Calico Illustrated Classics: The Last of the Mohicans
his sudden passage Cora’s startled movement rustled her veil and revealed dark eyes and raven black hair Alice turned toward the officer who rode beside her Who is the ghost who runs with us Duncan she asked He is our guide Heyward replied He knows a shorter route to Fort William Henry I find him frightening Alice said shivering The major smiled He is our friend Just ahead the runner stopped He pointed to a narrow trail that turned from the military road I’m not certain we should leave the highway Alice frowned and turned to her sister Cora what do you think we should do Which frightens you Cora asked her sister The narrow path or our guide’s brown skin At this Alice turned her bay down the dark path behind the guide Heyward watched Alice’s spirited dash but he paused to allow Cora to pass before following them 6
The trio of riders followed the rough trail silently into the forest Suddenly the sound of hooves caused the party to draw up their reins to turn on the path A moment later the sticklike clergyman appeared through the trees He bobbed in the saddle like a cork in rough water At first the major scowled at the unwelcome guest But the clergyman looked so comical atop his bony steed that Heyward’s lips curled to a slight smile Alice giggled and even Cora smiled Do you seek us Heyward asked The stranger swept the hat from his head and began fanning himself with it Indeed he panted I will journey in your company You reached this decision on your own Heyward asked The man nodded I am David Gamut he said My gift is small I sing prayer and thanksgiving Do let him come along Alice urged 8
The major scowled but agreed I do love to sing Alice said as the scrawny mare caught up with her horse I would enjoy learning from a master The voice is a gift from God At that Gamut pulled a book from his pocket and began singing and waving one hand about At the burst of song the guide stopped and frowned He spoke quietly to Heyward who turned his horse and said A quiet ride would be safer Could you postpone your chant until we reach the fort The clergyman snapped his book shut and slipped it away in his jacket Suddenly the major saw a movement in the brush He looked toward their guide who trotted forward at a relaxed pace Surely if the guide saw no one it was only his imagination As the group passed a painted face peered from the woods behind them It watched the riders fade into the shadows ahead 9
