"
"Now you put me in mind of a part of my errand that I had almost
forgotten, Deerslayer. Judith told me to ask you what you thought
the Hurons would do with you, if you couldn't be bought off, and
what she had best do to serve you. Yes, this was the most important
part of the errand - what she had best do, in order to serve you?"
"That's as you think, Hetty; but it's no matter. Young women are
apt to lay most stress on what most touches their feelin's; but
no matter; have it your own way, so you be but careful not to let
the vagabonds get the mastery of a canoe. When you get back to the
Ark, tell 'em to keep close, and to keep moving too, most especially
at night. Many hours can't go by without the troops on the river
hearing of this party, and then your fri'nds may look for relief.
'Tis but a day's march from the nearest garrison, and true soldiers
will never lie idle with the foe in their neighborhood. This is my
advice, and you may say to your father and Hurry that scalp-hunting
will be a poor business now, as the Mingos are up and awake, and
nothing can save 'em, 'till the troops come, except keeping a good
belt of water atween 'em and the savages."
"What shall I tell Judith about you, Deerslayer; I know she will
send me back again, if I don't bring her the truth about you.
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