Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 3).djvu/30

 plainly betrayed their admiration of the stranger's daring.

The case was different with the individual, whom Duncan had observed to stand forth with his friend, previous to the desperate trial of speed; and who, instead of joining in the chase, had remained, throughout all its turbulent uproar, like a cringing statue, expressive of shame and disgrace. Though not a hand had been extended to greet him, nor yet an eye had condescended to watch his movements, he had also entered the lodge, as though impelled by a fate, to whose decrees he submitted, seemingly, without a struggle. Heyward profited by the first opportunity to gaze in his face, secretly apprehensive he might find the features of another acquaintance, but they proved to be those of a stranger, and what was still more inexplicable, of one who bore all the distinctive marks of a Huron warrior. Instead of mingling with his tribe, however, he sat apart, a solitary being in a multitude, his form shrinking into a crouching and abject attitude, as if anxious to fill