Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 3).djvu/126

 in the still and sullen restraint they most affected in their moments of inaction.

Magua, who had, in his turn, found leisure for a little reflection, now changed his manner, and assumed the air of one who knew how to think and act with a dignity worthy of so grave a subject.

"Let us go to my people," he said; "they wait for us."

His companions consented, in silence, and the whole of the savage party left the cavern, and returned to the council lodge. When they were seated, all their eyes turned on Magua, who understood, from such an indication, that, by common consent they had devolved the duty of relating what had passed on him. He arose, and told his tale, without duplicity or reservation. The whole deception practised by both Duncan and Hawk-eye, was, of course, laid naked; and no room was found, even for the most superstitious of the tribe, any longer to affix a doubt on the character of the occurrences. It was but too apparent, that they had been insultingly, shamefully, disgracefully, deceived. When he had