"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, gal, 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 distressed, 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, winking 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.
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