“It seems that you have been indulging in some of their savage practices,” remarked Edwards, in a tone of quiet rebuke, as he glanced at the scalps at the hunter’s waist. “Yas,” he returned, looking complacently down at them, “I sometimes indulge. There was such a smart chance of ha’r lifting that I had to walk into the business.” “It is strange to me that any man professing to be civilized can cammit such revolting crimes that these North American Indians alone have the credit for.” “All edycation—all edycation, George. It went kindly against the grain the first time I tried it, but I soon got my hand in; and, sir, there ain’t nothing like it. I tell you it’s high, George, to serve a Shawnee that way.” “It is horrible, Thomas, and I would that you could be induced to cease it.” “Now, have you ever clipped a red-skin top-knot?” “Me! Why, of course not!” “Then you can’t tell anything about it, my good friend without experimenting. I and any one else can see what a disgusting”—— “Beg pardon, George, I can’t you know.” “Any one else can see what a disgusting practice it is. You have seen it thus. It struck you as such when you first contemplated it, and you admit that it required considerable effort before you could bring yourself to it.” “Wal, now, George, it lays all in edycation. You know what imps these Shawnees are; and where they have done as them have, I can’t see the harm of serving them in the same way—can’t see the difference to save my life.” “It’s no use talking with you, I see, Thomas. I am sorry that you are so wedded to the practice; but it will make no difference in my respect for you. We are old friends, remember, and I am glad to see you any time. Pardon me for keeping you talking so long, when I should have asked you to rest and refresh yourself.” “Thank you, George, I don’t need rest. ’Cause why? I ain’t tired. And as for refreshments, I don’t know much about them.” “Wel, then, consider this your home as long as you are willing to remain with us, which I trust will not be a very brief period. Do you bring any news?” “I have a little, which I’ll give you after a while.” “Good or bad—I suppose I may inquire?” “Wal, it’s good; so you needn’t worry about it.” “In that case I shall not, for we have had enough gloomy tidings and doings of late.” “I believe I’ve got a brother somewhere ’bout these parts, or used to have,” remarked the hunter, gazing searchingly about him. “He is in the block-house, I believe, standing watch. I will call him, or you can visit him there, as you choose.” “What is he standing watch for? Shawnees?” “For enemies, which are certainly thick enough around us.” “You kin call him, then, for he’s watching for what ain’t about. I took a tramp around the settlement afore I came in, and things is all right.” “Have our enemies indeed retreated?” inquired a spectator. “There isn’t a shadow of one of ’em for five miles around, except the dead ones.”