"We are not now under the roof of the
Whip-Poor-Will, wife of mine, but in the presence of those who need none
of thy suggestions to give proper forms to an examination of office."
Faith heeded no reproof. Instead of waiting for others to perform that
which she had desired, she applied herself to the task, with a dexterity
that had been acquired by long practice, and a zeal that seemed awakened
by some extraordinary emotion. In a minute, the colors had disappeared
from the features of the captive, and, though deeply tanned by exposure to
an American sun and to sultry winds, his face was unequivocally that of
one who owed his origin to an European ancestry. The movements of the
eager woman were watched with curious interest by all present; and when
the short task was ended, a murmur of surprise broke simultaneously from
every lip.
"There is meaning in this masquerade," observed Content, who had long and
intently studied the dull and ungainly countenance that was exposed to his
scrutiny by the operation. "I have heard of Christian men who have sold
themselves to gain, and who, forgetting religion and the love of their
race--have been known to league with the savage in order to pursue rapine
in the settlements.
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