"Here's a full cargo," said Deerslayer, eyeing the arrangement,
"and we had needs go to work leisurely 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 deliberately, and in as cautious a manner
as if it were believed that fabrics of a delicate construction lay
hidden beneath. When the canvass 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 ornaments. One coat in particular
was of scarlet, and had button holes worked in gold thread. Still
it was not military, but was part of the attire of a civilian
of condition, at a period when social rank was rigidly 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 splendor
of the vestment was too much for the philosophy of an Indian.
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