Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 3).djvu/235

 wild looking chiefs, in mute wonder; but assured by the presence of faces that he knew, he soon rallied his faculties so far, as to make an intelligent reply.

"The heathen are abroad in goodly numbers," said David; "and, as I fear with evil intent. There has been much howling and ungodly revelry, together with such sounds as it is profanity to utter, in their habitations within the past hour; so much so, in truth, that I have fled to the Delawares in search of peace."

"Your ears might not have profited much by the exchange, had you been quicker of foot," returned the scout, a little drily. "But let that be as it may; where are the Hurons?"

"They lie hid in the forest, between this spot and their village, in such force, that prudence would teach you instantly to return."

Uncas cast a proud glance along the range of trees which concealed his own band, and then mentioned the name of—

"Magua?"—

"Is among them. He brought in the