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Chapter 10
ThequestionputbyLeRenardhadbeencalm,andwithallthedignityofanIndian;butitwasquiteapparent,bythethoughtfulexpressionofthelistener’scountenance,thattheanswerwasmostcunninglydevised.TheHuronmusedafewmoments,andthenlayinghishandontherudebandagesofhiswoundedshoulder,hesaid,withsomeenergy—
"Dofriendsmakesuchremarks?"
"WouldLaLongueCarabinecutonesolightonanenemy?"
"DotheDelawarescrawluponthosetheylove,likesnakes,twistingthemselvestostrike?"
"WouldLeGrosSerpenthavebeenheardbytheearsofonehewishedtobedeaf?"
"Doesthewhitechiefburnhispowderinthefacesofhisbrothers?"
"Doesheevermisshisaim,whenseriouslybenttokill?"returnedDuncan,smilingwithwellactedsincerity.
Anotherlonganddeliberatepausesucceededthesesententiousquestionsandreadyreplies.DuncansawthattheIndianhesitated.Inordertocompletehisvictory,hewasintheactofrecommencingtheenumerationoftherewards,whenMaguamadeanexpressivegestureandsaid—
"Enough;LeRenardisawisechief,andwhathedoeswillbeseen.Go,andkeepthemouthshut.WhenMaguaspeaks,itwillbethetimetoanswer."
Heyward,perceivingthattheeyesofhiscompanionwerewarilyfastenedontherestoftheband,fellbackimmediately,inordertoavoidtheappearanceofanysuspiciousconfederacywiththeirleader.Maguaapproachedthehorses,andaffectedtobewellpleasedwiththediligenceandingenuityofhiscomrades.
