Until this moment, the
rival chieftains had never met, except in the confusion of battle. For a
few minutes, neither spoke. Each stood regarding the fine outlines, the
eagle eye, the proud bearing, and the severe gravity, of the other, in
secret admiration, but with a calmness so immovable, as entirely to
conceal the workings of his thoughts. At length, they began to assume
miens suited to the part each was to enact in the coming scene. The
countenance of Uncas became ironical and exulting, while that of his
captive grew still more cold and unconcerned.
"My young men," said the former, "have taken a fox skulking in the
bushes. His legs were very long; but he had no heart to use them."
Conanchet folded his arms on his bosom, and the glance of his quiet eye
seemed to tell his enemy, that devices so common were unworthy of them
both. The other either understood its meaning, or loftier feelings
prevailed; for he added, in a better taste--
"Is Conanchet tired of his life, that he comes among my young men?"
"Mohican," said the Narragansett chief, "he has been there before; if
Uncas will count his warriors he will see that some are wanting.
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