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Cooper, James Fenimore, 1789-1851

"Oak Openings"

Gershom, however, entered within the
palisade, and passed the remainder of the night with his family.
The bee-hunter and the Chippewa accidentally came together, as the
men moved slowly toward their own hut, when the following short
dialogue occurred between them.
Is that you, Pigeonswing?" exclaimed le Bourdon, when he found his
friend touching an elbow, as if by chance.
"Yes, dis me--want better friend, eh?"
"No, I'm well satisfied to have you near me, in an alarm, Chippewa.
We've stood by each other once, in troublesome times; and I think we
can do as much, ag'in."
"Yes; stand by friend--dat honor. Nebber turn back on friend; dat my
way."
"Chippewa, who blew the blast on the horn?--can you tell me THAT?"
"Why don't you ask Peter? He wise chief--know eb-beryt'ing. Young
Injin ask ole Injin when don't know--why not young pale-face ask ole
man, too, eh?"
"Pigeonswing, if truth was said, I believe it would be found that
you suspect Peter of having a hand in this business?"
This speech was rather too idiomatic for the comprehension of the
Indian, who answered according to his own particular view of the
matter.
"Don't blow horn wid hand," he said--"Injin blow wid mout', just
like pale-face.


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