CHAPTER XXXIII.
Fetch here the stocks, ho!
You stubborn ancient knave,
you reverend bragget, Well teach you.Lear.
The long days and early sun of July allowed time for a gathering of the interested, before the little bell of the academy announced that the appointed hour had arrived for administering right to the wronged, and punishment to the guilty. Ever since the dawn of day, the highways and woodpaths that, issuing from the forests, and winding among the sides of the mountains, centred in Templeton, had been thronged with equestrians and footmen, bound to the haven of justice. There was to be seen a well-clad yeoman, mounted on a sleek, switch- tailed steed, rambling along the highway, with his red face elevated in a manner that said, I have paid for my land, and fear no man; while his bosom was swelling with the pride of being one of the grand inquest for the county. At his side rode a companion, his equal in independence of feeling, perhaps, but his inferior in thrift, as in property and consideration. This was a professed dealer in lawsuitsa man whose name appeared in every calendarwhose substance, gained in the multifarious expedients of a settlers change able habits, was wasted in feeding the harpies of the courts. He was endeavoring to impress the mind of the grand juror with the merits of a cause now at issue, Along with these was a pedestrian, who, having thrown a rifle frock over his shirt, and placed his best wool hat above his sunburnt visage, had issued from his retreat in the woods by a footpath, and was striving to keep company with the others, on his way to hear and to decide the disputes of his neighbors, as a petit juror. Fifty similar little knots of countrymen might have been seen, on that morning, journeying toward the shire-town on the same errand.
By ten oclock the streets of the village were filled with busy faces; some talking of their private concerns, some listening to a popular expounder of political creeds; and others gaping in at the open stores, admiring the finery, or examining scythes, axes, and such other manufactures as attracted their curiosity or excited their admiration. A few women were in the crowd, most carrying infants, and followed, at a lounging, listless gait, by their rustic lords and masters. There was one young couple, in whom connubial love was yet fresh, walking at a respectful distance from each other; while the swain directed the timid steps of his bride, by a gallant offering of a thumb.
At the first stroke of the bell, Richard issued from the door of the Bold Dragoon, flourishing a sheathed sword, that he was fond of saying his ancestors had carried in one of Cromwells victories, and crying, in an authoritative tone, to clear the way for the court. The order was obeyed promptly, though not servilely, the members of the crowd nodding familiarly to the members of the procession as it passed. A party of constables with their staves followed the sheriff, preceding Marmaduke and four plain, grave-looking yeomen, who were his associates on the bench. There was nothing to distinguish these Subordinate judges from the better part of the spectators, except gravity, which they affected a little more than common, and that one of their number was attired in an old-fashioned military coat, with skirts that reached no lower than the middle of his thighs, and bearing two little silver epaulets, not half so big as a modern pair of shoulder-knots. This gentleman was a colonel of the militia, in attendance on a court-martial, who found leisure to steal a moment from his military to attend to his civil jurisdiction; but this incongruity excited neither notice nor comment. Three or four clean- shaved lawyers followed, as meek as if they were lambs going to the slaughter. One or two of their number had contrived to obtain an air of scholastic gravity by wearing spectacles. The rear was brought up by another posse of constables, and the mob followed the whole into the room where the court held its sitting.
The edifice was composed of a basement of squared logs, perforated here and there with small grated windows, through which a few wistful faces were gazing at the crowd without. Among the captives were the guilty, downcast countenances of the counterfeiters, and the simple but honest features of the Leather-Stocking. The dungeons were to be distinguished, externally, from the debtors apartments only by the size of the apertures, the thickness of the grates, and by the heads of the spikes that were driven into the logs as a protection against the illegal use of edge-tools. The upper story was of frame work, regularly covered with boards, and contained one room decently fitted up for the purpose of justice. A bench, raised on a narrow platform to the height of a man above the floor, and protected in front by a light railing. ran along one of its sides. In the centre was a seat, furnished with rude arms, that was always filled by the presiding judge. In front, on a level with the floor of the room, was a large table covered with green baize, and surrounded by benches; and at either of its ends were rows of seats, rising one over the other, for jury-boxes. Each of these divisions was surrounded by a railing. The remainder of the room was an open square, appropriated to the spectators.
When the judges were seated, the lawyers had taken possession of the table, and the noise of moving feet had ceased in the area, the proclamations were made in the usual form, the jurors were sworn, the charge was given, and the court proceeded to hear the business before them.
We shall not detain the reader with a description of the captious discussions that occupied the court for the first two hours, Judge Temple had impressed on the jury, in his charge, the necessity for dispatch on their part, recommending to their notice, from motives of humanity, the prisoners in the jail as the first objects of their attention. Accordingly, after the period we have mentioned had elapsed, the cry of the officer to clear the way for the grand jury, announced the entrance of that body. The usual forms were observed, when the foreman handed up to the bench two bills, on both of which the Judge observed, at the first glance of his eye, the name of Nathaniel Bumppo. It was a leisure moment with the court; some low whispering passed between the bench and the sheriff, who gave a signal to his officers, and in a very few minutes the silence that prevailed was interrupted by a general movement in the outer crowd, when presently the Leather-Stocking made his appearance, ushered into the criminals bar under the custody of two constables, The hum ceased, the people closed into the open space again, and the silence soon became so deep that the hard breathing of the prisoner was audible.
Natty was dressed in his buckskin garments, without his coat, in place of which he wore only a shirt of coarse linen-cheek, fastened at his throat by the sinew of a deer, leaving his red neck and weather-beaten face exposed and bare. It was the first time that he had ever crossed the threshold of a court of justice, and curiosity seemed to be strongly blended with his personal feelings. He raised his eyes to the bench, thence to the jury-boxes, the bar, and the crowd without, meeting everywhere looks fastened on himself. After surveying his own person, as searching the cause of this unusual attraction, he once more turned his face around the assemblage, and opened his mouth in one of his silent and remarkable laughs.
Prisoner, remove your cap, said Judge Temple.
The order was either unheard or unheeded.
Nathaniel Bumppo, be uncovered, repeated the Judge.
Natty started at the sound of his name, and, raising his face earnestly toward the bench, he said:
Anan!
Mr. Lippet arose from his seat at the table, and whispered in the ear of the prisoner; when Natty gave him a nod of assent, and took the deer-skin covering from his head.
Mr. District Attorney, said the Judge, the prisoner is ready; we wait for the indictment.
The duties of public prosecutor were discharged by Dirck Van der School, who adjusted his spectacles, cast a cautious look around him at his brethren of the bar, which he ended by throwing his head aside so as to catch one glance over the glasses, when he proceeded to read the bill aloud. It was the usual charge for an assault and battery on the person of Hiram Doolittle, and was couched in the ancient language of such instruments, especial care having been taken by the scribe not to omit the name of a single offensive weapon known to the law. When he had done, Mr. Van der School removed his spectacles, which he closed and placed in his pocket, seemingly for the pleasure of again opening and replacing them on his nose, After this evolution was repeated once or twice, he handed the bill over to Mr. Lippet, with a cavalier air, that said as much as Pick a hole in that if you can.
Natty listened to the charge with great attention, leaning forward toward the reader with an earnestness that denoted his interest; and, when it was ended, he raised his tall body to the utmost, and drew a long sigh. All eyes were turned to the prisoner, whose voice was vainly expected to break the stillness of the room.
You have heard the presentment that the grand jury have made, Nathaniel Bumppo, said the Judge; what do you plead to the charge?
The old man drooped his head for a moment in a reflecting attitude, and then, raising it, he laughed before he answered:
That I handled the man a little rough or so, is not to be denied; but that there was occasion to make use of all the things that the gentleman has spoken of is downright untrue. I am not much of a wrestler, seeing that I’m getting old; but I was out among the Scotch- Irisherslet me seeit must have been as long ago as the first year of the old war
Mr. Lippet, if you are retained for the prisoner, interrupted Judge Temple, instruct your client how to plead; if not, the court will assign him counsel.
Aroused from studying the indictment by this appeal, the attorney got up, and after a short dialogue with the hunter in a low voice, he informed the court that they were ready to proceed.
Do you plead guilty or not guilty? said the Judge.
I may say not guilty, with a clean conscience, returned Natty; for theres no guilt in doing whats right; and Id rather died on the spot, than had him put foot in the hut at that moment.
Richard started at this declaration and bent his eyes significantly on Hiram, who returned the look with a slight movement of his eyebrows.
Proceed to open the cause, Mr. District Attorney,’ continued the Judge. Mr. Clerk, enter the plea of not guilty.
After a short opening address from Mr. Van der School, Hiram was summoned to the bar to give his testimony. It was delivered to the letter, perhaps, but with all that moral coloring which can be conveyed under such expressions as, thinking no harm, feeling it my bounden duty as a magistrate, and seeing that the constable was backard in the business. When he had done, and the district attorney declined putting any further interrogatories, Mr. Lippet arose, with an air of keen investigation, and asked the following questions:
Are you a constable of this county, sir?
No, sir, said Hiram, Im only a justice-peace.
I ask you, Mr. Doolittle, in the face of this court, put ting it to your conscience and your knowledge of the law, whether you had any right to enter that mans dwelling?
Hem! said Hiram, undergoing a violent struggle between his desire for vengeance, and his love of legal fame: I do supposethat inthat isstrict lawthat supposingmaybe I hadnt a reallawful right; but as the case wasand Billy was so backardI thought I might come forard in the business.
I ask you again, sir, continued the lawyer, following up his success, whether this old, this friendless old man, did or did not repeatedly forbid your entrance?
Why, I must say, said Hiram, that he was considerable cross- grained; not what I call clever, seeing that it was only one neighbor wanting to go into the house of another.
Oh! then you own it was only meant for a neighborly visit on your part, and without the sanction of law. Remember, gentlemen, the words of the witness, one neighbor wanting to enter the house of another. Now, sir, I ask you if Nathaniel Bumppo did not again and again order you not to enter?
There was some words passed between us, said Hiram, but I read the warrant to him aloud.
I repeat my question; did he tell you not to enter his habitation?
There was a good deal passed betwixt usbut Ive the warrant in my pocket; maybe the court would wish to see it?
Witness, said Judge Temple, answer the question directly; did or did not the prisoner forbid your entering his hut?
Why, I some think
Answer without equivocation, continued the Judge sternly.
He did.
And did you attempt to enter after his order?
I did; but the warrant was in my hand.
Proceed, Mr. Lippet, with your examination.
But the attorney saw that the impression was in favor of his client, and waving his hand with a supercilious manner, as if unwilling to insult the understanding of the jury with any further defence, he replied:
No, sir; I leave it for your honor to charge; I rest my case here.
Mr. District Attorney, said the Judge, have you anything to say? Mr. Van der School removed his spectacles, folded them and, replacing them once more on his nose, eyed the other bill which he held in his hand, and then said, looking at the bar over the top of his glasses; I shall rest the prosecution here, if the court please.
Judge Temple arose and began the charge.
Gentlemen of the jury, he said, you have heard the testimony, and I shall detain you but a moment. If an officer meet with resistance in the execution of a process, he has an undoubted right to call any citizen to his assistance; and the acts of such assistant come within the protection of the law. I shall leave you to judge, gentlemen, from the testimony, how far the witness in this prosecution can be so considered, feeling less reluctance to submit the case thus informally to your decision, because there is yet another indictment to be tried, which involves heavier charges against the unfortunate prisoner.
The tone of Marmaduke was mild and insinuating, and, as his sentiments were given with such apparent impartiality, they did not fail of carrying due weight with the jury. The grave-looking yeomen who composed this tribunal laid their heads together for a few minutes, without leaving the box, when the foreman arose, and, after the forms of the court were duly observed, he pronounced the prisoner to be Not guilty.
You are acquitted of this charge, Nathaniel Bumppo, said the Judge.
Anan! said Natty.
You are found not guilty of striking and assaulting Mr. Doolittle.
No, no, Ill not deny but that I took him a little roughly by the shoulders, said Natty, looking about him with great simplicity, and that I
You are acquitted, interrupted the Judge, and there is nothing further to be said or done in the matter.
A look of joy lighted up the features of the old man, who now comprehended the case, and, placing his cap eagerly on his head again, he threw up the bar of his little prison, and said, feelingly:
I must say this for you, Judge Temple, that the law has not been so hard on me as I dreaded. I hope God will bless you for the kind things youve done to me this day.
But the staff of the constable was opposed to his egress, and Mr. Lippet whispered a few words in his ear, when the aged hunter sank back into his place, and, removing his cap, stroked down the remnants of his gray and sandy locks, with an air of mortification mingled with submission.
Mr. District Attorney, said Judge Temple, affecting to busy himself with his minutes, proceed with the second indictment.
Mr. Van der School took great care that no part of the presentment, which he now read, should be lost on his auditors. It accused the prisoner of resisting the execution of a search-warrant, by force of arms, and particularized in the vague language of the law, among a variety of other weapons, the use of the rifle. This was indeed a more serious charge than an ordinary assault and battery, and a corresponding degree of interest was manifested by the spectators in its result. The prisoner was duly arraigned, and his plea again demanded. Mr. Lippet had anticipated the answers of Natty, and in a whisper advised him how to plead. But the feelings of the old hunter were awakened by some of the expressions in the indictment, and, forgetful of his caution, he exclaimed:
Tis a wicked untruth; I crave no mans blood. Them thieves, the Iroquois, wont say it to any face that I ever thirsted after mans blood, I have fout as soldier that feared his Maker and his officer, but I never pulled trigger on any but a warrior that was up and awake. No man can say that I ever struck even a Mingo in his blanket. I believe theres some who thinks theres no God in a wilder ness!
Attend to your plea, Bumppo, said the Judge; you hear that you are accused of using your rifle against an officer of justice? Are you guilty or not guilty?
By this time the irritated feelings of Natty had found vent: and he rested on the bar for a moment, in a musing posture, when he lifted his face, with his silent laugh, and, pointing to where the wood- chopper stood, he said:
Would Billy Kirby be standing there, dye think, if I had used the rifle?
Then you deny it, said Mr. Lippet; you plead not guilty?
Sartain, said Natty; Billy knows that I never fired at all. Billy, do you remember the turkey last winter? Ah me! that was better than common firing; but I cant shoot as I used to could.
Enter the plea of not guilty, said Judge Temple, strongly affected by the simplicity of the prisoner.
Hiram was again sworn, and his testimony given on the second charge. He had discovered his former error, and proceeded more cautiously than before. He related very distinctly and, for the man, with amazing terseness, the suspicion against the hunter, the complaint, the issuing of the warrant, and the swearing in of Kirby; all of which, he affirmed, were done in due form of law. He then added the manner in which the constable had been received; and stated, distinctly, that Natty had pointed the rifle at Kirby, and threatened his life if he attempted to execute his duty. All this was confirmed by Jotham, who was observed to adhere closely to the story of the magistrate. Mr. Lippet conducted an artful cross-examination of these two witnesses, but, after consuming much time, was compelled to relinquish the attempt to obtain any advantage, in despair.
At length the District Attorney called the wood-chopper to the bar, Billy gave an extremely confused account of the whole affair, although he evidently aimed at the truth, until Mr. Van der School aided him, by asking some direct questions:
It appears from examining the papers, that you demanded admission into the hut legally; so you were put in bodily fear by his rifle and threats?
I didnt mind them that, man, said Billy, snapping his fingers; I should be a poor stick to mind old Leather-Stocking.
But I understood you to say (referring to your previous words [as delivered here in court] in the commencement of your testimony) that you thought he meant to shoot you?
To be sure I did; and so would you, too, squire, if you had seen a chap dropping a muzzle that never misses, and cocking an eye that has a natural squint by long practice I thought there would be a dust ont, and my back was up at once; but Leather-Stocking gin up the skin, and so the matter ended.
Ah! Billy, said Natty, shaking his head, twas a lucky thought in me to throw out the hide, or there might have been blood spilt; and Im sure, if it had been yourn, I should have mourned it sorely the little while I have to stay.
Well, Leather-Stocking, returned Billy, facing the prisoner with a freedom and familiarity that utterly disregarded the presence of the court, as you are on the subject it may be that youve no
Go on with your examination, Mr. District Attorney.
That gentleman eyed the familiarity between his witness and the prisoner with manifest disgust, and indicated to the court that he was done.
Then you didnt feel frightened, Mr. Kirby? said the counsel for the prisoner.
Me! no, said Billy, casting his eyes oven his own huge frame with evident self-satisfaction; Im not to be skeared so easy.
You look like a hardy man; where were you born, sir?
Varmount State; tis a mountaynious place, but theres a stiff soil, and its pretty much wooded with beech and maple.
I have always heard so, said Mr. Lippet soothingly. You have been used to the rifle yourself in that country.
I pull the second best trigger in this county. I knock under to Natty Bumppo, there, sin he shot the pigeon.
Leather-Stocking raised his head, and laughed again, when he abruptly thrust out a wrinkled hand, and said:
Youre young yet, Billy, and havent seen the matches that I have; but heres my hand; I bear no malice to you, I dont.
Mr. Lippet allowed this conciliatory offering to be accepted, and judiciously paused, while the spirit of peace was exercising its influence over the two; but the Judge interposed his authority.
This is an improper place for such dialogues, he said; proceed with your examination of this witness, Mr. Lippet, or I shall order the next.
The attorney started, as if unconscious of any impropriety, and continued:
So you settled the matter with Natty amicably on the spot, did you?
He gin me the skin, and I didnt want to quarrel with an old man; for my part, I see no such mighty matter in shooting a buck!
And you parted friends? and you would never have thought of bringing the business up before a court, hadnt you been subpoenaed?
I dont think I should; he gin the skin, and I didnt feel a hard thought, though Squire Doolittle got some affronted.
I have done, sir, said Mr. Lippet, probably relying on the charge of the Judge, as he again seated himself, with the air of a main who felt that his success was certain.
When Mr. Van der School arose to address the jury, he commenced by saying:
Gentlemen of the jury, I should have interrupted the leading questions put by the prisoners counsel (by leading questions I mean telling him what to say), did I not feel confident that the law of the land was superior to any ad vantages (I mean legal advantages) which he might obtain by his art. The counsel for the prisoner, gentlemen, has endeavored to persuade you, in opposition to your own good sense, to believe that pointing a rifle at a constable (elected or deputed) is a very innocent affair; and that society (I mean the commonwealth, gentlemen) shall not be endangered thereby. But let me claim your attention, while we look over the particulars of this heinous offence. Here Mr. Vain der School favored the jury with an abridgment of the testimony, recounted in such a manner as utterly to confuse the faculties of his worthy listeners. After this exhibition he closed as follows: And now, gentlemen, having thus made plain to your senses the crime of which this unfortunate man has been guilty (unfortunate both on account of his ignorance and his guilt), I shall leave you to your own consciences; not in the least doubting that you will see the importance (notwithstanding the prisoners counsel [doubtless relying on your former verdict] wishes to appear so confident of success) of punishing the offender, and asserting the dignity of the laws.
It was now the duty of the Judge to deliver his charge. It consisted of a short, comprehensive summary of the testimony, laying bare the artifice of the prisoners counsel, and placing the facts in so obvious a light that they could not well be misunderstood. Living as we do, gentlemen, he concluded, on the skirts of society, it becomes doubly necessary to protect the ministers of the law. If you believe the witnesses, in their construction of the acts of the prisoner, it is your duty to convict him; but if you believe that the old man, who this day appears before you, meant not to harm the constable, but was acting more under the influence of habit than by the instigations of malice, it will be your duty to judge him, but to do it with lenity
As before, the jury did not leave their box; but, after a consultation of some little time, their foreman arose, and pronounced the prisoner Guilty.
There was but little surprise manifested in the courtroom at this verdict, as the testimony, the greater part of which we have omitted, was too clear and direct to be passed over. The judges seemed to have anticipated this sentiment, for a consultation was passing among them also, during the deliberation of the jury, and the preparatory movements of the bench announced the coming sentence.
Nathaniel Bumppo, commenced the Judge, making the customary pause.
The old hunter, who had been musing again, with his head on the bar, raised himself, and cried, with a prompt, military tone:
Here.
The Judge waved his hand for silence, and proceeded:
In forming their sentence, the court have been governed as much by the consideration of your ignorance of the laws as by a strict sense of the importance of punishing such outrages as this of which you have been found guilty. They have therefore passed over the obvious punishment of whipping on the bare back, in mercy to your years; but, as the dignity of the law requires an open exhibition of the consequences of your crime, it is ordered that you be conveyed from this room to the public stocks, where you are to be confined for one hour; that you pay a fine to the State of one hundred dollars; and that you be imprisoned in the jail of this county for one calendar month, and, furthermore, that your imprisonment do not cease until the said fine shall be paid. I feel it my duty, Nathaniel Bumppo
And where should I get the money? interrupted the Leather-Stocking eagerly; where should I get the money? youll take away the bounty on the painters, because I cut the throat of a deer; and how is an old man to find so much gold or silver in the woods? No, no, Judge; think better of it, and dont talk of shutting me up in a jail for the little time I have to stay.
If you have anything to urge against the passing of the sentence, the court will yet hear you, said the Judge, mildly.
I have enough to say agin it, cried Natty, grasping the bar on which his fingers were working with a convulsed motion. Where am I to get the money? Let me out into the woods and hills, where Ive been used to breathe the clear air, and though Im threescore and ten, if youve left game enough in the country, Ill travel night and day but Ill make you up the sum afore the season is over. Yes, yesyou see the reason of the thing, and the wicked ness of shutting up an old man that has spent his days, as one may say, where he could always look into the windows of heaven.
I must be governed by the law
Talk not to me of law, Marmaduke Temple, interrupted the hunter. Did the beast of the forest mind your laws, when it was thirsty and hungering for the blood of your own child? She was kneeling to her God for a greater favor than I ask, and he heard her; and if you now say no to my prayers, do you think he will be deaf?
My private feelings must not enter into
Hear me, Marmaduke Temple, interrupted the old man, with melancholy earnestness, and hear reason. Ive travelled these mountains when you was no judge, but an infant in your mothers arms; and I feel as if I had a right and a privilege to travel them agin afore I die. Have you forgot the time that you come on to the lake shore, when there wasnt even a jail to lodge in: and didnt I give you my own bear-skin to sleep on, and the fat of a noble buck to satisfy the cravings of your hunger? Yes, yesyou thought it no sin then to kill a deer! And this I did, though I had no reason to love you, for you had never done anything but harm to them that loved and sheltered me. And now, will you shut me up in your dungeons to pay me for my kindness? A hundred dollars! Where should I get the money? No, notheres them that says hard things of you, Marmaduke Temple, but you aint so bad as to wish to see an old man die in a prison, because he stood up for the right. Come, friend, let me pass; its long sin Ive been used to such crowds, and I crave to be in the woods agin. Dont fear me, Judge I bid you not to fear me; for if theres beaver enough left on the streams, or the buckskins will sell for a shilling apiece, you shall have the last penny of the fine. Where are ye, pups? come away, dogs, come away! we have a grievous toil to do for our years, but it shall be doneyes, yes, Ive promised it, and it shall be done!
It is unnecessary to say that the movement of the Leather-Stocking was again intercepted by the constable; but, before he had time to speak, a bustling in the crowd, and a loud hem, drew all eyes to another part of the room.
Benjamin had succeeded in edging his way through the people, and was now seen balancing his short body, with one foot in a window and the other on a railing of the jury-box. To the amazement of the whole court, the steward was evidently preparing to speak. After a good deal of difficulty, he succeeded in drawing from his pocket a small bag, and then found utterance.
If-so-be, he said, that your honor is agreeable to trust the poor fellow out on another cruise among the beasts, heres a small matter that will help to bring down the risk, seeing that theres just thirty-five of your Spaniards in it; and I wish, from the bottom of my heart, that they was raal British guineas, for the sake of the old boy. But tis as it is; and if Squire Dickens will just be so good as to overhaul this small bit of an account, and take enough from the bag to settle the same, hes welcome to hold on upon the rest, till such time as the Leather-Stocking can grapple with them said beaver, or, for that matter, forever, and no thanks asked,
As Benjamin concluded, he thrust out the wooden register of his arrears to the Bold Dragoon with one hand, while he offered his bag of dollars with the other. Astonishment at this singular interruption produced a profound stillness in the room, which was only interrupted by the sheriff, who struck his sword on the table, and cried: Silence!
There must be an end to this, said the Judge, struggling to overcome his feelings. Constable, lead the prisoner to the stocks. Mr. Clerk, what stands next on the calendar?
Natty seemed to yield to his destiny, for he sank his head on his chest, and followed the officer from the court room in silence. The crowd moved back for the passage of the prisoner, and when his tall form was seen descending from the outer door, a rush of the people to the scene of his disgrace followed.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Ha! ha! look! he wears cruel garters!-Lear.
The punishments of the common law were still known, at the time of our tale, to the people of New York; and the whipping-post, and its companion, the stocks, were not yet supplanted by the more merciful expedients of the public prison. Immediately in front of the jail those relics of the older times were situated, as a lesson of precautionary justice to the evil-doers of the settlement.
Natty followed the constables to this spot, bowing his head in submission to a power that he was unable to op pose, and surrounded by the crowd that formed a circle about his person, exhibiting in their countenances strong curiosity. A constable raised the upper part of the stocks, and pointed with his finger to the holes where the old man was to place his feet. Without making the least objection to the punishment, the Leather-Stocking quietly seated himself on the ground, and suffered his limbs to be laid in the openings, without even a murmur; though he cast one glance about him, in quest of that sympathy that human nature always seems to require under suffering but he met no direct manifestations of pity, neither did he see any unfeeling exultation, or hear a single reproachful epithet. The character of the mob, if it could be called by such a name, was that of attentive subordination.
The constable was in the act of lowering the upper plank, when Benjamin, who had pressed close to the side of the prisoner, said, in his hoarse tone, as if seeking for some cause to create a quarrel:
Where away, master constable, is the use of clapping a man in them here bilboes? It neither stops his grog nor hurts his back; what for is it that you do the thing?
Tis the sentence of the court, Mr. Penguillium, and theres law for it, I spose.
Ay, ay, I know that theres law for the thing; but where away do you find the use, I say? it does no harm, and it only keeps a man by the heels for the small matter of two glasses
Is it no harm, Benny Pump, said Natty, raising his eyes with a piteous look in the face of the steward is it no harm to show off a man in his seventy-first year, like a tame bear, for the settlers to look on? Is it no harm to put an old soldier, that has served through the war of fifty-six, and seen the enemy in the seventy-six business, into a place like this, where the boys can point at him and say, I have known the time when he was a spectacle for the county? Is it no harm to bring down the pride of an honest man to be the equal of the beasts of the forest?
Benjamin stared about him fiercely, and could he have found a single face that expressed contumely, he would have been prompt to quarrel with its owner; but meeting everywhere with looks of sobriety, and occasionally of commiseration, he very deliberately seated himself by the side of the hunter, and, placing his legs in the two vacant holes of the stocks, he said:
Now lower away, master constable, lower away, I tell ye! If-so-be theres such a thing hereabouts, as a man that wants to see a bear, let him look and be dd, and he shall find two of them, and mayhap one of the same that can bite as well as growl.
But I have no orders to put you in the stocks, Mr. Pump, cried the constable; you must get up and let me do my duty.
Youve my orders, and what do you need better to meddle with my own feet? so lower away, will ye, and let me see the man that chooses to open his mouth with a grin on it.
There cant be any harm in locking up a creatur that will enter the pound, said the constable, laughing, and closing the stocks on them both.
It was fortunate that this act was executed with decision, for the whole of the spectators, when they saw Benjamin assume the position he took, felt an inclination for merriment, which few thought it worth while to suppress. The steward struggled violently for his liberty again, with an evident intention of making battle on those who stood nearest to him; but the key was already turned, and all his efforts were vain.
Hark ye, master constable, he cried, just clear away your bilboes for the small matter of a log-glass, will ye, and let me show some of them there chaps who it is they are so merry about
No, no, you would go in, and you cant come out, returned the officer, until the time has expired that the Judge directed for the keeping of the prisoner.
Benjamin, finding that his threats and his struggles were useless, had good sense enough to learn patience from the resigned manner of his companion, and soon settled himself down by the side of Natty, with a contemptuousness expressed in his hard features, that showed he had substituted disgust for rage. When the violence of the stewards feelings had in some measure subsided, he turned to his fellow- sufferer, and, with a motive that might have vindicated a worse effusion, he attempted the charitable office of consolation,
Taking it by and large, Master Bump-ho, its but a small matter after all, he said. Now, Ive known very good sort of men, aboard of the Boadishey, laid by the heels, for nothing, mayhap, but forgetting that theyd drunk their allowance already, when a glass of grog has come in their way. This is nothing more than riding with two anchors ahead, waiting for a turn in the tide, or a shift of wind, dye see, with a soft bottom and plenty of room for the sweep of your hawse. Now Ive seen many a man, for over-shooting his reckoning, as I told ye moored head and starn, where he couldnt so much as heave his broadside round, and mayhap a stopper clapped on his tongue too, in the shape of a pump-bolt lashed athwartship his jaws, all the same as an outrigger along side of a taffrel-rail.
The hunter appeared to appreciate the kind intentions of the other, though he could not understand his eloquence, and, raising his humbled countenance, he attempted a smile, as he said:
Anan!
Tis nothing, I say, but a small matter of a squall that will soon blow over, continued Benjamin. To you that has such a length of keel, it must be all the same as nothing; thof, seeing that I am little short in my lower timbers, theyve triced my heels up in such a way as to give me a bit of a cant. But what cares I, Master Bump-ho, if the ship strains a little at her anchor? its only for a dog-watch, and damme but shell sail with you then on that cruise after them said beaver. I’m not much used to small arms, seeing that I was stationed at the ammunition- boxes, being summat too low-rigged to see over the ham- mock-cloths; but I can carry the game, dye see, and mayhap make out to lend a hand with the traps; and if- so-be youre any way so handy with them as ye be with your boat-hook, twill be but a short cruise after all, I’ve squared the yards with Squire Dickens this morning, and I shall send him word that he neednt bear my name on the books again till such time as the cruise is over.
Youre used to dwell with men, Benny, said Leather-Stocking, mournfully, and the ways of the woods would be hard on you, if
Not a bitnot a bit, cried the steward; Im none of your fair- weather chaps, Master Bump-ho, as sails only in smooth water. When I find a friend, I sticks by him, dye see. Now, theres no better man a-going than Squire Dickens, and I love him about the same as I loves Mistress Hollisters new keg of Jamaiky. The steward paused, and turning his uncouth visage on the hunter, he surveyed him with a roguish leer of his eye, and gradually suffered the muscles of his hard features to relax, until his face was illuminated by the display of his white teeth, when he dropped his voice, and added; I say, Master Leather-
Stocking, tis fresher and livelier than any Hollands youll get in Garnsey. But well send a hand over and ask the woman for a taste, for Im so jammed in these here bilboes that I begin to want summat to lighten my upper works.
Natty sighed, and gazed about him on the crowd, that already began to disperse, and which had now diminished greatly, as its members scattered in their various pursuits. He looked wistfully at Benjamin, but did not reply; a deeply-seated anxiety seeming to absorb every other sensation, and to throw a melancholy gloom over his wrinkled features, which were working with the movements of his mind.
The steward was about to act on the old principle, that silence gives consent, when Hiram Doolittle, attended by Jotham, stalked out of the crowd, across the open space, and approached the stocks. The magistrate passed by the end where Benjamin was seated, and posted himself, at a safe distance from the steward, in front of the Leather- Stocking. Hiram stood, for a moment, cowering before the keen looks that Natty fastened on him, and suffering under an embarrassment that was quite new; when having in some degree recovered himself, he looked at the heavens, and then at the smoky atmosphere, as if it were only an ordinary meeting with a friend, and said in his formal, hesitating way:
Quite a scurcity of rain, lately; I some think we shall have a long drought ont.
Benjamin was occupied in untying his bag of dollars, and did not observe the approach of the magistrate, while Natty turned his face, in which every muscle was working, away from him in disgust, without answering. Rather encouraged than daunted by this exhibition of dislike, Hiram, after a short pause, continued:
The clouds look as if theyd no water in them, and the earth is dreadfully parched. To my judgment, therell be short crops this season, if the rain doesnt fail quite speedily.
The air with which Mr. Doolittle delivered this prophetical opinion was peculiar to his species. It was a jesuitical, cold, unfeeling, and selfish manner, that seemed to say, I have kept within the law, to the man he had so cruelly injured. It quite overcame the restraint that the old hunter had been laboring to impose on himself, and he burst out in a warm glow of indignation.
Why should the rain fall from the clouds, he cried, when you force the tears from the eyes of the old, the sick, and the poor! Away with yeaway with ye! you may be formed in the image of the Maker, but Satan dwells in your heart. Away with ye, I say! I am mournful, and the sight of ye brings bitter thoughts.
Benjamin ceased thumbing his money, and raised his head at the instant that Hiram, who was thrown off his guard by the invectives of the hunter, unluckily trusted his person within reach of the steward, who grasped one of his legs with a hand that had the grip of a vise, and whirled the magistrate from his feet, before he had either time to collect his senses or to exercise the strength he did really possess. Benjamin wanted neither proportions nor manhood in his head, shoulders, and arms, though all the rest of his frame appeared to be originally intended for a very different sort of a man. He exerted his physical powers on the present occasion, with much discretion; and, as he had taken his antagonist at a great disadvantage, the struggle resulted very soon in Benjamin getting the magistrate fixed in a posture somewhat similar to his own, and manfully placed face to face.
Youre a ships cousin, I tell ye, Master Doo-but-little, roared the steward; some such matter as a ships cousin, sir. I know you, I do, with your fair-weather speeches to Squire Dickens, to his face, and then you go and sarve out your grumbling to all the old women in the town, do ye? Aint it enough for any Christian, let him harbor never so much malice, to get an honest old fellow laid by the heels in this fashion, without carrying sail so hard on the poor dog, as if you would run him down as he lay at his anchors? But Ive logged many a hard thing against your name, master, and now the times come to foot up the days work, dye see; so square yourself, you lubber, square yourself, and well soon know whos the better man.
Jotham! cried the frightened magistrate Jotham! call in the constables. Mr. Penguillium, I command the peaceI order you to keep the peace.
There’s been more peace than love atwixt us, master, cried the steward, making some very unequivocal demonstrations toward hostility; so mind yourself! square your self, I say! do you smell this here bit of a sledge-hammer?
Lay hands on me if you dare! exclaimed Hiram, as well as he could, under the grasp which the steward held on his throttle lay hands on me if you dare!
If you call this laying, master, you are welcome to the eggs, roared the steward.
It becomes our disagreeable duty to record here, that the acts of Benjamin now became violent; for he darted his sledge-hammer violently on the anvil of Mr. Doolittles countenance, and the place became in an instant a scene of tumult and confusion. The crowd rushed in a dense circle around the spot, while some ran to the court room to give the alarm, and one or two of the more juvenile part of the multitude had a desperate trial of speed to see who should be the happy man to communicate the critical situation of the magistrate to his wife.
Benjamin worked away, with great industry and a good deal of skill, at his occupation, using one hand to raise up his antagonist, while he knocked him over with the other; for he would have been disgraced in his own estimation, had he struck a blow on a fallen adversary. By this considerate arrangement he had found means to hammer the visage of Hiram out of all shape, by the time Richard succeeded in forcing his way through the throng to the point of combat. The sheriff afterward declared that, independently of his mortification as preserver of the peace of the county, at this interruption to its harmony, he was never so grieved in his life as when he saw this breach of unity between his favorites. Hiram had in some degree become necessary to his vanity, and Benjamin, strange as it may appear, he really loved. This attachment was exhibited in the first words that he uttered.
Squire Doolittle! Squire Doolittle! I am ashamed to see a man of your character and office forget himself so much as to disturb the peace, insult the court, and beat poor Benjamin in this manner!
At the sound of Mr. Jones voice, the steward ceased his employment, and Hiram had an opportunity of raising his discomfited visage toward the mediator. Emboldened by the sight of the sheriff, Mr. Doolittle again had recourse to his lungs.
Ill have law on you for this, he cried desperately; Ill have the law on you for this. I call on you, Mr. Sheriff, to seize this man, and I demand that you take his body into custody.
By this time Richard was master of the true state of the case, and, turning to the steward, he said reproach fully:
Benjamin, how came you in the stocks? I always thought you were mild and docile as a lamb. It was for your docility that I most esteemed you. Benjamin! Benjamin! you have not only disgraced yourself, but your friends, by this shameless conduct, Bless me! bless me! Mr. Doolittle, he seems to have knocked your face all of one side.
Hiram by this time had got on his feet again, and with out the reach of the steward, when he broke forth in violent appeals for vengeance. The offence was too apparent to be passed over, and the sheriff, mindful of the impartiality exhibited by his cousin in the recent trial of the Leather-Stocking, came to the painful conclusion that it was necessary to commit his major-domo to prison. As the time of Nattys punishment was expired, and Benjamin found that they were to be confined, for that night at least, in the same apartment, he made no very strong objection to the measure, nor spoke of bail, though, as the sheriff preceded the party of constables that conducted them to the jail, he uttered the following remonstrance:
As to being berthed with Master Bump-ho for a night or so, its but little I think of it, Squire Dickens, seeing that I calls him an honest man, and one as has a handy way with boat-hooks and rifles; but as for owning that a man desarves anything worse than a double allowance, for knocking that carpenters face a-one-side, as you call it, Ill maintain its agin reason and Christianity. If theres a bloodsucker in this ‘ere county, its that very chap. Ay! I know him! and if he hasnt got all the same as dead wood in his headworks, he knows summat of me. Wheres the mighty harm, squire, that you take it so much to heart? Its all the same as any other battle, dye see sir, being broadside to broadside, only that it was foot at anchor, which was what we did in Port Pray a roads, when Suffring came in among us; and a suffring time he had of it before he got out again.
Richard thought it unworthy of him to make any reply to this speech, but when his prisoners were safely lodged in an outer dungeon, ordering the bolts to be drawn and the key turned, he withdrew.
Benjamin held frequent and friendly dialogues with different people, through the iron gratings, during the afternoon; but his companion paced their narrow limits, in his moccasins, with quick, impatient treads, his face hanging on his breast in dejection, or when lifted, at moments, to the idlers at the window, lighted, perhaps, for an instant, with the childish aspect of aged forgetfulness, which would vanish directly in an expression of deep and obvious anxiety.
At the close of the day, Edwards was seen at the window, in earnest dialogue with his friend; and after he de parted it was thought that he had communicated words of comfort to the hunter, who threw himself on his pallet and was soon in a deep sleep. The curious spectators had exhausted the conversation of the steward, who had drunk good fellowship with half of his acquaintance, and, as Natty was no longer in motion, by eight oclock, Billy Kirby, who was the last lounger at the window, retired into the Templeton Coffee-house, when Natty rose and hung a blanket before the opening, and the prisoners apparently retired for the night.
CHAPTER XXXV.
And to avoid the foes pursuit,
With spurring put their cattle tot; And till all four were out of wind,
And danger too, neer looked behind.Hudibras.
As the shades of evening approached, the jurors, wit nesses, and other attendants on the court began to disperse, and before nine oclock the village was quiet, and its streets nearly deserted. At that hour Judge Temple and his daughter, followed at a short distance by Louisa Grant, walked slowly down the avenue, under the slight shadows of the young poplars, holding the following discourse:
You can best soothe his wounded spirit, my child, said Marmaduke; but it will be dangerous to touch on the nature of his offence; the sanctity of the laws must be respected.
Surely, sir, cried the impatient Elizabeth, those laws that condemn a man like the Leather-Stocking to so severe a punishment, for an offence that even I must think very venial, cannot be perfect in themselves.
Thou talkest of what thou dost not understand, Elizabeth, returned her father. Society cannot exist without wholesome restraints. Those restraints cannot be inflicted without security and respect to the persons of those who administer them; and it would sound ill indeed to report that a judge had extended favor to a convicted criminal, because he had saved the life of his child.
I seeI see the difficulty of your situation, dear sir, cried the daughter; but, in appreciating the offence of poor Natty, I cannot separate the minister of the law from the man.
There thou talkest as a woman, child; it is not for an assault on Hiram Doolittle, but for threatening the life of a constable, who was in the performance of
It is immaterial whether it be one or the other, interrupted Miss Temple, with a logic that contained more feeling than reason; I know Natty to be innocent, and thinking so I must think all wrong who oppress him.
His judge among the number! thy father, Elizabeth?
Nay, nay, nay; do not put such questions to me; give me my commission, father, and let me proceed to execute it.
The Judge paused a moment, smiling fondly on his child, and then dropped his hand affectionately on her shoulder, as he answered:
Thou hast reason, Bess, and much of it, too, but thy heart lies too near thy head, But listen; in this pocketbook are two hundred dollars. Go to the prisonthere are none in this pace to harm theegive this note to the jailer, and, when thou seest Bumppo, say what thou wilt to the poor old man; give scope to the feeling of thy warm heart; but try to remember, Elizabeth, that the laws alone remove us from the condition of the savages; that he has been criminal, and that his judge was thy father.
Miss Temple made no reply, but she pressed the hand that held the pocket-book to her bosom, and, taking her friend by the arm, they issued together from the inclosure into the principal street of the village.
As they pursued their walk in silence, under the row of houses, where the deeper gloom of the evening effectually concealed their persons, no sound reached them, excepting the slow tread of a yoke of oxen, with the rattling of j a cart, that were moving along the street in the same direction with themselves, The figure of the teamster was just discernible by the dim light, lounging by the side of his cattle with a listless air, as if fatigued by the toil of the day. At the corner, where the jail stood, the progress of the ladies was impeded, for a moment, by the oxen, who were turned up to the side of the building, and given a lock of hay, which they had carried on their necks, as a reward for their patient labor, The whole of this was so natural, and so common, that Elizabeth saw nothing to induce a second glance at the team, until she heard the teamster speaking to his cattle in a low voice:
Mind yourself, Brindle; will you, sir! will you! The language itself was so unusual to oxen, with which all who dwell in a new country are familiar; but there was something in the voice, also, that startled Miss Temple On turning the corner, she necessarily approached the man, and her look was enabled to detect the person of Oliver Edwards, concealed under the coarse garb of a teamster. Their eyes met at the same instant, and, not- t withstanding the gloom, and the enveloping cloak of Elizabeth, the recognition was mutual.
Miss Temple! Mr. Edwards! were exclaimed simultaneously, though a feeling that seemed common to both rendered the words nearly inaudible.
Is it possible! exclaimed Edwards, after the moment of doubt had passed; do I see you so nigh the jail! but you are going to the rectory: I beg pardon, Miss Grant, I believe; I did not recognize you at first.
The sigh which Louisa tittered was so faint, that it was only heard by Elizabeth, who replied quickly, We are going not only to the jail, Mr. Edwards’ but into it. We wish to show the Leather-Stocking that we do not forget his services, and that at the same time we must be just, we are also grateful. I suppose you are on a similar errand; but let me beg that you will give us leave to precede you ten minutes. Good-night, sir; I Iam quite sorry, Mr. Edwards, to see you reduced to such labor; I am sure my father would
I shall wait your pleasure, madam, interrupted the youth coldly. May I beg that you will not mention my being here?
Certainly, said Elizabeth, returning his bow by a slight inclination of her head, and urging the tardy Louisa forward. As they entered the jailers house, however, Miss Grant found leisure to whisper:
Would it not be well to offer part of your money to Oliver? half of it will pay the fine of Bumppo; and he is so unused to hardships! I am sure my father will subscribe much of his little pittance, to place him in a station that is more worthy of him.
The involuntary smile that passed over the features of Elizabeth was blended with an expression of deep and heartfelt pity. She did not reply, however, and the appearance of the jailer soon recalled the thoughts of both to the object of their visit.
The rescue of the ladies, and their consequent interest in his prisoner, together with the informal manners that prevailed in the country, all united to prevent any surprise on the part of the jailer, at their request for admission to Bumppo. The note of Judge Temple, however, would have silenced all objections, if he had felt them and he led the way without hesitation to the apartment that held the prisoners. The instant the key was put into the lock, the hoarse voice of Benjamin was heard, demanding:
Yo hoy! who comes there?
Some visitors that youll be glad to see, returned the jailer. What have you done to the lock, that it wont turn
Handsomely, handsomely, master, cried the steward: I have just drove a nail into a berth alongside of this here bolt, as a stopper, dye see, so that Master Doo-but little cant be running in and breezing up another fight atwixt us: for, to my account, therell be but a han-yan with me soon, seeing that theyll mulct me of my Spaniards, all the same as if Id over-flogged the lubber. Throw your ship into the wind, and lay by for a small matter, will ye? and Ill soon clear a passage.
The sounds of hammering gave an assurance that the steward was in earnest, and in a short time the lock yielded, when the door was opened.
Benjamin had evidently been anticipating the seizure of his money, for he had made frequent demands on the favorite cask at the Bold Dragoon, during the afternoon and evening, and was now in that state which by marine imagery is called half-seas-over. It was no easy thing to destroy the balance of the old tar by the effects of liquor, for, as he expressed it himself, he was too low-rigged not to carry sail in all weathers; but he was precisely in that condition which is so expressively termed muddy. When he perceived who the visitors were, he retreated to the side of the room where his pallet lay, and, regardless of the presence of his young mistress, seated himself on it with an air of great sobriety, placing his back firmly against the wall.
If you undertake to spoil my locks in this manner, Mr. Pump, said the jailer, I shall put a stopper, as you call it, on your legs, and tie you down to your bed.
What for should ye, master? grumbled Benjamin; Ive rode out one squall to-day anchored by the heels, and I wants no more of them. Wheres the harm o doing all the same as yourself? Leave that there door free out board, and youll find no locking inboard, Ill promise ye.
I must shut up for the night at nine, said the jailer, and its now forty-two minutes past eight. He placed the little candle on a rough pine table, and withdrew.
Leather-Stocking! said Elizabeth, when the key of the door was turned on them again, my good friend, Leather-Stocking! I have come on a message of gratitude. Had you submitted to the search, worthy old man, the death of the deer would have been a trifle, and all would have been well
Submit to the sarch! interrupted Natty, raising his face from resting on his knees, without rising from the corner where he had seated himself; dye think gal, I would let such a varmint into my hut? No, noI wouldnt have opened the door to your own sweet countenance then. But they are welcome to search among the coals and ashes now; theyll find only some such heap as is to be seen at every pot-ashery in the mountains.
The old man dropped his face again on one hand, and seemed to be lost in melancholy.
The hut can be rebuilt, and made better than before, returned Miss Temple; and it shall be my office to see it done, when your imprisonment is ended.
Can ye raise the dead, child? said Natty, in a sorrowful voice: can ye go into the place where youve laid your fathers, and mothers, and children, and gather together their ashes, and make the same men and women of them as afore? You do not know what tis to lay your head for more than forty years under the cover of the same logs, and to look at the same things for the better part of I a mans life. You are young yet, child, but you are one of the most precious of Gods creatures. I had hoped for ye that it might come to pass, but its all over now; this, put to that, will drive the thing quite out of his mind for ever.
Miss Temple must have understood the meaning of the old man better than the other listeners; for while Louisa stood innocently by her side, commiserating the griefs of the hunter, she bent her head aside, so as to conceal her features. The action and the feeling that caused it lasted but a moment.
Other logs, and better, though, can be had, and shall be found for you, my old defender, she continued. Your confinement will soon be over, and, before that time arrives, I shall have a house prepared for you, where I you may spend the close of your long and harmless life in ease and plenty.
Ease and plenty! house! repeated Natty, slowly. You mean well, you mean well, and I quite mourn that it cannot be; but he has seen me a sight and a laughing-stock for
Damn your stocks, said Benjamin, flourishing his bottle with one hand, from which he had been taking hasty and repeated draughts, while he made gestures of disdain with the other: who cares for his bilboes? Theres a leg that been stuck up on end like a jibboom for an hour. dye see, and whats it the worse fort, ha? canst tell me, whats it the worser, ha?
I believe you forget, Mr. Pump, in whose presence you are, said Elizabeth.
Forget you, Miss Lizzy? returned the steward; if I do, damme; you are not to be forgot, like Goody Pretty-bones, up at the big house there. I say, old sharpshooter, she may have pretty bones, but I cant say so much for her flesh, dye see, for she looks somewhat like anatomy with another mans jacket on. Now for the skin of her face, its all the same as a new topsail with a taut bolt-rope, being snug at the leeches, but all in a bight about the inner cloths,
PeaceI command you to be silent, sir! said Elizabeth.
Ay, ay, maam, returned the steward. You didnt say I shouldnt drink, though.
We will not speak of what is to become of others, said Miss Temple, turning again to the hunter but of your own fortunes, Natty. It shall be my care to see that you pass the rest of your days in ease and plenty.
Ease and plenty! again repeated the Leather-Stocking; what ease can there be to an old man, who must walk a mile across the open fields, before he can find a shade to hide him from a scorching sun! or what plenty is there where you hunt a day, and not start a buck, or see anything bigger than a mink, or maybe a stray fox! Ah! I shall have a hard time after them very beavers, for this fine. I must go low toward the Pennsylvania line in search of the creatures, maybe a hundred mile; for they are not to be got here-away. No, noyour betterments and clearings have druv the knowing things out of the country, and instead of beaver-dams, which is the nater of the animal, and according to Providence, you turn back the waters over the low grounds with your mill-dams, as if twas in man to stay the drops from going where He wills them to goBenny, unless you stop your hand from going so often to your mouth, you wont be ready to start when the time comes.
Harkee, Master Bump-ho, said the steward; dont you fear for Ben, When the watch is called, set me of my legs and give me the bearings and the distance of where you want me to steer, and Ill carry sail with the best of you, I will.
The time has come now, said the hunter, listening; I hear the horns of the oxen rubbing agin the side of the jail.
Well, say the word, and then heave ahead, shipmate, said Benjamin.
You wont betray us, gal? said Natty, looking simply into the face of Elizabeth you wont betray an old man, who craves to breathe the clear air of heaven? I mean no harm; and if the law says that I must pay the hundred dollars, Ill take the season through, but it shall be forthcoming; and this good man will help me.
You catch them, said Benjamin, with a sweeping gesture of his arm, and if they get away again, call me a slink, thats all.
But what mean you? cried thc wondering Elizabeth. Here you must stay for thirty days; but I have the money for your fine in this purse. Take it; pay it in the morning, and summon patience for your mouth. I will come often to see you, with my friend; we will make up your clothes with our own hands; indeed, indeed, you shall be comfortable.
Would ye, children? said Natty, advancing across the floor with an air of kindness, and taking the hand of Elizabeth, would ye be so kearful of an old man, and just for shooting a beast which cost him nothing? Such things doesnt run in the blood, I believe, for you seem not to forget a favor. Your little fingers couldnt do much on a buckskin, nor be you used to push such a thread as sinews. But if he hasnt got past hearing, he shalt hear it and know it, that he may see, like me, there is some who know how to remember a kindness,
Tell him nothing, cried Elizabeth, earnestly; if you love me, if you regard my feelings, tell him nothing. It is of yourself only I would talk, and for yourself only I act. I grieve, Leather-Stocking, that the law requires that you should be detained here so long; but, after all, it will be only a short month, and
A month? exclaimed Natty, opening his mouth with his usual laugh, not a day, nor a night, nor an hour, gal. Judge Temple may sintence, but he cant keep without a better dungeon than this. I was taken once by the French, and they put sixty-two of us in a block-house, nigh hand to old Frontinac; but twas easy to cut through a pine log to them that was used to timber. The hunter paused, and looked cautiously around the room, when, laughing again, he shoved the steward gently from his post, and removing the bedclothes, discovered a hole recently cut in the logs with a mallet and chisel. Its only a kick, and the outside piece is off, and then
Off! ay, off! cried Benjamin, rising from his stupor; well, heres off. Ay! ay! you catch em, and I’ll hold on to them said beaver- hats,
I fear this lad will trouble me much, said Natty; twill be a hard pull for the mountain, should they take the scent soon, and he is not in a state of mind to run.
Run! echoed the steward; no, sheer alongside, and lets have a fight of it.
Peace! ordered Elizabeth.
Ay, ay, maam.
You will not leave us, surely, Leather-Stocking, continued Miss Temple; I beseech you, reflect that you will be driven to the woods entirely, and that you are fast getting old. Be patient for a little time, when you can go abroad openly, and with honor.
Is there beaver to be catched here, gal?
If not, here is money to discharge the fine, and in a month you are free. See, here it is in gold.
Gold! said Natty, with a kind of childish curiosity; its long sin Ive seen a gold-piece. We used to get the broad joes, in the old war, as plenty as the bears be now. I remember there was a man in Dieskaus army, that was killed, who had a dozen of the shining things sewed up in his shirt. I didnt handle them myself, but I seen them cut out with my own eyes; they was bigger and brighter than them be.
These are English guineas, and are yours, said Elizabeth; an earnest of what shall be done for you.
Me! why should you give me this treasure! said Natty, looking earnestly at the maiden.
Why! have you not saved my life? Did you not rescue me from the jaws of the beast? exclaimed Elizabeth, veiling her eyes, as if to hide some hideous object from her view.
The hunter took the money, and continued turning it in his hand for some time, piece by piece, talking aloud during the operation.
Theres a rifle, they say, out on the Cherry Valley, that will carry a hundred rods and kill. Ive seen good guns in my day, but none quite equal to that. A hundred rods with any sartainty is great shooting! Well, well Im old, and the gun I have will answer my time. Here, child, take back your gold. But the hour has come; I hear him talking to the cattle, and I must be going. You wont tell of us, galyou wont tell of us, will ye?
Tell of you! echoed Elizabeth. But take the money, old man; take the money, even if you go into the mountains.
No, no, said Natty, shaking his head kindly; I would not rob you so for twenty rifles. But theres one thing you can do for me, if ye will, that no other is at hand to do.
Name itname it.
Why, its only to buy a canister of powdertwill cost two silver dollars. Benny Pump has the money ready, but we darent come into the town to get it. Nobody has it but the Frenchman. ‘Tis of the best, and just suits a rifle. Will you get it for me, gal?say, will you get it for me?
Will I? I will bring it to you, Leather-Stocking, though I toil a day in quest of you through the woods. But where shall I find you, and how?
Where? said Natty, musing a moment to-morrow on the Vision; on the very top of the Vision, Ill meet you, child, just as the sun gets over our heads. See that its the fine grain; youll know it by the gloss and the price.
I will do it, said Elizabeth, firmly.
Natty now seated himself, and placing his feet in the hole, with a slight effort he opened a passage through into the street. The ladies heard the rustling of hay, and well understood the reason why Edwards was in the capacity of a teamster.
Come, Benny, said the hunter: twill be no darker to-night, for the moon will rise in an hour.
Stay! exclaimed Elizabeth; it should not be said that you escaped in the presence of the daughter of Judge Temple. Return, Leather- Stocking, and let us retire be fore you execute your plan.
Natty was about to reply, when the approaching footsteps of the jailer announced the necessity of his immediate return. He had barely time to regain his feet, and to conceal the hole with the bedclothes, across which Benjamin very opportunely fell, before the key was turned, and the door of the apartment opened.
Isnt Miss Temple ready to go? said the civil jailer; its the usual hour for locking up.
I follow you, sir, returned Elizabeth good-night, Leather- Stocking.
Its a fine grain, gal, and I think twill carry lead further than common. I am getting old, and cant follow up the game with the step I used to could,
Miss Temple waved her hand for silence, and preceded Louisa and the keeper from the apartment. The man turned the key once, and observed that he would return and secure his prisoners, when he had lighted the ladies to the street. Accordingly they parted at the door of the building, when the jailer retired to his dungeons, and the ladies walked, with throbbing hearts, toward the corner.
Now the Leather-Stocking refuses the money, whispered Louisa, it can all be given to Mr. Edwards, and that added to
Listen! said Elizabeth; I hear the rustling of the hay; they are escaping at this moment. Oh! they will be detected instantly!
By this time they were at the corner, where Edwards and Natty were in the act of drawing the almost helpless body of Benjamin through the aperture. The oxen had started back from their hay, and were standing with their heads down the street, leaving room for the party to act in.
Throw the hay into the cart, said Edwards, or they will suspect how it has been done. Quick, that they may not see it.
Natty had just returned from executing this order, when the light of the keepers candle shone through the hole, and instantly his voice was heard in the jail exclaiming for his prisoners.
What is to be done now? said Edwards; this drunken fellow will cause our detection, and we have not a moment to spare.
Whos drunk, ye lubber? muttered the steward.
A break-jail! a break-jail! shouted five or six voices from within.
We must leave him, said Edwards.
Twouldnt be kind, lad, returned Natty; he took half the disgrace of the stocks on himself to-day, and the creatur has feeling.
At this moment two or three men were heard issuing from the door of the Bold Dragoon, and among them the voice of Billy Kirby.
Theres no moon yet, cried the wood-chopper; but its a clear night. Come, whos for home? Hark! what a rumpus theyre kicking up in the jailheres go and see what its about.
We shall be lost, said Edwards, if we dont drop this man.
At that instant Elizabeth moved close to him, and said rapidly, in a low voice:
Lay him in the cart, and start the oxen; no one will look there.
Theres a womans quickness in the thought, said the youth.
The proposition was no sooner made than executed. The steward was seated on the hay, and enjoined to hold his peace and apply the goad that was placed in his hand, while the oxen were urged on. So soon as this arrangement was completed, Edwards and the hunter stole along the houses for a short distance, when they disappeared through an opening that led into the rear of the buildings.
The oxen were in brisk motion, and presently the cries of pursuit were heard in the street. The ladies quickened their pace, with a wish to escape the crowd of constables and idlers that were approaching, some execrating, and some laughing at the exploit of the prisoners. In the confusion, the voice of Kirby was plainly distinguishable above all the others, shouting and swearing that he would have the fugitives, threatening to bring back Natty in one pocket, and Benjamin in the other.
Spread yourselves, men, he cried, as he passed the ladies, his heavy feet sounding along the street like the tread of a dozen; spread yourselves; to the mountains; theyll be in the mountains in a quarter of an hour, and then look out for a long rifle.
His cries were echoed from twenty mouths, for not only the jail but the taverns had sent forth their numbers, some earnest in the pursuit, and others joining it as in sport.
As Elizabeth turned in at her fathers gate she saw the wood-chopper stop at the cart, when she gave Benjamin up for lost. While they were hurrying up the walk, two figures, stealing cautiously but quickly under the shades of the trees, met the eyes of the ladies, and in a moment Edwards and the hunter crossed their path.
Miss Temple, I may never see you again, exclaimed the youth; let me thank you for all your kindness; you do not, cannot know my motives.
Fly! fly! cried Elizabeth; the village is alarmed. Do not be found conversing with me at such a moment, and in these grounds.
Nay, I must speak, though detection were certain,
Your retreat to the bridge is already cut off; before you can gain the wood your pursuers will be there. If
If what? cried the youth. Your advice has saved me once already; I will follow it to death.
The street is now silent and vacant, said Elizabeth, after a pause; cross it, and you will find my fathers boat in the lake. It would be easy to land from it where you please in the hills.
But Judge Temple might complain of the trespass.
His daughter shall be accountable, sir.
The youth uttered something in a low voice, that was heard only by Elizabeth, and turned to execute what she had suggested. As they were separating, Natty approached the females, and said:
Youll remember the canister of powder, children. Them beavers must be had, and I and the pups be getting old; we want the best of ammunition.
Come, Natty, said Edwards, impatiently.
Coming, lad, coming. God bless you, young ones, both of ye, for ye mean well and kindly to the old man.
The ladies paused until they had lost sight of the retreating figures, when they immediately entered the mansion-house.
While this scene was passing in the walk, Kirby had overtaken the cart, which was his own, and had been driven by Edwards, without asking the owner, from the place where the patient oxen usually stood at evening, waiting the pleasure of their master.
Woacome hither, Golden, he cried; why, how come you off the end of the bridge, where I left you, dummies?
Heave ahead, muttered Benjamin, giving a random blow with his lash, that alighted on the shoulder of the other.
Who the devil be you? cried Billy, turning round in surprise, but unable to distinguish, in the dark, the hard visage that was just peering over the cart-rails.
Who be I? why, Im helmsman aboard of this here craft dye see, and a straight wake Im making of it. Ay, ay! Ive got the bridge right ahead, and the bilboes dead aft: I calls that good steerage, boy. Heave ahead.
Lay your lash in the right spot, Mr. Benny Pump, said the wood- chopper, or Ill put you in the palm of my hand and box your ears. Where be you going with my team?
Team!
Ay. my cart and oxen,
Why, you must know, Master Kirby, that the Leather-Stocking and I thats Benny Pumpyou knows Ben? well, Benny and Ino, me and Benny; damme if I know how tis; but some of us are bound after a cargo of beaver-skins, dye see, so weve pressed the cart to ship them ome in. I say, Master Kirby, what a lubberly oar you pullyou handle an oar, boy, pretty much as a cow would a musket, or a lady would a marling-spike.
Billy had discovered the state of the stewards mind, and he walked for some time alongside of the cart, musing with himself, when he took the goad from Benjamin (who fell back on the hay and was soon asleep) and drove his cattle down the street, over the bridge, and up the mountain, toward a clearing in which he was to work the next day, without any other interruption than a few hasty questions from parties of the constables.
Elizabeth stood for an hour at the window of her room, and saw the torches of the pursuers gliding along the side of the mountain, and heard their shouts and alarms; but, at the end of that time, the last party returned, wearied and disappointed, and the village became as still as when she issued from the gate on her mission to the jail.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
And I could weep th Oneida chief
His descant wildly thus begun
But that I may not stain with grief The death-song of my fathers son.Gertrude OF Wyoming.
It was yet early on the following morning, when Elizabeth and Louisa met by appointment, and proceeded to the store of Monsieur Le Quoi, in order to redeem the pledge the former had given to the Leather- Stocking. The people were again assembling for the business of the day, but the hour was too soon for a crowd, and the ladies found the place in possession of its polite owner, Billy Kirby, one female customer, and the boy who did the duty of helper or clerk.
Monsieur Le Quoi was perusing a packet of letters with manifest delight, while the wood-chopper, with one hand thrust in his bosom, and the other in the folds of his jacket, holding an axe under his right arm, stood sympathizing in the Frenchmans pleasure with good- natured interest. The freedom of manners that prevailed in the new settlements commonly levelled all difference in rank, and with it, frequently, all considerations of education and intelligence. At the time the ladies entered the store, they were unseen by the owner, who was saying to Kirby:
Ah! ha! Monsieur Beel, dis lettair mak me de most happi of mans. Ah! ma chére France! I vill see you again.
I rejoice, monsieur, at anything that contributes to your happiness, said Elizabeth, but hope we are not going to lose you entirely.
The complaisant shopkeeper changed the language to French and recounted rapidly to Elizabeth his hopes of being permitted to return to his own country. Habit had, however, so far altered the manners of this pliable person age, that he continued to serve the wood-chopper, who was in quest of some tobacco, while he related to his more gentle visitor the happy change that had taken place in the dispositions of his own countrymen.
The amount of it all was, that Mr. Le Quoi, who had fled from his own country more through terror than because he was offensive to the ruling powers in France, had succeeded at length in getting an assurance that his return to the West Indies would be unnoticed; and the Frenchman, who had sunk into the character of a country shopkeeper with so much grace, was about to emerge again from his obscurity into his proper level in society.
We need not repeat the civil things that passed between the parties on this occasion, nor recount the endless repetitions of sorrow that the delighted Frenchman expressed at being compelled to quit the society of Miss Temple. Elizabeth took an opportunity, during this expenditure of polite expressions, to purchase the powder privately of the boy, who bore the generic appellation of Jonathan. Be fore they parted, however, Mr. Le Quoi, who seemed to think that he had not said enough, solicited the honor of a private interview with the heiress, with a gravity in his air that announced the importance of the subject. After conceding the favor, and appointing a more favorable time for the meeting, Elizabeth succeeded in getting out of the store, into which the countrymen now began to enter, as usual, where they met with the same attention and bien seance as formerly.
Elizabeth and Louisa pursued their walk as far as the bridge in profound silence; but when they reached that place the latter stopped, and appeared anxious to utter something that her diffidence suppressed.
Are you ill, Louisa? exclaimed Miss Temple; had we not better return, and seek another opportunity to meet the old man?
Not ill, but terrified. Oh! I never, never can go on that hill again with you only. I am not equal to it, in deed I am not.
This was an unexpected declaration to Elizabeth, who, although she experienced no idle apprehension of a danger that no longer existed, felt most sensitively all the delicacy of maiden modesty. She stood for some time, deeply reflecting within herself; but, sensible it was a time for action instead of reflection, she struggled to shake off her hesitation, and replied, firmly:
Well, then it must be done by me alone. There is no other than yourself to be trusted, or poor old Leather-Stocking will be discovered. Wait for me in the edge of these woods, that at least I may not be seen strolling in the hills by myself just now, One would not wish to create remarks, Louisaifif You will wait for me, dear girl?
A year, in sight of the village, Miss Temple, returned the agitated Louisa, but do not, do not ask me to go on that hill.
Elizabeth found that her companion was really unable to proceed, and they completed their arrangement by posting Louisa out of the observation of the people who occasionally passed, but nigh the road, and in plain view of the whole valley. Miss Temple then proceeded alone. She ascended the road which has been so often mentioned in our narrative, with an elastic and firm step, fearful that the delay in the store of Mr. Le Quoi, and the time necessary for reaching the summit, would prevent her being punctual to the appointment Whenever she pressed an opening in the bushes, she would pause for breath, or, per haps, drawn from her pursuit by the picture at her feet, would linger a moment to gaze at the beauties of the valley. The long drought had, however, changed its coat of verdure to a hue of brown, and, though the same localities were there, the view wanted the lively and cheering aspect of early summer. Even the heavens seemed to share in the dried appearance of the earth, for the sun was concealed by a haziness in the atmosphere, which looked like a thin smoke without a particle of moisture, if such a thing were possible. The blue sky was scarcely to be seen, though now, and then there was a faint lighting up in spots through which masses of rolling vapor could be discerned gathering around the horizon, as if nature were struggling to collect her floods for the relief of man. The very atmosphere that Elizabeth inhaled was hot and dry, and by the time she reached the point where the course led her from the highway she experienced a sensation like suffocation. But, disregarding her feelings, she hastened to execute her mission, dwelling on nothing but the disappointment, and even the helplessness, the hunter would experience without her aid.
On the summit of the mountain which Judge Temple had named the Vision, a little spot had been cleared, in order that a better view might he obtained of the village and the valley. At this point Elizabeth understood the hunter she was to meet him; and thither she urged her way, as expeditiously as the difficulty of the ascent, and the impediment of a forest, in a state of nature, would admit. Numberless were the fragments of rocks, trunks of fallen trees, and branches, with which she had to contend; but every difficulty vanished before her resolution, and, by her own watch, she stood on the desired spot several minutes before the appointed hour.
After resting a moment on the end of a log, Miss Temple cast a glance about her in quest of her old friend, but he was evidently not in the clearing; she arose and walked around its skirts, examining every place where she thought it probable Natty might deem it prudent to conceal him self. Her search was fruitless; and, after exhausting not only herself, but her conjectures, in efforts to discover or imagine his situation, she ventured to trust her voice in that solitary place.
Natty! Leather-Stocking! old man! she called aloud, in every direction; but no answer was given, excepting the reverberations of her own clear tones, as they were echoed in the parched forest.
Elizabeth approached the brow of the mountain, where a faint cry, like the noise produced by striking the hand against the mouth, at the same time that the breath is strongly exhaled, was heard answering to her own voice. Not doubting in the least that it was the Leather-Stocking lying in wait for her, and who gave that signal to indicate the place where he was to be found, Elizabeth descended for near a hundred feet, until she gained a little natural terrace, thinly scattered with trees, that grew in the fissures of the rocks, which were covered by a scanty soil. She had advanced to the edge of this platform, and was gazing over the perpendicular precipice that formed its face, when a rustling among the dry leaves near her drew her eyes in another direction. Our heroine certainly was startled by the object that she then saw, but a moment restored her self-possession, and she advanced firmly, and with some interest in her manner, to the spot.
Mohegan was seated on the trunk of a fallen oak, with his tawny visage turned toward her, and his eyes fixed on her face with an expression of wildness and fire, that would have terrified a less resolute female. His blanket had fallen from his shoulders, and was lying in folds around him, leaving his breast, arms, and most of his body bare. The medallion of Washington reposed on his chest, a badge of distinction that Elizabeth well knew he only produced on great and solemn occasions. But the whole appearance of the aged chief was more studied than common, and in some particulars it was terrific. The long black hair was plaited on his head, failing away, so as to expose his high forehead and piercing eyes. In the enormous incisions of his ears were entwined ornaments of silver, beads, and porcupines quills, mingled in a rude taste, and after the Indian fashions. A large drop, composed of similar materials, was suspended from the cartilage of his nose, and, falling below his lips, rested on his chin. Streaks of red paint crossed his wrinkled brow, and were traced down his cheeks, with such variations in the lines as caprice or custom suggested. His body was also colored in the same manner; the whole exhibiting an Indian warrior prepared for some event of more than usual moment.
John! how fare you, worthy John? said Elizabeth, as she approached him; you have long been a stranger in the village. You promised me a willow basket, and I have long had a shirt of calico in readiness for you.
The Indian looked steadily at her for some time without answering, and then, shaking his head, he replied, in his low, guttural tones:
Johns hand can make baskets no morehe wants no shirt.
But if he should, he will know where to come for it, returned Miss Temple. Indeed old John. I feel as if you had a natural right to order what you will from us.
Daughter, said the Indian, listen : Six times ten hot summers have passed since John was young tall like a pine; straight like the bullet of Hawk-eye, strong as all buffalo; spry as the cat of the mountain. He was strong, and a warrior like the Young Eagle. If his tribe wanted to track the Maquas for many suns, the eye of Chingachgook found the print of their moccasins. If the people feasted and were glad, as they counted the scalps of their enemies, it was on his pole they hung. If the squaws cried because there was no meat for their children, he was the first in the chase. His bullet was swifter than the deer. Daughter, then Chingachgook struck his tomahawk into the trees; it was to tell the lazy ones where to find him and the Mingoes but he made no baskets.
Those times have gone by, old warrior, returned Elizabeth ; since then your people have disappeared, and, in place of chasing your enemies, you have learned to fear God and to live at peace.
Stand here, daughter, where you can see the great spring, the wigwams of your father, and the land on the crooked river. John was young when his tribe gave away the country, in council, from where the blue mountain stands above the water, to where the Susquehanna is hid by the trees. All this, and all that grew in it, and all that walked over it, and all that fed there, they gave to the Fire-eaterfor they loved him. He was strong, and they were women, and he helped them. No Delaware would kill a deer that ran in his woods, nor stop a bird that flew over his land; for it was his. Has John lived in peace? Daughter, since John was young, he has seen the white man from Frontinac come down on his white brothers at Albany and fight. Did they fear God? He has seen his English and his American fathers burying their tomahawks in each others brains, for this very land. Did they fear God, and live in peace? He has seen the land pass away from the Fire-eater, and his children, and the child of his child, and a new chief set over the country. Did they live in peace who did this? did they fear God?
Such is the custom of the whites, John. Do not the Delawares fight, and exchange their lands for powder, and blankets, and merchandise?
The Indian turned his dark eyes on his companion, and kept them there with a scrutiny that alarmed her a little.
Where are the blankets and merchandise that bought the right of the Fire-eater? he replied in a more animated voice; are they with him in his wigwam? Did they say to him, Brother, sell us your land, and take this gold, this silver, these blankets, these rifles, or even this rum? No; they tore it front him, as a scalp is torn from an enemy; and they that did it looked not behind them, to see whether he lived or died. Do such men live in peace and fear the Great Spirit?
But you hardly understand the circumstances, said Elizabeth, more embarrassed than she would own, even to herself. If you knew our laws and customs better, you would Judge differently of our acts. Do not believe evil of my father, old Mohegan, for he is just and good.
The brother of Miquon is good, and he will do right. I have said it to Hawk-eye—I have said it to the Young Eagle that the brother of Miquon would do justice.
Whom call you the Young Eagle? said Elizabeth, averting her face from the gaze of the Indian, as she asked the question; whence comes he, and what are his rights?
Has my daughter lived so long with him to ask this question? returned the Indian warily. Old age freezes up the blood, as the frosts cover the great spring in winter; but youth keeps the streams of the blood open like a sun in the time of blossoms. The Young Eagle has eyes; had he no tongue?
The loveliness to which the old warrior alluded was in no degree diminished by his allegorical speech; for the blushes of the maiden who listened covered her burning cheeks till her dark eyes seemed to glow with their reflection; but, after struggling a moment with shame, she laughed, as if unwilling to understand him seriously, and replied in pleasantry:
Not to make me the mistress of his secret. He is too much of a Delaware to tell his secret thoughts to a woman.
Daughter, the Great Spirit made your father with a white skin, and he made mine with a red; but he colored both their hearts with blood. When young, it is swift and warm; but when old, it is still and cold. Is there difference below the skin? No. Once John had a woman. She was the mother of so many sonshe raised his hand with three fingers elevated and she had daughters that would have made the young Delawares happy. She was kind, daughter, and what I said she did. You have different fashions; but do you think John did not love the wife of his youththe mother of his children?
And what has become of your family, Johnyour wife and your children? asked Elizabeth, touched by the Indians manner.
Where is the ice that covered the great spring? It is melted, and gone with the waters. John has lived till all his people have left him for the land of spirits; his time has come, and he is ready.
Mohegan dropped his head in his blanket, and sat in silence. Miss Temple knew not what to say. She wished to draw the thoughts of the old warrior from his gloomy recollections, but there was a dignity in his sorrow, and in his fortitude, that repressed her efforts to speak. After a long pause, however, she renewed the discourse by asking:
Where is the Leather-Stocking, John? I have brought this canister of powder at his request; but he is nowhere to he seen. Will you take charge of it, and see it delivered?
The Indian raised his head slowly and looked earnestly at the gift, which she put into his hand.
This is the great enemy of my nation. Without this, when could the white man drive the Delawares? Daughter, the Great Spirit gave your fathers to know how to make guns and powder, that they might sweep the Indians from the land. There will soon be no red-skin in the country. When John has gone, the last will leave these hills, and his family will be dead. The aged warrior stretched his body forward, leaning an elbow on his knee, and appeared to be taking a parting look at the objects of the vale, which were still visible through the misty atmosphere, though the air seemed to thicken at each moment around Miss Temple, who became conscious of an increased difficulty of respiration. The eye of Mohegan changed gradually from its sorrowful expression to a look of wildness that might be supposed to border on the inspiration of a prophet, as he continued: But he will go on to the country where his fathers have met. The game shall be plenty as the Ash in the lakes. No woman shall cry for meat: no Mingo can ever come The chase shall be for children; and all just red men shall live together as brothers.
John! this is not the heaven of a Christian, cried Miss Temple; you deal now in the superstition of your forefathers.
Fathers! sons! said Mohegan, with firmness. all goneall gone!! have no son but the Young Eagle, and he has the blood of a white man.
Tell me, John, said Elizabeth, willing to draw his thoughts to other subjects, and at the same time yielding to her own powerful interest in the youth; who is this Mr. Edwards? why are you so fond of him, and whence does he come ?
The Indian started at the question, which evidently recalled his recollection to earth. Taking her hand, he drew Miss Temple to a seat beside him, and pointed to the country beneath them.
See, daughter, he said, directing her looks toward the north; as far as your young eyes can see, it was the land of his. But immense volumes of smoke at that moment rolled over their heath, and, whirling in the eddies formed by the mountains, interposed a barrier to their sight, while he was speaking. Startled by this circumstance, Miss Temple sprang to her feet, and, turning her eyes toward the summit of the mountain, she beheld It covered by a similar canopy, while a roaring sound was heard in the forest above her like the rushing of winds.
What means it, John? she exclaimed: we are enveloped in smoke, and I feel a heat like the glow of a furnace.
Before the Indian could reply, a voice was heard crying In the woods: John! where are you, old Mohegan! the woods are on fire, and you have but a minute for escape.
The chief put his hand before his mouth, and, making it lay on his lips, produced the kind of noise that had attracted Elizabeth to the place, when a quick and hurried step was heard dashing through the dried underbrush and bushes, and presently Edwards rushed to his side, with horror an every feature.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
Love rules the court, the camp, the grove.Lay of the Last Minstrel.
IT would have been sad, indeed, to lose you in such manner, my old friend, said Oliver, catching his breath for utterance. Up and away! even now we may be too late; the flames are circling round the point of the rock below, and, unless we can pass there, our only chance must be over the precipice. Away! away! shake off your apathy, John; now is the time of need.
Mohegan pointed toward Elizabeth, who, forgetting her danger, had sunk back to a projection of the rock as soon as she recognized the sounds of Edwards voice, and said with something like awakened animation:
Save herleave John to die.
Her! whom mean you? cried the youth, turning quickly to the place the other indicated; but when he saw the figure of Elizabeth bending toward him in an attitude that powerfully spoke terror, blended with reluctance to meet him in such a place, the shock deprived him of speech.
Miss Temple! he cried, when he found words; you here! is such a death reserved for you!
No, no, nono death, I hope, for any of us, Mr. Edwards, she replied, endeavoring to speak calmly; there is smoke, but no fire to harm us. Let us endeavor to retire.
Take my arm, said Edwards; there must he an opening in some direction for your retreat. Are you equal to the effort?
Certainly. You surely magnify the danger, Mr. Ed wards. Lead me out the way you came.
I willI will, cried the youth, with a kind of hysterical utterance. No, nothere is no dangerI have alarmed you unnecessarily.
But shall we leave the Indiancan we leave him, as be says, to die?
An expression of painful emotion crossed the face of the young man; he stopped and cast a longing look at Mohegan but, dragging his companion after him, even against her will, he pursued his way with enormous strides toward the pass by which he had just entered the circle of flame.
Do not regard him, he said, in those tones that de note a desperate calmness; he is used to the woods, and such scenes; and he will escape up the mountainover the rockor he can remain where he is in safety.
You thought not so this moment, Edwards! Do not leave him there to meet with such a death, cried Elizabeth, fixing a look on the countenance of her conductor that seemed to distrust his sanity.
An Indian born! who ever heard of an Indian dying by fire? An Indian cannot burn; the idea is ridiculous. Hasten, hasten, Miss Temple, or the smoke may incommodate you.
Edwards! your look, your eye, terrifies me! Tell me the danger; is it greater than it seems? I am equal to any trial.
If we reach the point of yon rock before that sheet of fire, we are safe, Miss Temple, exclaimed the young man in a voice that burst without the bounds of his forced composure. Fly! the struggle is