he elder Indians was about to speak, when a dark-looking
object was seen rolling out of an adjoining apartment, into the very
center of the room where they stood. Ignorant of the nature of the
beings they had to deal with, the whole party drew back a little, and,
rising on end, exhibited the distorted but still fierce and sullen
features of Magua. The discovery was succeeded by a general exclamation
of amazement.

As soon, however, as the true situation of the chief was understood,
several knives appeared, and his limbs and tongue were quickly released.
The Huron arose, and shook himself like a lion quitting his lair. Not a
word escaped him, though his hand played convulsively with the handle of
his knife, while his lowering eyes scanned the whole party, as if they
sought an object suited to the first burst of his vengeance.

It was happy for Uncas and the scout, and even David, that they were
all beyond the reach of his arm at such a moment; for, assuredly,
no refinement in cruelty would then have deferred their deaths, in
opposition to the promptings of the fierce temper that nearly choked
him. Meeting everywhere faces that he knew as friends, the savage grated
his teeth together like rasps of iron, and swallowed his passion for
want of a victim on whom to vent it. This exhibition of anger was noted
by all present; and from an apprehension of exasperating a temper that
was already chafed nearly to madness, several minutes were suffered to
pass before another word was uttered. When, however, suitable time had
elapsed, the oldest of the party spoke.

"My friend has found an enemy," he said. "Is he nigh that the Hurons
might take revenge?"

"Let the Delaware die!" exclaimed Magua, in a voice of thunder.

Another longer and expressive silence was observed, and was broken, as
before, with due precaution, by the same individual.

"The Mohican is swift of foot, and leaps far," he said; "but my young
men are on his trail."

"Is he gone?" demanded Magua, in tones so deep and guttural, that they
seemed to proceed from his inmost chest.

"An evil spirit has been among us, and the Delaware has blinded our
eyes."

"An evil spirit!" repeated the other, mockingly; "'tis the spirit that
has taken the lives of so many Hurons; the spirit that slew my young men
at 'the tumbling river'; that took their scalps at the 'healing spring';
and who has, now, bound the arms of Le Renard Subtil!"

"Of whom does my friend speak?"

"O