They evidently waited for the last and fatal signal, to complete
their unrelenting purpose. At this grave moment there was a pause, as if
each of the principal actors pondered serious matter in his inmost mind.
"The Narragansett hath not spoken to his woman," said Uncas, secretly
hoping that his enemy might yet betray some unmanly weakness, in a moment
of so severe trial. "She is near."
"I said my heart was stone;" coldly returned the Narragansett.
"See--the girl creepeth like a frightened fowl among the leaves. If my
brother Conanchet will look, he will see his beloved."
The countenance of Conanchet grew dark, but it did not waver.
"We will go among the bushes, if the Sachem is afraid to speak to his
woman with the eyes of a Mohican on him. A warrior is not a curious girl,
that he wishes to see the sorrow of a chief!"
Conanchet felt, hurriedly, for some weapon that might strike his enemy to
the earth, and then a low murmuring sound at his elbow stole so softly on
his ear, as suddenly to divert the tempest of passion.
"Will not a Sachem look at his boy?" demanded the suppliant.
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