As much as six first quality skins, in valie, has
paddled off on them clumsy logs, when twenty strokes of a well-turned
paddle would overtake 'em. I say in valie, for as to the boy in
the way of natur', he is only a boy, and is worth neither more nor
less than one. Deerslayer, you've been ontrue to your fri'nds in
letting such a chance slip through my fingers well as your own."
The answer was given quietly, but with a voice as steady as a
fearless nature and the consciousness of rectitude could make it.
"I should have been untrue to the right, had I done otherwise,"
returned the Deerslayer, steadily; "and neither you, nor any other
man has authority to demand that much of me. The lad came on
a lawful business, and the meanest red-skin that roams the woods
would be ashamed of not respecting his ar'n'd. But he's now far
beyond your reach, Master March, and there's little use in talking,
like a couple of women, of what can no longer be helped."
So saying, Deerslayer turned away, like one resolved to waste no more
words on the subject, while Hutter pulled Harry by the sleeve, and
led him into the ark. There they sat long in private conference.
In the mean time, the Indian and his friend had their secret
consultation; for, though it wanted some three or four hours to the
rising of the star, the former could not abstain from canvassing
his scheme, and from opening his heart to the other.
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