Deerslayer traced her uneasiness by her attempting once or twice
to look up through the branches of the trees, as if endeavouring
to get glimpses of the star she had herself named as the sign for
meeting. All was vain, however, and after strolling about the camp
a little longer, in affected indifference, the two girls quitted
their male escort, and took seats among their own sex. As soon
as this was done, the old sentinel changed her place to one more
agreeable to herself, a certain proof that she had hitherto been
exclusively on watch.
Deerslayer now felt greatly at a loss how to proceed. He well
knew that Chingachgook could never be persuaded to return to the
ark without making some desperate effort for the recovery of his
mistress, and his own generous feelings well disposed him to aid in
such an undertaking. He thought he saw the signs of an intention
among the females to retire for the night; and should he remain,
and the fire continue to give out its light, he might discover the
particular hut or arbour under which Hist reposed; a circumstance
that would be of infinite use in their future proceedings. Should he
remain, however, much longer where he was, there was great danger
that the impatience of his friend would drive him into some act
of imprudence.
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