holy satisfaction in relieving the apprehensions of the helpless
savage.

"No, no, red-skin," he said; "you've nothing more to fear from me. I am
of a Christian stock, and scalping is not of my gifts. I'll just make
sartain of your rifle, and then come back and do you what sarvice I can.
Though here I can't stay much longer, as the crack of three rifles will
be apt to bring some of your devils down upon me."

The close of this was said in a sort of a soliloquy, as the young man
went in quest of the fallen rifle. The piece was found where its owner
had dropped it, and was immediately put into the canoe. Laying his own
rifle at its side, Deerslayer then returned and stood over the Indian
again.

"All inmity atween you and me's at an ind red-skin," he said; "and you
may set your heart at rest on the score of the scalp, or any further
injury. My gifts are white, as I've told you; and I hope my conduct will
be white also."

Could looks have conveyed all they meant, it is probable Deerslayer's
innocent vanity on the subject of color would have been rebuked a
little; but he comprehended the gratitude that was expressed in the eyes
of the dying savage, without in the least detecting the bitter sarcasm
that struggled with the better feeling.

"Water!" ejaculated the thirsty and unfortunate creature; "give poor
Injin water."

"Ay, water you shall have, if you drink the lake dry. I'll just carry
you down to it that you may take your fill. This is the way, they
tell me, with all wounded people--water is their greatest comfort and
delight."

So saying, Deerslayer raised the Indian in his arms, and carried him to
the lake. Here he first helped him to take an attitude in which he could
appease his burning thirst; after which he seated himself on a
stone, and took the head of his wounded adversary in his own lap, and
endeavored to soothe his anguish in the best manner he could.

"It would be sinful in me to tell you your time hadn't come, warrior,"
he commenced, "and therefore I'll not say it. You've passed the middle
age already, and, considerin' the sort of lives ye lead, your days have
been pretty well filled. The principal thing now, is to look forward
to what comes next. Neither red-skin nor pale-face, on the whole,
calculates much on sleepin' forever; but both expect to live in another
world. Each has his gifts, and will be judged by 'em, and I suppose
you've thought these matters over enough not to stand in need of sar