That the Mingos will be willing to receive
them things, or any more like 'em you may have to offer is probable
enough, but whether they'll pay valie for 'em is quite another
matter. Ask yourself, Judith, if any one should send you a message
to say that, for such or such a price, you and Hetty might have that
chist and all it holds, whether you'd think it worth your while to
waste many words on the bargain?"
"But this chest and all it holds, are already ours; there is no
reason why we should purchase what is already our own."
"Just so the Mingos caculate! They say the chist is theirn, already;
or, as good as theirn, and they'll not thank anybody for the key."
"I understand you, Deerslayer; surely we are yet in possession
of the lake, and we can keep possession of it until Hurry sends
troops to drive off the enemy. This we may certainly do provided
you will stay with us, instead of going back and giving yourself
up a prisoner, again, as you now seem determined on."
"That Hurry Harry should talk in thisaway, is nat'ral, and according
to the gifts of the man. He knows no better, and, therefore, he
is little likely to feel or to act any better; but, Judith, I put
it to your heart and conscience - would you, could you think of me
as favorably, as I hope and believe you now do, was I to forget my
furlough and not go back to the camp?"
"To think more favorably of you than I now do, Deerslayer, would
not be easy; but I might continue to think as favorably - at least
it seems so - I hope I could, for a world wouldn't tempt me to let
you do anything that might change my real opinion of you.
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