specially as they immediately perceived that curiosity had
so far mastered fear, as to induce the watchers to approach the hut, in
order to witness the effect of the incantations. The least injudicious
or impatient movement on the part of David might betray them, and time
was absolutely necessary to insure the safety of the scout. The loud
noise the latter conceived it politic to continue, drew many curious
gazers to the doors of the different huts as thy passed; and once or
twice a dark-looking warrior stepped across their path, led to the act
by superstition and watchfulness. They were not, however, interrupted,
the darkness of the hour, and the boldness of the attempt, proving their
principal friends.

The adventurers had got clear of the village, and were now swiftly
approaching the shelter of the woods, when a loud and long cry arose
from the lodge where Uncas had been confined. The Mohican started on
his feet, and shook his shaggy covering, as though the animal he
counterfeited was about to make some desperate effort.

"Hold!" said the scout, grasping his friend by the shoulder, "let them
yell again! 'Twas nothing but wonderment."

He had no occasion to delay, for at the next instant a burst of cries
filled the outer air, and ran along the whole extent of the village.
Uncas cast his skin, and stepped forth in his own beautiful proportions.
Hawkeye tapped him lightly on the shoulder, and glided ahead.

"Now let the devils strike our scent!" said the scout, tearing two
rifles, with all their attendant accouterments, from beneath a bush, and
flourishing "killdeer" as he handed Uncas his weapon; "two, at least,
will find it to their deaths."

Then, throwing their pieces to a low trail, like sportsmen in readiness
for their game, they dashed forward, and were soon buried in the somber
darkness of the forest.

CHAPTER 27

"Ant. I shall remember: When C'sar says
Do this, it is performed."
--Julius Caesar

The impatience of the savages who lingered about the prison of Uncas, as
has been seen, had overcome their dread of the conjurer's breath. They
stole cautiously, and with beating hearts, to a crevice, through which
the faint light of the fire was glimmering. For several minutes they
mistook the form of David for that of the prisoner; but the very
accident which Hawkeye had foreseen occurred. Tired of keeping the
extremities of his long person so near together, the singer gradually
suffere