Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 1).djvu/105

 the disputed point, turned away, saying in a sort of soliloquy, and in the English tongue:—

"Uncas is right! it would not be the act of men to leave such harmless things to their fate, even though it breaks up the harbouring place for ever. If you would save these tender blossoms from the fangs of the worst of serpents, gentlemen, you have neither time to lose nor resolution to throw away!"

"How can such a wish be doubted! have I not already offered"—

"Offer your prayers to Him, who can give us wisdom to carcumvent the cunning of the devils who fill these woods," calmly interrupted the scout, "but spare your offers of money, which neither you may live to realize, nor I to profit by. These Mohicans and I will do what man's thoughts can invent to keep such flowers, which, though so sweet, were never made for the wilderness, from harm, and that without hope of any other recompence but such as God always gives to upright dealings. First, you must promise two things,