tion
of mankind, "I see how it is, with them vagabonds. Rivenoak has left us,
you see, and is talking yonder with his young men, and though too far
to be heard, I can see what he is telling them. Their orders is to watch
your movements, and to find where the canoe is to meet you, to take
you back to the Ark, and then to seize all and what they can. I'm sorry
Judith sent you, for I suppose she wants you to go back ag'in."

"All that's settled, Deerslayer," returned the girl, in a low,
confidential and meaning manner, "and you may trust me to outwit the
best Indian of them all. I know I am feeble minded, but I've got some
sense, and you'll see how I'll use it in getting back, when my errand is
done!"

"Ahs! me, poor girl; I'm afeard all that's easier said than done.
They're a venomous set of riptyles and their p'ison's none the milder,
for the loss of Hist. Well, I'm glad the Sarpent was the one to get off
with the gal, for now there'll be two happy at least, whereas had he
fallen into the hands of the Mingos, there'd been two miserable, and
another far from feelin' as a man likes to feel."

"Now you put me in mind of a part of my errand that I had almost
forgotten, Deerslayer. Judith told me to ask you what you thought the
Hurons would do with you, if you couldn't be bought off, and what she
had best do to serve you. Yes, this was the most important part of the
errand--what she had best do, in order to serve you?"

"That's as you think, Hetty; but it's no matter. Young women are apt to
lay most stress on what most touches their feelin's; but no matter; have
it your own way, so you be but careful not to let the vagabonds get
the mastery of a canoe. When you get back to the Ark, tell 'em to keep
close, and to keep moving too, most especially at night. Many hours
can't go by without the troops on the river hearing of this party, and
then your fri'nds may look for relief. 'Tis but a day's march from the
nearest garrison, and true soldiers will never lie idle with the foe in
their neighborhood. This is my advice, and you may say to your father
and Hurry that scalp-hunting will be a poor business now, as the Mingos
are up and awake, and nothing can save 'em, 'till the troops come,
except keeping a good belt of water atween 'em and the savages."

"What shall I tell Judith about you, Deerslayer; I know she will send me
back again, if I don't bring her the truth about you."

"Then tell her the truth. I see no reason Judith