Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 2).djvu/215

 your death," returned Hawk-eye, examining the signs of the place with that acuteness which distinguished him. "If I may be permitted to speak in this matter it will be to say, that we have but two things to choose between; the one is to return and give up all thoughts of following the Hurons—"

"Never!" exclaimed Heyward, in a voice far too loud for their circumstances.

"Well, well," continued Hawk-eye, making a hasty sign to repress his ardour; "I am much of your mind myself, though I thought it becoming my experience to tell the whole. We must then make a push, and if the Indians or Trenchers are in the narrows, run the gauntlet through these topling mountains. Is there reason in my words, Sagamore?"

The Indian made no other answer than by dropping his paddle into the water and urging forward the canoe. As he held the office of directing its course, his resolution was sufficiently indicated by the movement. The whole party now plied their paddles vigorously, and in a very few moments