“God be praised!” Mabel exclaimed, for the idea that the blockhouse would be impregnable with such a garrison at once crossed her mind.  “O Pathfinder! what has become of my father?”

“The Sergeant is safe as yet, and victorious; though it is not in the gift of man to say what will be the ind of it.  Is not that the wife of Arrowhead skulking in the corner there?”

“Speak not of her reproachfully, Pathfinder; I owe her my life, my present security.  Tell me what has happened to my father’s party —­ why you are here; and I will relate all the horrible events that have passed upon this island.”

“Few words will do the last, Mabel; for one used to Indian devilries needs but little explanations on such a subject.  Everything turned out as we had hoped with the expedition; for the Sarpent was on the look-out, and he met us with all the information heart could desire.  We ambushed three boats, druv’ the Frenchers out of them, got possession and sunk them, according to orders, in the deepest part of the channel; and the savages of Upper Canada will fare badly for Indian goods this winter.  Both powder and ball, too, will be scarcer among them than keen hunters and active warriors may relish.  We did not lose a man or have even a skin barked; nor do I think the inimy suffered to speak of.  In short, Mabel, it has been just such an expedition as Lundie likes; much harm to the foe, and little harm to ourselves.”

“Ah, Pathfinder, I fear, when Major Duncan comes to hear the whole of the sad tale, he will find reason to regret he ever undertook the affair.”

“I know what you mean, I know what you mean; but by telling my story straight you will understand it better.  As soon as the Sergeant found himself successful, he sent me and the Sarpent off in canoes to tell you how matters had turned out, and he is following with the two boats, which, being so much heavier, cannot arrive before morning.  I parted from Chingachgook this forenoon, it being agreed that he should come up one set of channels, and I another, to see that the path was clear.  I’ve not seen the chief since.”

Mabel now explained the manner in which she had discovered the Mohican, and her expectation that he would yet come to the blockhouse.

“Not he, not he!  A regular scout will never get behind walls or logs so long as he can keep the open air and find useful employment.  I should not have come myself, Mabel, but I promised the Sergeant to comfort you and to look after your safety.  Ah’s me!  I reconnoitred the island with a heavy heart this forenoon; and there was a bitter hour when I fancied you might be among the slain.”

“By what lucky accident were you prevented from paddling up boldly to the island and from falling into the hands of the enemy?”