Onelesshabituallyunderself-restraintthanthiswar-
　　riorwouldprobablyhavenowaimedhismeditatedblow。
　　butChingachgookknewthereweremoreIroquoisbehindhimontherift，andhewasawarriormuchtootrainedandexperiencedtoriskanythingunnecessarily。Hesuf-
　　feredtheIndianatthebowofthecanoetopushoffintothedeepwater，andthenallthreewereswimminginthedirectionoftheeasternshore。Instead，however，ofhelp-
　　ingthecanoeacrosstheswiftcurrent，nosoonerdidtheDelawareandJasperfindthemselveswithintheinfluenceofitsgreatestforcethanbothbegantoswiminawaytochecktheirfartherprogressacrossthestream。Norwasthisdonesuddenly，orintheincautiousmannerinwhichacivilizedmanwouldhavebeenapttoattempttheartifice，butwarily，andsograduallythattheIroquoisatthebowfanciedatfirsthewasmerelystrugglingagainstthestrengthofthecurrent。Ofcourse，whileactedonbytheseopposingefforts，thecanoedrifteddownstream，andinaboutaminuteitwasfloatinginstilldeeperwateratthefootoftherift。Here，however，theIroquoiswasnotslowinfindingthatsomethingunusualretardedtheirad-
　　vance，and，lookingback。hefirstlearnedthathewasre-
　　sistedbytheeffortsofhiscompanions。
　　Thatsecondnaturewhichgrowsupthroughhabitin-
　　stantlytoldtheyoungIroquoisthathewasalonewithenemies。Dashingthewateraside，hesprangatthethroatofChingachgook，andthetwoIndians，relinquishingtheirholdofthecanoe，seizedeachotherliketigers。Inthemidstofthedarknessofthatgloomynight，andfloatinginanelementsodangeroustomanwhenengagedindeadlystrife，theyappearedtoforgeteverythingbuttheirfellanimosityandtheirmutualdesiretoconquer。
　　Jasperhadnowcompletecommandofthecanoe，whichflewofflikeafeatherimpelledbythebreathunderthevio-
　　lentreactionofthestrugglesofthetwocombatants。ThefirstimpulseoftheyouthwastoswimtotheaidoftheDelaware，buttheimportanceofsecuringtheboatpresenteditselfwithtenfoldforce，whilehelistenedtotheheavybreathingsofthewarriorsastheythrottledeachother，andheproceededasfastaspossibletowardsthewesternshore。Thishesoonreached。andafterashortsearchhesucceededindiscoveringtheremainderofthepartyandinprocuringhisclothes。AfewwordssufficedtoexplainthesituationinwhichhehadlefttheDelawareandthemannerinwhichthecanoehadbeenobtained。
　　WhenthosewhohadbeenleftbehindhadheardtheexplanationsofJasper，aprofoundstillnessreignedamongthem，eachlisteningintentlyinthevainhopeofcatchingsomecluetotheresultofthefearfulstrugglethathadjusttakenplace，ifitwerenotstillgoingoninthewater。
　　Nothingwasaudiblebeyondthesteadyroaroftherush-
　　ingriver。itbeingapartofthepolicyoftheirenemiesontheoppositeshoretoobservethemostdeathlikestillness。
　　Takethispaddle，Jasper，saidPathfindercalmly，thoughthelistenersthoughthisvoicesoundedmoremel-
　　ancholythanusual，andfollowwithyourowncanoe。Itisunsafeforustoremainherelonger。
　　ButtheSerpent？
　　TheGreatSarpentisinthehandsofhisownDeity，andwillliveordie，accordingtotheintentionsofProvi-
　　dence。Wecandohimnogood，andmayrisktoomuchbyremaininghereinidleness，likewomentalkingovertheirdistresses。Thisdarknessisveryprecious。
　　Aloud，long，piercingyellcamefromtheshore，andcutshortthewordsoftheguide。
　　Whatisthemeaningofthatuproar，MasterPath-
　　finder？demandedCap。Itsoundsmoreliketheout-
　　criesofdevilsthananythingthatcancomefromthethroatsofChristiansandmen。
　　Christianstheyarenot，anddonotpretendtobe，anddonotwishtobe。andincallingthemdevilsyouhavescarcelymisnamedthem。Thatyellisoneofrejoicing，anditisasconquerorstheyhavegivenit。ThebodyoftbeSarpent，nodoubt，deadoralive，isintheirpower。
　　Andwe！exclaimedJasper，whofeltapangofgen-
　　erousregret，astheideathathemighthaveavertedthecalamitypresenteditselftohismind，hadhenotdesertedhiscomrade。
　　Wecandothechiefnogood，lad，andmustquitthisspotasfastaspossible。
　　Withoutoneattempttorescuehim？——withoutevenknowingwhetherhebedeadorliving？
　　Jasperisright，saidMabel，whocouldspeak，thoughhervoicesoundedhuskilyandsmothered。Ihavenofears，uncle，andwillstayhereuntilweknowwhathasbecomeofourfriend。
　　Thisseemsreasonable，Pathfinder，putinCap。Yourtrueseamancannotwelldesertamessmate。andIamgladtofindthatmotivessocorrectexistamongthosefresh-waterpeople。
　　Tut！tut！returnedtheimpatientguide，forcingthecanoeintothestreamashespoke。yeknownothingandyefearnothing。Ifyevalueyourlives，thinkofreachingthegarrison，andleavetheDelawareinthehandsofProvidence。Ah’sme！thedeerthatgoestoooftentothelickmeetsthehunteratlast！
　　CHAPTERVII。
　　Andisthis——Yarrow？——thisthestreamOfwhichmyfancycherish’dSofaithfullyawakingdream？
　　Animagethathathperish’d？
　　Ohthatsomeminstrel’sharpwerenear，Toutternotesofgladness，Andchasethissilencefromtheair，Thatfillsmyheartwithsadness。
　　WORDSWORTH。
　　THEscenewasnotwithoutitssublimity，andtheardent，generous-mindedMabelfeltherbloodthrillinherveinsandhercheeksflush，asthecanoeshotintothestrengthofthestream，toquitthespot。Thedarknessofthenighthadlessened，bythedispersionoftheclouds。buttheoverhangingwoodsrenderedtheshoresoobscure，thattheboatsfloateddownthecurrentinabeltofgloomthatef-
　　fectuallysecuredthemfromdetection。Still，therewasnecessarilyastrongfeelingofinsecurityinallonboardthem。andevenJasper，whobythistimebegantotremble，inbehalfofthegirl，ateveryunusualsoundthatarosefromtheforest，keptcastinguneasyglancesaroundhimashedriftedonincompany。Thepaddlewasusedlightly，andonlywithexceedingcare。fortheslightestsoundinthebreathingstillnessofthathourandplacemightap-
　　prisethewatchfulearsoftheIroquoisoftheirposition。
　　Alltheseaccessoriesaddedtotheimpressivegrandeurofhersituation，andcontributedtorenderthemomentmuchthemostexcitingwhichhadeveroccurredinthebriefexistenceofMabelDunham。Spirited，accustomedtoself-reliance，andsustainedbytheprideofconsideringherselfasoldier’sdaughter，shecouldhardlybesaidtobeundertheinfluenceoffear，yetherheartoftenbeatquickerthancommon，herfineblueeyelightedwithanexhibitionofaresolutionthatwaswastedinthedarkness，andherquickenedfeelingscameinaidoftherealsublimitythatbelongedtothesceneandtotheincidentsofthenight。
　　Mabel！saidthesuppressedvoiceofJasper，asthetwocanoesfloatedsoneareachotherthatthehandoftheyoungmanheldthemtogether，youhavenodread？youtrustfreelytoourcareandwillingnesstoprotectyou？
　　Iamasoldier’sdaughter，asyouknow，JasperWestern，andoughttobeashamedtoconfessfear。
　　Relyonme——onusall。Youruncle，Pathfinder，theDelaware，werethepoorfellowhere，Imyself，willriskeverythingratherthanharmshouldreachyou。
　　Ibelieveyou，Jasper，returnedthegirl，herhandun-
　　consciouslyplayinginthewater。Iknowthatmyunclelovesme，andwillneverthinkofhimselfuntilhehasfirstthoughtofme。andIbelieveyouareallmyfather’sfriends，andwouldwillinglyassisthischild。ButIamnotsofeebleandweak-mindedasyoumaythink。for，thoughonlyagirlfromthetowns，and，likemostofthatclass，alittledisposedtoseedangerwherethereisnone，I
　　promiseyou，Jasper，nofoolishfearsofmineshallstandinthewayofyourdoingyourduty。
　　TheSergeant’sdaughterisright，andsheisworthyofbeinghonestThomasDunham’schild，putinthePath-
　　finder。Ah’sme，prettyone！manyisthetimethatyourfatherandIhavescoutedandmarchedtogetherontheflanksandrearoftheenemy，innightsdarkerthanthis，andthat，too，whenwedidnotknowbutthenextmomemtwouldleadusintoabloodyambushment。Iwasathissidewhenhegotthewoundinhisshoulder。andthehonestfellowwilltellyou，whenyoumeet，themannerinwhichwecontrivedtocrosstheriverwhichlayinourrear，inordertosavehisscalp。
　　Hehastoldme，saidMabel，withmoreenergyperhapsthanhersituationrenderedprudent。Ihavehisletters，inwhichhehasmentionedallthat，andIthankyoufromthebottomofmyheartfortheservice。Godwillremem-
　　berit，Pathfinder。andthereisnogratitudethatyoucanaskofthedaughterwhichshewillnotcheerfullyrepayforherfather’slife。
　　Ay，thatisthewaywithallyourgentleandpure-
　　heartedcreatures。Ihaveseensomeofyoubefore，andhaveheardofothers。TheSergeanthimselfhastalkedtomeofhisownyoungdays，andofyourmother，andofthemannerinwhichhecourtedher，andofallthecrossingsanddisappointments，untilhesucceededatlast。
　　Mymotherdidnotlivelongtorepayhimforwhathedidtowinher，saidMabel，withatremblinglip。
　　Sohetellsme。ThehonestSergeanthaskeptnothingback。for，beingsomanyyearsmysenior，hehaslookedonme，inourmanyscoutingstogether，asasortofson。
　　Perhaps，Pathfinder，observedJasper，withahuski-
　　nessinhisvoicethatdefeatedtheattemptatpleasantry，hewouldbegladtohaveyouforoneinreality。
　　Andifhedid，Eau-douce，wherewouldbethesinofit？HeknowswhatIamonatrailorascout，andhehasseenmeoftenfacetofacewiththeFrenchers。Ihavesometimesthought，lad，thatwealloughttoseekforwives。forthemanthatlivesaltogetherinthewoods，andincompanywithhisenemiesorhisprey，getstolosesomeofthefeelingofkindintheend。ItisnoteasytodwellalwaysinthepresenceofGodandnotfeelthepowerofHisgoodness。Ihaveattendedchurch-sarviceinthegar-
　　risons，andtriedhard，asbecomesatruesoldier，tojoinintheprayers。for，thoughnoenlistedsarvantoftheking，Ifighthisbattlesandsarvehiscause，andsoIhaveen-
　　deavoredtoworshipgarrison-fashion，butnevercouldraisewithinmethesolemnfeelingsandtrueaffectionthatIfeelwhenalonewithGodintheforest。ThereIseemtostandfacetofacewithmyMaster。allaroundmeisfreshandbeautiful，asitcamefromHishand。andthereisnonicetyordoctrinetochillthefeelings。Nono。thewoodsarethetruetempleafterall，fortherethethoughtsarefreetomounthighereventhantheclouds。
　　Youspeakthetruth，MasterPathfinder，saidCap，andatruththatallwholivemuchinsolitudeknow。
　　What，forinstance，isthereasonthatseafaringmeningeneralaresoreligiousandconscientiousinalltheydo，butthefactthattheyaresooftenalonewithProvidence，andhavesolittletodowiththewickednessoftheland。
　　ManyandmanyisthetimethatIhavestoodmywatch，undertheequatorperhaps，orintheSouthernOcean，whenthenightsarelightedupwiththefiresofheaven。
　　andthatisthetime，Icantellyou，myhearties，tobringamantohisbearingsinthewayofhissins。Ihaverattleddownmineagainandagainundersuchcircumstances，untiltheshroudsandlanyardsofconsciencehavefairlycreakedwiththestrain。Iagreewithyou，MasterPath-
　　finder，therefore，insaying，ifyouwantatrulyreligiousman，gotosea，orgointothewoods。
　　Uncle，Ithoughtseamenhadlittlecreditgenerallyfortheirrespectforreligion？
　　Alld——dslander，girl。foralltheessentialsofChris-
　　tianitytheseamanbeatsthelandsmanhand-over-hand。
　　Iwillnotanswerforallthis，MasterCap，returnedPathfinder。butIdaresaysomeofitmaybetrue。I
　　wantnothunderandlightningtoremindmeofmyGod，noramIasapttobethinkonmostofallHisgoodnessintroubleandtribulationsasonacalm，solemn，quietdayinaforest，whenHisvoiceisheardinthecreakingofadeadbranchorinthesongofabird，asmuchinmyearsatleastasitiseverheardinuproarandgales。Howisitwithyou，Eau-douce？youfacethetempestsaswellasMasterCap，andoughttoknowsomethingofthefeelingsofstorms。
　　IfearthatIamtooyoungandtooinexperiencedtobeabletosaymuchonsuchasubject，modestlyansweredJasper。
　　Butyouhaveyourfeelings！saidMabelquickly。Youcannot——noonecanliveamongsuchsceneswithoutfeel-
　　inghowmuchtheyoughttotrustinGod！
　　IshallnotbeliemytrainingsomuchastosayIdonotsometimesthinkofthesethings，butIfearitisnotsooftenorsomuchasIought。
　　Freshwater，resumedCappithily。youarenottoexpecttoomuchoftheyoungman，Mabel。Ithinktheycallyousometimesbyanamewhichwouldinsinuateallthis：Eau-de-vie，isitnot？
　　Eau-douce，quietlyrepliedJasper，whofromsailingonthelakehadacquiredaknowledgeofFrench，aswellasofseveraloftheIndiandialects。ItisanametheIro-
　　quoishavegivenmetodistinguishmefromsomeofmycompanionswhooncesaileduponthesea，andarefondoffillingtheearsofthenativeswithstoriesoftheirgreatsalt-waterlakes。
　　Andwhyshouldn’tthey？Idaresaytheydothesav-
　　agesnoharm。Ay，ay，Eau-deuce。thatmustmeanthewhitebrandy，whichmaywellenoughbecalledthedeuce，fordeucedstuffitis！
　　ThesignificationofEau-douceissweet-water，anditisthemannerinwhichtheFrenchexpressfresh-water，
　　rejoinedJasper，alittlenettled。
　　AndhowthedevildotheymakewateroutofEau-in-
　　deuce，whenitmeansbrandyinEau-de-vie？Besides，amongseamen，Eaualwaysmeansbrandy。andEau-de-
　　vie，brandyofahighproof。Ithinknothingofyourig-
　　norance，youngman。foritisnaturaltoyoursituation，andcannotbehelped。Ifyouwillreturnwithme，andmakeav’y’geortwoontheAtlantic，itwillserveyouagoodturntheremainderofyourdays。andMabelthere，andalltheotheryoungwomennearthecoast，willthinkallthebetterofyoushouldyoulivetobeasoldasoneofthetreesinthisforest。
　　Nay，nay，interruptedthesingle-heartedandgenerousguide。Jasperwantsnotforfriendsinthisregion，Icanassureyou。andthoughseeingtheworld，accordingtohishabits，maydohimgoodaswellasanother，weshallthinknonetheworseofhimifheneverquitsus。Eau-douceorEau-de-vie，heisabrave，true-heartedyouth，andIalwayssleepassoundlywhenheisonthewatchasifIwasupandstirringmyself。ay，andforthatmatter，soundertoo。
　　TheSergeant’sdaughterheredoesn’tbelieveitnecessaryfortheladtogotoseainordertomakeamanofhim，oronewhoisworthytoberespectedandesteemed。
　　Mabelmadenoreplytothisappeal，andsheevenlookedtowardsthewesternshore，althoughthedarknessrenderedthenaturalmovementsunnecessarytoconcealherface。
　　ButJasperfeltthattherewasanecessityforhissayingsomething，theprideofyouthandmanhoodrevoltingattheideaofhisbeinginaconditionnottocommandthere-
　　spectofhisfellowsorthesmilesofhisequalsoftheothersex。StillhewasunwillingtoutteraughtthatmightbeconsideredharshtotheuncleofMabel。andhisself-
　　commandwasperhapsmorecreditablethanhismodestyandspirit。
　　IpretendnottothingsIdon’tpossess，hesaid，andlaynoclaimtoanyknowledgeoftheoceanorofnaviga-
　　tion。Westeerbythestarsandthecompassontheselakes，runningfromheadlandtoheadland。andhavinglittleneedoffiguresandcalculations，makenouseofthem。Butwehaveourclaimsnotwithstanding，asIhaveoftenheardfromthosewhohavepassedyearsontheocean。Inthefirstplace，wehavealwaysthelandaboard，andmuchofthetimeonalee-shore，andthatIhavefre-
　　quentlyheardmakeshardysailors。Ourgalesaresuddenandsevere，andwearecompelledtorunforourportsatallhours。
　　Youhaveyourleads，interruptedCap。
　　Theyareoflittleuse，andareseldomcast。
　　Thedeep-seas。
　　Ihaveheardofsuchthings，butconfessIneversawone。
　　Oh！deuce，withavengeance。Atrader，andnodeep-
　　sea！Why，boy，youcannotpretendtobeanythingofamariner。Whothedevileverheardofaseamanwithouthisdeep-sea？
　　Idonotpretendtoanyparticularskill，MasterCap。
　　Exceptinshootingfalls，Jasper，exceptinshootingfallsandrifts，saidPathfinder，comingtotherescue。
　　inwhichbusinessevenyou，MasterCap，mustallowhehassomehandiness。Inmyjudgment，everymanistobeesteemedorcondemnedaccordingtohisgifts。andifMasterCapisuselessinrunningtheOswegoFalls，Itrytorememberthatheisusefulwhenoutofsightofland。
　　andifJasperbeuselesswhenoutofsightofland，Idonotforgetthathehasatrueeyeandsteadyhandwhenrunningthefalls。
　　ButJasperisnotuseless——wouldnotbeuselesswhenoutofsightofland，saidMabel，withaspiritandenergythatcausedherclearsweetvoicetobestartlingamidthesolemnstillnessofthatextraordinaryscene。Noonecanbeuselesstherewhocandosomuchhere，iswhatI
　　mean。though，Idaresay，heisnotaswellacquaintedwithshipsasmyuncle。
　　Ay，bolstereachotherupinyourignorance，returnedCapwithasneer。Weseamenaresomuchout-
　　numberedwhenashorethatitisseldomwegetourdues。
　　butwhenyouwanttobedefended，ortradeistobecarriedon，thereisoutcryenoughforus。
　　But，uncle，landsmendonotcometoattackourcoasts。
　　sothatseamenonlymeetseamen。
　　Somuchforignorance！Wherearealltheenemiesthathavelandedinthiscountry，FrenchandEnglish，letmeinquire，niece？
　　Sureenough，wherearethey？ejaculatedPathfinder。
　　Nonecantellbetterthanwewhodwellinthewoods，MasterCap。Ihaveoftenfollowedtheirlineofmarchbybonesbleachingintherain，andhavefoundtheirtrailbygraves，yearsaftertheyandtheirpridehadvanishedto-
　　gether。Generalsandprivates，theylayscatteredthrough-
　　outtheland，somanyproofsofwhatmenarewhenledonbytheirloveofgreatnamesandthewishtobemorethantheirfellows。
　　Imustsay，MasterPathfinder，thatyousometimesutteropinionsthatarealittleremarkableforamanwholivesbytherifle。seldomsnuffingtheairbuthesmellsgunpowder，orturningoutofhisberthbuttobeardownonanenemy。
　　IfyouthinkIpassmydaysinwarfareagainstmykind，youknowneithermenormyhistory。Themanthatlivesinthewoodsandonthefrontiersmusttakethechancesofthethingsamongwhichhedwells。ForthisI
　　amnotaccountable，beingbutanhumbleandpowerlesshunterandscoutandguide。Myrealcallingistohuntforthearmy，onitsmarchesandintimesofpeace。al-
　　thoughIammoreespeciallyengagedintheserviceofoneofficer，whoisnowabsentinthesettlements，whereIneverfollowhim。No，no。bloodshedandwarfarearenotmyrealgifts，butpeaceandmercy。Still，Imustfacetheenemyaswellasanother。andasforaMingo，Ilookuponhimasmanlooksonasnake，acreatur’tobeputbeneaththeheelwheneverafittingoccasionoffers。
　　Well，well。Ihavemistakenyourcalling，whichIhadthoughtasregularlywarlikeasthatofaship’sgunner。
　　Thereismybrother-in-law，now。hehasbeenasoldiersincehewassixteen，andhelooksuponhistradeaseverywayasrespectableasthatofaseafaringman，apointI
　　hardlythinkitworthwhiletodisputewithhim。
　　Myfatherhasbeentaughttobelievethatitishonor-
　　abletocarryarms，saidMabel，forhisfatherwasasoldierbeforehim。
　　Yes，yes，resumedtheguide。mostoftheSergeant’sgiftsaremartial，andhelooksatmostthingsinthisworldoverthebarrelofhismusket。Oneofhisnotions，now，istopreferaking’spiecetoaregular，double-sighted，long-barrelledrifle。Suchconceitswillcomeovermenfromlonghabit。andprejudiceis，perhaps，thecommonestfailingofhumannatur’。
　　Whilethedesultoryconversationjustrelatedhadbeencarriedoninsubduedvoices，thecanoesweredroppingslowlydownwiththecurrentwithinthedeepshadowsofthewesternshore，thepaddlesbeingusedmerelytopre-
　　servethedesireddirectionandproperpositions。Thestrengthofthestreamvariedmaterially，thewaterbeingseeminglystillinplaces，whileinotherreachesitflowedatarateexceedingtwooreventhreemilesinthehour。
　　Ontheriftsitevendashedforwardwithavelocitythatwasappallingtotheunpractisedeye。Jasperwasofopinionthattheymightdriftdownwiththecurrenttothemouthoftheriverintwohoursfromthetimetheylefttheshore，andheandthePathfinderhadagreedontheexpediencyofsufferingthecanoestofloatofthem-
　　selvesforatime，oratleastuntiltheyhadpassedthefirstdangersoftheirnewmovement。Thedialoguehadbeencarriedoninvoices，too，guardedlylow。forthoughthequietofdeepsolitudereignedinthatvastandnearlyboundlessforest，naturewasspeakingwithherthousandtonguesintheeloquentlanguageofnightinawilderness。
　　Theairsighedthroughtenthousandtrees，thewaterrippled，andatplacesevenroaredalongtheshores。andnowandthenwasheardthecreakingofabranchoratrunk，asitrubbedagainstsomeobjectsimilartoitself，underthevibrationsofanicelybalancedbody。Alllivingsoundshadceased。Once，itistrue，thePathfinderfanciedheheardthehowlofadistantwolf，ofwhichafewprowledthroughthesewoods。butitwasatransientanddoubtfulcry，thatmightpossiblyhavebeenattributedtotheimag-
　　ination。Whenhedesiredhiscompanions，however，toceasetalking，hisvigilantearhadcaughtthepeculiarsoundwhichismadebythepartingofadriedbranchofatreeandwhich，ifhissensesdidnotdeceivehim，camefromthewesternshore。Allwhoareaccustomedtothatparticularsoundwillunderstandhowreailytheearre-
　　ceivesit，andhoweasyitistodistinguishthetreadwhichbreaksthebranchfromeveryothernoiseoftheforest。
　　Thereisthefootstepofamanonthebank，saidPathfindertoJasper，speakinginneitherawhispernoryetinavoiceloudenoughtobeheardatanydistance。
　　CantheaccursedIroquoishavecrossedtheriveralready，withtheirarms，andwithoutaboat？
　　ItmaybetheDelaware。Hewouldfollowus，ofcoursedownthisbank，andwouldknowwheretolookforus。Letmedrawcloserintotheshore，andreconnoitre。
　　Goboybutbelightwiththepaddle，andonnoac-
　　countventureashoreonanonsartainty。
　　Isthisprudent？demandedMabel，withanimpetu-
　　ositythatrenderedherincautiousinmodulatinghersweetvoice。
　　Veryimprudent，ifyouspeaksoloud，fairone。Ilikeyourvoice，whichissoftandpleasing，afterthelisteningsolongtothetonesofmen。butitmustnotbeheardtoomuch，ortoofreely，justnow。Yourfather，thehonestSergeant，willtellyou，whenyoumeethim，thatsilenceisadoublevirtueonatrail。Go，Jasper，anddojusticetoyourowncharacterforprudence。
　　TenanxiousminutessucceededthedisappearanceofthecanoeofJasper，whichglidedawayfromthatofthePathfindersonoiselessly，thatithadbeenswallowedupinthegloombeforeMabelallowedherselftobelievetheyoungmanwouldreallyventurealoneonaservicewhichstruckherimaginationassingularlydangerous。Duringthistime，thepartycontinuedtofloatwiththecurrent，noonespeaking，and，itmightalmostbesaid，noonebreathing，sostrongwasthegeneraldesiretocatchtheminutestsoundthatshouldcomefromtheshore。Butthesamesolemn，wemight，indeed，saysublime，quietreignedasbefore。thewashingofthewater，asitpiledupagainstsomeslightobstruction，andthesighingofthetrees，aloneinterruptingtheslumbersoftheforest。Attheendoftheperiodmentioned，thesnappingofdriedbrancheswasagainfaintlyheard，andthePathfinderfan-
　　ciedthatthesoundofsmotheredvoicesreachedhim。
　　Imaybemistaken，hesaid，forthethoughtsoftenfancywhattheheartwishes。butthesewerenoteslikethelowtonesoftheDelaware。
　　Dothedeadofthesavageseverwalk？demandedCap。
　　Ay，andruntoo，intheirhappyhunting-grounds，butnowhereelse。Ared-skinfinisheswiththe’arth，afterthebreathquitsthebody。Itisnotoneofhisgiftstolingeraroundhiswigwamwhenhishourhaspassed。
　　Iseesomeobjectonthewater，whisperedMabel，whoseeyehadnotceasedtodwellonthebodyofgloom，withcloseintensity，sincethedisappearanceofJasper。
　　Itisthecanoe，returnedtheguide，greatlyrelieved。
　　Allmustbesafe，orweshouldhaveheardfromthelad。
　　Inanotherminutethetwocanoes，whichbecamevisibletothosetheycarriedonlyastheydrewneareachother，againfloatedsidebyside，andtheformofJasperwasrecognizedatthesternofhisownboat。Thefigureofasecondmanwasseatedinthebow。and，astheyoungsailorsowieldedhispaddleastobringthefaceofhiscompanionneartheeyesofthePathfinderandMabel，theybothrecognizedthepersonoftheDelaware。
　　Chingachgook——mybrother！saidtheguideinthedialectoftheother’speople，atremorshakinghisvoicethatbetrayedthestrengthofhisfeelings。ChiefoftheMohicans！myheartisveryglad。Oftenhavewepassedthroughbloodandstrifetogether，butIwasafraiditwasnevertobesoagain。
　　Hugh！TheMingosaresquaws！Threeoftheirscalpshangatmygirdle。TheydonotknowhowtostriketheGreatSerpentoftheDelawares。Theirheartshavenoblood。andtheirthoughtsareontheirreturnpath，acrossthewatersoftheGreatLake。
　　Haveyoubeenamongthem，chief？andwhathasbe-
　　comeofthewarriorwhowasintheriver？
　　Hehasturnedintoafish，andliesatthebottomwiththeeels！Lethisbrothersbaittheirhooksforhim。
　　Pathfinder，Ihavecountedtheenemy，andhavetouchedtheirrifles。
　　Ah，Ithoughthewouldbeventuresome！exclaimedtheguideinEnglish。Theriskyfellowhasbeeninthemidstofthem，andhasbroughtusbacktheirwholehis-
　　tory。Speak，Chingachgook，andIwillmakeourfriendsasknowingasourselves。
　　TheDelawarenowrelatedinalowearnestmannerthesubstanceofallhisdiscoveries，sincehewaslastseenstrugglingwithhisfoeintheriver。Ofthefateofhisantagonisthesaidnomore，itnotbeingusualforawarriortoboastinhismoredirectandusefulnarratives。Assoonashehadconqueredinthatfearfulstrife，however，heswamtotheeasternshore，landedwithcaution，andwoundhiswayinamongsttheIroquois，concealedbythedark-
　　ness，undetected，and，inthemain，evenunsuspected。
　　Once，indeed，hehadbeenquestioned。butansweringthathewasArrowhead，nofurtherinquiriesweremade。Bythepassingremarks，hesoonascertainedthatthepartywasoutexpresslytointerceptMabelandheruncle，concerningwhoserank，however，theyhadevidentlybeendeceived。
　　HealsoascertainedenoughtojustifythesuspicionthatArrowheadhadbetrayedthemtotheirenemies，forsomemotivethatitwasnotnoweasytoreach，ashehadnotyetreceivedtherewardofhisservices。
　　Pathfindercommunicatednomoreofthisintelligencetohiscompanionsthanhethoughtmightrelievetheirap-
　　prehensions，intimating，atthesametime，thatnowwasthemomentforexertion，theIroquoisnothavingyeten-
　　tirelyrecoveredfromtheconfusioncreatedbytheirlosses。
　　Weshallfindthemattherift，Imakenomannerofdoubt，continuedhe。andthereitwillbeourfatetopassthem，ortofallintotheirhands。Thedistancetothegarrisonwillthenbesoshort，thatIhavebeenthink-
　　ingofaplanoflandingwithMabelmyself，thatImaytakeherin，bysomeoftheby-ways，andleavethecanoestotheirchancesintherapids。
　　Itwillneversucceed，Pathfinder，eagerlyinterruptedJasper。Mabelisnotstrongenoughtotrampthewoodsinanightlikethis。Putherinmyskiff，andIwilllosemylife，orcarryherthroughtheriftsafely，darkasitis。
　　Nodoubtyouwill，lad。noonedoubtsyourwillingnesstodoanythingtoservetheSergeant’sdaughter。butitmustbetheeyeofProvidence，andnotyourown，thatwilltakeyousafelythroughtheOswegoriftinanightlikethis。
　　Andwhowillleadhersafelytothegarrisonifsheland？Isnotthenightasdarkonshoreasonthewater？
　　ordoyouthinkIknowlessofmycallingthanyouknowofyours？
　　Spiritedlysaid，lad。butifIshouldlosemywayinthedark——andIbelievenomancansaytrulythatsuchathingeveryethappenedtome——but，ifI_should_losemyway，nootherharmwouldcomeofitthantopassanightintheforest。whereasafalseturnofthepaddle，orabroadsheerofthecanoe，wouldputyouandtheyoungwomanintotheriver，outofwhichitismorethanproba-
　　bletheSergeant’sdaughterwouldnevercomealive。
　　IwillleaveittoMabelherself。Iamcertainthatshewillfeelmoresecureinthecanoe。
　　Ihavegreatconfidenceinyouboth，answeredthegirl。andhavenodoubtsthateitherwilldoallhecantoprovetomyfatherhowmuchhevalueshim。butI
　　confessIshouldnotliketoquitthecanoe，withthecer-
　　taintywehaveoftherebeingenemieslikethosewehaveseenintheforest。Butmyunclecandecideformeinthismatter。
　　Ihavenolikingforthewoods，saidCap，whileonehasacleardriftlikethisontheriver。Besides，MasterPathfinder，tosaynothingofthesavages，youoverlookthesharks。
　　Sharks！whoeverheardofsharksinthewilderness？
　　Ay！sharks，orbears，orwolves——nomatterwhatyoucallathing，soithasthemindandpowertobite。
　　Lord，lord，man！doyoudreadanycreatur’thatistobefoundintheAmericanforest？Acatamountisaskearyanimal，Iwillallow，butthenitisnothinginthehandsofapractysedhunter。TalkoftheMingosandtheirdevilriesifyouwill。butdonotraiseafalsealarmaboutbearsandwolves。
　　Ay，ay，MasterPathfinder，thisisallwellenoughforyou，whoprobablyknowthenameofeverycreatureyouwouldmeet。Useiseverything，anditmakesamanboldwhenhemightotherwisebebashful。Ihaveknownsea-
　　meninthelowlatitudesswimforhoursatatimeamongsharksfifteenortwentyfeetlong。
　　Thisisextraordinary！exclaimedJasper，whohadnotyetacquiredthatmaterialpartofhistrade，theabilitytospinayarn。Ihavealwaysheardthatitwascertaindeathtoventureinthewateramongsharks。
　　Iforgottosay，thattheladsalwaystookcapstan-bars，orgunners’handspikes，orcrowswiththem，torapthebeastsoverthenosesiftheygottobetroublesome。No，no，Ihavenolikingforbearsandwolves，thoughawhale，inmyeye，isverymuchthesamesortoffishasaredherringafteritisdriedandsalted。MabelandIhadbettersticktothecanoe。
　　Mabelwoulddowelltochangecanoes，addedJasper。
　　Thisofmineisempty，andevenPathfinderwillallowthatmyeyeissurerthanhisownonthewater。
　　ThatIwill，cheerfully，boy。Thewaterbelongstoyourgifts，andnoonewilldenythatyouhaveimprovedthemtotheutmost。YouarerightenoughinbelievingthattheSergeant’sdaughterwillbesaferinyourcanoethaninthis。andthoughIwouldgladlykeephernearmyself，Ihaveherwelfaretoomuchatheartnottogiveherhonestadvice。Bringyourcanoeclosealongside，Jas-
　　per，andIwillgiveyouwhatyoumustconsiderasaprecioustreasure。
　　Idosoconsiderit，returnedtheyouth，notlosingamomentincomplyingwiththerequest。whenMabelpassedfromonecanoetotheothertakingherseatontheeffectswhichhadhithertocomposeditssolecargo。
　　Assoonasthisarrangementwasmade，thecanoessepa-
　　ratedashortdistance，andthepaddleswereused，thoughwithgreatcaretoavoidmakinganynoise。Theconversa-
　　tiongraduallyceased。andasthedreadedriftwasap-
　　proached，allbecameimpressedwiththegravityofthemoment。Thattheirenemieswouldendeavortoreachthispointbeforethemwasalmostcertain。anditseemedsolittleprobableanyoneshouldattempttopassit，intheprofoundobscuritywhichreigned，thatPathfinderwasconfidentpartieswereonbothsidesoftheriver，inthehopeofinterceptingthemwhentheymightland。HewouldnothavemadetheproposalhedidhadhenotfelrsureofhisownabilitytoconvertthisveryanticipationofsuccessintoameansofdefeatingtheplansoftheIroquois。
　　Asthearrangementnowstood，however，everythingde-
　　pendedontheskillofthosewhoguidedthecanoes。forshouldeitherhitarock，ifnotsplitasunder，itwouldalmostcertainlybeupset，andthenwouldcomenotonlyallthehazardsoftheriveritself，but，forMabel，thecer-
　　taintyoffallingintothehandsofherpersuers。Theutmostcircumspectionconsequentlybecamenecessary，andeachonewastoomuchengrossedwithhisownthoughtstofeeladispositiontouttermorethanwascalledforbytheexigenciesofthecase。
　　Atthecanoesstolesilentlyalong，theroaroftheriftbecameaudible，anditrequiredallthefortitudeofCaptokeephisseat，whilethesebodingsoundswereapproached，amidadarknesswhichscarcelypermittedaviewoftheoutlinesofthewoodedshoreandofthegloomyvaultabovehishead。Heretainedavividimpressionofthefalls，andhisimaginationwasnotnowidleinswellingthedangersoftherifttoalevelwiththoseoftheheadlongdescenthehadthatdaymade，andeventoincreasethem，undertheinfluenceofdoubtanduncertainty。Inthis，however，theoldmarinerwasmistaken，fortheOswegoRiftandtheOswegoFallsareverydifferentintheirchar-
　　actersandviolence。theformerbeingnomorethanarapid，thatglancesamongshallowsandrocks，whilethelatterreallydeservedthenameitbore，ashasbeenalreadyshown。
　　Mabelcertainlyfeltdistrustandapprehension。butherentiresituationwassonovel，andherrelianceonherguidesogreat，thatsheretainedaself-commandwhichmightnothaveexistedhadsheclearerperceptionsofthetruth，orbeenbetteracquaintedwiththehelplessnessofmenwhenplacedinoppositiontothepowerandmajestyofNature。
　　Isthatthespotyouhavementioned？shesaidtoJasper，whentheroaroftheriftfirstcamedistinctlyonherears。
　　Itis。andIbegyoutohaveconfidenceinme。Wearenotoldacquaintances，Mabel。butwelivemanydaysinone，inthiswilderness。Ithink，already，thatIhaveknownyouyears！
　　AndIdonotfeelasifyouwereastrangertome，Jasper。Ihaveeveryrelianceonyourskill，aswellasonyourdispositiontoserveme。
　　Weshallsee，weshallsee。Pathfinderisstrikingtherapidstoonearthecentreoftheriver。thebedofthewaterisclosertotheeasternshore。butIcannotmakehimhearmenow。Holdfirmlytothecanoe，Mabel，andfearnothing。
　　Atthenextmomenttheswiftcurrenthadsuckedthemintotherift，andforthreeorfourminutestheawe-struck，ratherthanthealarmed，girlsawnothingaroundherbutsheetsofglancingfoam，heardnothingbuttheroarofwaters。Twentytimesdidthecanoeappearabouttodashagainstsomecurlingandbrightwavethatshoweditselfevenamidthatobscurity。andasoftendiditglideawayagainunharmed，impelledbythevigorousarmofhimwhogoverneditsmovements。Once，andonceonly，didJasperseemtolosecommandofhisfrailbark，duringwhichbriefspaceitfairlywhirledentirelyround。butbyadesperateefforthebroughtitagainundercontrol，re-
　　coveredthelostchannel，andwassoonrewardedforallhisanxietybyfindinghimselffloatingquietlyinthedeepwaterbelowtherapids，securefromeverydanger，andwithouthavingtakeninenoughoftheelementtoserveforadraught。
　　Allisover，Mabel，theyoungmancriedcheerfully。
　　Thedangerispast，andyoumaynowindeedhopetomeetyourfatherthisverynight。
　　Godbepraised！Jasper，weshallowethisgreathap-
　　pinesstoyou。
　　ThePathfindermayclaimafullshareinthemerit。
　　butwhathasbecomeoftheothercanoe？
　　Iseesomethingnearusonthewater。isitnottheboatofourfriends？
　　AfewstrokesofthepaddlebroughtJaspertothesideoftheobjectinquestion：itwastheothercanoe，emptyandbottomupwards。Nosoonerdidtheyoungmanas-
　　certainthisfact，thanhebegantosearchfortheswimmers，and，tohisgreatjoy，Capwassoondiscovereddriftingdownwiththecurrent。theoldseamanpreferringthechancesofdrowningtothoseoflandingamongsavages。Hewashauledintothecanoe，thoughnotwithoutdifficulty，andthenthesearchended。forJasperwaspersuadedthatthePathfinder，wouldwadetotheshore，thewaterbeingshal-
　　lowinpreferencetoabandoninghisbelovedrifle。
　　Theremainderofthepassagewasshort，thoughmadeamiddarknessanddoubt。Afterashortpause，adullroaringsoundwasheard，whichattimesresembledthemutteringsofdistantthunder，andthenagainbroughtwithitthewashingofwaters。Jasperannouncedtohiscompanionsthattheynowheardthesurfofthelake。
　　Lowcurvedspitsoflandlaybeforethem，intothebayformedbyoneofwhichthecanoeglided，andthenitshotupnoiselesslyuponagravellybeach。Thetransitionthatfollowedwassohurriedandgreat，thatMabelscarcelyknewwhatpassed。Inthecourseofafewminutes，how-
　　eversentinelshadbeenpassed，agatewasopened，andtheagitatedgirlfoundherselfinthearmsofaparentwhowasalmostastrangertoher。
　　CHAPTERVIII。
　　Alandoflove，andalandoflight，Withoutensun，ormoon，ornight：
　　Wheretheriverswa’dalivingstream，Andthelightapurecelestialbeam：
　　Thelandofvision，itwouldseemAstill，aneverlastingdream。
　　_Queen’sWake。_
　　Therestthatsucceedsfatigue，andwhichattendsanewlyawakenedsenseofsecurity，isgenerallysweetanddeep。SuchwasthefactwithMabel，whodidnotrisefromherhumblepallet——suchabedasasergeant’sdaughtermightclaiminaremotefrontierpost——untillongafterthegarrisonhadobeyedtheusualsummonsofthedrums，andhadassembledatthemorningparade。
　　SergeantDunham，onwhoseshouldersfellthetaskofattendingtotheseordinaryanddailyduties，hadgotthroughallhismorningavocations，andwasbeginningtothinkofhisbreakfast，beforehischildleftherroom，andcameintothefreshair，equallybewildered，delighted，andgrateful，atthenoveltyandsecurityofhernewsituation。
　　Atthetimeofwhichwearewriting，OswegowasoneoftheextremefrontierpostsoftheBritishpossessionsonthiscontinent。Ithadnotbeenlongoccupied，andwasgarri-
　　sonedbyabattalionofaregimentwhichhadbeenorigin-
　　allyScotch，butintowhichmanyAmericanshadbeenre-
　　ceivedsinceitsarrivalinthiscountry。allinnovationthathadledthewaytoMabel’sfatherfillingthehumblebutresponsiblesituationoftheoldestsergeant。Afewyoungofficersalso，whowerenativesofthecolonies，weretobefoundinthecorps。Thefortitself，likemostworksofthatcharacter，wasbetteradaptedtoresistanattackofsavagesthantowithstandaregularsiege。butthegreatdifficultyoftransportingheavyartilleryandotherneces-
　　sariesrenderedtheoccurrenceofthelatteraprobabilitysoremoteasscarcelytoenterintotheestimateoftheen-
　　gineerswhohadplannedthedefences。Therewerebas-
　　tionsofearthandlogs，adryditch，astockade，aparadeofconsiderableextent，andbarracksoflogs，thatansweredthedoublepurposeofdwellingsandfortifications。Afewlightfleld-piecesstoodintheareaofthefort，readytobeconveyedtoanypointwheretheymightbewanted，andoneortwoheavyirongunslookedoutfromthesummitsoftheadvancedangles，assomanyadmonitionstotheaudacioustorespecttheirpower。
　　WhenMabel，quittingtheconvenient，butcompara-
　　tivelyretiredhutwhereherfatherhadbeenpermittedtoplaceher，issuedintothepureairofthemorning，shefoundherselfatthefootofabastion，whichlayinvitinglybeforeher，withapromiseofgivinga_coupd’oeil_ofallthathadbeenconcealedinthedarknessoftheprecedingnight。Trippingupthegrassyascent，thelight-heartedaswellaslight-footedgirlfoundherselfatonceonapointwherethesight，atafewvaryingglances，couldtakeinalltheexternalnoveltiesofhernewsituation。
　　Tothesouthwardlaytheforest，throughwhichshehadbeenjourneyingsomanywearydays，andwhichhadprovedsofullofdangers。Itwasseparatedfromthestockadebyabeltofopenland，thathadbeenprincipallyclearedofitswoodstoformthemartialconstructionsaroundher。
　　Thisglacis，forsuchinfactwasitsmilitaryuses，mighthavecoveredahundredacres。butwithiteverysignofcivilizationceased。Allbeyondwasforest。thatdense，interminableforestwhichMabelcouldnowpicturetoherself，throughherrecollections，withitshiddenglassylakes，itsdarkrollingstream，anditsworldofnature。
　　Turningfromthisview，ourheroinefelthercheekfannedbyafreshandgratefulbreeze，suchasshehadnotexperiencedsincequittingthefardistantcoast。Hereanewscenepresenteditself：althoughexpected，itwasnotwithoutastart，andalowexclamationindicativeofpleas-
　　ure，thattheeagereyesofthegirldrankinitsbeauties。Tothenorth，andeast，andwest，ineverydirection，inshort，overoneentirehalfofthenovelpanorama，layafieldofrollingwaters。TheelementwasneitherofthatglassygreenwhichdistinguishestheAmericanwatersingeneral，noryetofthedeepblueoftheocean，thecolorbeingofaslightlyamberhue，whichscarcelyaffecteditslimpidity。
　　Nolandwastobeseen，withtheexceptionoftheadjacentcoast，whichstretchedtotherightandleftinanunbrokenoutlineofforestwithwidebaysandlowheadlandsorpoints。still，muchoftheshorewasrocky，andintoitscavernsthesluggishwatersoccasionallyrolled，producingahollowsound，whichresembledtheconcussionsofadis-
　　tantgun。Nosailwhitenedthesurface，nowhaleorotherfishgambolledonitsbosom，nosignofuseorservicere-
　　wardedthelongestandmostminutegazeatitsboundlessexpanse。Itwasascene，ononeside，ofapparentlyend-
　　lessforests，whileawasteofseeminglyinterminablewaterspreaditselfontheother。Natureappearedtohavede-
　　lightedinproducinggrandeffects，bysettingtwoofherprincipalagentsinboldrelieftoeachother，neglectingde-
　　tails。theeyeturningfromthebroadcarpetofleavestothestillbroaderfieldoffluid，fromtheendlessbutgentleheavingsofthelaketotheholycalmandpoeticalsolitudeoftheforest，withwonderanddelight。
　　MabelDunham，thoughunsophisticated，likemostofhercountrywomenofthatperiod，andingenuousandfrankasanywarm-heartedandsincere-mindedgirlwellcouldbe，wasnotaltogetherwithoutafeelingforthepoetryofthisbeautifulearthofours。Althoughshecouldscarcelybesaidtobeeducatedatall，forfewofhersexatthatdayandinthiscountryreceivedmuchmorethantherudimentsofplainEnglishinstruction，stillshehadbeentaughtmuchmorethanwasusualforyoungwomeninherownstationinlife。and，inonesensecertainly，shedidcredittoherteaching。Thewidowofafield-officer，whoformerlybelongedtothesameregimentasherfather，hadtakenthechildinchargeatthedeathofitsmother。
　　andunderthecareofthisladyMabelhadacquiredsometastesandmanyideaswhichotherwisemightalwayshaveremainedstrangerstoher。Hersituationinthefamilyhadbeenlessthatofadomesticthanofahumblecom-
　　panion，andtheresultswerequiteapparentinherattire，herlanguage，hersentiments，andeveninherfeelings，thoughneither，perhaps，rosetothelevelofthosewhichwouldproperlycharacterizealady。Shehadlostthelessrefinedhabitsandmannersofoneinheroriginalposition，withouthavingquitereachedapointthatdisqualifiedherforthesituationinlifethattheaccidentsofbirthandfortunewouldprobablycompelhertofill。Allelsethatwasdistinctiveandpeculiarinherbelongedtonaturalcharacter。
　　WithsuchantecedentsitwilloccasionthereadernowonderifhelearnsthatMabelviewedthenovelscenebeforeherwithapleasurefarsuperiortothatproducedbyvulgarsurprise。Shefeltitsordinarybeautiesasmostwouldhavefeltthem，butshehadalsoafeelingforitssublimity——forthatsoftenedsolitude，thatcalmgrandeur，andeloquentrepose，whicheverpervadesbroadviewsofnaturalobjectsyetundisturbedbythelaborsandstrug-
　　glesofman。
　　Howbeautiful！sheexclaimed，unconsciousofspeak-
　　ing，asshestoodonthesolitarybastion，facingtheairfromthelake，andexperiencingthegenialinfluenceofitsfreshnesspervadingbothherbodyandhermind。
　　Howverybeautiful！andyethowsingular！
　　Thewords，andthetrainofherideas，wereinterruptedbyatouchofafingeronhershoulder，andturning，intheexpectationofseeingherfather，MabelfoundPathfinderatherside。Hewasleaningquietlyonhislongrifle，andlaughinginhisquietmanner，while，withanoutstretchedarm，hesweptoverthewholepanoramaoflandandwater。
　　Hereyouhavebothourdomains，saidhe，——Jasper’sandmine。Thelakeisforhim，andthewoodsareforme。Theladsometimesboastsofthebreadthofhisdominions。butItellhimmytreesmakeasbroadaplainonthefaceofthis’arthasallhiswater。Well，Mabel，youarefitforeither。forIdonotseethatfearoftheMingos，ornight-marches，candestroyyourprettylooks。
　　ItisanewcharacterforthePathfindertoappearin，tocomplimentasillygirl。
　　Notsilly，Mabel。no，notintheleastsilly。TheSer-
　　geant’sdaughterwoulddodiscredittoherworthyfather，wereshetodoorsayanythingthatcouldbecalledsilly。
　　Thenshemusttakecareandnotputtoomuchfaithintreacherous，flatteringwords。But，Pathfinder，Irejoicetoseeyouamongusagain。for，thoughJasperdidnotseemtofeelmuchuneasiness，Iwasafraidsomeaccidentmighthavehappenedtoyouandyourfriendonthatfrightfulrift。
　　Theladknowsusboth，andwassartainthatweshouldnotdrown，whichisscarcelyoneofmygifts。Itwouldhavebeenhardswimmingofasartainty，withalong-barrelledrifleinthehand。andwhatbetweenthegame，andthesavagesandtheFrench，KilldeerandI
　　havegonethroughtoomuchincompanytopartveryeasily。No，no。wewadedashore，theriftbeingshallowenoughforthatwithsmallexceptions，andwelandedwithourarmsinourhands。Wehadtotakeourtimeforit，onaccountoftheIroquois，Iwillown。but，assoonastheskulkingvagabondssawthelightsthattheSergeantsentdowntoyourcanoe，wewellunderstoodtheywoulddecamp，sinceavisitmighthavebeenexpectedfromsomeofthegarrison。Soitwasonlysittingpatientlyonthestonesforanhour，andallthedangerwasover。Patienceisthegreatestofvirtuesinawoodsman。
　　Irejoicetohearthis，forfatigueitselfcouldscarcelymakemesleep，forthinkingofwhatmightbefallyou。
　　Lordblessyourtenderlittleheart，Mabel！butthisisthewaywithallyougentleones。Imustsay，onmypart，however，thatIwasrightgladtoseethelanternscomedowntothewaterside，whichIknewtobeasuresignof_your_safety。Wehuntersandguidesarerudebeings。butwehaveourfeelingsandouridees，aswellasanygeneralinthearmy。BothJasperandIwouldhavediedbeforeyoushouldhavecometoharm——wewould。
　　Ithankyouforallyoudidforme，Pathfinder。fromthebottomofmyheart，Ithankyou。and，dependonit，myfathershallknowit。Ihavealreadytoldhimmuch，buthavestilladutytoperformonthissubject。
　　Tush，Mabel！TheSergeantknowswhatthewoodsbe，andwhatmen——trueredmen——be，too。Thereislit-
　　tleneedtotellhimanythingaboutit。Well，nowyouhavemetyourfather，doyoufindthehonestoldsoldierthesortofpersonyouexpectedtofind？
　　Heismyowndearfather，andreceivedmeasasoldierandafathershouldreceiveachild。Haveyouknownhimlong，Pathfinder？
　　Thatisaspeoplecounttime。IwasjusttwelvewhentheSergeanttookmeonmyfirstscouting，andthatisnowmorethantwentyyearsago。Wehadatrampingtimeofit。and，asitwasbeforeyourday，youwouldhavehadnofather，hadnottheriflebeenoneofmynaturalgifts。
　　Explainyourself。
　　Itistoosimpleformanywords。Wewereambushed，andtheSergeantgotabadhurt，andwouldhavelosthisscalp，butforasortofinbredturnItooktotheweapon。
　　Webroughthimoff，however，andahandsomerheadofhair，forhistimeoflife，isnottobefoundintherijimentthantheSergeantcarriesaboutwithhimthisblessedday。
　　Yousavedmyfather’slife，Pathfinder！exclaimedMabel，unconsciously，thoughwarmly，takingoneofhishard，sinewyhandsintobothherown。Godblessyouforthis，too，amongyourothergoodacts！
　　Nay，Ididnotsaythatmuch，thoughIbelieveIdidsavehisscalp。Amanmightlivewithoutascalp，andsoIcannotsayIsavedhislife。Jaspermaysaythatmuchconsarningyou。forwithouthiseyeandarmthecanoewouldneverhavepassedtheriftinsafetyonanightlikethelast。Thegiftsoftheladareforthewater，whilemineareforthehuntandthetrail。Heisyonder，inthecovethere，lookingafterthecanoes，andkeepinghiseyeonhisbelovedlittlecraft。Tomyeye，thereisnolikelieryouthinthesepartsthanJasperWestern。
　　Forthefirsttimesinceshehadleftherroom，Mabelnowturnedhereyesbeneathher，andgotaviewofwhatmightbecalledtheforegroundoftheremarkablepictureshehadbeenstudyingwithsomuchpleasure。TheOswegothrewitsdarkwatersintothelake，betweenbanksofsomeheight。thatonitseasternsidebeingbolderandprojectingfarthernorththanthatonitswestern。Thefortwasonthelatter，andimmediatelybeneathitwereafewhutsoflogs，which，astheycouldnotinterferewiththedefenceoftheplace，hadbeenerectedalongthestrandforthepurposeofreceivingandcontainingsuchstoresaswerelanded，orwereintendedtobeembarked，inthecommunicationsbetweenthedifferentportsontheshoresofOntario。Twolow，curved，gravellypointshadbeenformedwithsurprisingregularitybythecounteractingforcesofthenortherlywindsandtheswiftcurrent，and，incliningfromthestormsofthelake，formedtwocoveswithintheriver：thatonthewesternsidewasthemostdeeplyindented。and，asitalsohadthemostwater，itformedasortofpicturesquelittleportforthepost。Itwasalongthenarrowstrandthatlaybetweenthelowheightofthefortandthewaterofthiscove，thattherudebuildingsjustmentionedhadbeenerected。
　　Severalskiffs，bateaux，andcanoeswerehauledupontheshore，andinthecoveitselflaythelittlecraftfromwhichJasperobtainedhisclaimtobeconsideredasailor。
　　Shewascutter-rigged，mighthavebeenoffortytonsbur-
　　then，wassoneatlyconstructedandpaintedastohavesomethingoftheairofavesselofwar，thoughentirelywithoutquarters，andriggedandsparredwithsoscrupu-
　　lousaregardtoproportionsandbeauty，aswellasfitnessandjudgment，astogiveheranappearancethatevenMabelatoncedistinguishedtobegallantandtrim。Hermouldwasadmirable，forawrightofgreatskillhadsentherdraftsfromEngland，attheexpressrequestoftheofficerwhohadcausedhertobeconstructed。herpaintdark，warlike，andneat。andthelongcoach-whippennantthatsheworeatonceproclaimedhertobethepropertyoftheking。Hernamewasthe_Scud_。
　　That，then，isthevesselofJasper！saidMabel，whoassociatedthemasterofthelittlecraftverynaturallywiththecutteritself。Aretheremanyothersonthislake？
　　TheFrenchershavethree：oneofwhich，theytellme，isarealship，suchasareusedontheocean。anotherabrig。andathirdisacutter，likethe_Scud_here，whichtheycallthe_Squirrel_，intheirowntongue，however。andwhichseemstohaveanaturalhatredofourownprettyboat，forJasperseldomgoesoutthatthe_Squirrel_isnotathisheels。
　　AndisJasperonetorunfromaFrenchman，thoughheappearsintheshapeofasquirrel，andthat，too，onthewater？
　　Ofwhatusewouldvalorbewithoutthemeansofturningittoaccount？Jasperisabraveboy，asallonthisfrontierknow。buthehasnogunexceptalittlehowitzer，andthenhiscrewconsistsonlyoftwomenbesideshim-
　　self，andaboy。Iwaswithhiminoneofhistrampooses，andtheyoungsterwasriskyenough，forhebroughtussoneartheenemythatriflesbegantotalk。buttheFrencherscarrycannonandports，andnevershowtheirfacesoutsideofFrontenac，withouthavingsometwentymen，besidestheir_Squirrel_，intheircutter。No，no。this_Scud_wasbuiltforflying，andthemajorsayshewillnotputherinafightinghumorbygivinghermenandarms，lestsheshouldtakehimathisword，andgetherwingsclipped。Iknowlittleofthesethings，formygiftsarenotatallinthatway。butIseethereasonofthething——
　　Iseeitsreason，thoughJasperdoesnot。
　　Ah！hereismyuncle，nonetheworseforhisswim，comingtolookatthisinlandsea。
　　Sureenough，Cap，whohadannouncedhisapproachbyacoupleoflustyhems，nowmadehisappearanceonthebastion，where，afternoddingtohisneiceandhercom-
　　panion，hemadeadeliberatesurveyoftheexpanseofwaterbeforehim。Inordertoeffectthisathisease，themarinermountedononeoftheoldironguns，foldedhisarmsacrosshisbreast，andbalancedhisbody，asifhefeltthemotionofavessel。Tocompletethepicture，hehadashortpipeinhismouth。
　　Well，MasterCap，askedthePathfinderinnocently，forhedidnotdetecttheexpressionofcontemptthatwasgraduallysettlingonthefeaturesoftheother。isitnotabeautifulsheet，andfittobenamedasea？
　　This，then，iswhatyoucallyourlake？demandedCap，sweepingthenorthernhorizonwithhispipe。I
　　say，isthisreallyyourlake？
　　Sartain。and，ifthejudgmentofonewhohaslivedontheshoresofmanyotherscanbetaken，averygoodlakeitis。
　　JustasIexpected。Apondindimensions，andascuttle-buttintaste。Itisallinvaintotravelinland，inthehopeofseeinganythingeitherfull-grownoruseful。
　　Iknewitwouldturnoutjustinthisway。
　　Whatisthematter-withOntario，MasterCap？Itislarge，andfairtolookat，andpleasantenoughtodrink，forthosewhocan’tgetatthewaterofthesprings。
　　Doyoucallthislarge？askedCap，againsweepingtheairwiththepipe。Iwilljustaskyouwhatthereislargeaboutit？Didn’tJasperhimselfconfessthatitwasonlysometwentyleaguesfromshoretoshore？
　　But，uncle，interposedMabel，nolandistobeseen，excepthereonourowncoast。Tomeitkoksexactlyliketheocean。
　　Thisbitofapondlookliketheocean！Well，Magnet，thatfromagirlwhohashadrealseameninherfamilyisdownrightnonsense。Whatisthereaboutit，pray，thathaseventheoutlineofaseaonit？
　　Why，thereiswater——water——water——nothingbutwater，formilesonmiles——farastheeyecansee。
　　Andisn’ttherewater——water——water——nothingbutwaterformilesonmilesinyourrivers，thatyouhavebeencanoeingthrough，too？——ay，and’asfarastheeyecansee，’
　　inthebargain？
　　Yes，uncle，buttherivershavetheirbanks，andtherearetreesalongthem，andtheyarenarrow。
　　Andisn’tthisabankwherewestand？don’tthesesoldierscallthisthebankofthelake？andaren’ttheretreesinthousands？andaren’ttwentyleaguesnarrowenoughofallconscience？Whothedevileverheardofthebanksoftheocean，unlessitmightbethebanksthatareunderwater？
　　But，uncle，wecannotseeacrossthislake，aswecanseeacrossariver。
　　Thereyouareout，Magnet。Aren’ttheAmazonandOronocoandLaPlatarivers，andcanyouseeacrossthem？
　　Hark’ePathfinder，Iverymuchdoubtifthisstripeofwaterherebeevenalake。fortomeitappearstobeonlyariver。Youarebynomeansparticularaboutyourgeography，Ifind，uphereinthewoods。
　　There_you_areout，MasterCap。Thereisariver，andanobleonetoo，ateachendofit。butthisisoldOntariobeforeyou。and，thoughitisnotmygifttoliveonalake，tomyjudgmenttherearefewbetterthanthis。
　　And，uncle，ifwestoodonthebeachatRockaway，whatmoreshouldweseethanwenowbehold？Thereisashoreononeside，orbanksthere，andtreestoo，aswellasthosewhicharehere。
　　Thisisperverseness，Magnet，andyounggirlsshouldsteerclearofanythinglikeobstinacy。Inthefirstplace，theoceanhascoasts，butnobanks，excepttheGrandBanks，asItellyou，whichareoutofsightofland。andyouwillnotpretendthatthisbankisoutofsightofland，orevenunderwater？
　　AsMabelcouldnotveryplausiblysetupthisextrava-
　　gantopinion，Cappursuedthesubject，hiscountenancebeginningtodiscoverthetriumphofasuccessfuldis-
　　putant。
　　Andthenthemtreesbearnocomparisontothesetrees。Thecoastsoftheoceanhavefarmsandcitiesandcountry-seats，and，insomepartsoftheworld，castlesandmonasteriesandlighthouses——ay，ay——lighthouses，inparticular，onthem。notoneofallwhichthingsistobeseenhere。No，no，MasterPathfinder。Ineverheardofanoceanthathadn’tmoreorlesslighthousesonit。
　　whereas，hereawaythereisnotevenabeacon。
　　Thereiswhatisbetter，thereiswhatisbetter。aforestandnobletrees，afittempleofGod。
　　Ay，yourforestmaydoforalake。butofwhatusewouldanoceanbeiftheearthallarounditwereforest？
　　Shipswouldbeunnecessary，astimbermightbefloatedinrafts，andtherewouldbeanendoftrade，andwhatwouldaworldbewithouttrade？Iamofthatphilosopher’sopinionwhosayshumannaturewasinventedforthepur-
　　posesoftrade。Magnet，Iamastonishedthatyoushouldthinkthiswaterevenlookslikesea-water！Now，Idare-
　　saythatthereisn’tsuchathingasawhaleinallyourlake，MasterPathfinder？
　　Ineverheardofone，Iwillconfess。butIamnojudgeofanimalsthatliveinthewater，unlessitbethefishesoftheriversandthebrooks。
　　Noragrampus，noraporpoiseeven？notsomuchasapoordevilofashark？
　　Iwillnottakeitonmyselftosaythereiseither。Mygiftsarenotinthatway，Itellyou，MasterCap。
　　Norherring，noralbatross，norflying-fish？continuedCap，whokepthiseyefastenedontheguide，inordertoseehowfarhemightventure。Nosuchthingasafishthatcanfly，Idaresay？
　　Afishthatcanfly！MasterCap，MasterCap，donotthink，becausewearemereborderers，thatwehavenoideesofnatur’，andwhatshehasbeenpleasedtodo。I
　　knowtherearesquirrelsthatcanfly——
　　Asquirrelfly！——thedevil，MasterPathfinder！Doyousupposethatyouhavegotaboyonhisfirstv’y’geuphereamongyou？
　　Iknownothingofyourv’y’ges，MasterCap，thoughI
　　supposethemtohavebeenmany。forasforwhatbelongstonatur’inthewoods，whatIhaveseenImaytell，andnotfearthefaceofman。
　　Anddoyouwishmetounderstandthatyouhaveseenasquirrelfly？
　　IfyouwishtounderstandthepowerofGod，MasterCap，youwilldowelltobelievethat，andmanyotherthingsofalikenatur’，foryoumaybequitesartainitistrue。
　　Andyet，Pathfinder，saidMabel，lookingsoprettilyandsweetlyevenwhilesheplayedwiththeguide’sin-
　　firmity，thatheforgaveherinhisheart，you，whospeaksoreverentlyofthepoweroftheDeity，appeartodoubtthatafishcanfly。
　　Ihavenotsaidit，Ihavenotsaidit。andifMasterCapisreadytotestifytothefact，unlikelyasitseems，I
　　amwillingtotrytothinkittrue。Ithinkiteveryman’sdutytobelieveinthepowerofGod，howeverdifficultitmaybe。
　　Andwhyisn’tmyfishaslikelytohavewingsasyoursquirrel？demandedCap，withmorelogicthanwashiswont。Thatfishesdoandcanflyisastrueasitisrea-
　　sonable。