The three now prepared their
arms, and began their tiger-like approach upon the camp. The Indian
was on the lead, his two companions treading in his footsteps with
a stealthy cautiousness of manner that rendered their progress almost
literally noiseless. Occasionally a dried twig snapped under the
heavy weight of the gigantic Hurry, or the blundering clumsiness
of the old man; but, had the Indian walked on air, his step could
not have seemed lighter. The great object was first to discover
the position of the fire, which was known to be the centre of the
whole encampment. At length the keen eye of Chingachgook caught a
glimpse of this important guide. It was glimmering at a distance
among the trunks of trees. There was no blaze, but merely a single
smouldering brand, as suited the hour; the savages usually retiring
and rising with the revolutions of the sun.
As soon as a view was obtained of this beacon, the progress of the
adventurers became swifter and more certain. In a few minutes they
got to the edge of the circle of little huts. Here they stopped to
survey their ground, and to concert their movements. The darkness
was so deep as to render it difficult to distinguish anything but
the glowing brand, the trunks of the nearest trees, and the endless
canopy of leaves that veiled the clouded heaven.
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