Page 476 - THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS

The Last of the Mohicans

Apprehensive that the part he had taken in the escape
might prove fatal to himself, Duncan left the place without
delay. He followed the crowd, which drew nigh the
lodges, gloomy and sullen, like any other multitude that

had been disappointed in an execution. Curiosity, or
perhaps a better feeling, induced him to approach the
stranger. He found him, standing with one arm cast about
the protecting post, and breathing thick and hard, after his
exertions, but disdaining to permit a single sign of
suffering to escape. His person was now protected by
immemorial and sacred usage, until the tribe in council
had deliberated and determined on his fate. It was not
difficult, however, to foretell the result, if any presage
could be drawn from the feelings of those who crowded
the place.
There was no term of abuse known to the Huron
vocabulary that the disappointed women did not lavishly
expend on the successful stranger. They flouted at his
efforts, and told him, with bitter scoffs, that his feet were
better than his hands; and that he merited wings, while he
knew not the use of an arrow or a knife. To all this the
captive made no reply; but was content to preserve an
attitude in which dignity was singularly blended with
disdain. Exasperated as much by his composure as by his

475 of 698