In the midst of this scene, the Delaware caused his
friend to stoop, so as completely to conceal himself, and then he
made a noise so closely resembling the little chirrup of the smallest
species of the American squirrel, that Deerslayer himself, though
he had heard the imitation a hundred times, actually thought it
came from one of the little animals skipping about over his head.
The sound is so familiar in the woods, that none of the Hurons paid
it the least attention. Hist, however, instantly ceased talking,
and sat motionless. Still she had sufficient self-command to
abstain from turning her head. She had heard the signal by which
her lover so often called her from the wigwam to the stolen interview,
and it came over her senses and her heart, as the serenade affects
the maiden in the land of song.
From that moment, Chingachgook felt certain that his presence was
known. This was effecting much, and he could now hope for a bolder
line of conduct on the part of his mistress than she might dare to
adopt under an uncertainty of his situation. It left no doubt of
her endeavouring to aid him in his effort to release her. Deerslayer
arose as soon as the signal was given, and though he had never
held that sweet communion which is known only to lovers, he was
not slow to detect the great change that had come over the manner
of the girl.
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