Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 2).djvu/281

 lingered, pursued the direction of his gaze, and in some measure recalled the recollection of Heyward, by speaking—

"There is much fruitful soil uncultivated here," he said; "and I may add, without the sinful leaven of self-commendation, that, since my short sojourn in these heathenish abodes, much good seed has been scattered by the way side."

"The tribes are fonder of the chase, than of the arts of men of labour,"returnedlabour, "returned [sic] the unconscious Duncan, still gazing at the objects of his wonder.

"It is rather joy than labour to the spirit, to lift up the voice in praise; but sadly do these boys abuse their gifts! Rarely have I found any of their age, on whom nature has so freely bestowed the elements of psalmody; and surely, surely, there are none who neglect them more. Three nights have I now tarried here, and three several times have I assembled the urchins to join in sacred song, and as often have they responded to my efforts with whoopings and howlings that have chilled my inmost soul!"