Wasn't it for the bloody
sticks, no man should go ag'in the Mingos this night, seein' that
it would dishonor our faith and characters; but them that crave
blood can't complain if blood is shed at their call. Still, Sarpent,
you can be marciful. Don't begin your career with the wails of
women and the cries of children. Bear yourself so that Hist will
smile, and not weep, when she meets you. Go, then; and the Manitou
presarve you!"
"My brother will stay here with the scow. Wah will soon be standing
on the shore waiting, and Chingachgook must hasten."
The Indian then joined his two co-adventurers, and first lowering
the sail, they all three entered the canoe, and left the side of
the ark. Neither Hutter nor March spoke to Deerslayer concerning
their object, or the probable length of their absence. All this
had been confided to the Indian, who had acquitted himself of the
trust with characteristic brevity. As soon as the canoe was out of
sight, and that occurred ere the paddles had given a dozen strokes,
Deerslayer made the best dispositions he could to keep the ark as
nearly stationary as possible; and then he sat down in the end of
the scow, to chew the cud of his own bitter reflections.
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