But thus questioned, all gentle feelings were near being
forgotten, in the sudden force of passion. A hasty glance at Ruth quelled
the emotion, and he continued calm as ever, and silent.
"Boy," repeated Content, "I ask thee why thy people seek our blood?"
The passage of the electric spark is not more subtle, nor is it
scarcely more brilliant, than was the gleam that shot into the dark eye
of the Indian. The organ seemed to emit rays coruscant as the glance of
the serpent. His form appeared to swell with the inward strivings of
the spirit, and for a moment there was every appearance of a fierce and
uncontrollable burst of ferocious passion. The conquest of feeling was,
however, but momentary. He regained his self-command by a surprising
effort of the will, and advancing so near to him who had asked this
bold question, as to lay a finger on his breast, the young savage
haughtily said--
"See! this world is very wide. There is room on it for the panther and the
deer. Why have the Yengeese and the red-men met?"
"We waste the precious moments in probing the stern nature of a heathen,"
said the stranger.
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