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 to proceed, remained silent; but the scout who had listened attentively to all that passed, now advanced boldly to the front, and assumed the task of explaining.

"That I did not answer to the call for la Longue Carabine, was not owing either to shame or fear," he said; "for neither one nor the other is the gift of an honest man. But I do not admit the right of the Mingoes to bestow a name on one, whose friends have been mindful of his gifts, in this particular; especially, as their title is all a lie; 'kill-deer' being a genuine grooved barrel, and no carabine. I am the man, however, that got the name of Nathaniel from my kin; the compliment of Hawk-eye from the Delawares, who live on their own river; and whom the Iroquois have presumed to style the 'long rifle,' without any warranty from him who is most concerned in the matter."

The eyes of all present, which had hitherto been gravely scanning the person of Duncan, now turned, on the instant towards the upright, iron frame of this new pretender to so distinguished an appellation.