spoke in reply, until a few moments of silent
meditation were, seemingly, bestowed in deliberating on what had already
been said.

The language of the Mohicans was accompanied by gestures so direct and
natural, that Heyward had but little difficulty in following the thread
of their argument. On the other hand, the scout was obscure; because,
from the lingering pride of color, he rather affected the cold and
artificial manner which characterizes all classes of Anglo-Americans,
when unexcited. By the frequency with which the Indians described the
marks of a forest trail, it was evident they urged a pursuit by land,
while the repeated sweep of Hawkeye's arm towards the Horican denoted
that he was for a passage across its waters.

The latter was, to every appearance, fast losing ground, and the point
was about to be decided against him, when he arose to his feet, and
shaking off his apathy, he suddenly assumed the manner of an Indian, and
adopted all the arts of native eloquence. Elevating an arm, he pointed
out the track of the sun, repeating the gesture for every day that was
necessary to accomplish their object. Then he delineated a long and
painful path, amid rocks and water-courses. The age and weakness of the
slumbering and unconscious Munro were indicated by signs too palpable to
be mistaken. Duncan perceived that even his own powers were spoken
lightly of, as the scout extended his palm, and mentioned him by
appellation of the "Open Hand,"--a name his liberality had purchased of
all the friendly tribes. Then came a representation of the light and
graceful movements of a canoe, set in forcible contrast to the tottering
steps of one enfeebled and tired. He concluded by pointing to the scalp
of the Oneida, and apparently urging the necessity of their departing
speedily, and in a manner that should leave no trail.

The Mohicans listened gravely, and with countenances that reflected the
sentiments of the speaker. Conviction gradually wrought its influence,
and towards the close of Hawkeye's speech, his sentences were
accompanied by the customary exclamation of commendation. In short,
Uncas and his father became converts to his way of thinking, abandoning
their own previously expressed opinions with a liberality and candor
that, had they been the representatives of some great and civilized
people, would have infallibly worked their political ruin, by
destroying, forever, their reputation for consistency.

The instant