the interest
manifested by the old man; but as he found there was no longer the
least appearance of any violence being contemplated, he unhesitatingly
complied.

"Give it all to the trapper by rule, and by figures of speech," said
Paul, very coolly taking his seat on the other side of the young
soldier. "It is the fashion of old age to relish these ancient
traditions, and, for that matter, I can say that I don't dislike to
listen to them myself."

Middleton smiled again, and perhaps with a slight air of derision; but,
good-naturedly turning to the trapper, he continued--

"It is a long, and might prove a painful story. Bloodshed and all the
horrors of Indian cruelty and of Indian warfare are fearfully mingled in
the narrative."

"Ay, give it all to us, stranger," continued Paul; "we are used to these
matters in Kentuck, and, I must say, I think a story none the worse for
having a few scalps in it!"

"But he told you of Uncas, did he?" resumed the trapper, without
regarding the slight interruptions of the bee-hunter, which amounted to
no more than a sort of by-play. "And what thought he and said he of the
lad, in his parlour, with the comforts and ease of the settlements at
his elbow?"

"I doubt not he used a language similar to that he would have adopted in
the woods, and had he stood face to face, with his friend--"

"Did he call the savage his friend; the poor, naked, painted warrior? he
was not too proud then to call the Indian his friend?"

"He even boasted of the connection; and as you have already heard,
bestowed a name on his first-born, which is likely to be handed down as
an heir-loom among the rest of his descendants."

"It was well done! like a man: ay! and like a Christian, too! He used to
say the Delaware was swift of foot--did he remember that?"

"As the antelope! Indeed, he often spoke of him by the appellation of Le
Cerf Agile, a name he had obtained by his activity."

"And bold, and fearless, lad!" continued the trapper, looking up into
the eyes of his companion, with a wistfulness that bespoke the delight
he received in listening to the praises of one, whom it was so very
evident, he had once tenderly loved.

"Brave as a blooded hound! Without fear! He always quoted Uncas and his
father, who from his wisdom was called the Great Serpent, as models of
heroism and constancy."

"He did them justice! he did them justice! Truer men were not to be
found in tribe or nation, be their skins of w