Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 2).djvu/142

 glimpse of the vast form of her father, moving rapidly across the plain, in the direction of the French army. He was in truth proceeding to Montcalm, fearless of every danger, to claim the tardy escort, for which he had before conditioned. Fifty glittering axes and barbed spears were offered unheeded at his life, but the savages respected his rank and calmness, even in their greatest fury. The dangerous weapons were brushed aside by the still nervous arm of the veteran, or fell of themselves, after menacing an act that it would seem no one had courage to perform. Fortunately the vindictive Magua was searching his victim in the very band the veteran had just quitted.

"Father—father—we are here!" shrieked Alice, as he passed at no great distance, without appearing to heed them. "Come to us, father, or we die!"

The cry was repeated, and in terms and tones that might have melted a heart of stone, but it was unanswered. Once, indeed, the old man appeared to catch the sounds, for he paused and listened; but