Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 3).djvu/15

 Another long and deep silence succeeded this annunciation of the character Duncan had assumed. Every eye was simultaneously bent on his person, as if to enquire into the truth or falsehood of the declaration, with an intelligence and keenness, that caused the subject of their scrutiny to tremble for the result. He was, however, relieved again, by the former speaker.

"Do the cunning men of the Canadas paint their skins," the Huron, coldly, continued; "we have heard them boast that their faces were pale?"

"When an Indian chief comes among his white fathers," returned Duncan, with great steadiness, "he lays aside his buffalo robe, to carry the shirt that is offered him. My brothers have given me paint, and I wear it."

A low murmur of applause announced that the compliment to the tribe was favourably received. The elderly chief made a gesture of commendation, which was answered by most of his companions, who each threw forth a hand, and uttered the usual brief exclamation of pleasure. Dun-