These things must be, and they bring
with 'em a mixed feelin' of sorrow and triumph. Human natur' is
a fightin' natur', I suppose, as all nations kill in battle, and
we must be true to our rights and gifts. What has yet been done
is no great matter, but should Chingachgook come to the rock this
evening, as is agreed atween us, and I get him off it onbeknown to
the savages or, if known to them, ag'in their wishes and designs,
then may we all look to something like warfare, afore the Mingos
shall get possession of either the castle, or the ark, or yourselves."
"Who is this Chingachgook; from what place does he come, and why
does he come here ?"
"The questions are nat'ral and right, I suppose, though the
youth has a great name, already, in his own part of the country.
Chingachgook is a Mohican by blood, consorting with the Delawares
by usage, as is the case with most of his tribe, which has long
been broken up by the increase of our color. He is of the family
of the great chiefs; Uncas, his father, having been the considerablest
warrior and counsellor of his people. Even old Tamenund honors
Chingachgook, though he is thought to be yet too young to lead
in war; and then the nation is so disparsed and diminished, that
chieftainship among 'em has got to be little more than a name.
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