Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 2).djvu/276

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270
THE LAST OF

event of mutual success. The parting between Munro and his young friend was more melancholy and feeling; still, the former submitted to the separation with an indifference that his warm and honest nature would never have permitted in a more healthful state of mind. The scout led Heyward aside, and acquainted him with his intention to leave the veteran in some safe éncampment, in charge of Chingachgook, while he and Uncas pursued their enquiries among the people they had reason to believe were Delawares. Then renewing his cautions and advice, he concluded by saying, with a solemnity and warmth of feeling, with which Duncan was deeply touched—

"And now God bless you! You have shown a spirit that I like; for it is the gift of youth, more especially one of warm blood and a stout heart. But believe the warning of a man, who has reason to know all he says to be true. You will have occasion for your best manhood, and for a sharper wit than what is to be gathered in books, afore you out-do the cunning, or get the