" He shook his head, held it suspended
a moment over the open chest, like one in doubt, and then proceeded
with the examination.
Several of the minor articles of female dress came next, all of a
quality to correspond with the gown. These were laid at Judith's
feet, in silence, as if she had a natural claim to their possession.
One or two, such as gloves, and lace, the girl caught up, and
appended to her already rich attire in affected playfulness, but
with the real design of decorating her person as far as circumstances
would allow. When these two remarkable suits, male and female they
might be termed, were removed, another canvas covering separated
the remainder of the articles from the part of the chest which they
had occupied. As soon as Deerslayer perceived this arrangement he
paused, doubtful of the propriety of proceeding any further.
"Every man has his secrets, I suppose," he said, "and all men have
a right to their enj'yment. We've got low enough in this chist
in my judgment to answer our wants, and it seems to me we should
do well by going no farther; and by letting Master Hutter have to
himself, and his own feelin's, all that's beneath this cover.
"Do you mean, Deerslayer, to offer these clothes to the Iroquois
as ransom?" demanded Judith, quickly.
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