The Deerslayer

Chapter 21

"Oh! Judith," exclaimed the weak minded girl, as soon as their

first care had been bestowed on sufferer. "Father went for scalps,

himself, and now where is his own? The Bible might have foretold

this dreadful punishment!"

"Hush, Hetty - hush, poor sister - He opens his eyes; he may hear

and understand you. 'Tis as you say and think, but 'tis too dreadful

to speak."

"Water," ejaculated Hutter, as it might be by a desperate effort,

that rendered his voice frightfully deep and strong for one as near

death as he evidently was - "Water - foolish girls - will you let

me die of thirst?"

Water was brought and administered to the sufferer; the first he

had tasted in hours of physical anguish. It had the double effect

of clearing his throat and of momentarily reviving his sinking

syste