Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 2).djvu/189

 wolves," as if they fled precipitately before the passage of some intruders on their proper domains. After an impatient and breathless pause of several minutes, a plunge was heard into the water, and was immediately succeeded by the report of another rifle.

"There goes Uncas!" said the scout; "the boy bears a smart piece! I know its crack, as well as a father knows the language of his child, for I carried the gun myself until a better offered."

"What can this mean?" demanded Duncan; "we are watched, and, as it would seem, marked for destruction."

"Yonder scattered brand can witness that no good was intended, and this Indian will testify that no harm has been done," returned the scout, dropping his rifle coolly across his arm again, and following Chingachgook, who just then re-appeared within the circle of light, into the bosom of the works. "How is it, Sagamore? Are the Mingoes upon us in earnest, or is it only one of those reptiles who hang upon the skirts of a war party, to scalp the