“She speaks much of her father; says she hears,
There’s tricks i’ the world; and hems1, and beats her breast;
Spurns2 enviously3 at straws; speaks things in doubt,
That carry but half sense; her speech is nothing,
Yet the unshaped use of it doth move
The hearers to collection;”
Hamlet, IV.v.4–9.
We left the occupants of the castle and the ark, buried in sleep. Once, or twice, in the course of the night, it is true, Deerslayer or the Delaware, arose and looked out upon the tranquil4 lake; when, finding all safe, each returned to his pallet, and slept like a man who was not easily deprived of his natural rest. At the first signs of the dawn the former arose, however, and made his personal arrangements for the day; though his companion, whose nights had not been tranquil or without disturbances5 of late, continued on his blanket until the sun had fairly risen; Judith, too, was later than common that morning, for the earlier hours of the night had brought her little of either refreshment6 or sleep. But ere the sun had shown himself over the eastern hills these too were up and afoot, even the tardy7 in that region seldom remaining on their pallets after the appearance of the great luminary8. Chingachgook was in the act of arranging his forest toilet, when Deerslayer entered the cabin of the Ark and threw him a few coarse but light summer vestments that belonged to Hutter.
“Judith hath given me them for your use, chief,” said the latter, as he cast the jacket and trousers at the feet of the Indian, “for it’s ag’in all prudence10 and caution to be seen in your war dress and paint. Wash off all them fiery11 streaks12 from your cheeks, put on these garments, and here is a hat, such as it is, that will give you an awful oncivilized sort of civilization, as the missionaries14 call it. Remember that Hist is at hand, and what we do for the maiden15 must be done while we are doing for others. I know it’s ag’in your gifts and your natur’ to wear clothes, unless they are cut and carried in a red man’s fashion, but make a vartue of necessity and put these on at once, even if they do rise a little in your throat.”
Chingachgook, or the Serpent, eyed the vestments with strong disgust; but he saw the usefulness of the disguise, if not its absolute necessity. Should the Iroquois discover a red man, in or about the Castle, it might, indeed, place them more on their guard, and give their suspicions a direction towards their female captive. Any thing was better than a failure, as it regarded his betrothed16, and, after turning the different garments round and round, examining them with a species of grave irony17, affecting to draw them on in a way that defeated itself, and otherwise manifesting the reluctance18 of a young savage19 to confine his limbs in the usual appliances of civilized13 life, the chief submitted to the directions of his companion, and finally stood forth20, so far as the eye could detect, a red man in colour alone. Little was to be apprehended21 from this last peculiarity23, however, the distance from the shore, and the want of glasses preventing any very close scrutiny24, and Deerslayer, himself, though of a brighter and fresher tint25, had a countenance26 that was burnt by the sun to a hue27 scarcely less red than that of his Mohican companion. The awkwardness of the Delaware in his new attire28 caused his friend to smile more than once that day, but he carefully abstained30 from the use of any of those jokes which would have been bandied among white men on such an occasion, the habits of a chief, the dignity of a warrior31 on his first path, and the gravity of the circumstances in which they were placed uniting to render so much levity32 out of season.
The meeting at the morning meal of the three islanders, if we may use the term, was silent, grave and thoughtful. Judith showed by her looks that she had passed an unquiet night, while the two men had the future before them, with its unseen and unknown events. A few words of courtesy passed between Deerslayer and the girl, in the course of the breakfast, but no allusion33 was made to their situation. At length Judith, whose heart was full, and whose novel feelings disposed her to entertain sentiments more gentle and tender than common, introduced the subject, and this in a way to show how much of her thoughts it had occupied, in the course of the last sleepless34 night.
“It would be dreadful, Deerslayer,” the girl abruptly35 exclaimed, “should anything serious befall my father and Hetty! We cannot remain quietly here and leave them in the hands of the Iroquois, without bethinking us of some means of serving them.”
“I’m ready, Judith, to sarve them, and all others who are in trouble, could the way to do it be p’inted out. It’s no trifling37 matter to fall into red-skin hands, when men set out on an ar’n’d like that which took Hutter and Hurry ashore38; that I know as well as another, and I wouldn’t wish my worst inimy in such a strait, much less them with whom I’ve journeyed, and eat, and slept. Have you any scheme, that you would like to have the Sarpent and me indivour to carry out?”
“I know of no other means to release the prisoners, than by bribing39 the Iroquois. They are not proof against presents, and we might offer enough, perhaps, to make them think it better to carry away what to them will be rich gifts, than to carry away poor prisoners; if, indeed, they should carry them away at all!”
“This is well enough, Judith; yes, it’s well enough, if the inimy is to be bought, and we can find articles to make the purchase with. Your father has a convenient lodge40, and it is most cunningly placed, though it doesn’t seem overstock’d with riches that will be likely to buy his ransom41. There’s the piece he calls Killdeer, might count for something, and I understand there’s a keg of powder about, which might be a make-weight, sartain; and yet two able bodied men are not to be bought off for a trifle — besides —”
“Besides what?” demanded Judith impatiently, observing that the other hesitated to proceed, probably from a reluctance to distress42 her.
“Why, Judith, the Frenchers offer bounties43 as well as our own side, and the price of two scalps would purchase a keg of powder, and a rifle; though I’ll not say one of the latter altogether as good as Killdeer, there, which your father va’nts as uncommon44, and unequalled, like. But fair powder, and a pretty sartain rifle; then the red men are not the expartest in fire arms, and don’t always know the difference atwixt that which is ra’al, and that which is seeming.”
“This is horrible!” muttered the girl, struck by the homely45 manner in which her companion was accustomed to state his facts. “But you overlook my own clothes, Deerslayer, and they, I think, might go far with the women of the Iroquois.”
“No doubt they would; no doubt they would, Judith,” returned the other, looking at her keenly, as if he would ascertain46 whether she were really capable of making such a sacrifice. “But, are you sartain, gal47, you could find it in your heart to part with your own finery for such a purpose? Many is the man who has thought he was valiant48 till danger stared him in the face; I’ve known them, too, that consaited they were kind and ready to give away all they had to the poor, when they’ve been listening to other people’s hard heartedness; but whose fists have clench’d as tight as the riven hickory when it came to downright offerings of their own. Besides, Judith, you’re handsome — uncommon in that way, one might observe and do no harm to the truth — and they that have beauty, like to have that which will adorn49 it. Are you sartain you could find it in your heart to part with your own finery?”
The soothing50 allusion to the personal charms of the girl was well timed, to counteract51 the effect produced by the distrust that the young man expressed of Judith’s devotion to her filial duties. Had another said as much as Deerslayer, the compliment would most probably have been overlooked in the indignation awakened53 by the doubts, but even the unpolished sincerity54, that so often made this simple minded hunter bare his thoughts, had a charm for the girl; and while she colored, and for an instant her eyes flashed fire, she could not find it in her heart to be really angry with one whose very soul seemed truth and manly55 kindness. Look her reproaches she did, but conquering the desire to retort, she succeeded in answering in a mild and friendly manner.
“You must keep all your favorable opinions for the Delaware girls, Deerslayer, if you seriously think thus of those of your own colour,” she said, affecting to laugh. “But try me; if you find that I regret either ribbon or feather, silk or muslin, then may you think what you please of my heart, and say what you think.”
“That’s justice! The rarest thing to find on ‘arth is a truly just man. So says Tamenund, the wisest prophet of the Delawares, and so all must think that have occasion to see, and talk, and act among Mankind. I love a just man, Sarpent. His eyes are never covered with darkness towards his inimies, while they are all sunshine and brightness towards his fri’nds. He uses the reason that God has given him, and he uses it with a feelin’ of his being ordered to look at, and to consider things as they are, and not as he wants them to be. It’s easy enough to find men who call themselves just, but it’s wonderful oncommon to find them that are the very thing, in fact. How often have I seen Indians, gal, who believed they were lookin’ into a matter agreeable to the will of the Great Spirit, when in truth they were only striving to act up to their own will and pleasure, and this, half the time, with a temptation to go wrong that could no more be seen by themselves, than the stream that runs in the next valley can be seen by us through yonder mountain’, though any looker on might have discovered it as plainly as we can discover the parch57 that are swimming around this hut.”
“Very true, Deerslayer,” rejoined Judith, losing every trace of displeasure in a bright smile —“very true, and I hope to see you act on this love of justice in all matters in which I am concerned. Above all, I hope you will judge for yourself, and not believe every evil story that a prating58 idler like Hurry Harry59 may have to tell, that goes to touch the good name of any young woman, who may not happen to have the same opinion of his face and person that the blustering60 gallant61 has of himself.”
“Hurry Harry’s idees do not pass for gospel with me, Judith; but even worse than he may have eyes and ears”, returned the other gravely.
“Enough of this!” exclaimed Judith, with flashing eye and a flush that mounted to her temples, “and more of my father and his ransom. ’Tis as you say, Deerslayer; the Indians will not be likely to give up their prisoners without a heavier bribe62 than my clothes can offer, and father’s rifle and powder. There is the chest.”
“Ay, there is the chest as you say, Judith, and when the question gets to be between a secret and a scalp, I should think most men would prefer keeping the last. Did your father ever give you any downright commands consarning that chist?”
“Never. He has always appeared to think its locks, and its steel bands, and its strength, its best protection.”
“’Tis a rare chest, and altogether of curious build,” returned Deerslayer, rising and approaching the thing in question, on which he seated himself, with a view to examine it with greater ease. “Chingachgook, this is no wood that comes of any forest that you or I have ever trailed through! ‘Tisn’t the black walnut63, and yet it’s quite as comely64, if not more so, did the smoke and the treatment give it fair play.”
The Delaware drew near, felt of the wood, examined its grain, endeavored to indent65 the surface with a nail, and passed his hand curiously66 over the steel bands, the heavy padlocks, and the other novel peculiarities67 of the massive box.
“No — nothing like this grows in these regions,” resumed Deerslayer. “I’ve seen all the oaks, both the maples68, the elms, the bass69 woods, all the walnuts70, the butternuts, and every tree that has a substance and colour, wrought71 into some form or other, but never have I before seen such a wood as this! Judith, the chest itself would buy your father’s freedom, or Iroquois cur’osity isn’t as strong as red-skin cur’osity, in general; especially in the matter of woods.”
“The purchase might be cheaper made, perhaps, Deerslayer. The chest is full, and it would be better to part with half than to part with the whole. Besides, father — I know not why — but father values that chest highly.”
“He would seem to prize what it holds more than the chest, itself, judging by the manner in which he treats the outside, and secures the inside. Here are three locks, Judith; is there no key?”
“I’ve never seen one, and yet key there must be, since Hetty told us she had often seen the chest opened.”
“Keys no more lie in the air, or float on the water, than humans, gal; if there is a key, there must be a place in which it is kept.”
“That is true, and it might not be difficult to find it, did we dare to search!”
“This is for you, Judith; it is altogether for you. The chist is your’n, or your father’s; and Hutter is your father, not mine. Cur’osity is a woman’s, and not a man’s failing, and there you have got all the reasons before you. If the chist has articles for ransom, it seems to me they would be wisely used in redeeming72 their owner’s life, or even in saving his scalp; but that is a matter for your judgment73, and not for ourn. When the lawful74 owner of a trap, or a buck75, or a canoe, isn’t present, his next of kin36 becomes his riprisentyve by all the laws of the woods. We therefore leave you to say whether the chist shall, or shall not be opened.”
“I hope you do not believe I can hesitate, when my father’s life’s in danger, Deerslayer!”
“Why, it’s pretty much putting a scolding ag’in tears and mourning. It’s not onreasonable to foretell76 that old Tom may find fault with what you’ve done, when he sees himself once more in his hut, here, but there’s nothing unusual in men’s falling out with what has been done for their own good; I dare to say that even the moon would seem a different thing from what it now does, could we look at it from the other side.”
“Deerslayer, if we can find the key, I will authorize77 you to open the chest, and to take such things from it as you may think will buy father’s ransom.”
“First find the key, gal; we’ll talk of the rest a’terwards. Sarpent, you’ve eyes like a fly, and a judgment that’s seldom out. Can you help us in calculating where Floating Tom would be apt to keep the key of a chist that he holds to be as private as this?”
The Delaware had taken no part in the discourse78 until he was thus directly appealed to, when he quitted the chest, which had continued to attract his attention, and cast about him for the place in which a key would be likely to be concealed79 under such circumstances. As Judith and Deerslayer were not idle the while, the whole three were soon engaged in an anxious and spirited search. As it was certain that the desired key was not to be found in any of the common drawers or closets, of which there were several in the building, none looked there, but all turned their inquiries80 to those places that struck them as ingenious hiding places, and more likely to be used for such a purpose. In this manner the outer room was thoroughly81 but fruitlessly examined, when they entered the sleeping apartment of Hutter. This part of the rude building was better furnished than the rest of the structure, containing several articles that had been especially devoted82 to the service of the deceased wife of its owner, but as Judith had all the rest of the keys, it was soon rummaged83 without bringing to light the particular key desired.
They now entered the bed room of the daughters. Chingachgook was immediately struck with the contrast between the articles and the arrangement of that side of the room that might be called Judith’s, and that which more properly belonged to Hetty. A slight exclamation85 escaped him, and pointing in each direction he alluded86 to the fact in a low voice, speaking to his friend in the Delaware tongue.
“’Tis as you think, Sarpent,” answered Deerslayer, whose remarks we always translate into English, preserving as much as possible of the peculiar22 phraseology and manner of the man, “’Tis just so, as any one may see, and ’tis all founded in natur’. One sister loves finery, some say overmuch; while t’other is as meek87 and lowly as God ever created goodness and truth. Yet, after all, I dare say that Judith has her vartues, and Hetty has her failin’s.”
“And the ‘Feeble–Mind’ has seen the chist opened?” inquired Chingachgook, with curiosity in his glance.
“Sartain; that much I’ve heard from her own lips; and, for that matter, so have you. It seems her father doesn’t misgive88 her discretion89, though he does that of his eldest90 darter.”
“Then the key is hid only from the Wild Rose?” for so Chingachgook had begun gallantly91 to term Judith, in his private discourse with his friend.
“That’s it! That’s just it! One he trusts, and the other he doesn’t. There’s red and white in that, Sarpent, all tribes and nations agreeing in trusting some, and refusing to trust other some. It depends on character and judgment.”
“Where could a key be put, so little likely to be found by the Wild Rose, as among coarse clothes?”
Deerslayer started, and turning to his friend with admiration92 expressed in every lineament of his face, he fairly laughed, in his silent but hearty93 manner, at the ingenuity94 and readiness of the conjecture95.
“Your name’s well bestowed96, Sarpent — yes, ’tis well bestowed! Sure enough, where would a lover of finery be so little likely to s’arch, as among garments as coarse and onseemly as these of poor Hetty’s. I dares to say, Judith’s delicate fingers haven’t touched a bit of cloth as rough and oncomely as that petticoat, now, since she first made acquaintance with the officers! Yet, who knows? The key may be as likely to be on the same peg98, as in any other place. Take down the garment, Delaware, and let us see if you are ra’ally a prophet.” Chingachgook did as desired, but no key was found. A coarse pocket, apparently99 empty, hung on the adjoining peg, and this was next examined. By this time, the attention of Judith was called in that direction, and she spoke100 hurriedly and like one who wished to save unnecessary trouble.
“Those are only the clothes of poor Hetty, dear simple girl!” she said, “Nothing we seek would be likely to be there.”
The words were hardly out of the handsome mouth of the speaker, when Chingachgook drew the desired key from the pocket. Judith was too quick of apprehension101 not to understand the reason a hiding place so simple and exposed had been used. The blood rushed to her face, as much with resentment102, perhaps, as with shame, and she bit her lip, though she continued silent. Deerslayer and his friend now discovered the delicacy103 of men of native refinement104, neither smiling or even by a glance betraying how completely he understood the motives105 and ingenuity of this clever artifice106. The former, who had taken the key from the Indian, led the way into the adjoining room, and applying it to a lock ascertained107 that the right instrument had actually been found. There were three padlocks, each of which however was easily opened by this single key. Deerslayer removed them all, loosened the hasps, raised the lid a little to make certain it was loose, and then he drew back from the chest several feet, signing to his friend to follow.
“This is a family chist, Judith,” he said, “and ’tis like to hold family secrets. The Sarpent and I will go into the Ark, and look to the canoes, and paddles, and oars9, while you can examine it by yourself, and find out whether any thing that will be a make-weight in a ransom is, or is not, among the articles. When you’ve got through give us a call, and we’ll all sit in council together touching108 the valie of the articles.”
“Stop, Deerslayer,” exclaimed the girl, as he was about to withdraw. “Not a single thing will I touch — I will not even raise the lid — unless you are present. Father and Hetty have seen fit to keep the inside of this chest a secret from me, and I am much too proud to pry109 into their hidden treasures unless it were for their own good. But on no account will I open the chest alone. Stay with me, then; I want witnesses of what I do.”
“I rather think, Sarpent, that the gal is right! Confidence and reliance beget110 security, but suspicion is like to make us all wary111. Judith has a right to ask us to be present, and should the chist hold any of Master Hutter’s secrets, they will fall into the keeping of two as close mouthed young men as are to be found. We will stay with you, Judith — but first let us take a look at the lake and the shore, for this chist will not be emptied in a minute.”
The two men now went out on the platform, and Deerslayer swept the shore with the glass, while the Indian gravely turned his eye on the water and the woods, in quest of any sign that might betray the machinations of their enemies. Nothing was visible, and assured of their temporary security, the three collected around the chest again, with the avowed113 object of opening it.
Judith had held this chest and its unknown contents in a species of reverence114 as long as she could remember. Neither her father nor her mother ever mentioned it in her presence, and there appeared to be a silent convention that in naming the different objects that occasionally stood near it, or even lay on its lid, care should be had to avoid any allusion to the chest itself. Habit had rendered this so easy, and so much a matter of course, that it was only quite recently the girl had began even to muse115 on the singularity of the circumstance. But there had never been sufficient intimacy116 between Hutter and his eldest daughter to invite confidence. At times he was kind, but in general, with her more especially, he was stern and morose117. Least of all had his authority been exercised in a way to embolden118 his child to venture on the liberty she was about to take, without many misgivings119 of the consequences, although the liberty proceeded from a desire to serve himself. Then Judith was not altogether free from a little superstition120 on the subject of this chest, which had stood a sort of tabooed relic121 before her eyes from childhood to the present hour. Nevertheless the time had come when it would seem that this mystery was to be explained, and that under circumstances, too, which left her very little choice in the matter.
Finding that both her companions were watching her movements, in grave silence, Judith placed a hand on the lid and endeavored to raise it. Her strength, however, was insufficient122, and it appeared to the girl, who was fully29 aware that all the fastenings were removed, that she was resisted in an unhallowed attempt by some supernatural power.
“I cannot raise the lid, Deerslayer!” she said —“Had we not better give up the attempt, and find some other means of releasing the prisoners?”
“Not so — Judith; not so, gal. No means are as sartain and easy, as a good bribe,” answered the other. “As for the lid, ’tis held by nothing but its own weight, which is prodigious123 for so small a piece of wood, loaded with iron as it is.”
As Deerslayer spoke, he applied124 his own strength to the effort, and succeeded in raising the lid against the timbers of the house, where he took care to secure it by a sufficient prop56. Judith fairly trembled as she cast her first glance at the interior, and she felt a temporary relief in discovering that a piece of canvas, that was carefully tucked in around the edges, effectually concealed all beneath it. The chest was apparently well stored, however, the canvas lying within an inch of the lid.
“Here’s a full cargo,” said Deerslayer, eyeing the arrangement, “and we had needs go to work leisurely125 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 deliberately126, and in as cautious a manner as if it were believed that fabrics127 of a delicate construction lay hidden beneath. When the canvass128 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 ornaments129. One coat in particular was of scarlet130, and had button holes worked in gold thread. Still it was not military, but was part of the attire of a civilian131 of condition, at a period when social rank was rigidly132 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 splendor133 of the vestment was too much for the philosophy of an Indian. Deerslayer turned quickly, and he regarded his friend with momentary134 displeasure as this burst of weakness escaped him, and then he soliloquized, as was his practice whenever any strong feeling suddenly got the ascendancy135.
“’Tis his gift!— yes, ’tis the gift of a red-skin 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, joyous136 laugh. “Sarpent, this garment was made for a man of your size, and I should like to see it on your shoulders.”
Chingachgook, nothing loath137, submitted to the trial, throwing aside the coarse and thread bare jacket of Hutter, to deck his person in a coat that was originally intended for a gentleman. The transformation138 was ludicrous, but as men are seldom struck with incongruities139 in their own appearance, any more than in their own conduct, the Delaware studied this change in a common glass, by which Hutter was in the habit of shaving, with grave interest. At that moment he thought of Hist, and we owe it to truth, to say, though it may militate a little against the stern character of a warrior to avow112 it, that he wished he could be seen by her in his present improved aspect.
“Off with it, Sarpent — off with it,” resumed the inflexible140 Deerslayer. “Such garments as little become you as they would become me. Your gifts are for paint, and hawk’s feathers, and blankets, and wampum, and mine are for doublets of skins, tough leggings, and sarviceable moccasins. I say moccasins, Judith, for though white, living as I do in the woods it’s necessary to take to some of the practyces of the woods, for comfort’s sake and cheapness.”
“I see no reason, Deerslayer, why one man may not wear a scarlet coat, as well as another,” returned the girl. “I wish I could see you in this handsome garment.”
“See me in a coat fit for a Lord!— Well, Judith, if you wait till that day, you’ll wait until you see me beyond reason and memory. No — no — gal, my gifts are my gifts, and I’ll live and die in ’em, though I never bring down another deer, or spear another salmon141. What have I done that you should wish to see me in such a flaunting142 coat, Judith?”
“Because I think, Deerslayer, that the false-tongued and false-hearted young gallants of the garrisons143, ought not alone to appear in fine feathers, but that truth and honesty have their claims to be honored and exalted144.”
“And what exaltification”— the reader will have remarked that Deerslayer had not very critically studied his dictionary —“and what exaltification would it be to me, Judith, to be bedizened and bescarleted like a Mingo chief that has just got his presents up from Quebec? No — no — I’m well as I am; and if not, I can be no better. Lay the coat down on the blanket, Sarpent, and let us look farther into the chist.”
The tempting145 garment, one surely that was never intended for Hutter, was laid aside, and the examination proceeded. The male attire, all of which corresponded with the coat in quality, was soon exhausted146, and then succeeded female. A beautiful dress of brocade, a little the worse from negligent147 treatment, followed, and this time open exclamations148 of delight escaped the lips of Judith. Much as the girl had been addicted149 to dress, and favorable as had been her opportunities of seeing some little pretension150 in that way among the wives of the different commandants, and other ladies of the forts, never before had she beheld151 a tissue, or tints152, to equal those that were now so unexpectedly placed before her eyes. Her rapture153 was almost childish, nor would she allow the inquiry154 to proceed, until she had attired155 her person in a robe so unsuited to her habits and her abode156. With this end, she withdrew into her own room, where with hands practised in such offices, she soon got rid of her own neat gown of linen157, and stood forth in the gay tints of the brocade. The dress happened to fit the fine, full person of Judith, and certainly it had never adorned158 a being better qualified159 by natural gifts to do credit to its really rich hues160 and fine texture161. When she returned, both Deerslayer and Chingachgook, who had passed the brief time of her absence in taking a second look at the male garments, arose in surprise, each permitting exclamations of wonder and pleasure to escape him, in a way so unequivocal as to add new lustre162 to the eyes of Judith, by flushing her cheeks with a glow of triumph. Affecting, however, not to notice the impression she had made, the girl seated herself with the stateliness of a queen, desiring that the chest might be looked into, further.
“I don’t know a better way to treat with the Mingos, gal,” cried Deerslayer, “than to send you ashore as you be, and to tell ’em that a queen has arrived among ’em! They’ll give up old Hutter, and Hurry, and Hetty, too, at such a spectacle!”
“I thought your tongue too honest to flatter, Deerslayer,” returned the girl, gratified at this admiration more than she would have cared to own. “One of the chief reasons of my respect for you, was your love for truth.”
“And ’tis truth, and solemn truth, Judith, and nothing else. Never did eyes of mine gaze on as glorious a lookin’ creatur’ as you be yourself, at this very moment! I’ve seen beauties in my time, too, both white and red; and them that was renowned163 and talk’d of, far and near; but never have I beheld one that could hold any comparison with what you are at this blessed instant, Judith; never.”
The glance of delight which the girl bestowed on the frank-speaking hunter in no degree lessened164 the effect of her charms, and as the humid eyes blended with it a look of sensibility, perhaps Judith never appeared more truly lovely, than at what the young man had called that “blessed instant.” He shook his head, held it suspended a moment over the open chest, like one in doubt, and then proceeded with the examination.
Several of the minor165 articles of female dress came next, all of a quality to correspond with the gown. These were laid at Judith’s feet, in silence, as if she had a natural claim to their possession. One or two, such as gloves, and lace, the girl caught up, and appended to her already rich attire in affected166 playfulness, but with the real design of decorating her person as far as circumstances would allow. When these two remarkable167 suits, male and female they might be termed, were removed, another canvas covering separated the remainder of the articles from the part of the chest which they had occupied. As soon as Deerslayer perceived this arrangement he paused, doubtful of the propriety168 of proceeding169 any further.
“Every man has his secrets, I suppose,” he said, “and all men have a right to their enj’yment. We’ve got low enough in this chist in my judgment to answer our wants, and it seems to me we should do well by going no farther; and by letting Master Hutter have to himself, and his own feelin’s, all that’s beneath this cover.
“Do you mean, Deerslayer, to offer these clothes to the Iroquois as ransom?” demanded Judith, quickly.
“Sartain. What are we prying170 into another man’s chist for, but to sarve its owner in the best way we can. This coat, alone, would be very apt to gain over the head chief of the riptyles, and if his wife or darter should happen to be out with him, that there gownd would soften171 the heart of any woman that is to be found atween Albany and Montreal. I do not see that we want a larger stock in trade than them two articles.”
“To you it may seem so, Deerslayer,” returned the disappointed girl, “but of what use could a dress like this be to any Indian woman? She could not wear it among the branches of the trees, the dirt and smoke of the wigwam would soon soil it, and how would a pair of red arms appear, thrust through these short, laced sleeves!”
“All very true, gal, and you might go on and say it is altogether out of time, and place and season, in this region at all. What is it to us how the finery is treated, so long as it answers our wishes? I do not see that your father can make any use of such clothes, and it’s lucky he has things that are of no valie to himself, that will bear a high price with others. We can make no better trade for him, than to offer these duds for his liberty. We’ll throw in the light frivol’ties, and get Hurry off in the bargain.”
“Then you think, Deerslayer, that Thomas Hutter has no one in his family — no child — no daughter, to whom this dress may be thought becoming, and whom you could wish to see in it, once and awhile, even though it should be at long intervals172, and only in playfulness?”
“I understand you, Judith — yes, I now understand your meaning, and I think I can say, your wishes. That you are as glorious in that dress as the sun when it rises or sets in a soft October day, I’m ready to allow, and that you greatly become it is a good deal more sartain than that it becomes you. There’s gifts in clothes, as well as in other things. Now I do not think that a warrior on his first path ought to lay on the same awful paints as a chief that has had his virtue173 tried, and knows from exper’ence he will not disgrace his pretensions174. So it is with all of us, red or white. You are Thomas Hutter’s darter, and that gownd was made for the child of some governor, or a lady of high station, and it was intended to be worn among fine furniture, and in rich company. In my eyes, Judith, a modest maiden never looks more becoming than when becomingly clad, and nothing is suitable that is out of character. Besides, gal, if there’s a creatur’ in the colony that can afford to do without finery, and to trust to her own good looks and sweet countenance, it’s yourself.”
“I’ll take off the rubbish this instant, Deerslayer,” cried the girl, springing up to leave the room, “and never do I wish to see it on any human being, again.”
“So it is with ’em, all, Sarpent,” said the other, turning to his friend and laughing, as soon as the beauty had disappeared. “They like finery, but they like their natyve charms most of all. I’m glad the gal has consented to lay aside her furbelows, howsever, for it’s ag’in reason for one of her class to wear em; and then she is handsome enough, as I call it, to go alone. Hist would show oncommon likely, too, in such a gownd, Delaware!”
“Wah-ta-Wah is a red-skin girl, Deerslayer,” returned the Indian, “like the young of the pigeon, she is to be known by her own feathers. I should pass by without knowing her, were she dressed in such a skin. It’s wisest always to be so clad that our friends need not ask us for our names. The ‘Wild Rose’ is very pleasant, but she is no sweeter for so many colours.”
“That’s it!— that’s natur’, and the true foundation for love and protection. When a man stoops to pick a wild strawberry, he does not expect to find a melon; and when he wishes to gather a melon, he’s disapp’inted if it proves to be a squash; though squashes be often brighter to the eye than melons. That’s it, and it means stick to your gifts, and your gifts will stick to you.”
The two men had now a little discussion together, touching the propriety of penetrating175 any farther into the chest of Hutter, when Judith re-appeared, divested176 of her robes, and in her own simple linen frock again.
“Thank you, Judith,” said Deerslayer, taking her kindly177 by the hand-“for I know it went a little ag’in the nat’ral cravings of woman, to lay aside so much finery, as it might be in a lump. But you’re more pleasing to the eye as you stand, you be, than if you had a crown on your head, and jewels dangling178 from your hair. The question now is, whether to lift this covering to see what will be ra’ally the best bargain we can make for Master Hutter, for we must do as we think he would be willing to do, did he stand here in our places.”
Judith looked very happy. Accustomed as she was to adulation, the homely homage179 of Deerslayer had given her more true satisfaction, than she had ever yet received from the tongue of man. It was not the terms in which this admiration had been expressed, for they were simple enough, that produced so strong an impression; nor yet their novelty, or their warmth of manner, nor any of those peculiarities that usually give value to praise; but the unflinching truth of the speaker, that carried his words so directly to the heart of the listener. This is one of the great advantages of plain dealing180 and frankness. The habitual181 and wily flatterer may succeed until his practices recoil182 on himself, and like other sweets his aliment cloys183 by its excess; but he who deals honestly, though he often necessarily offends, possesses a power of praising that no quality but sincerity can bestow97, since his words go directly to the heart, finding their support in the understanding. Thus it was with Deerslayer and Judith. So soon and so deeply did this simple hunter impress those who knew him with a conviction of his unbending honesty, that all he uttered in commendation was as certain to please, as all he uttered in the way of rebuke184 was as certain to rankle185 and excite enmity, where his character had not awakened a respect and affection, that in another sense rendered it painful. In after life, when the career of this untutored being brought him in contact with officers of rank, and others entrusted186 with the care of the interests of the state, this same influence was exerted on a wider field, even generals listening to his commendations with a glow of pleasure, that it was not always in the power of their official superiors to awaken52. Perhaps Judith was the first individual of his own colour who fairly submitted to this natural consequence of truth and fair-dealing on the part of Deerslayer. She had actually pined for his praise, and she had now received it, and that in the form which was most agreeable to her weaknesses and habits of thought. The result will appear in the course of the narrative187.
“If we knew all that chest holds, Deerslayer,” returned the girl, when she had a little recovered from the immediate84 effect produced by his commendations of her personal appearance, “we could better determine on the course we ought to take.”
“That’s not onreasonable, gal, though it’s more a pale-face than a red-skin gift to be prying into other people’s secrets.”
“Curiosity is natural, and it is expected that all human beings should have human failings. Whenever I’ve been at the garrisons, I’ve found that most in and about them had a longing188 to learn their neighbor’s secrets.”
“Yes, and sometimes to fancy them, when they couldn’t find ’em out! That’s the difference atween an Indian gentleman and a white gentleman. The Sarpent, here, would turn his head aside if he found himself onknowingly lookin’ into another chief’s wigwam, whereas in the settlements while all pretend to be great people, most prove they’ve got betters, by the manner in which they talk of their consarns. I’ll be bound, Judith, you wouldn’t get the Sarpent, there, to confess there was another in the tribe so much greater than himself, as to become the subject of his idees, and to empl’y his tongue in conversations about his movements, and ways, and food, and all the other little matters that occupy a man when he’s not empl’y’d in his greater duties. He who does this is but little better than a blackguard, in the grain, and them that encourages him is pretty much of the same kidney, let them wear coats as fine as they may, or of what dye they please.”
“But this is not another man’s wigwam; it belongs to my father, these are his things, and they are wanted in his service.”
“That’s true, gal; that’s true, and it carries weight with it. Well, when all is before us we may, indeed, best judge which to offer for the ransom, and which to withhold189.”
Judith was not altogether as disinterested190 in her feelings as she affected to be. She remembered that the curiosity of Hetty had been indulged in connection with this chest, while her own had been disregarded, and she was not sorry to possess an opportunity of being placed on a level with her less gifted sister in this one particular. It appearing to be admitted all round that the enquiry into the contents of the chest ought to be renewed, Deerslayer proceeded to remove the second covering of canvass.
The articles that lay uppermost, when the curtain was again raised on the secrets of the chest, were a pair of pistols, curiously inlaid with silver. Their value would have been considerable in one of the towns, though as weapons in the woods they were a species of arms seldom employed; never, indeed, unless it might be by some officer from Europe, who visited the colonies, as many were then wont191 to do, so much impressed with the superiority of the usages of London as to fancy they were not to be laid aside on the frontiers of America. What occurred on the discovery of these weapons will appear in the succeeding chapter.
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hems
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| 布的褶边，贴边( hem的名词复数 )； 短促的咳嗽 | |
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spurns
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| v.一脚踢开，拒绝接受( spurn的第三人称单数 ) | |
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enviously
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| adv.满怀嫉妒地 | |
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tranquil
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| adj. 安静的, 宁静的, 稳定的, 不变的 | |
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disturbances
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| n.骚乱( disturbance的名词复数 )；打扰；困扰；障碍 | |
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refreshment
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| n.恢复，精神爽快，提神之事物；（复数）refreshments:点心，茶点 | |
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tardy
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| adj.缓慢的，迟缓的 | |
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luminary
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| n.名人，天体 | |
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oars
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| n.桨，橹( oar的名词复数 )；划手v.划（行）( oar的第三人称单数 ) | |
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prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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fiery
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| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
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streaks
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| n.（与周围有所不同的）条纹( streak的名词复数 )；（通常指不好的）特征（倾向）；（不断经历成功或失败的）一段时期v.快速移动( streak的第三人称单数 )；使布满条纹 | |
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civilized
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| a.有教养的，文雅的 | |
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missionaries
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| n.传教士( missionary的名词复数 ) | |
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maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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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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irony
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| n.反语，冷嘲；具有讽刺意味的事，嘲弄 | |
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reluctance
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| n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿 | |
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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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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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apprehended
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| 逮捕，拘押( apprehend的过去式和过去分词 )； 理解 | |
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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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peculiarity
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| n.独特性，特色；特殊的东西；怪癖 | |
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scrutiny
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| n.详细检查，仔细观察 | |
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tint
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| n.淡色，浅色；染发剂；vt.着以淡淡的颜色 | |
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countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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hue
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| n.色度；色调；样子 | |
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attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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abstained
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| v.戒（尤指酒），戒除( abstain的过去式和过去分词 )；弃权（不投票） | |
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warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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levity
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| n.轻率，轻浮，不稳定，多变 | |
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allusion
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| n.暗示，间接提示 | |
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sleepless
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| adj.不睡眠的，睡不著的，不休息的 | |
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abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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kin
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| n.家族，亲属，血缘关系；adj.亲属关系的，同类的 | |
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trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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ashore
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| adv.在(向)岸上，上岸 | |
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bribing
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| 贿赂 | |
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lodge
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| v.临时住宿，寄宿，寄存，容纳；n.传达室，小旅馆 | |
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ransom
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| n.赎金，赎身；v.赎回，解救 | |
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distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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bounties
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| （由政府提供的）奖金( bounty的名词复数 )； 赏金； 慷慨； 大方 | |
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44
uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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homely
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| adj.家常的，简朴的；不漂亮的 | |
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ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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gal
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| n.姑娘，少女 | |
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48
valiant
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| adj.勇敢的，英勇的；n.勇士，勇敢的人 | |
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49
adorn
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| vt.使美化，装饰 | |
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50
soothing
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| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
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51
counteract
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| vt.对…起反作用，对抗，抵消 | |
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52
awaken
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| vi.醒，觉醒；vt.唤醒，使觉醒，唤起，激起 | |
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53
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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54
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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prop
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| vt.支撑；n.支柱，支撑物；支持者，靠山 | |
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parch
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| v.烤干，焦干 | |
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58
prating
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| v.（古时用语）唠叨，啰唆( prate的现在分词 ) | |
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harry
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| vt.掠夺，蹂躏，使苦恼 | |
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blustering
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| adj.狂风大作的，狂暴的v.外强中干的威吓( bluster的现在分词 )；咆哮；（风）呼啸；狂吹 | |
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gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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bribe
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| n.贿赂；v.向…行贿，买通 | |
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walnut
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| n.胡桃，胡桃木，胡桃色，茶色 | |
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comely
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| adj.漂亮的，合宜的 | |
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indent
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| n.订单，委托采购，国外商品订货单，代购订单 | |
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curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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peculiarities
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| n. 特质, 特性, 怪癖, 古怪 | |
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maples
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| 槭树，枫树( maple的名词复数 )； 槭木 | |
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bass
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| n.男低音(歌手)；低音乐器；低音大提琴 | |
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walnuts
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| 胡桃（树）( walnut的名词复数 )； 胡桃木 | |
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wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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redeeming
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| 补偿的，弥补的 | |
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judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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lawful
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| adj.法律许可的，守法的，合法的 | |
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buck
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| n.雄鹿，雄兔；v.马离地跳跃 | |
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foretell
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| v.预言，预告，预示 | |
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authorize
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| v.授权，委任；批准，认可 | |
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discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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83
rummaged
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| 翻找，搜寻( rummage的过去式和过去分词 )； 已经海关检查 | |
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84
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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86
alluded
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| 提及，暗指( allude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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meek
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| adj.温顺的，逆来顺受的 | |
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misgive
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| v.使担心 | |
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discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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eldest
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| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
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91
gallantly
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| adv. 漂亮地，勇敢地，献殷勤地 | |
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92
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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93
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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94
ingenuity
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| n.别出心裁；善于发明创造 | |
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95
conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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96
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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97
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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98
peg
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| n.木栓，木钉；vt.用木钉钉，用短桩固定 | |
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99
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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100
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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101
apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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102
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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103
delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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104
refinement
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| n.文雅；高尚；精美；精制；精炼 | |
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105
motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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106
artifice
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| n.妙计，高明的手段；狡诈，诡计 | |
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107
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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108
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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109
pry
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| vi.窥(刺)探，打听；vt.撬动(开，起) | |
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110
beget
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| v.引起；产生 | |
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111
wary
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| adj.谨慎的，机警的，小心的 | |
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112
avow
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| v.承认，公开宣称 | |
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113
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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114
reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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115
muse
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| n.缪斯（希腊神话中的女神），创作灵感 | |
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116
intimacy
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| n.熟悉，亲密，密切关系，亲昵的言行 | |
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117
morose
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| adj.脾气坏的，不高兴的 | |
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118
embolden
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| v.给…壮胆，鼓励 | |
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119
misgivings
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| n.疑虑，担忧，害怕；疑虑，担心，恐惧( misgiving的名词复数 )；疑惧 | |
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120
superstition
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| n.迷信，迷信行为 | |
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121
relic
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| n.神圣的遗物，遗迹，纪念物 | |
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122
insufficient
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| adj.(for，of)不足的，不够的 | |
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123
prodigious
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| adj.惊人的，奇妙的；异常的；巨大的；庞大的 | |
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124
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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125
leisurely
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| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
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126
deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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127
fabrics
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| 织物( fabric的名词复数 )； 布； 构造； （建筑物的）结构（如墙、地面、屋顶）：质地 | |
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128
canvass
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| v.招徕顾客，兜售；游说；详细检查，讨论 | |
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129
ornaments
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| n.装饰( ornament的名词复数 )；点缀；装饰品；首饰v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的第三人称单数 ) | |
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130
scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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131
civilian
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| adj.平民的，民用的，民众的 | |
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132
rigidly
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| adv.刻板地，僵化地 | |
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133
splendor
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| n.光彩；壮丽，华丽；显赫，辉煌 | |
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134
momentary
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| adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的 | |
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135
ascendancy
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| n.统治权，支配力量 | |
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136
joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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137
loath
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| adj.不愿意的；勉强的 | |
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138
transformation
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| n.变化；改造；转变 | |
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139
incongruities
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| n.不协调( incongruity的名词复数 )；不一致；不适合；不协调的东西 | |
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140
inflexible
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| adj.不可改变的，不受影响的，不屈服的 | |
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141
salmon
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| n.鲑，大马哈鱼，橙红色的 | |
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142
flaunting
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| adj.招摇的，扬扬得意的，夸耀的v.炫耀，夸耀( flaunt的现在分词 )；有什么能耐就施展出来 | |
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143
garrisons
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| 守备部队，卫戍部队( garrison的名词复数 ) | |
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144
exalted
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| adj.(地位等)高的，崇高的；尊贵的，高尚的 | |
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145
tempting
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| a.诱人的, 吸引人的 | |
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146
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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147
negligent
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| adj.疏忽的；玩忽的；粗心大意的 | |
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148
exclamations
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| n.呼喊( exclamation的名词复数 )；感叹；感叹语；感叹词 | |
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149
addicted
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| adj.沉溺于....的，对...上瘾的 | |
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150
pretension
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| n.要求；自命，自称；自负 | |
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151
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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152
tints
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| 色彩( tint的名词复数 )； 带白的颜色； （淡色）染发剂； 痕迹 | |
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153
rapture
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| n.狂喜；全神贯注；着迷；v.使狂喜 | |
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154
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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155
attired
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| adj.穿着整齐的v.使穿上衣服，使穿上盛装( attire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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156
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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157
linen
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| n.亚麻布，亚麻线，亚麻制品；adj.亚麻布制的，亚麻的 | |
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158
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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159
qualified
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| adj.合格的，有资格的，胜任的，有限制的 | |
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160
hues
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| 色彩( hue的名词复数 )； 色调； 信仰； 观点 | |
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161
texture
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| n.(织物)质地；(材料)构造；结构；肌理 | |
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162
lustre
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| n.光亮，光泽；荣誉 | |
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163
renowned
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| adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的 | |
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164
lessened
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| 减少的，减弱的 | |
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165
minor
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| adj.较小(少)的，较次要的；n.辅修学科；vi.辅修 | |
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166
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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167
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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168
propriety
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| n.正当行为；正当；适当 | |
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169
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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170
prying
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| adj.爱打听的v.打听，刺探（他人的私事）( pry的现在分词 )；撬开 | |
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171
soften
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| v.(使)变柔软；(使)变柔和 | |
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172
intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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173
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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174
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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175
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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176
divested
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| v.剥夺( divest的过去式和过去分词 )；脱去（衣服）；2。从…取去…；1。（给某人）脱衣服 | |
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177
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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178
dangling
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| 悬吊着( dangle的现在分词 )； 摆动不定； 用某事物诱惑…； 吊胃口 | |
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179
homage
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| n.尊敬，敬意，崇敬 | |
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180
dealing
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| n.经商方法，待人态度 | |
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181
habitual
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| adj.习惯性的；通常的，惯常的 | |
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182
recoil
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| vi.退却，退缩，畏缩 | |
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183
cloys
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| v.发腻，倒胃口( cloy的第三人称单数 ) | |
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184
rebuke
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| v.指责，非难，斥责 [反]praise | |
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185
rankle
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| v.（怨恨，失望等）难以释怀 | |
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186
entrusted
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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187
narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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188
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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189
withhold
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| v.拒绝，不给；使停止，阻挡 | |
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190
disinterested
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| adj.不关心的，不感兴趣的 | |
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191
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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