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Chapter 26
If,however,theytakeyourscalp,asItrustandbelievetheywillnot,dependonit,UncasandIwillnotforgetthedeed,butrevengeitasbecomestruewarriorsandtrustyfriends."
"Hold!"saidDavid,perceivingthatwiththisassurancetheywereabouttoleavehim;"IamanunworthyandhumblefollowerofOnewhotaughtnotthedamnableprincipleofrevenge.ShouldIfall,therefore,seeknovictimstomymanes,butratherforgivemydestroyers;andifyourememberthematall,letitbeinprayersfortheenlighteningoftheirminds,andfortheireternalwelfare."
Thescouthesitated,andappearedtomuse.
"Thereisaprincipleinthat,"hesaid,"differentfromthelawofthewoods;andyetitisfairandnobletoreflectupon."Then,heavingaheavysigh,probablyamongthelastheeverdrewinpiningforaconditionhehadsolongabandoned,headded,"ItiswhatIwouldwishtopractise,myself,asonewithoutacrossofblood,thoughitisnotalwayseasytodealwithanIndianasyouwouldwithafellowChristian.Godblessyou,friend;Idobelieveyourscentisnotgreatlywrong,whenthematterisdulyconsidered,andkeepingeternitybeforetheeyes,thoughmuchdependsonthenaturalgifts,andtheforceoftemptation."
Sosaying,thescoutreturnedandshookDavidcordiallybythehand;afterwhichactoffriendshipheimmediatelyleftthelodge,attendedbythenewrepresentativeofthebeast.