"Why should we run, Judith?" asked the simple minded girl. "The
Hurons have never harmed me, nor do I think they ever will."
"That may be true as to you, Hetty, but it will prove very different
with me. Kneel down and say your prayer, and then rise and do your
utmost to help escape. Think of me, dear girl, too, as you pray."
Judith gave these directions from a mixed feeling; first because
she knew that her sister ever sought the support of her great ally
in trouble, and next because a sensation of feebleness and dependance
suddenly came over her own proud spirit, in that moment of apparent
desertion and trial. The prayer was quickly said, however, and the
canoe was soon in rapid motion. Still, neither party resorted to
their greatest exertions from the outset, both knowing that the
chase was likely to be arduous and long. Like two vessels of war
that are preparing for an encounter, they seemed desirous of first
ascertaining their respective rates of speed, in order that they
might know how to graduate their exertions, previously to the great
effort. A few minutes sufficed to show the Hurons that the girls
were expert, and that it would require all their skill and energies
to overtake them.
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