Though of little
experience in such matters, himself, he had heard so much of Indian
artifices through traditions, had listened with such breathless
interest to the narration of the escapes of the elder warriors,
and, in short, was so well schooled in the theory of his calling,
that it was almost as impossible for him to make any gross blunder
on such an occasion, as it was for a well grounded scholar, who had
commenced correctly, to fail in solving his problem in mathematics.
Relinquishing the momentary intention to land, the chief slowly
pursued his course round the palisades. As he approached the
moccasin, having now nearly completed the circuit of the building,
he threw the ominous article into the canoe, by a dexterous and
almost imperceptible movement of his paddle. He was now ready to
depart, but retreat was even more dangerous than the approach, as
the eye could no longer be riveted on the loops. If there was really
any one in the castle, the motive of the Delaware in reconnoitering
must be understood, and it was the wisest way, however perilous it
might be, to retire with an air of confidence, as if all distrust
were terminated by the examination. Such, accordingly, was the
course adopted by the Indian, who paddled deliberately away, taking
the direction of the Ark, suffering no nervous impulse to quicken
the motions of his arms, or to induce him to turn even a furtive
glance behind him.
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