He was mortified, and a little
surprised, it is true; but he bore all with dignity, falling back
for support on the sweeter expectations that still lay in reserve
for that evening. It was true, he could not now hope to meet his
mistress with the proofs of his daring and skill on his person, but
he might still hope to meet her; and the warrior, who was zealous
in the search, might always hope to be honored. On the other hand,
Hutter and Hurry, who had been chiefly instigated by the basest of
all human motives, the thirst of gain, could scarce control their
feelings. They went prowling among the huts, as if they expected
to find some forgotten child or careless sleeper; and again and
again did they vent their spite on the insensible huts, several of
which were actually torn to pieces, and scattered about the place.
Nay, they even quarrelled with each other, and fierce reproaches
passed between them. It is possible some serious consequences might
have occurred, had not the Delaware interfered to remind them of
the danger of being so unguarded, and of the necessity of returning
to the ark. This checked the dispute, and in a few minutes they
were paddling sullenly back to the spot where they hoped to find
that vessel.
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