He had heard his release proclaimed, with the same
indifference as the order to bind him to the stake. But now, that the
moment had arrived when it became necessary to make his election, he
spoke in a way to prove that the fortitude, which had bought him so
distinguished a name, had in no degree deserted him.
"My father is very old, but he has not yet looked upon every thing,"
said Hard-Heart, in a voice so clear as to be heard by all in
presence. "He has never seen a buffaloe change to a bat. He will never
see a Pawnee become a Sioux!"
There was a suddenness, and yet a calmness in the manner of delivering
this decision, which assured most of the auditors that it was
unalterable. The heart of Le Balafre, however, was yearning towards
the youth, and the fondness of age was not so readily repulsed.
Reproving the burst of admiration and triumph, to which the boldness
of the declaration, and the freshened hopes of revenge had given rise,
by turning his gleaming eye around the band, the veteran again
addressed his adopted child, as if his purpose was not to be denied.
Pages:
656
657
658
659
660
661
662
663
664
665
666
667
668
669
670
671
672
673
674
675
676
677
678
679
680