"If a Mingo has whispered that much in the ear of the Delaware, he has only manifested that he is a singing-bird," said the scout, who now believed it was time to vindicate himself from such offensive charges, and who spoke in the tongue of the man he addressed, modifying his Indian figures, however, with his own peculiar notions. "That I have slain the Maquas, I am not the man to deny, even at their own council-fires; but that, knowingly, my hand has ever harmed a Delaware, is opposed to the reason of my gifts, which is friendly to them, and all that belongs to their nation."
A low exclamation of applause passed among the warriors, who exchanged looks with each other, like men that first began to perceive their error.
"Where is the Huron?" demanded Tamenund. "Has he stopped my ears!"
Magua, whose feelings, during that scene in which Uncas had triumphed, may be much better imagined than described, now answered to the call, by stepping boldly in front of the patriarch.
