ovement in the party, more especially as Mr.
Craig, the lieutenant, had got through the unpleasant duty of burying
the dead, and had sent for instructions from the shore, desiring to know
what he was to do with his detachment. During this interval Hetty
slept a little, and Deerslayer and Chingachgook left the Ark to confer
together. But, at the end of the time mentioned, the Surgeon passed upon
the platform, and with a degree of feeling his comrades had never before
observed in one of his habits, he announced that the patient was rapidly
drawing near her end. On receiving this intelligence the group collected
again, curiosity to witness such a death--or a better feeling--drawing
to the spot men who had so lately been actors in a scene seemingly of
so much greater interest and moment. By this time Judith had got to be
inactive through grief, and Hist alone was performing the little offices
of feminine attention that are so appropriate to the sick bed. Hetty
herself had undergone no other apparent change than the general failing
that indicated the near approach of dissolution. All that she possessed
of mind was as clear as ever, and, in some respects, her intellect
perhaps was more than usually active.

"Don't grieve for me so much, Judith," said the gentle sufferer, after
a pause in her remarks; "I shall soon see mother--I think I see her now;
her face is just as sweet and smiling as it used to be! Perhaps when I'm
dead, God will give me all my mind, and I shall become a more fitting
companion for mother than I ever was before."

"You will be an angel in heaven, Hetty," sobbed the sister; "no spirit
there will be more worthy of its holy residence!"

"I don't understand it quite; still, I know it must be all true; I've
read it in the Bible. How dark it's becoming! Can it be night so soon? I
can hardly see you at all--where is Hist?"

"I here, poor girl-Why you no see me?"

"I do see you; but I couldn't tell whether 'twas you, or Judith. I
believe I shan't see you much longer, Hist."

"Sorry for that, poor Hetty. Never mind--pale-face got a heaven for girl
as well as for warrior."

"Where's the Serpent? Let me speak to him; give me his hand; so; I feel
it. Delaware, you will love and cherish this young Indian woman--I know
how fond she is of you; you must be fond of her. Don't treat her as some
of your people treat their wives; be a real husband to her. Now, bring
Deerslayer near me; give me his hand."

This reque