Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 1).djvu/197

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THE MOHICANS.
181

savages, ventured again to open his discordant throat, as though once more left in undisturbed possession of his wild domains. Duncan caught from these natural accompaniments of the solitary scene a glimmering of hope, and he began to rally his faculties to renewed exertions, with something live a reviving confidence in their success.

"The Hurons are not to be seen," he said, addressing David, whose faculties had by no means recovered from the effects of the stunning blow he had received; "let us conceal ourselves in the cavern, and trust the rest to Providence."

"I remember to have united with two comely maidens, in lifting up our voices in praise and thanksgiving," returned the bewildered singing-master; "since which time I have been visited by a heavy judgment for my sins. I have been mocked with the likeness of sleep, while sounds of discord have rent my ears; such as might manifest the fullness of time, and that nature had forgotten her harmony."

"Poor fellow! thine own period was, in