Still no ark was seen. Several times the sisters fancied
they saw it, looming up in the obscurity, like a low black rock;
but on each occasion it was found to be either an optical illusion,
or some swell of the foliage on the shore. After a search that lasted
half an hour, the girls were forced to the unwelcome conviction
that the ark had departed. Most young women would have felt
the awkwardness of their situation, in a physical sense, under
the circumstances in which the sisters were left, more than any
apprehensions of a different nature. Not so with Judith, however;
and even Hetty felt more concern about the motives that might have
influenced her father and Hurry, than any fears for her own safety.
"It cannot be, Hetty," said Judith, when a thorough search had
satisfied them both that no ark was to be found; "it cannot be that
the Indians have rafted, or swum off and surprised our friends as
they slept?"
"I don't believe that Hist and Chingachgook would sleep until they
had told each other all they had to say after so long a separation
- do you, sister?"
"Perhaps not, child. There was much to keep them awake, but one
Indian may have been surprised even when not asleep, especially as
his thoughts may have been on other things.
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