y while the Indians were dragging them along shore, the distance,
which exceeded six miles, affording abundance of time.

"Hist don't know, herself, whether they suspect her or not, or whether
they suspect you, but she hopes neither is the case. And now, Serpent,
since I have told you so much from your betrothed," continued Hetty,
unconsciously taking one of the Indian's hands, and playing with the
fingers, as a child is often seen to play with those of a parent, "you
must let me tell you something from myself. When you marry Hist, you
must be kind to her, and smile on her, as you do now on me, and not look
cross as some of the chiefs do at their squaws. Will you promise this?"

"Alway good to Wah!--too tender to twist hard; else she break."

"Yes, and smile, too; you don't know how much a girl craves smiles
from them she loves. Father scarce smiled on me once, while I was with
him--and, Hurry--Yes--Hurry talked loud and laughed, but I don't think
he smiled once either. You know the difference between a smile and a
laugh?"

"Laugh, best. Hear Wah laugh, think bird sing!"

"I know that; her laugh is pleasant, but you must smile. And then,
Serpent, you mustn't make her carry burthens and hoe corn, as so many
Indians do; but treat her more as the pale-faces treat their wives."

"Wah-ta-Wah no pale-face--got red-skin; red heart, red feelin's. All
red; no pale-face. Must carry papoose."

"Every woman is willing to carry her child," said Hetty smiling, "and
there is no harm in that. But you must love Hist, and be gentle, and
good to her; for she is gentle and good herself."

Chingachgook gravely bowed, and then he seemed to think this part of the
subject might be dismissed. Before there was time for Hetty to resume
her communications, the voice of Deerslayer was heard calling on his
friend, in the outer room. At this summons the Serpent arose to obey,
and Hetty joined her sister.

Chapter XIV.

"'A stranger animal,' cries one,
'Sure never liv'd beneath the sun;
A lizard's body lean and long,
A fish's head, a serpent's tongue,
Its foot, with triple claw disjoined;
And what a length of tail behind!'"

James Merrick, "The Chameleon," 11.21-26.

The first act of the Delaware, on rejoining his friend, was to proceed
gravely to disencumber himself of his civilized attire, and to stand
forth an Indian warrior again. The protest of Deerslayer was met by his
communicating the fact that