The Deerslayer by James Fenimore Cooper
page 18 of 717 (02%)
page 18 of 717 (02%)
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slew him, even admitting that the colony took the matter in hand
and made a stir about it?" "If that man should be Judith Hutter's husband, after what has passed, I might tell enough, at least, to put the colony on the trail." "You!--half-grown, venison-hunting bantling! You dare to think of informing against Hurry Harry in so much as a matter touching a mink or a woodchuck!" "I would dare to speak truth, Hurry, consarning you or any man that ever lived." March looked at his companion, for a moment, in silent amazement; then seizing him by the throat with both hands, he shook his comparatively slight frame with a violence that menaced the dislocation of some of the bones. Nor was this done jocularly, for anger flashed from the giant's eyes, and there were certain signs that seemed to threaten much more earnestness than the occasion would appear to call for. Whatever might be the real intention of March, and it is probable there was none settled in his mind, it is certain that he was unusually aroused; and most men who found themselves throttled by one of a mould so gigantic, in such a mood, and in a solitude so deep and helpless, would have felt intimidated, and tempted to yield even the right. Not so, however, with Deerslayer. His countenance remained unmoved; his hand did not shake, and his answer was given in a voice that did not resort to the artifice of louder tones, even by way of proving its owner's resolution. |
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