Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 2).djvu/170

 "Here is something like the footstep of one who has worn a shoe," said Heyward, gladly changing the discourse from the abuse of David, to whom he now felt the strongest tie of gratitude; "can it be that of our friend?"

"Touch the leaves lightly, or you will disconsart the formation. That! that, is the print of a foot, but 'tis the dark hair's; and small it is, too, for one of such a noble height and grand appearance! The singer would cover it with his heel!"

"Where? let me look on the footsteps of my child!" said Munro, eagerly shoving the bushes aside, and bending fondly over the nearly obliterated impression. Though the tread, which had left the mark, had been light and rapid, it was still very plainly visible. The aged soldier examined it with eyes that grew dim as he gazed; nor did he rise from his stooping posture, until Heyward saw that he had watered the graceful trace of his daughter's passage, with a scalding and heavy tear. Willing to divert a distress which threatened each moment to break through the restraint of