There was a white man associated with the Delawares. A scout of
the English army, but a native of the provinces."
"A drunken worthless vagabond, like most of his colour who harbour
with the savages, I warrant you!"
"Old man, your grey hairs should caution you against slander. The man
I speak of was of great simplicity of mind, but of sterling worth.
Unlike most of those who live a border life, he united the better,
instead of the worst, qualities of the two people. He was a man
endowed with the choicest and perhaps rarest gift of nature; that of
distinguishing good from evil. His virtues were those of simplicity,
because such were the fruits of his habits, as were indeed his very
prejudices. In courage he was the equal of his red associates; in
warlike skill, being better instructed, their superior. 'In short, he
was a noble shoot from the stock of human nature, which never could
attain its proper elevation and importance, for no other reason, than
because it grew in the forest:' such, old hunter, were the very words
of my grandfather, when speaking of the man you imagine so worthless!"
The eyes of the trapper had sunk to the earth, as the stranger
delivered this character in the ardent tones of generous youth.
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