was enough for you."

A smile of triumph gleamed on the hard wrinkled countenance of the
chief, when he found how completely his appeal to the truth-loving
Hetty had succeeded. As for Judith, herself, the moment her sister was
questioned, she saw that all was lost; for no sign, or even intreaty
could have induced the right feeling girl to utter a falsehood.
To attempt to impose a daughter of the Muskrat on the savages as a
princess, or a great lady, she knew would be idle, and she saw her bold
and ingenious expedient for liberating the captive fail, through one of
the simplest and most natural causes that could be imagined. She turned
her eye on Deerslayer, therefore, as if imploring him to interfere to
save them both.

"It will not do, Judith," said the young man, in answer to this appeal,
which he understood, though he saw its uselessness; "it will not do.
'Twas a bold idea, and fit for a general's lady, but yonder
Mingo" Rivenoak had withdrawn to a little distance, and was out of
earshot--"but yonder Mingo is an oncommon man, and not to be deceived by
any unnat'ral sarcumvention. Things must come afore him in their right
order, to draw a cloud afore his eyes! Twas too much to attempt making
him fancy that a queen, or a great lady, lived in these mountains, and
no doubt he thinks the fine clothes you wear is some of the plunder of
your own father--or, at least, of him who once passed for your father;
as quite likely it was, if all they say is true."

"At all events, Deerslayer, my presence here will save you for a time.
They will hardly attempt torturing you before my face!"

"Why not, Judith? Do you think they will treat a woman of the pale faces
more tenderly than they treat their own? It's true that your sex will
most likely save you from the torments, but it will not save your
liberty, and may not save your scalp. I wish you had not come, my
good Judith; it can do no good to me, while it may do great harm to
yourself."

"I can share your fate," the girl answered with generous enthusiasm.
"They shall not injure you while I stand by, if in my power to prevent
it--besides--"

"Besides, what, Judith? What means have you to stop Injin cruelties, or
to avart Injin deviltries?"

"None, perhaps, Deerslayer," answered the girl, with firmness, "but I
can suffer with my friends--die with them if necessary."

"Ah! Judith--suffer you may; but die you will not, until the Lord's time
shall come. It's little likely tha