ce, and might have betrayed, to a
keen observer, the apprehension that was just then uppermost.

"We've a great advantage over the Iroquois, or the enemy, whoever they
are, in being afloat," he said.

"There's not a canoe on the lake that I don't know where it's hid; and
now yours is here. Hurry, there are but three more on the land, and
they're so snug in hollow logs that I don't believe the Indians could
find them, let them try ever so long."

"There's no telling that--no one can say that," put in Deerslayer; "a
hound is not more sartain on the scent than a red-skin, when he expects
to get anything by it. Let this party see scalps afore 'em, or plunder,
or honor accordin' to their idees of what honor is, and 't will be a
tight log that hides a canoe from their eyes."

"You're right, Deerslayer," cried Harry March; "you're downright Gospel
in this matter, and I rej'ice that my bunch of bark is safe enough here,
within reach of my arm. I calcilate they'll be at all the rest of the
canoes afore to-morrow night, if they are in ra'al 'arnest to smoke you
out, old Tom, and we may as well overhaul our paddles for a pull."

Hutter made no immediate reply. He looked about him in silence for quite
a minute, examining the sky, the lake, and the belt of forest which
inclosed it, as it might be hermetically, like one consulting their
signs. Nor did he find any alarming symptoms. The boundless woods were
sleeping in the deep repose of nature, the heavens were placid, but
still luminous with the light of the retreating sun, while the lake
looked more lovely and calm than it had before done that day. It was a
scene altogether soothing, and of a character to lull the passions into
a species of holy calm. How far this effect was produced, however, on
the party in the ark, must appear in the progress of our narrative.

"Judith," called out the father, when he had taken this close but short
survey of the omens, "night is at hand; find our friends food; a long
march gives a sharp appetite."

"We're not starving, Master Hutter," March observed, "for we filled up
just as we reached the lake, and for one, I prefer the company of Jude
even to her supper. This quiet evening is very agreeable to sit by her
side."

"Natur' is natur'," objected Hutter, "and must be fed. Judith, see to
the meal, and take your sister to help you. I've a little discourse to
hold with you, friends," he continued, as soon as his daughters were out
of hearing,