So fearful had been the efforts of the pale-face,
and so prodigious the strength he exhibited, that even as he lay
tethered like a sheep before them, they regarded him with respect,
and not without dread. The helpless body of their stoutest warrior
was still stretched on the platform, and, as they cast their eyes
towards the lake, in quest of the comrade that had been hurled
into it so unceremoniously, and of whom they had lost sight in the
confusion of the fray, they perceived his lifeless form clinging
to the grass on the bottom, as already described. These several
circumstances contributed to render the victory of the Hurons almost
as astounding to themselves as a defeat.
Chingachgook and his betrothed witnessed the whole of this struggle
from the Ark. When the three Hurons were about to pass the cords
around the arms of the prostrate Hurry the Delaware sought his
rifle, but, before he could use it the white man was bound and
the mischief was done. He might still bring down an enemy, but to
obtain the scalp was impossible, and the young chief, who would so
freely risk his own life to obtain such a trophy, hesitated about
taking that of a foe without such an object in view.
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