Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1884-04-05


ed the door, in readiness to lead the
way, now recoiled. But Hawk-eye,
who was too much occupied to note
the movement, continued speaking
more to himself than to his com.
panion. . .G
"After ALL" he said, at is unreason-
able to keep one man in bondage to
the gifts of another. So, Uncas, You
had better take the leap, while l put
on the skin again, and trust to cum
ming for want Of speed"
The young Mohican made no reply,
but folded his arms, and leaned his
body against one of the upright posts
that supported the wall of the hut.
"Well," said the scout, "why do
you tarry? There will be time
enough for me as the knaves will give
chase to you at first"
"Uncas will stay
"For what p
''To fight with his fathers brother,
and die with the friend of the Della
wares"
cay, lad" returned Hawk-eye,
squeezing the hand of Uncas, between
his own iron fingers; "'Twould have
more like Mingo than Mohican
had you left me. But I thought l
would make the offer, seeing that
youth commonly loves life. Well,
what can't be done by main courage
war, must be done by circumvention.
Put on the skin I doubt not you play
the bear nearly as we'll as myself"
He silently and expeditiously en-
cased himself in the covering of the
beast, and then awaited such other
movements as his more aged COM
panion saw fit to dictate.
"Now, frlend,'' said Hawk-eye,
addressing David, "an exchange of
garments will be a great convenience
to you inasmuch as you are but little
accustomed to the make-shifts of the
wilderness. Here, take my hunting
shirt and cap, and give me your
blanket and hat. You must trust
me with the book and spectacles, as
we'll as the tooter, too; if we ever meet
again, in better times, you shall have
all back again with many thanks into
the bargain"
David parted with the several ar
ticles named with a readiness that
would have done great credit to his
liberality, had he not certainly pro-
fited, in many particulars, by the
exchange. Hawk-eye was not long
in assuming his borrowed garments ;
and turned to David, and gave him
his parting instructions.
care YOU much given to coward
ice 2" he bluntly ked,
"My pursuits are peaceful, and my
temper, l trust, is greatly given tc
mercy and love-" returned David :
"but there are none who can say that
have ever forgotten my faith in the
Lord, even in the greatest straits"
"Your chiefest danger will be at
the moment when the savages find
out that they have been deceived. II
you are not then knocked in the heaG,
your being a non-composser will pro-
tect you and you'll then have go,d
reason to expect to die lin your bed.
If you stay, it must be to sit down
here in the shadow, and take the part
of Uncas, until such times as the
cunning of the Indians discover the
cheat, when as l have already said,
your time of trial will come. So
choose fol yourself,-to make rush
or tarry here"
"Even so," said David firmly; 81
will abide in the place of the Dele
ware. Bravely and generously has
he battled in my behalf; and this,
and more, will dare in his service"
"You have spoken as man, and a
like one who, under wiser schooling,
would have been bought to better
things. Hold your head down and
draw i'll your legs; their formation
might tell the truth too early. keeI
silent us long as may be; and it would
be wise when you do speak, to break
out suddenly in one of your shoutings
which will serve to remind the In,
dams that you are not altogether
as responsible us men should be. If
however; they take your scalp, as
trust and believe they will not, de
pend on it, Uncas and / will not for
get the deed, butrevenge tia becomes
true warriors and trusty friends"
'.Holdr' said David, perceivins