Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 2).djvu/211

 No, no," continued the scout, looking back at the dim shore of William Henry, which now appeared to be fast receding, and laughing in his own silent but heartfelt manner; "I have but a trail of water atween us; and unless the imps can make friends with the fishes, and hear who has paddled across their basin this fine morning, we shall throw the length of the Horican behind us, before they have made up their minds which path to take."

"With foes in front, and foes in our rear, our journey is like to be one of danger!"

"Danger!" repeated Hawk-eye, calmly; "no, not absolutely of danger; for, with vigilant ears and quick eyes, we can manage to keep a few hours ahead of the knaves; or, if we must try the rifle, there are three of us who understand its gifts as well as any you can name on the borders. No, not of danger, but that we shall have what you may call a brisk push of it is probable; and it may happen a brush, a skrimmage, or some such divarsion, but always