Deerslayer, indeed, appeared to be the first who was
conscious of the time that had been thus wasted, and to call the
attention of his companions to the necessity of doing something
towards putting the plan of ransoming into execution. Chingachgook
had remained in Hutter's bed room, where the elephants were laid,
to feast his eyes with the images of animals so wonderful, and so
novel. Perhaps an instinct told him that his presence would not
be as acceptable to his companions as this holding himself aloof,
for Judith had not much reserve in the manifestations of her
preferences, and the Delaware had not got so far as one betrothed
without acquiring some knowledge of the symptoms of the master
passion.
"Well, Judith," said Deerslayer, rising, after the interview had
lasted much longer than even he himself suspected, "'tis pleasant
convarsing with you, and settling all these matters, but duty calls
us another way. All this time, Hurry and your father, not to say
Hetty - " The word was cut short in the speaker's mouth, for, at
that critical moment, a light step was heard on the platform, or
'court-yard', a human figure darkened the doorway, and the person
last mentioned stood before him.
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