Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1884-03-01
THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS.
Ifnntinned from first page. |

be to say, that we have but two things
to choose between: the one is to
return, and give up all thoughts OF
following the Huron
"Never I" exclaimed Hayward.
"Well, WE'LL" continued Hawk-eye;
81 am much of your mind myself
though l thought it becoming my ex-
perience to tell the whole. We must
then make push, and if the Indians
or Frenchers are in the narrows, run
the gauntlet through these topplins
mountains. Is there reason in NJ!
words, Sycamore ;"
The Indian made no other answer
than by dropping his paddle into the
water, and urging forward his canoe.
"There they are, by all the truth OF
signs" whispered the scout; ''two
canoes and a smoke. The knaves
haven't yet got their eyes out of the
mist, or we should hear the accursed
whoop. Together, friends-we arc
leaving them, and are already nearly
out of whistle of bullet"
The well-known crack of a rifle
whose bullet came skipping along
the placid surface, and a shril
yell from the island, interrupted his
speech, and announced that their pass
age was discovered. In another in
slant several savages were seen rush
ing into the canoes, which were 500.
dancing over the water in pursuit.
"Hold them there, Sycamore" salt
Hawk-eye; "hold them just there.
Them Hurons have never piece ii
their nation that will execute at thi.
distance; but 'Kill-deer' has barr,
ON which man may calculate
The scout having ascertained that
the Mohicans were sufficient to main
tain the requisite distance, laid aside
his paddle and raised the fatal rifle.
Three several times he brought the
piece to his shoulder, and when hi.
companions were expecting its report,
he as often lowered it to request the
Indians would permit their enemies
to approach little higher. At length
his accurate and fastidlous eye seemed
satisfied, and throwing out his left arm
under the barrel, he was slowly ele-
waiting the muzzle when an exclamation
from Uncas, who sat in the bow, once
more caused him to suspend the shot.
"What now, lad !" demanded Hawk
eye; "you saved a Huron from the
death-shriek by that word; have you
reason for what you doe"
Uncas pointed towards the shore
little in their front, whence another
war canoe was darling across their
course. 1t was too obvious now that
their situation was perilous to need
the aid of language to confirm it. The
scout laid aside his rifle, and resumed
the paddle, while Chingachgook i'll
clined the bows of the canoe little
towards the western shore, in order to
increase the distance between them
and this new enemy. In the mean
time they were reminded of those who
pressed upon their rear, by exulting
shouts. The stirring scene awakened
even Munro from his apathy.
"Let US make for the rocks on the
MAN," he said with the mien of Il tried
soldier, land give battle to the savages.
God forbid that l, or those attached to
me and mine, should ever trust again
to the faith of any servant of the
Louises!"
''He who wishes to prosper in Indian
warfare" returned the scout, Unjust
not be too proud to learn from the wit
of a native. Lay her more along the
land, Sycamore we are doubling on
the varlets, and perhaps they may try
to strike our trail ON the long calcu-
lation."
Hawk-eye was not mistaken.
edge her a little more from the
sun, Sycamore" said the woodsman !;
81 see the knaves are sparing a man
to the rife. A single broken bone
might lose US our scalps. Edge more
from the sun and we will put the
island between u.s."
The expedient was not without its use.
"You showed knowledge in the
shaping of birchen bark, Uncas, when
you choose this from among the Huron
Canoes" said the scout. 1.-The imps
have put all their strength again at
the paddles, and we are to struggle for
our scalps with bits of flattened wood,
instead of clouded barrels and true
eyes. A long stroke, and together,
friends"
'They are preparing for a shot y
said Hayward land as we are in a
line with them, it can scarcely fail"
sect you then into the bottom of the
canoe" returned the scout; ''you and
the colonel it will be so much taken
from the size of the mark"
Hayward smiled as he answered.
st would be but an ill example for
the highest in rank to dodge, while the