"Well, this war having commenced in 'arnest, the Delaware and I
rendezvous'd an app'intment, to meet this evening at sunset on the
rendezvous-rock at the foot of this very lake, intending to come
out on our first hostile expedition ag'in the Mingos. Why we come
exactly this a way is our own secret; but thoughtful young men on
the war-path, as you may suppose, do nothing without a calculation
and a design."
"A Delaware can have no unfriendly intentions towards us," said
Judith, after a moment's hesitation, "and we know you to be friendly."
"Treachery is the last crime I hope to be accused of," returned
Deerslayer, hurt at the gleam of distrust that had shot through
Judith's mind; "and least of all, treachery to my own color."
"No one suspects you, Deerslayer," the girl impetuously cried. "No
- no -your honest countenance would be sufficient surety for the
truth of a thousand hearts! If all men had as honest tongues, and
no more promised what they did not mean to perform, there would be
less wrong done in the world, and fine feathers and scarlet cloaks
would not be excuses for baseness and deception."
The girl spoke with strong, nay, even with convulsed feeling, and
her fine eyes, usually so soft and alluring, flashed fire as she
concluded.
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