ardly. I'll not deny,
Hurry, that I often wish I'd been created more comely to the eye, and
more like such a one as yourself in them particulars; but then I get the
feelin' under by remembering how much better off I am, in a great many
respects, than some fellow-mortals. I might have been born lame, and
onfit even for a squirrel-hunt, or blind, which would have made me a
burden on myself as well as on my fri'nds; or without hearing, which
would have totally onqualified me for ever campaigning or scouting;
which I look forward to as part of a man's duty in troublesome times.
Yes, yes; it's not pleasant, I will allow, to see them that's more
comely, and more sought a'ter, and honored than yourself; but it may
all be borne, if a man looks the evil in the face, and don't mistake his
gifts and his obligations."

Hurry, in the main, was a good-hearted as well as good-natured fellow;
and the self-abasement of his companion completely got the better of
the passing feeling of personal vanity. He regretted the allusion he
had made to the other's appearance, and endeavored to express as much,
though it was done in the uncouth manner that belonged to the habits and
opinions of the frontier.

"I meant no harm, Deerslayer," he answered, in a deprecating manner,
"and hope you'll forget what I've said. If you're not downright
handsome, you've a sartain look that says, plainer than any words, that
all's right within. Then you set no value by looks, and will the sooner
forgive any little slight to your appearance. I will not say that Jude
will greatly admire you, for that might raise hopes that would only
breed disapp'intment; but there's Hetty, now, would be just as likely
to find satisfaction in looking at you, as in looking at any other man.
Then you're altogether too grave and considerate-like, to care much
about Judith; for, though the gal is oncommon, she is so general in her
admiration, that a man need not be exalted because she happens to smile.
I sometimes think the hussy loves herself better than she does anything
else breathin'."

"If she did, Hurry, she'd do no more, I'm afeard, than most queens on
their thrones, and ladies in the towns," answered Deerslayer, smiling,
and turning back towards his companion with every trace of feeling
banished from his honest-looking and frank countenance. "I never yet
know'd even a Delaware of whom you might not say that much. But here is
the end of the long p'int you mentioned, and the 'R