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Chapter 8
AfterthelastlookatUncas,Coraturned,and,withaquiveringlip,addressedherselftoHeyward:—
"Ihaveheardofyourboastedskillinthewater,too,Duncan,"shesaid;"follow,then,thewiseexamplesetyoubythesesimpleandfaithfulbeings."
"IssuchthefaiththatCoraMunrowouldexactfromherprotector?"saidtheyoungman,smilingmournfully,butwithbitterness.
"Thisisnotatimeforidlesubtletiesandfalseopinions,"sheanswered;"butamomentwheneverydutyshouldbeequallyconsidered.Tousyoucanbeofnofurtherservicehere,butyourpreciouslifemaybesavedforotherandnearerfriends."
Hemadenoreply,thoughhiseyesfellwistfullyonthebeautifulformofAlice,whowasclingingtohisarmwiththedependencyofaninfant.
"Consider,"continuedCora,afterapause,duringwhichsheseemedtostrugglewithapangevenmoreacutethananythatherfearshadexcited,"thattheworsttouscanbebutdeath;atributethatallmustpayatthegoodtimeofGod’sappointment."
"Thereareevilsworsethandeath,"saidDuncan,speakinghoarsely,andasiffretfulatherimportunity,"butwhichthepresenceofonewhowoulddieinyourbehalfmayavert."
Coraceasedherentreaties;and,veilingherfaceinhershawl,drewthenearlyinsensibleAliceafterherintothedeepestrecessoftheinnercavern.
