Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 2).djvu/23

 ever, in its sweet solicitude, he read nothing to confirm his half awakened suspicion.

"It is but too true, that after leading you into danger by my heedlessness, I have not even the merit of guarding your pillows, as should become a soldier."

"No one but Duncan himself, should accuse Duncan of such weakness!" returned the confiding Alice; who lent herself, with all a woman's confidence to that generous delusion which painted the perfection of her youthful admirer. "Go, then, and sleep; believe me, neither of us, weak girls as we are, will betray our watch."

The young man was relieved from the awkwardness of making any further protestations of his own demerits, by an exclamation from Chingachgook, and the attitude of riveted attention assumed by his son.

"The Mohicans hear an enemy!" whispered Hawk-eye, who, by this time, in common with the whole party, was awake and stirring. "They scent some danger in the wind!"