Останній з Могікан
Chapter 17
Butasthefemalecrowdapproachedthem,thegaudycolorsofashawlattractedtheeyesofawildanduntutoredHuron.Headvancedtoseizeit,withouttheleasthesitation.Thewoman,moreinterrorthanthroughloveoftheornament,wrappedherchildinthecovetedarticle,andfoldedbothmorecloselytoherbosom.Corawasintheactofspeaking,withanintenttoadvisethewomantoabandonthetrifle,whenthesavagerelinquishedhisholdoftheshawl,andtorethescreaminginfantfromherarms.Abandoningeverythingtothegreedygraspofthosearoundher,themotherdarted,withdistractioninhermien,toreclaimherchild.TheIndiansmiledgrimly,andextendedonehand,insignofawillingnesstoexchange,whilewiththeother,heflourishedthebabeoverhishead,holdingitbythefeetasiftoenhancethevalueoftheransom.
"Here—here—there—all—any—everything!"exclaimedthebreathlesswoman;tearingthelighterarticlesofdressfromherperson,withill-directedandtremblingfingers;"takeall,butgivememybabe!"
Thesavagespurnedtheworthlessrags,andperceivingthattheshawlhadalreadybecomeaprizetoanother,hisbanteringbutsullensmilechangingtoagleamofferocity,hedashedtheheadoftheinfantagainstarock,andcastitsquiveringremainstoherveryfeet.
