies. Now tell them all this plainly, Hist, and fear nothing for yourself or me. God will protect us.”
Wah-ta-Wah did as the other desired, taking care to render the words of her friend as literally99 as possible into the Iroquois tongue, a language she used with a readiness almost equal to that with which she spoke her own. The chiefs heard this opening explanation with grave decorum, the two who had a little knowledge of English intimating their satisfaction with the interpreter by furtive61 but significant glances of the eyes.
“And, now, Hist,” continued Hetty, as soon as it was intimated to her that she might proceed, “and, now, Hist, I wish you to tell these red men, word for word, what I am about to say. Tell them first, that father and Hurry came here with an intention to take as many scalps as they could, for the wicked governor and the province have offered money for scalps, whether of warriors, or women, men or children, and the love of gold was too strong for their hearts to withstand it. Tell them this, dear Hist, just as you have heard it from me, word for word.”
Wah-ta-Wah hesitated about rendering100 this speech as literally as had been desired, but detecting the intelligence of those who understood English, and apprehending101 even a greater knowledge than they actually possessed102 she found herself compelled to comply. Contrary to what a civilized103 man would have expected, the admission of the motives and of the errands of their prisoners produced no visible effect on either the countenances104 or the feelings of the listeners. They probably considered the act meritorious105, and that which neither of them would have hesitated to perform in his own person, he would not be apt to censure106 in another.
“And, now, Hist,” resumed Hetty, as soon as she perceived that her first speeches were understood by the chiefs, “you can tell them more. They know that father and Hurry did not succeed, and therefore they can bear them no grudge107 for any harm that has been done. If they had slain108 their children and wives it would not alter the matter, and I’m not certain that what I am about to tell them would not have more weight had there been mischief109 done. But ask them first, Hist, if they know there is a God, who reigns110 over the whole earth, and is ruler and chief of all who live, let them be red, or white, or what color they may?”
Wah-ta-Wah looked a little surprised at this question, for the idea of the Great Spirit is seldom long absent from the mind of an Indian girl. She put the question as literally as possible, however, and received a grave answer in the affirmative.
“This is right,” continued Hetty, “and my duty will now be light. This Great Spirit, as you call our God, has caused a book to be written, that we call a Bible, and in this book have been set down all his commandments, and his holy will and pleasure, and the rules by which all men are to live, and directions how to govern the thoughts even, and the wishes, and the will. Here, this is one of these holy books, and you must tell the chiefs what I am about to read to them from its sacred pages.”
As Hetty concluded, she reverently111 unrolled a small English Bible from its envelope of coarse calico, treating the volume with the sort of external respect that a Romanist would be apt to show to a religious relic113. As she slowly proceeded in her task the grim warriors watched each movement with riveted114 eyes, and when they saw the little volume appear a slight expression of surprise escaped one or two of them. But Hetty held it out towards them in triumph, as if she expected the sight would produce a visible miracle, and then, without betraying either surprise or mortification115 at the Stoicism of the Indian, she turned eagerly to her new friend, in order to renew the discourse.
“This is the sacred volume, Hist,” she said —“and these words, and lines, and verses, and chapters, all came from God.”
“Why Great Spirit no send book to Injin, too?” demanded Hist, with the directness of a mind that was totally unsophisticated.
“Why?” answered Hetty, a little bewildered by a question so unexpected. “Why?— Ah! you know the Indians don’t know how to read.”
If Hist was not satisfied with this explanation, she did not deem the point of sufficient importance to be pressed. Simply bending her body, in a gentle admission of the truth of what she heard, she sat patiently awaiting the further arguments of the pale-face enthusiast116.
“You can tell these chiefs that throughout this book, men are ordered to forgive their enemies; to treat them as they would brethren; and never to injure their fellow creatures, more especially on account of revenge or any evil passions. Do you think you can tell them this, so that they will understand it, Hist?”
“Tell him well enough, but he no very easy to understand.” Hist then conveyed the ideas of Hetty, in the best manner she could, to the attentive117 Indians, who heard her words with some such surprise as an American of our own times would be apt to betray at a suggestion that the great modern but vacillating ruler of things human, public opinion, might be wrong. One or two of their number, however, having met with missionaries118, said a few words in explanation, and then the group gave all its attention to the communications that were to follow. Before Hetty resumed she inquired earnestly of Hist if the chiefs had understood her, and receiving an evasive answer, was fain to be satisfied.
“I will now read to the warriors some of the verses that it is good for them to know,” continued the girl, whose manner grew more solemn and earnest as she proceeded —“and they will remember that they are the very words of the Great Spirit. First, then, ye are commanded to ‘love thy neighbor as Thyself.’ Tell them that, dear Hist.”
“Neighbor, for Injin, no mean pale-face,” answered the Delaware girl, with more decision than she had hitherto thought it necessary to use. “Neighbor mean Iroquois for Iroquois, Mohican for Mohican, Pale-face for pale face. No need tell chief any thing else.”
“You forget, Hist, these are the words of the Great Spirit, and the chiefs must obey them as well as others. Here is another commandment —‘Whosoever shall smite119 thee on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.’”
“What that mean?” demanded Hist, with the quickness of lightning.
Hetty explained that it was an order not to resent injuries, but rather to submit to receive fresh wrongs from the offender120.
“And hear this, too, Hist,” she added. “‘Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute121 you.’”
By this time Hetty had become excited; her eye gleamed with the earnestness of her feelings, her cheeks flushed, and her voice, usually so low and modulated122, became stronger and more impressive. With the Bible she had been early made familiar by her mother, and she now turned from passage to passage with surprising rapidity, taking care to cull123 such verses as taught the sublime124 lessons of Christian charity and Christian forgiveness. To translate half she said, in her pious125 earnestness, Wah-ta-Wah would have found impracticable, had she made the effort, but wonder held her tongue tied, equally with the chiefs, and the young, simple-minded enthusiast had fairly become exhausted126 with her own efforts, before the other opened her mouth, again, to utter a syllable127. Then, indeed, the Delaware girl gave a brief translation of the substance of what had been both read and said, confining herself to one or two of the more striking of the verses, those that had struck her own imagination as the most paradoxical, and which certainly would have been the most applicable to the case, could the uninstructed minds of the listeners embrace the great moral truths they conveyed.
It will be scarcely necessary to tell the reader the effect that such novel duties would be likely to produce among a group of Indian warriors, with whom it was a species of religious principle never to forget a benefit, or to forgive an injury. Fortunately, the previous explanations of Hist had prepared the minds of the Hurons for something extravagant128, and most of that which to them seemed inconsistent and paradoxical, was accounted for by the fact that the speaker possessed a mind that was constituted differently from those of most of the human race. Still there were one or two old men who had heard similar doctrines129 from the missionaries, and these felt a desire to occupy an idle moment by pursuing a subject that they found so curious.
“This is the Good Book of the pale-faces,” observed one of these chiefs, taking the volume from the unresisting hands of Hetty, who gazed anxiously at his face while he turned the leaves, as if she expected to witness some visible results from the circumstance. “This is the law by which my white brethren professes130 to live?”
Hist, to whom this question was addressed, if it might be considered as addressed to any one, in particular, answered simply in the affirmative; adding that both the French of the Canadas, and the Yengeese of the British provinces equally admitted its authority, and affected to revere112 its principles.
“Tell my young sister,” said the Huron, looking directly at Hist, “that I will open my mouth and say a few words.”
“The Iroquois chief go to speak — my pale-face friend listen,” said Hist.
“I rejoice to hear it!” exclaimed Hetty. “God has touched his heart, and he will now let father and Hurry go.”
“This is the pale-face law,” resumed the chief. “It tells him to do good to them that hurt him, and when his brother asks him for his rifle to give him the powder horn, too. Such is the pale-face law?”
“Not so — not so —” answered Hetty earnestly, when these words had been interpreted —“There is not a word about rifles in the whole book, and powder and bullets give offence to the Great Spirit.”
“Why then does the pale-face use them? If he is ordered to give double to him that asks only for one thing, why does he take double from the poor Indian who ask for no thing. He comes from beyond the rising sun, with this book in his hand, and he teaches the red man to read it, but why does he forget himself all it says? When the Indian gives, he is never satisfied; and now he offers gold for the scalps of our women and children, though he calls us beasts if we take the scalp of a warrior17 killed in open war. My name is Rivenoak.”
When Hetty had got this formidable question fairly presented to her mind in the translation, and Hist did her duty with more than usual readiness on this occasion, it scarcely need be said that she was sorely perplexed131. Abler heads than that of this poor girl have frequently been puzzled by questions of a similar drift, and it is not surprising that with all her own earnestness and sincerity132 she did not know what answer to make.
“What shall I tell them, Hist,” she asked imploringly133 —“I know that all I have read from the book is true, and yet it wouldn’t seem so, would it, by the conduct of those to whom the book was given?”
“Give ’em pale-face reason,” returned Hist, ironically —“that always good for one side; though he bad for t’other.”
“No — no — Hist, there can’t be two sides to truth — and yet it does seem strange! I’m certain I have read the verses right, and no one would be so wicked as to print the word of God wrong. That can never be, Hist.”
“Well, to poor Injin girl, it seem every thing can be to pale-faces,” returned the other, coolly. “One time ‘ey say white, and one time ‘ey say black. Why never can be?”
Hetty was more and more embarrassed, until overcome with the apprehension that she had failed in her object, and that the lives of her father and Hurry would be the forfeit134 of some blunder of her own, she burst into tears. From that moment the manner of Hist lost all its irony135 and cool indifference, and she became the fond caressing136 friend again. Throwing her arms around the afflicted137 girl, she attempted to soothe138 her sorrows by the scarcely ever failing remedy of female sympathy.
“Stop cry — no cry —” she said, wiping the tears from the face of Hetty, as she would have performed the same office for a child, and stopping to press her occasionally to her own warm bosom139 with the affection of a sister. “Why you so trouble? You no make he book, if he be wrong, and you no make he pale-face if he wicked. There wicked red man, and wicked white man — no colour all good — no colour all wicked. Chiefs know that well enough.”
Hetty soon recovered from this sudden burst of grief, and then her mind reverted140 to the purpose of her visit, with all its single-hearted earnestness. Perceiving that the grim looking chiefs were still standing90 around her in grave attention, she hoped that another effort to convince them of the right might be successful. “Listen, Hist,” she said, struggling to suppress her sobs141, and to speak distinctly —“Tell the chiefs that it matters not what the wicked do — right is right — The words of The Great Spirit are the words of The Great Spirit — and no one can go harmless for doing an evil act, because another has done it before him. ‘Render good for evil,’ says this book, and that is the law for the red man as well as for the white man.”
“Never hear such law among Delaware, or among Iroquois —” answered Hist soothingly142. “No good to tell chiefs any such laws as dat. Tell ’em somet’ing they believe.”
Hist was about to proceed, notwithstanding, when a tap on the shoulder from the finger of the oldest chief caused her to look up. She then perceived that one of the warriors had left the group, and was already returning to it with Hutter and Hurry. Understanding that the two last were to become parties in the inquiry, she became mute, with the unhesitating obedience143 of an Indian woman. In a few seconds the prisoners stood face to face with the principal men of the captors.
“Daughter,” said the senior chief to the young Delaware, “ask this grey beard why he came into our camp?”
The question was put by Hist, in her own imperfect English, but in a way that was easy to be understood. Hutter was too stern and obdurate144 by nature to shrink from the consequences of any of his acts, and he was also too familiar with the opinions of the savages not to understand that nothing was to be gained by equivocation145 or an unmanly dread146 of their anger. Without hesitating, therefore, he avowed147 the purpose with which he had landed, merely justifying148 it by the fact that the government of the province had bid high for scalps. This frank avowal149 was received by the Iroquois with evident satisfaction, not so much, however, on account of the advantage it gave them in a moral point of view, as by its proving that they had captured a man worthy150 of occupying their thoughts and of becoming a subject of their revenge. Hurry, when interrogated151, confessed the truth, though he would have been more disposed to concealment152 than his sterner companion, did the circumstances very well admit of its adoption. But he had tact enough to discover that equivocation would be useless, at that moment, and he made a merit of necessity by imitating a frankness, which, in the case of Hutter, was the offspring of habits of indifference acting153 on a disposition154 that was always ruthless, and reckless of personal consequences.
As soon as the chiefs had received the answers to their questions, they walked away in silence, like men who deemed the matter disposed of, all Hetty’s dogmas being thrown away on beings trained in violence from infancy155 to manhood. Hetty and Hist were now left alone with Hutter and Hurry, no visible restraint being placed on the movements of either; though all four, in fact, were vigilantly156 and unceasingly watched. As respects the men, care was had to prevent them from getting possession of any of the rifles that lay scattered about, their own included; and there all open manifestations157 of watchfulness ceased. But they, who were so experienced in Indian practices, knew too well how great was the distance between appearances and reality, to become the dupes of this seeming carelessness. Although both thought incessantly158 of the means of escape, and this without concert, each was aware of the uselessness of attempting any project of the sort that was not deeply laid, and promptly159 executed. They had been long enough in the encampment, and were sufficiently observant to have ascertained160 that Hist, also, was a sort of captive, and, presuming on the circumstance, Hutter spoke in her presence more openly than he might otherwise have thought it prudent161 to do; inducing Hurry to be equally unguarded by his example.
“I’ll not blame you, Hetty, for coming on this errand, which was well meant if not very wisely planned,” commenced the father, seating himself by the side of his daughter and taking her hand; a sign of affection that this rude being was accustomed to manifest to this particular child. “But preaching, and the Bible, are not the means to turn an Indian from his ways. Has Deerslayer sent any message; or has he any scheme by which he thinks to get us free?”
“Ay, that’s the substance of it!” put in Hurry. “If you can help us, gal68, to half a mile of freedom, or even a good start of a short quarter, I’ll answer for the rest. Perhaps the old man may want a little more, but for one of my height and years that will meet all objections.”
Hetty looked distressed162, turning her eyes from one to the other, but she had no answer to give to the question of the reckless Hurry.
“Father,” she said, “neither Deerslayer nor Judith knew of my coming until I had left the Ark. They are afraid the Iroquois will make a raft and try to get off to the hut, and think more of defending that than of coming to aid you.”
“No — no — no —” said Hist hurriedly, though in a low voice, and with her face bent towards the earth, in order to conceal from those whom she knew to be watching them the fact of her speaking at all. “No — no — no — Deerslayer different man. He no t’ink of defending ‘self, with friend in danger. Help one another, and all get to hut.”
“This sounds well, old Tom,” said Hurry, winking163 and laughing, though he too used the precaution to speak low —“Give me a ready witted squaw for a fri’nd, and though I’ll not downright defy an Iroquois, I think I would defy the devil.”
“No talk loud,” said Hist. “Some Iroquois got Yengeese tongue, and all got Yengeese ear.”
“Have we a friend in you, young woman?” enquired164 Hutter with an increasing interest in the conference. “If so, you may calculate on a solid reward, and nothing will be easier than to send you to your own tribe, if we can once fairly get you off with us to the castle. Give us the Ark and the canoes, and we can command the lake, spite of all the savages in the Canadas. Nothing but artillery165 could drive us out of the castle, if we can get back to it.
“S’pose ‘ey come ashore166 to take scalp?” retorted Hist, with cool irony, at which the girl appeared to be more expert than is common for her sex.
“Ay — ay — that was a mistake; but there is little use in lamentations, and less still, young woman, in flings.”
“Father,” said Hetty, “Judith thinks of breaking open the big chest, in hopes of finding something in that which may buy your freedom of the savages.”
A dark look came over Hutter at the announcement of this fact, and he muttered his dissatisfaction in a way to render it intelligible167 enough.
“What for no break open chest?” put in Hist. “Life sweeter than old chest — scalp sweeter than old chest. If no tell darter to break him open, Wah-ta-Wah no help him to run away.”
“Ye know not what ye ask — ye are but silly girls, and the wisest way for ye both is to speak of what ye understand and to speak of nothing else. I little like this cold neglect of the savages, Hurry; it’s a proof that they think of something serious, and if we are to do any thing, we must do it soon. Can we count on this young woman, think you?”
“Listen —” said Hist quickly, and with an earnestness that proved how much her feelings were concerned —“Wah-ta-Wah no Iroquois — All over Delaware — got Delaware heart — Delaware feeling. She prisoner, too. One prisoner help t’udder prisoner. No good to talk more, now. Darter stay with fader — Wah-ta-Wah come and see friend — all look right — Then tell what he do.”
This was said in a low voice, but distinctly, and in a manner to make an impression. As soon as it was uttered the girl arose and left the group, walking composedly towards the hut she occupied, as if she had no further interest in what might pass between the pale-faces.
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1
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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3
hurl
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| vt.猛投，力掷，声叫骂 | |
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4
compulsorily
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| 强迫地，强制地 | |
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hostilities
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| n.战争；敌意(hostility的复数)；敌对状态；战事 | |
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6
strictly
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| adv.严厉地，严格地；严密地 | |
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retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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manoeuvre
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| n.策略，调动；v.用策略，调动 | |
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foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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belligerents
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| n.交战的一方（指国家、集团或个人）( belligerent的名词复数 ) | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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13
expedient
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| adj.有用的，有利的；n.紧急的办法，权宜之计 | |
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14
penetrating
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| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
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ruse
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| n.诡计，计策；诡计 | |
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16
warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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wilderness
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| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
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19
warfare
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| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
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20
expedients
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| n.应急有效的，权宜之计的( expedient的名词复数 ) | |
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21
kindled
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| （使某物）燃烧，着火( kindle的过去式和过去分词 )； 激起（感情等）； 发亮，放光 | |
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22
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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23
kennels
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| n.主人外出时的小动物寄养处，养狗场；狗窝( kennel的名词复数 )；养狗场 | |
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24
exigencies
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| n.急切需要 | |
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25
ingenuity
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| n.别出心裁；善于发明创造 | |
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26
virgin
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| n.处女，未婚女子；adj.未经使用的；未经开发的 | |
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27
utensils
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| 器具，用具，器皿( utensil的名词复数 )； 器物 | |
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28
pouches
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| n.（放在衣袋里或连在腰带上的）小袋( pouch的名词复数 )；（袋鼠等的）育儿袋；邮袋；（某些动物贮存食物的）颊袋 | |
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29
shambles
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| n.混乱之处；废墟 | |
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30
dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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31
tout
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| v.推销，招徕；兜售；吹捧，劝诱 | |
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32
ensemble
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| n.合奏(唱)组；全套服装；整体，总效果 | |
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33
congregate
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| v.(使)集合，聚集 | |
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34
covert
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| adj.隐藏的；暗地里的 | |
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35
conversed
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的过去式 ) | |
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36
withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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37
innate
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| adj.天生的，固有的，天赋的 | |
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38
watchfulness
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| 警惕，留心； 警觉（性） | |
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39
apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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40
slumbers
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| 睡眠，安眠( slumber的名词复数 ) | |
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41
exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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42
catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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43
whittling
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| v.切，削（木头），使逐渐变小( whittle的现在分词 ) | |
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44
twig
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| n.小树枝，嫩枝；v.理解 | |
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45
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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46
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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47
caresses
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| 爱抚，抚摸( caress的名词复数 ) | |
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48
demonstrations
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| 证明( demonstration的名词复数 )； 表明； 表达； 游行示威 | |
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49
savages
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| 未开化的人，野蛮人( savage的名词复数 ) | |
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50
savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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51
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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52
pretensions
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| 自称( pretension的名词复数 )； 自命不凡； 要求； 权力 | |
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53
discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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54
vigilant
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| adj.警觉的，警戒的，警惕的 | |
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55
besieged
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| 包围，围困，围攻( besiege的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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56
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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57
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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58
recollected
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| adj.冷静的；镇定的；被回忆起的；沉思默想的v.记起，想起( recollect的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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59
fidelity
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| n.忠诚，忠实；精确 | |
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60
reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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61
furtive
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| adj.鬼鬼崇崇的，偷偷摸摸的 | |
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62
furtively
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| adv. 偷偷地, 暗中地 | |
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63
brutes
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| 兽( brute的名词复数 )； 畜生； 残酷无情的人； 兽性 | |
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64
screeches
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| n.尖锐的声音( screech的名词复数 )v.发出尖叫声( screech的第三人称单数 )；发出粗而刺耳的声音；高叫 | |
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65
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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66
bounty
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| n.慷慨的赠予物，奖金；慷慨，大方；施与 | |
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67
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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68
gal
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| n.姑娘，少女 | |
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69
gaol
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| n.(jail)监狱；(不加冠词)监禁；vt.使…坐牢 | |
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70
bail
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| v.舀（水），保释；n.保证金，保释，保释人 | |
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71
curb
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| n.场外证券市场，场外交易；vt.制止，抑制 | |
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72
impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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73
imprisoned
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| 下狱，监禁( imprison的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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74
gaols
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| 监狱，拘留所( gaol的名词复数 ) | |
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75
instinctive
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| adj.(出于)本能的；直觉的；(出于)天性的 | |
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76
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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77
mediation
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| n.调解 | |
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78
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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79
captivity
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| n.囚禁；被俘；束缚 | |
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80
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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81
obtrude
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| v.闯入；侵入；打扰 | |
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82
tact
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| n.机敏，圆滑，得体 | |
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83
defer
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| vt.推迟，拖延；vi.(to)遵从，听从，服从 | |
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84
stimulated
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| a.刺激的 | |
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85
motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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86
lessening
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| 减轻，减少，变小 | |
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87
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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88
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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89
deference
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| n.尊重，顺从；敬意 | |
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90
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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91
artifice
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| n.妙计，高明的手段；狡诈，诡计 | |
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92
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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93
betrothed
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| n. 已订婚者 动词betroth的过去式和过去分词 | |
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94
wariness
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| n. 注意,小心 | |
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95
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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96
demure
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| adj.严肃的；端庄的 | |
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97
scion
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| n.嫩芽，子孙 | |
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98
adoption
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| n.采用，采纳，通过；收养 | |
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99
literally
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| adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实 | |
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100
rendering
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| n.表现，描写 | |
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101
apprehending
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| 逮捕，拘押( apprehend的现在分词 )； 理解 | |
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102
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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103
civilized
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| a.有教养的，文雅的 | |
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104
countenances
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| n.面容( countenance的名词复数 )；表情；镇静；道义支持 | |
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105
meritorious
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| adj.值得赞赏的 | |
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106
censure
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| v./n.责备；非难；责难 | |
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107
grudge
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| n.不满，怨恨，妒嫉；vt.勉强给，不情愿做 | |
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108
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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109
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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110
reigns
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| n.君主的统治( reign的名词复数 )；君主统治时期；任期；当政期 | |
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111
reverently
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| adv.虔诚地 | |
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112
revere
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| vt.尊崇，崇敬，敬畏 | |
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113
relic
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| n.神圣的遗物，遗迹，纪念物 | |
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114
riveted
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| 铆接( rivet的过去式和过去分词 )； 把…固定住； 吸引； 引起某人的注意 | |
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115
mortification
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| n.耻辱，屈辱 | |
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116
enthusiast
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| n.热心人，热衷者 | |
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117
attentive
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| adj.注意的，专心的；关心(别人)的，殷勤的 | |
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118
missionaries
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| n.传教士( missionary的名词复数 ) | |
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119
smite
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| v.重击；彻底击败；n.打；尝试；一点儿 | |
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offender
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| n.冒犯者，违反者，犯罪者 | |
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persecute
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| vt.迫害，虐待；纠缠，骚扰 | |
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modulated
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| 已调整[制]的，被调的 | |
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123
cull
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| v.拣选；剔除；n.拣出的东西；剔除 | |
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sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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126
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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127
syllable
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| n.音节；vt.分音节 | |
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128
extravagant
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| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
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129
doctrines
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| n.教条( doctrine的名词复数 )；教义；学说；（政府政策的）正式声明 | |
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professes
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| 声称( profess的第三人称单数 )； 宣称； 公开表明； 信奉 | |
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perplexed
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| adj.不知所措的 | |
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132
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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133
imploringly
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| adv. 恳求地, 哀求地 | |
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134
forfeit
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| vt.丧失；n.罚金，罚款，没收物 | |
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irony
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| n.反语，冷嘲；具有讽刺意味的事，嘲弄 | |
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caressing
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| 爱抚的，表现爱情的，亲切的 | |
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afflicted
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| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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soothe
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| v.安慰；使平静；使减轻；缓和；奉承 | |
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139
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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reverted
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| 恢复( revert的过去式和过去分词 )； 重提； 回到…上； 归还 | |
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141
sobs
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| 啜泣（声），呜咽（声）( sob的名词复数 ) | |
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soothingly
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| adv.抚慰地，安慰地；镇痛地 | |
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143
obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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obdurate
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| adj.固执的，顽固的 | |
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equivocation
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| n.模棱两可的话，含糊话 | |
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dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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147
avowed
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| adj.公开声明的，承认的v.公开声明，承认( avow的过去式和过去分词) | |
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148
justifying
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| 证明…有理( justify的现在分词 )； 为…辩护； 对…作出解释； 为…辩解（或辩护） | |
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149
avowal
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| n.公开宣称，坦白承认 | |
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150
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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151
interrogated
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| v.询问( interrogate的过去式和过去分词 )；审问；（在计算机或其他机器上）查询 | |
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152
concealment
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| n.隐藏, 掩盖，隐瞒 | |
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153
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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infancy
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| n.婴儿期；幼年期；初期 | |
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156
vigilantly
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| adv.警觉地，警惕地 | |
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manifestations
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| n.表示，显示（manifestation的复数形式） | |
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incessantly
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| ad.不停地 | |
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promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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160
ascertained
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| v.弄清，确定，查明( ascertain的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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distressed
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| 痛苦的 | |
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163
winking
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| n.瞬眼，目语v.使眼色( wink的现在分词 )；递眼色（表示友好或高兴等）；（指光）闪烁；闪亮 | |
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164
enquired
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| 打听( enquire的过去式和过去分词 )； 询问； 问问题； 查问 | |
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165
artillery
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| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
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166
ashore
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| adv.在(向)岸上，上岸 | |
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intelligible
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| adj.可理解的，明白易懂的，清楚的 | |
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