ispositions were made, the scout
turned to David, and gave him his parting instructions.

"Are you much given to cowardice?" he bluntly asked, by way of obtaining
a suitable understanding of the whole case before he ventured a
prescription.

"My pursuits are peaceful, and my temper, I humbly trust, is greatly
given to mercy and love," returned David, a little nettled at so direct
an attack on his manhood; "but there are none who can say that I have
ever forgotten my faith in the Lord, even in the greatest straits."

"Your chiefest danger will be at the moment when the savages find out
that they have been deceived. If you are not then knocked on the head,
your being a non-composser will protect you; and you'll then have a good
reason to expect to die in your bed. If you stay, it must be to sit down
here in the shadow, and take the part of Uncas, until such times as the
cunning of the Indians discover the cheat, when, as I have already said,
your times of trial will come. So choose for yourself--to make a rush or
tarry here."

"Even so," said David, firmly; "I will abide in the place of the
Delaware. Bravely and generously has he battled in my behalf, and this,
and more, will I dare in his service."

"You have spoken as a man, and like one who, under wiser schooling,
would have been brought to better things. Hold your head down, and
draw in your legs; their formation might tell the truth too early. Keep
silent as long as may be; and it would be wise, when you do speak, to
break out suddenly in one of your shoutings, which will serve to remind
the Indians that you are not altogether as responsible as men should be.
If however, they take your scalp, as I trust and believe they will not,
depend on it, Uncas and I will not forget the deed, but revenge it as
becomes true warriors and trusty friends."

"Hold!" said David, perceiving that with this assurance they were about
to leave him; "I am an unworthy and humble follower of one who taught
not the damnable principle of revenge. Should I fall, therefore, seek
no victims to my manes, but rather forgive my destroyers; and if you
remember them at all, let it be in prayers for the enlightening of their
minds, and for their eternal welfare."

The scout hesitated, and appeared to muse.

"There is a principle in that," he said, "different from the law of the
woods; and yet it is fair and noble to reflect upon." Then heaving
a heavy sigh, probably among the last he ever drew