Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 1).djvu/32

 ment which, from being seen in such martial company, might have been easily mistaken for some mischievous and unknown implement of war. Small as it was, this uncommon engine had excited the curiosity of most of the Europeans in the camp, though several of the provincials were seen to handle it, not only without fear, but with the utmost familiarity. A large civil cocked hat, like those worn by clergymen within the last thirty years, surmounted the whole, furnishing dignity to a good-natured and somewhat vacant countenance, that apparently needed such artificial aid to support the gravity of some high and extraordinary trust.

While the common herd stood aloof from the gathering group of travellers, in deference to the sacred precincts of the quarters of Webb, the figure we have described stalked into the centre of the domestics, who were in waiting with the horses, freely expressing his censures or commendations on the merits of the latter, as by chance they displeased or satisfied his judgment.

"This beast, I rather conclude, friend,