Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 3).djvu/106

 nificantly on another similar weapon; both being the fruits of his prowess among their enemies during the evening.

"We will go!" said Uncas.

"Whither?"

"To the Tortoises—they are the children of my grandfathers!"

"Ay, lad," said the scout in English, a language he was apt to use when a little abstracted in mind; "the same blood runs in your veins, I believe; but time and distance has a little changed its colour! What shall we do with the Mingoes at the door! They count six, and this singer is as good as nothing."

"The Hurons are boasters!" said Uncas, scornfully ; "their 'totem' is a moose; and they run like snails. The Delawares are children of the tortoise; and they outstrip the deer!"

"Ay, lad, there is truth in what you say; and I doubt not, on a rush, you would pass the whole nation; and in a straight race of two miles, would be in, and get your breath again, afore a knave of them all was within hearing of the other village! But the gift