In the dialogue that followed, the parties mutually
made each other acquainted with what had passed in their several
interviews. Chingachgook was told the history of the treaty about
the ransom, and Deerslayer heard the whole of Hetty's communications.
The latter listened with generous interest to his friend's hopes,
and promised cheerfully all the assistance he could lend.
"Tis our main ar'n'd, Sarpent, as you know, this battling for the
castle and old Hutter's darters, coming in as a sort of accident.
Yes - yes - I'll be actyve in helping little Hist, who's not only
one of the best and handsomest maidens of the tribe, but the very
best and handsomest. I've always encouraged you, chief, in that
liking, and it's proper, too, that a great and ancient race like
your'n shouldn't come to an end. If a woman of red skin and red
gifts could get to be near enough to me to wish her for a wife,
I'd s'arch for just such another, but that can never be; no, that
can never be. I'm glad Hetty has met with Hist, howsever, for
though the first is a little short of wit and understanding, the
last has enough for both. Yes, Sarpent," laughing heartily - "put
'em together, and two smarter gals isn't to be found in all York
Colony!"
"I will go to the Iroquois camp," returned the Delaware, gravely.
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