As for the
Indian, he was of opinion that the moccasin should be viewed as
one would regard a trail in the woods, which might, or might not,
equally, prove to be threatening. Hist, however, had something
available to propose. She declared her readiness to take a canoe,
to proceed to the palisade and bring away the moccasin, when its
ornaments would show whether it came from the Canadas or not. Both
the white men were disposed to accept this offer, but the Delaware
interfered to prevent the risk. If such a service was to be undertaken,
it best became a warrior to expose himself in its execution, and
he gave his refusal to let his betrothed proceed, much in the quiet
but brief manner in which an Indian husband issues his commands.
"Well then, Delaware, go yourself if you're so tender of your
squaw," put in the unceremonious Hurry. "That moccasin must be
had, or Floating Tom will keep off, here, at arm's length, till
the hearth cools in his cabin. It's but a little deerskin, a'ter
all, and cut this-a-way or that-a-way, it's not a skear-crow
to frighten true hunters from their game. What say you, Sarpent,
shall you or I canoe it?"
"Let red man go. - Better eyes than pale-face - know Huron trick
better, too.
Pages:
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561