What
that duty was, he had no means of knowing; but he felt satisfied it
must be in some measure connected with her own sex, the aged among
the women generally being chosen for such offices and no other.
As a matter of course, Deerslayer looked eagerly and anxiously
for the form of Hist. She was nowhere visible though the light
penetrated to considerable distances in all directions around the
fire. Once or twice he started, as he thought he recognized her
laugh; but his ears were deceived by the soft melody that is so
common to the Indian female voice. At length the old woman spoke
loud and angrily, and then he caught a glimpse of one or two dark
figures in the background of trees, which turned as if obedient
to the rebuke, and walked more within the circle of the light. A
young warrior's form first came fairly into view; then followed
two youthful females, one of whom proved to be the Delaware girl.
Deerslayer now comprehended it all. Hist was watched, possibly
by her young companion, certainly by the old woman. The youth was
probably some suitor of either her or her companion; but even his
discretion was distrusted under the influence of his admiration.
The known vicinity of those who might be supposed to be her friends,
and the arrival of a strange red man on the lake had induced
more than the usual care, and the girl had not been able to slip
away from those who watched her in order to keep her appointment.
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