He then
motioned to Hetty to draw near.
"I hope your visit is a sign that the Sarpent and Hist are in
safety, Hetty," said Deerslayer, as soon as the girl had complied
with the Huron's request. "I don't think you'd come ashore ag'in,
on the arr'nd that brought you here afore."
"Judith told me to come this time, Deerslayer," Hetty replied, "she
paddled me ashore herself, in a canoe, as soon as the Serpent had
shown her Hist and told his story. How handsome Hist is tonight,
Deerslayer, and how much happier she looks than when she was with
the Hurons!"
"That's natur' gal; yes, that may be set down as human natur'.
She's with her betrothed, and no longer fears a Mingo husband. In
my judgment Judith, herself, would lose most of her beauty if she
thought she was to bestow it all on a Mingo! Content is a great
fortifier of good looks, and I'll warrant you, Hist is contented
enough, now she is out of the hands of these miscreants, and with
her chosen warrior! Did you say that Judith told you to come ashore
- why should your sister do that?"
"She bid me come to see you, and to try and persuade the savages
to take more elephants to let you off, but I've brought the Bible
with me - that will do more than all the elephants in father's
chest!"
"And your father, good little Hetty - and Hurry; did they know of
your arr'nd?"
"Not they.
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