Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1884-04-26
THE LAST OF THE MOHlCANS.
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| COntluueu AIolu lTSl pdbc.J
he had actually gained the crags, and
was leaping up their sides with in
credible activity, when a shot from the
woods showed how accurate had been
the judgment of the scout. The boy
answered it with a contemptuous
shout; and Immediately second
bullet was sent after him from another
part of the cover. At the next instant
he appeared on the level above, elevat-
ing his guns in triumph, while he
moved with the air of a conqueror to-
ward the renowned hunter, who had
honored him by so glorious COM
mission.
Notwithstanding the lively interest
Hawk-eye had taken in the fate of his
messenger, he received "Kill-deer"
with satisfaction that, momentarily,
drove all other recollections from his
mind. After examining the piece with
an intelligent eye, he turned to the boy,
and demanded with great manifesto
tons of kindess, if he was hurt. The
urchin looked proudly up in his face,
but made no reply.
"Ah! / see, lad, the knaves have
barked your arm" added the scout,
, taking up the limb Of the sufferer, across
which deep flesh wound had been
made by one of the bullets; "but
little bruised alder will act like
charm. In the mean time l will wrap
it in badge of wampum. l know
many young men that have taken
scalps, who cannot show such q mark
as this. Co." having bound up the
arm; "you will be chief"
The lad departed, prouder Of his
flowing blood than the vainest courtier
could be of his blushiug ribbon; and
stalked among the fellows of his age
an object of general admiration and
envy.
But in a moment of so many serious
and important duties, this act of
juvenile fortitude did not affect the
general notice and commentator it
would have received unders milder
auspices. 1t had, however, satSd to
apprise the Delawares of the ii Itions
OF heir enemies. AccordinglW party
of adventures was ordered to dislodge
the skulkers. The duty was soon per-
formed for most of the Hurons retired
of themselves when they found they
had been discovered. The Delawares
followed to a sufficient distance from
their own encampment, and then halt
ed for orders, apprehensive of being
led into an ambush.
The calm but still impatient Uncas
now collected his chiefs and divided
his power. He presented Hawk-eye
as warrior, often tried, and always
found deserving of confidence. When
he found his friend met with favor
able reception, he bestowed on him the
command of twenty men, like himself,
active, skillful, and resolute. He gave
the Delawares to understand the rank
Of Hayward among the troops of YEN
geese, and then rendered to him trust
of equal authority. But Duncan de-
clined the charge, protesting his readi-
ness to serve as "a volunteer by the side
Of the scout. After this disposition,
the young Mohican appointed various
native chiefs to fill the different situa-
tons of responsibility, and the time
pressing, he gave forth the word to
march. He was cheerfully obeyed by
more than two hundred men.
Their entrance into the forest was
perfectly unmolested until they came
upon the lairs of their own scouts.
Here Il halt was ordered, and the chiefs
were assembled to hold whispering
council" Divers plans of operation
were suggested, though none Of a char
acter to meet the wishes of their az
dent leader. He was, therefore, fain
to adopt caution that in the present
temper of his mind he eXecrated, and
to listen to advice at which his fiery
spirit chafed, under the vivid recollec-
ton of Cora's danger and Magua's in
science.
After an unsatisfactory conference of
many minutes, solitary individual
was seen advancing from the side of
the enemy, with such apparent haste
us to induce the belief he might be
messenger charged with pacific over
ture. When within hundred yards,
however, of the cover behind which
the Delaware council had assembled,
the stranger hesitated, appeared uncer-
tain what course to take, and finally
halted. All eyes were now turned on
Uncas, as if seeking directions how to
proceed.
"Hawk-eye," said the young chief,
in low voice, she must never speak
to the Hurons again"
ellis time has come" said the laconic
scout, thrusting the long barrel of his
rifle through the leaves, and taking
his deliberate aim. But, instead of