lage, 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 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 accoutrements, 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 sombre
darkness of the forest.

CHAPTER XXVII

"_Ant._ I shall remember:
When Caesar 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 their 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
suffered the lower limbs to extend themselves, until one of his
misshapen feet actually came in contact with and shoved aside the embers
of the fire. At first the Hurons believed the Delaware had been thus
deformed by witchcraft. But when David, unconscious of being observed,
turned his head, and exposed his simple, mild countenance, in place of
the haughty lineaments of their prisoner, it would have exceeded the
credulity of even a native to have doubted any longer. They rushed
together into the lodge, and laying their hands, with but little
ceremony, on their captive, immediately detected the imposition. Then
arose the cry first heard by the fugitives. It was succeeded by the most
frantic and angry demonstrations of vengeance. David, however firm in