Останній з Могікан

           ForthoughtheFrenchcommanderboreahighcharacterforcourageandenterprise,hewasalsothoughttobeexpertinthosepoliticalpractices,whichdonotalwaysrespectthenicerobligationsofmorality,andwhichsogenerallydisgracedtheEuropeandiplomacyofthatperiod.

           Allthosebusyandingeniousspeculationswerenowannihilatedbytheconductofhiscaptors.ThatportionofthebandwhohadfollowedthehugewarriortooktheroutetowardsthefootoftheHorican,andnootherexpectationwasleftforhimselfandcompanions,thanthattheyweretoberetainedashopelesscaptivesbytheirsavageconquerors.Anxioustoknowtheworst,andwilling,insuchanemergency,totrythepotencyofgold,heovercamehisreluctancetospeaktoMagua.Addressinghimselftohisformerguide,whohadnowassumedtheauthorityandmannerofonewhowastodirectthefuturemovementsoftheparty,hesaid,intonesasfriendlyandconfidingashecouldassume—

           "IwouldspeaktoMagua,whatisfitonlyforsogreatachieftohear."

           TheIndianturnedhiseyesontheyoungsoldierscornfully,asheanswered—

           "Speak;treeshavenoears!"

           "ButtheredHuronsarenotdeaf;andcounselthatisfitforthegreatmenofanationwouldmaketheyoungwarriorsdrunk.IfMaguawillnotlisten,theofficerofthekingknowshowtobesilent."