Chapter XVIII.

by James Fenimore Cooper

　　"Poor wretch! the mother that him bare,If she had been in presence there,In his wan face, and sunburnt hair,She had not known her child, --Scott.

　　It diminished, in no degree, the effect produced by the conversationwhich passed between Judge Temple and the I young hunter, that theformer took the arm of his daughter and drew it through his own, whenhe advanced from the spot whither Richard had led him to that wherethe youth was standing, leaning on his rifle, and contemplating thedead bird at his feet. The presence of Marmaduke did not interruptthe sports, which were resumed by loud and clamorous disputesconcerning the conditions of a chance that involved the life of a birdof much inferior quality to the last. Leather-Stocking and Moheganhad alone drawn aside to their youthful companion; and, although inthe immediate vicinity of such a throng, the following conversationwas heard only by those who were interested in it.

　　"I have greatly injured you, Mr. Edwards," said the Judge; but thesudden and inexplicable start with which the person spoken to receivedthis unexpected address, caused him to pause a moment. As no answerwas given, and the strong emotion exhibited in the countenance of theyouth gradually passed away, he continued: "But fortunately it is insome measure in my power to compensate you for what I have done. Mykinsman, Richard Jones, has received an appointment that will, infuture, deprive me of his assistance, and leave me, just now,destitute of one who might greatly aid me with his pen. Your manner,notwithstanding appearances, is a sufficient proof of your education,nor will thy shoulder suffer thee to labor, for some time to come."(Marmaduke insensibly relapsed into the language of the Friends as hegrew warm.) "My doors are open to thee, my young friend, for in thisinfant country we harbor no suspicions; little offering to tempt thecupidity of the evil-disposed. Be come my assistant, for at least aseason, and receive such compensation as thy services will deserve."

　　There was nothing in the manner of the offer of the Judge to justifythe reluctance, amounting nearly to loathing, with which the youthlistened to his speech; but, after a powerful effort for self-command,he replied:

　　"I would serve you, sir, or any other man, for an honest support, forI do not affect to conceal that my necessities are very great, evenbeyond what appearances would indicate; but I am fearful that such newduties would interfere too much with more important business; so thatI must decline your offer, and depend on my rifle, as before, forsubsistence."

　　Richard here took occasion to whisper to the young lady, who hadshrunk a little from the foreground of the picture:

　　"This, you see, Cousin Bess, is the natural reluctance of a half-breedto leave the savage state. Their attachment to a wandering life is, Iverily believe, unconquerable."

　　"It is a precarious life," observed Marmaduke, without hearing thesheriffs observation, "and one that brings more evils with it thanpresent suffering. Trust me, young friend, my experience is greaterthan thine, when I tell thee that the unsettled life of these huntersis of vast disadvantage for temporal purposes, and it totally removesone from the influence of more sacred things."

　　"No, no, Judge," interrupted the Leather-Stocking, who was hithertounseen, or disregarded; "take him into your shanty in welcome, buttell him truth. I have lived in the woods for forty long years, andhave spent five at a time without seeing the light of a clearingbigger than a window in the trees; and I should like to know whereyoull find a man, in his sixty-eighth year, who can get an easierliving, for all your betterments and your deer laws; and, as forhonesty, or doing whats right between man and man, Ill not turn myback to the longest-winded deacon on your Patent."

　　"Thou art an exception, Leather-Stocking," returned the Judge, noddinggood-naturedly at the hunter; "for thou hast a temperance unusual inthy class, and a hardihood exceeding thy years. But this youth ismade of I materials too precious to be wasted in the forest--I entreatthee to join my family, if it be but till thy arm is healed. Mydaughter here, who is mistress of my dwelling, wilt tell thee thatthou art welcome."

　　"Certainly," said Elizabeth, whose earnestness was a little checked byfemale reserve. "The unfortunate would be welcome at any time, butdoubly so when we feel that we have occasioned the evil ourselves,""Yes," said Richard, "and if you relish turkey, young man, there areplenty in the coops, and of the best kind, I can assure you."

　　Finding himself thus ably seconded, Marmaduke pushed his advantage tothe utmost. He entered into a detail of the duties that would attendthe situation, and circumstantially mentioned the reward, and allthose points which are deemed of importance among men of business.The youth listened in extreme agitation. There was an evident contestin his feelings; at times he appeared to wish eagerly for the change,and then again the incomprehensible expression of disgust would crosshis features, like a dark cloud obscuring a noonday sun.

　　The Indian, in whose manner the depression of self-abasement was mostpowerfully exhibited, listened to the offers of the Judge with aninterest that increased with each syllable. Gradually he drew nigherto the group and when, with his keen glance, he detected the mostmarked evidence of yielding in the countenance of his young companion,he changed at once from his attitude and look of shame to the front ofan Indian warrior, and moving, with great dignity, closer to theparties, he spoke.

　　"Listen to your father," he said; "his words are old. Let the YoungEagle and the Great Land Chief eat together; let them sleep, withoutfear, near each other. The children of Miquon love not blood: theyare just, and will do right. The sun must rise and set often, be foremen can make one family; it is not the work of a day, but of manywinters. The Mingoes and the Delawares are born enemies; their bloodcan never mix in the wigwam; it never will run in the same stream inthe battle. What makes the brother of Miquon and the Young Eaglefoes? They are of the same tribe; their fathers and mothers are one.Learn to wait, my son, you are a Delaware, and an Indian warrior knowshow to be patient."

　　This figurative address seemed to have great weight with the youngman, who gradually yielded to the representations of Marmaduke, andeventually consented to his proposal. It was, however, to be anexperiment only; and, if either of the parties thought fit to rescindthe engagement, it was left at his option so to do. The remarkableand ill-concealed reluctance of the youth to accept of an offer, whichmost men in his situation would consider as an unhoped-for elevation,occasioned no little surprise in those to whom he was a stranger; andit left a slight impression to his disadvantage. When the partiesseparated, they very naturally made the subject the topic of aconversation, which we shall relate; first commencing with the Judge,his daughter, and Richard, who were slowly pursuing the way back tothe mansion-house.

　　"I have surely endeavored to remember the holy man dates of ourRedeemer, when he bids us love them who despitefully use you, in myintercourse with this incomprehensible boy," said Marmaduke. "I knownot what there is in my dwelling to frighten a lad of his years,unless it may he thy presence and visage, Bess,"

　　"No, no," said Richard, with great simplicity, "it is not Cousin Bess.But when did you ever know a half-breed, Duke, who could bearcivilization? For that mat ter, they are worse than the savagesthemselves! Did you notice how knock-kneed he stood, Elizabeth, andwhat a wild look he had in his eyes?"

　　"I heeded not his eyes, nor his knees, which would be all the betterfor a little humbling. Really, my dear sir, I think you did exercisethe Christian virtue of patience to the utmost. I was disgusted withhis airs, long before he consented to make one of our family. Trulywe are much honored by the association! In what apartment is he to beplaced, sir; and at what table is he to receive his nectar andambrosia?"

　　"With Benjamin and Remarkable," interrupted Mr. Jones; "you sorelywould not make the youth eat with the blacks! He is part Indian, it istrue; but the natives hold the negroes in great contempt. No, no; hewould starve before he would break a crust with the negroes."

　　"I am but too happy, Dickon, to tempt him to eat with ourselves," saidMarmaduke, "to think of offering even the indignity you propose."

　　"Then, sir," said Elizabeth, with an air that was slightly affected,as if submitting to her fathers orders in opposition to her own will,"it is your pleasure that he be a gentleman."

　　"Certainly; he is to fill the station of one. Let him receive thetreatment that is due to his place, until we find him unworthy of it."

　　"Well, well, Duke," cried the sheriff, " you will find it no easymatter to make a gentleman of him. The old proverb says that ittakes three generations to make a gentleman. There was my father whomeverybody knew my grandfather was an M.D., and his father a D.D.; andhis father came from England, I never could come at the truth of hisorigin; but he was either a great mer chant in London, or a greatcountry lawyer, or the youngest son of a bishop."

　　"Here is a true American genealogy for you," said Marmaduke, laughing."It does very well till you get across the water, where, as everythingis obscure, it is certain to deal in the superlative. You are surethat your English progenitor was great, Dickon, whatever hisprofession might have been?"

　　"To be sure I am," returned the other. "I have heard my old aunt talkof him by the month. We are of a good family, Judge Temple, and havenever filled any but honorable stations in life."

　　"I marvel that you should be satisfied with so scanty a provision ofgentility in the olden time, Dickon. Most of the Americangenealogists commence their traditions like the stories for children,with three brothers, taking especial care that one of the triumvirateshall be the pro genitor of any of the same name who may happen to bebetter furnished with worldly gear than themselves. But, here, allare equal who know how to conduct themselves with propriety; andOliver Edwards comes into my family on a footing with both the highsheriff and the judge."

　　"Well, Duke, I call this democracy, not republicanism; but I saynothing; only let him keep within the law, or I shall show him thatthe freedom of even this country is under wholesome restraint."

　　"Surely, Dickon, you will not execute till I condemn! But what saysBess to the new inmate? We must pay a deference to the ladies in thismatter, after all."

　　"Oh, sir!" returned Elizabeth, "I believe I am much like a certainJudge Temple in this particular--not easily to be turned from myopinion. But, to be serious, although I must think the introductionof a demi-savage into the family a somewhat startling event,whomsoever you think proper to countenance may be sure of my respect."

　　The Judge drew her arm more closely in his own and smiled, whileRichard led the way through the gate of the little court-yard in therear of the dwelling, dealing out his ambiguous warnings with hisaccustomed loquacity.

　　On the other hand, the foresters--for the three hunters,notwithstanding their difference in character, well deserved thiscommon name--pursued their course along the skirts of the village insilence. It was not until they had reached the lake, and were movingover its frozen surface toward the foot of the mountain, where the hutstood, that the youth exclaimed:

　　"Who could have foreseen this a month since! I have consented to serveMarmaduke Temple--to be an inmate in the dwelling of the greatest enemyof my race; yet what better could I do? The servitude cannot be long;and, when the motive for submitting to it ceases to exist, I willshake it off like the dust from my feet."

　　"Is he a Mingo, that you will call him enemy?" said Mohegan. "TheDelaware warrior sits still, and waits the time of the Great Spirit.He is no woman, to cry out like a child."

　　"Well, Im mistrustful, John," said Leather-Stocking, in whose airthere had been, during the whole business, a strong expression ofdoubt and uncertainty. "They say that theres new laws in the land,and Im sartin that theres new ways in the mountains. One hardlyknows the lakes and streams, theyve altered the country so much. Imust say Im mistrustful of such smooth speakers; for I've known thewhites talk fair when they wanted the Indian lands most. This I willsay, though Im a white myself, and was born nigh York, and of honestparents, too."

　　"I will submit," said the youth; "I will forget who I am. Cease toremember, old Mohegan, that I am the descendant of a Delaware chief,who once was master of these noble hills, these beautiful vales, andof this water, over which we tread. Yes, yes; I will become his bondsman--his slave, Is it not an honorable servitude, old man?"

　　"Old man!" repeated the Indian solemnly, and pausing in his walk, asusual, when much excited; "yes, John is old. Son of my brother! ifMohegan was young, when would his rifle be still? Where would the deerhide, and he not find him? But John is old; his hand is the hand of asquaw; his tomahawk is a hatchet; brooms and baskets are his enemies--he strikes no other. Hunger and old age come together. See Hawk-eye!when young, he would go days and eat nothing; but should he not putthe brush on the fire now, the blaze would go out. Take the son ofMiquon by the hand, and he will help you."

　　"Im not the man I was, Ill own, Chingachgook," returned the Leather-Stocking; "but I can go without a meal now, on occasion. When wetracked the Iroquois through the Beech-woods, they drove the gameafore them, for I hadnt a morsel to eat from Monday morning comeWednesday sundown, and then I shot as fat a buck, on the Pennsylvanyline, as ever mortal laid eyes on. It would have done your heart goodto have seen the Delaware eat; for I was out scouting and skrimmagingwith their tribe at the time. Lord! The Indians, lad, lay still, andjust waited till Providence should send them their game, but I foragedabout, and put a deer up, and put him down too, afore he had made adozen jumps. I was too weak and too ravenous to stop for his flesh,so I took a good drink of his blood, and the Indians ate of his meatraw. John was there, and John knows. But then starvation would beapt to be too much for me now, I will own, though Im no great eaterat any time."

　　"Enough is said, my friend," cried the youth. "I feel that everywherethe sacrifice is required at my hands, and it shall be made; but sayno more, I entreat you; I can not bear this subject now."

　　His companions were silent; and they soon reached the hut, which theyentered, after removing certain complicated and ingenious fastenings,that were put there apparently to guard a property of but very littlevalue. Immense piles of snow lay against the log walls of thissecluded habitation on one side; while fragments of small trees, andbranches of oak and chestnut, that had been torn from their parentstems by the winds, were thrown into a pile on the other. A smallcolumn of smoke rose through a chimney of sticks, cemented with clay,along the side of the rock, and had marked the snow above with itsdark tinges, in a wavy line, from the point of emission to an other,where the hill receded from the brow of a precipice, and held a soilthat nourished trees of a gigantic growth, that overhung the littlebottom beneath.

　　The remainder of the day passed off as such days are commonly spent ina new country. The settlers thronged to the academy again, to witnessthe second effort of Mr. Grant; and Mohegan was one of his hearers.But, not withstanding the divine fixed his eyes intently on the Indianwhen he invited his congregation to advance to the table, the shame oflast nights abasement was yet too keen in the old chief to suffer himto move.

　　When the people were dispersing, the clouds that had been gatheringall the morning were dense and dirty, and before half of the curiouscongregation had reached their different cabins, that were placed inevery glen and hollow of the mountains, or perched on the summits ofthe hills themselves, the rain was falling in torrents. The darkedges of the stumps began to exhibit themselves, as the snow settledrapidly; the fences of logs and brush, which before had been onlytraced by long lines of white mounds, that ran across the valley andup the mountains, peeped out from their covering, and the black stubswere momentarily becoming more distinct, as large masses of snow andice fell from their sides, under the influence of the thaw.

　　Sheltered in the warm hall of her fathers comfortable mansion,Elizabeth, accompanied by Louisa Grant, looked abroad with admirationat the ever-varying face of things without. Even the village, whichhad just before been glittering with the color of the frozen element,reluctantly dropped its mask, and the houses exposed their dark roofsand smoked chimneys. The pines shook off the covering of snow, andeverything seemed to he assuming its proper hues with a transitionthat bordered on the supernatural.