Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 2).djvu/119

 less sentinels, who crossed his path, his answer was prompt, and as it appeared, satisfactory; for he was uniformly allowed to proceed, without further interrogation.

With the exception of such repeated, but brief interruptions, he had moved silently from the centre of the camp to its most advanced outposts, when he drew nigh the soldier who held his watch nearest to the works of the enemy. As he approached, he was received with the usual challenge.

"Qui vive?"

"France"—was the reply.

"Le mot d'ordre?"

"La victoire," said the other, drawing so nigh, as to be heard in a loud whisper.

"C'est bien," returned the sentinel, throwing his musket from the charge to his shoulder; "vous vous promenez bien matin, monsieur!"

"Il est necessaire d'être vigilant, mon enfant," the other observed, dropping a fold of his cloak, and looking the soldier close in the face, as he passed him, still continuing his way towards the British fortification. The man started; his arms