Each warrior rushed for his arms, and
then all on the point, man, woman and child, eagerly sought the
covers. In this scene of confusion and dismay, however, nothing
could surpass the discretion and coolness of Deerslayer. His first
care was to place Judith and Hist behind trees, and he looked for
Hetty; but she had been hurried away in the crowd of Huron women.
This effected, he threw himself on a flank of the retiring Hurons,
who were inclining off towards the southern margin of the point,
in the hope of escaping through the water. Deerslayer watched his
opportunity, and finding two of his recent tormentors in a range,
his rifle first broke the silence of the terrific scene. The bullet
brought down both at one discharge. This drew a general fire from
the Hurons, and the rifle and war cry of the Serpent were heard in
the clamor. Still the trained men returned no answering volley,
the whoop and piece of Hurry alone being heard on their side,
if we except the short, prompt word of authority, and that heavy,
measured and menacing tread. Presently, however, the shrieks,
groans, and denunciations that usually accompany the use of the
bayonet followed. That terrible and deadly weapon was glutted in
vengeance.
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