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Cooper, James Fenimore, 1789-1851

"Oak Openings"


"I hope, Pigeonswing," he said to the Chippewa, whom he had followed
to the spring--"I hope, Pigeonswing, that no offence has been taken
by the chiefs on account of what I told them yesterday, concerning
their being Jews. It is what I think, and it is an honor to belong
to God's chosen people, and in no sense a disgrace. I hope no
offence has been taken on account of my telling the chief they are
Jews."
"Don't care any t'ing 'bout it," answered the literal Indian, rising
from his kneeling position, and wiping his mouth with the back of
his hand. "Don't care wedder Jew, or wedder Indian."
"For my own part, gladly would I have it to say that I am descended
from Israel."
"Why don't say him, if he make you grad? Good to be grad. All Injin
love to be grad."
"Because I cannot say it with truth. No; I come of the Gentiles, and
not of the Hebrews, else would I glory in saying I am a Jew, in the
sense of extraction, though not now in the sense of faith. I trust
the chiefs will not take offence at my telling them just what I
think."
"Tell you he don't care," returned Pigeonswing, a little crustily.
"Don't care if Jew--don't care if Injin.


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