He now quitted his prisoner and,
joining the rest of the warriors, he communicated the substance of
what he had learned. As in his own case, admiration was mingled
with anger at the boldness and success of their enemies. Three or
four of them ascended the little acclivity and gazed at the tree
where it was understood the adventurers had posted themselves, and
one even descended to it, and examined for foot prints around its
roots, in order to make sure that the statement was true. The
result confirmed the story of the captive, and they all returned
to the fire with increased wonder and respect. The messenger who
had arrived with some communication from the party above, while the
two adventurers were watching the camp, was now despatched with
some answer, and doubtless bore with him the intelligence of all
that had happened.
Down to this moment, the young Indian who had been seen walking in
company with Hist and another female had made no advances to any
communication with Deerslayer. He had held himself aloof from his
friends, even, passing near the bevy of younger women, who were
clustering together, apart as usual, and conversed in low tones
on the subject of the escape of their late companion.
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