"I am a native of this state," returned Edwards, coldly.
"Well, I've often heerd that point disputed; but it's so easy to get a man naturalized, that it's of little consequence where he was born. I wonder what course the Judge means to take in this business of Natty Bumppo?"
"Of Natty Bumppo!" echoed Edwards; "to what do you allude, sir?"
"Haven't you heerd!" exclaimed the other, with a look of surprise, so naturally assumed as completely to deceive the other; "why, it may turn out an ugly business. It seems that the old man has been out in the hills, and has shot a buck, this morning, and that, you know, is a criminal matter in the eyes of Judge Temple."
"Oh! he has, has he!" said Edwards, averting his face to conceal the colour that collected in his sun-burnt cheek. "Well, if that be all, he must even pay the fine."
"It's five pounds, currency," said the lawyer; "could Natty muster so much money at once?"
"Could he!" cried the youth. "I am not rich, Mr. Lippet; far from it—I am poor; and I have been hoarding my salary for a purpose that lies near my heart; but before that old man should lie one hour in a gaol, I would spend the last cent to prevent it. Besides he has killed two panthers, and the bounty will discharge the fine many times over."
"Yes, yes," said the lawyer, rubbing his hands together with an expression of pleasure that had no artifice about it; "we shall make it out; I see plainly, we shall make it out."
"Make what out, sir? I must beg an explanation."
"Why, killing the buck is but a small matter, compared to what look place this afternoon," con-
