Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 1).djvu/285

 "Friend," he added, thrusting forth his lean, delicate hand toward Hawk-eye, in kindness, while his eyes twinkled and grew moist, "I thank thee that the hairs of my head still grow where they were first rooted by Providence; for, though those of other men may be more glossy and curling, I have ever found mine own comfortable, and well suited to the brain they shelter. That I did not join myself to the battle, was less owing to disinclination than to the bonds of the heathen. Valiant and skilful hast thou proved thyself in the conflict, and I hereby thank thee, before proceeding to discharge other and more important duties, because thou hast proved thyself well worthy of a Christian's praise!

"The thing is but a trifle, and what you may often see if you tarry long among us," returned the scout, a good deal softened in his feelings toward the man of song, by this unequivocal expression of his gratitude. "I have got back my old companion, 'kill-deer,' " he added, striking his hand on the breech of his rifle, "and that in itself is a victory. These Iroquois