He looks forward to the time when he shall chase a
sort of spirit-deer, in company, on plains where there's no thorns,
or brambles, or marshes, or other hardships to overcome, whereas
I can't fall into all these notions, seeing that they appear to be
ag'in reason. Spirits can't eat, nor have they any use for clothes,
and deer can only rightfully be chased to be slain, or slain, unless
it be for the venison or the hides. Now, I find it hard to suppose
that blessed spirits can be put to chasing game without an object,
tormenting the dumb animals just for the pleasure and agreeableness
of their own amusements. I never yet pulled a trigger on buck or
doe, Judith, unless when food or clothes was wanting."
"The recollection of which, Deerslayer, must now be a great
consolation to you."
"It is the thought of such things, my fri'nds, that enables a man
to keep his furlough. It might be done without it, I own; for
the worst red-skins sometimes do their duty in this matter; but it
makes that which might otherwise be hard, easy, if not altogether
to our liking. Nothing truly makes a bolder heart than a light
conscience."
Judith turned paler than ever, but she struggled for self-command,
and succeeded in obtaining it.
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