'Don't you know your commandments, which say 'Thou
shalt not kill!' They tell me you have now slain the woman's husband
and brother!"
"It's true, my good Hetty - 'tis gospel truth, and I'll not deny
what has come to pass. But, you must remember, gal, that many
things are lawful in war, which would be onlawful in peace. The
husband was shot in open fight -or, open so far as I was consarned,
while he had a better cover than common - and the brother brought
his end on himself, by casting his tomahawk at an unarmed prisoner.
Did you witness that deed, gal?"
"I saw it, and was sorry it happened, Deerslayer, for I hoped you
wouldn't have returned blow for blow, but good for evil."
"Ah, Hetty, that may do among the Missionaries, but 'twould make
an onsartain life in the woods! The Panther craved my blood, and
he was foolish enough to throw arms into my hands, at the very
moment he was striving a'ter it. 'Twould have been ag'in natur'
not to raise a hand in such a trial, and 'twould have done discredit
to my training and gifts. No - no - I'm as willing to give every
man his own as another, and so I hope you'll testify to them that
will be likely to question you as to what you've seen this day.
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