Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 2).djvu/221

 "You showed knowledge in the shaping of birchen bark, Uncas, when you chose this from among the Huron canoes," said the scout, smiling, apparently more in satisfaction at their superiority in the race, than from that prospect of final escape which now began to open a little upon them. "The imps have put all their strength again at the paddles, and we are to struggle for our scalps with bits of flattened wood, instead of clouded barrels and true eyes! A long stroke, and together, friends."

"They are preparing for a shot," said Heyward; "and as we are in a line with them it can scarcely fail."

"Get you then into the bottom of the canoe," returned the scout; "you and the Colonel; it will be so much taken from the size of the mark."

Heyward smiled, as he answered—

"It would be but an ill example for the highest in rank to dodge while the warriors were under fire!"

"Lord! Lord! that is now a white man's courage!" exclaimed the scout;