When we were ready, the Sarpent gave his signal, and then all went
just as it should, down to the moment when yonder vagabond leaped
upon my back. Sartain; we come for that, and for no other purpose,
and we got what we come for; there's no use in pretending otherwise.
Hist is off with a man who's the next thing to her husband, and
come what will to me, that's one good thing detarmined."
"What sign, or signal, told the young maiden that her lover was
nigh?" asked the Huron with more curiosity than it was usual for
him to betray.
Deerslayer laughed again, and seem'd to enjoy the success of the
exploit, with as much glee as if he had not been its victim.
"Your squirrels are great gadabouts, Mingo," he cried still laughing
-"yes, they're sartainly great gadabouts! When other folk's squirrels
are at home and asleep, yourn keep in motion among the trees, and
chirrup and sing, in a way that even a Delaware gal can understand
their musick! Well, there's four legged squirrels, and there's two
legged squirrels, and give me the last, when there's a good tight
string atween two hearts. If one brings 'em together, t'other
tells when to pull hardest!"
The Huron looked vexed, though he succeeded in suppressing any
violent exhibition of resentment.
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