By this arrangement, the former would be the first
to land, and of course, the first to meet his mistress. The latter
had taken his post without comment, but in secret influenced by the
reflection that one who had so much at stake as the Indian, might
not possibly guide the canoe with the same steadiness and intelligence,
as another who had more command of his feelings. From the instant
they left the side of the ark, the movements of the two adventurers
were like the manoeuvres of highly-drilled soldiers, who, for the
first time were called on to meet the enemy in the field. As yet,
Chingachgook had never fired a shot in anger, and the debut of
his companion in warfare is known to the reader. It is true, the
Indian had been hanging about his enemy's camp for a few hours, on
his first arrival, and he had even once entered it, as related in
the last chapter, but no consequences had followed either experiment.
Now, it was certain that an important result was to be effected,
or a mortifying failure was to ensue. The rescue, or the continued
captivity of Hist, depended on the enterprise. In a word, it was
virtually the maiden expedition of these two ambitious young forest
soldiers; and while one of them set forth impelled by sentiments
that usually carry men so far, both had all their feelings of pride
and manhood enlisted in their success.
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