had been determined to land Hurry at the precise point where he is
represented, in the commencement of our tale, as having embarked, not
only as a place little likely to be watched by the Hurons, but because
he was sufficiently familiar with the signs of the woods, at that spot,
to thread his way through them in the dark. Thither, then, the light
craft proceeded, being urged as diligently and as swiftly as two
vigorous and skilful canoemen could force their little vessel through,
or rather over, the water. Less than a quarter of an hour sufficed for
the object, and, at the end of that time, being within the shadows of
the shore, and quite near the point they sought, each ceased his efforts
in order to make their parting communications out of earshot of any
straggler who might happen to be in the neighborhood.

"You will do well to persuade the officers at the garrison to lead out
a party ag'in these vagabonds as soon as you git in, Hurry," Deerslayer
commenced; "and you'll do better if you volunteer to guide it up
yourself. You know the paths, and the shape of the lake, and the natur'
of the land, and can do it better than a common, gin'ralizing scout.
Strike at the Huron camp first, and follow the signs that will then show
themselves. A few looks at the hut and the Ark will satisfy you as to
the state of the Delaware and the women, and, at any rate, there'll be
a fine opportunity to fall on the Mingo trail, and to make a mark on the
memories of the blackguards that they'll be apt to carry with 'em a long
time. It won't be likely to make much difference with me, since that
matter will be detarmined afore tomorrow's sun has set, but it may make
a great change in Judith and Hetty's hopes and prospects!"

"And as for yourself, Nathaniel," Hurry enquired with more interest
than he was accustomed to betray in the welfare of others--"And, as for
yourself, what do you think is likely to turn up?"

"The Lord, in his wisdom, only can tell, Henry March! The clouds look
black and threatening, and I keep my mind in a state to meet the worst.
Vengeful feelin's are uppermost in the hearts of the Mingos, and any
little disapp'intment about the plunder, or the prisoners, or Hist, may
make the torments sartain. The Lord, in his wisdom, can only detarmine
my fate, or your'n!"

"This is a black business, and ought to be put a stop to in some way or
other--" answered Hurry, confounding the distinctions between right and
wrong, as is us