SEARCH
0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Prev | Current Page 316 | Next

Cooper, James Fenimore, 1789-1851

"The Deerslayer"

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 perplexed. 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 sincerity
she did not know what answer to make.
"What shall I tell them, Hist," she asked imploringly - "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 forfeit of some blunder of
her own, she burst into tears.


Pages:
304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328