Marmaduke; "something in relation to his office, most probably, as the court sits so shortly."
"Ay, ay, you have it, sir," cried Benjamin, "it's sum'mat about a complaint that he has to make of the old Leather-stocking, who, to my judgment, is the better man of the two. It's a very good sort of a man is this Master Bumppo, and he has a way with a spear, all the same as if he was brought up at the bow oar of the captain's barge, or was born with a boat-hook in his hand."
"Against the Leather-stocking!" cried Elizabeth, rising from her reclining posture.
"Rest easy, my child," said the Judge, smiling, "it is some trifle, I pledge you; I believe I am already acquainted with its import. Trust me, Bess, your champion shall be safe in my care.—Show Mr. Doolittle in, Benjamin."
Miss Temple appeared satisfied with this assurance, but fastened her dark eyes on the person of the architect, who profited by the permission, and instantly made his appearance.
All the impatience of Hiram seemed to vanish the instant he entered the apartment. After saluting the Judge and his daughter, he took the chair to which Marmaduke pointed, and sat for a minute, composing his straight black hair, with a gravity in his demeanour that was intended to do honour to his official station. At length he said—
"It's likely, from what I hear, that Miss Temple had a pretty narrow chance with the painters, on the mountain."
Marmaduke made a gentle inclination of his head, by way of assent, but continued silent.
"I s'pose the law gives a bounty on the scalps," continued Hiram, "in which case the Leather-stocking will make a good job on't"
