as apprised of
his intention, while Hist busied herself in making the few arrangements
that were thought necessary to his comfort. All this was done without
ostentation, but in a way that left Deerslayer fully acquainted with,
and equally disposed to appreciate, the motive. When all was ready, both
returned to the side of Judith and Hetty, neither of whom had moved from
the spot where the young hunter sat.

"The best fri'nds must often part," the last began, when he saw the
whole party grouped around him--"yes, fri'ndship can't alter the ways
of Providence, and let our feelin's be as they may, we must part. I've
often thought there's moments when our words dwell longer on the mind
than common, and when advice is remembered, just because the mouth that
gives it isn't likely to give it ag'in. No one knows what will happen in
this world, and therefore it may be well, when fri'nds separate under a
likelihood that the parting may be long, to say a few words in kindness,
as a sort of keepsakes. If all but one will go into the Ark, I'll talk
to each in turn, and what is more, I'll listen to what you may have to
say back ag'in, for it's a poor counsellor that won't take as well as
give."

As the meaning of the speaker was understood, the two Indians
immediately withdrew as desired, leaving the sisters, however, still
standing at the young man's side. A look of Deerslayer's induced Judith
to explain.

"You can advise Hetty as you land," she said hastily, "for I intend that
she shall accompany you to the shore."

"Is this wise, Judith? It's true, that under common sarcumstances
a feeble mind is a great protection among red-skins, but when their
feelin's are up, and they're bent on revenge, it's hard to say what may
come to pass. Besides--"

"What were you about to say, Deerslayer?" asked Judith, whose gentleness
of voice and manner amounted nearly to tenderness, though she struggled
hard to keep her emotions and apprehensions in subjection.

"Why, simply that there are sights and doin's that one even as little
gifted with reason and memory as Hetty here, might better not witness.
So, Judith, you would do well to let me land alone, and to keep your
sister back."

"Never fear for me, Deerslayer," put in Hetty, who comprehended enough
of the discourse to know its general drift, "I'm feeble minded, and that
they say is an excuse for going anywhere; and what that won't excuse,
will be overlooked on account of the Bible I alw