It struck both Judith and the Deerslayer,
notwithstanding, that some of these things might be made useful in
effecting a negotiation with the Iroquois, though the latter saw a
difficulty in the way that was not so apparent to the former. The
conversation was first renewed in connection with this point.
"And now, Deerslayer," said Judith, "we may talk of yourself, and
of the means of getting you out of the hands of the Hurons. Any
part, or all of what you have seen in the chest, will be cheerfully
given by me and Hetty to set you at liberty."
"Well, that's gin'rous, - yes, 'tis downright free-hearted, and
free-handed, and gin'rous. This is the way with women; when they
take up a fri'ndship, they do nothing by halves, but are as willing
to part with their property as if it had no value in their eyes.
However, while I thank you both, just as much as if the bargain
was made, and Rivenoak, or any of the other vagabonds, was here to
accept and close the treaty, there's two principal reasons why it
can never come to pass, which may be as well told at once, in order
no onlikely expectations may be raised in you, or any onjustifiable
hopes in me."
"What reason can there be, if Hetty and I are willing to part with
the trifles for your sake, and the savages are willing to receive
them?"
"That's it, Judith; you've got the idees, but they're a little out
of their places, as if a hound should take the back'ard instead
of the leading scent.
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