But we have curiosity to know more of the great
tribe. Hast ever heard of one of thy people, Whittal, known as
Miantonimoh--'tis a chief of some renown."
The witless youth had continued to eat, at intervals; but, on hearing this
question, he seemed suddenly to forget his appetite. For a moment he
looked down, and then he answered slowly and not without solemnity--
"A man cannot live for ever."
"What!" said Faith, motioning to her deeply-interested auditors to
restrain their impatience--"has he quitted his people? And thou lived
with him, Whittal, ere he came to his end?"
"He never looked on Nipset, nor Nipset on him."
"I know nought of this Nipset; tell me of the great Miantonimoh."
"Dost need to hear twice? The Sachem is gone to the far land, and Nipset
will be a warrior when the next snow comes!"
Disappointment threw a cloud on every countenance, and the beam of hope,
which had been kindling in the eye of Ruth, changed to the former painful
expression of deep inward suffering. But Faith still managed to repress
all speech among those who listened, continuing the examination, after a
short delay that her vexation rendered unavoidable.
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