As might have been expected, the opinion of the latter
prevailed, and his friend disposed himself to steer for the place
of rendezvous. The utmost skill and precaution now became necessary in
the management of the canoe. The paddles were lifted and returned
to the water in a noiseless manner; and when within a hundred
yards of the beach, Chingachgook took in his, altogether laying
his hand on his rifle in its stead. As they got still more within
the belt of darkness that girded the woods, it was seen that they
were steering too far north, and the course was altered accordingly.
The canoe now seemed to move by instinct, so cautious and deliberate
were all its motions. Still it continued to advance, until its
bows grated on the gravel of the beach, at the precise spot where
Hetty had landed, and whence her voice had issued, the previous
night, as the ark was passing. There was, as usual, a narrow
strand, but bushes fringed the woods, and in most places overhung
the water.
Chingachgook stepped upon the beach, and cautiously examined it for
some distance on each side of the canoe. In order to do this, he
was often obliged to wade to his knees in the lake, but no Hist
rewarded his search.
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