Yet, even Major Parr, who was no fool and who was far more enlightened than many, spoke of a Mohican Sagamore as "this wild beast," and seriously advised me to keep him "full fed and properly flattered!" "Yes, sir," I repeated, saluting, and almost inclined to laugh in his face.
So I first made requisition for the lang rifle, then reported to my captain, although being on special detail under Major Parr's personal orders, this was nothing more than a mere courtesy.
The parade already swarmed with our men mustering for inspection; I met Lieutenant Boyd, and we conversed for a while, he lamenting the impossibility of making a boating party with the ladies, being on duty until three o'clock.

And: "Who is this new guest of Mrs.Bleecker ?" he asked curiously.

"I understand that you are acquainted with her.

What is her name?
A Miss de Contrecoeur ?" I had not been prepared for that, never expecting that Mrs.Bleecker had already started to prepare the way; but I kept my countenance and answered coolly enough that I had the honour of knowing Miss de Contrecoeur.
"She came by batteau from Albany ?" "Her box," said I, "has just arrived from Albany by batteau." "Is the lady young and handsome ?" he asked, smiling.
"Both, Mr.Boyd." "Well," he said, with a polite oath, "she must be something more, too, if she hopes to rival Lana Helmer." So it had already come to such terms of intimacy that he now spoke of her as Lana.

For the last few days I had not been to Croghan's house to pay my respects, the heat leaving me disinclined to stir from the shade of the river trees.