The compassion of all the borderers was powerfully awakened in
behalf of the patient and dignified young sufferer, and gladly would they
have given their captive the pleasure of joining in the chase, had not the
task been one that was far from easy of accomplishment. The former of the
woodsmen just mentioned had even volunteered to lead him like a hound in a
leash; but this was a species of degradation against which it was certain
that a young Indian, ambitious of the character and jealous of the dignity
of a warrior, would have openly rebelled.
The quick interest of the observant Ruth had, as it has been seen, early
detected a growing intelligence in the boy. The means by which one, who
never mingled in the employments, and who rarely seemed to listen to the
dialogues of the family could come to comprehend the meaning of a language
that is found sufficiently difficult for a scholar, were however as much
of a mystery to her, as to all around her. Still, by the aid of that
instinctive tact which so often enlightens the mind of woman was she
certain of the fact Profiting by this know ledge, she assumed the task of
endeavoring to obtain an honorary pledge from her protege, that, if
permitted to join the hunters, he would return to the valley at the end of
the day.
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