Chapter 4 Summary

Deerslayer and Harry join the Hutters on their ark. Harry is most interested in Judith while Deerslayer is interested in learning how the ark was constructed. Deerslayer has a long conversation with Hetty, who is presented as innocent and angelic. In this conversation, Deerslayer gives some information about himself, including his Christian name, Nathaniel "Natty" Bumppo. He explains that the Delaware tribe assigned the name Deerslayer to him after going through several names, including Straight Tongue, The Pigeon, and Lap Ear.

Tom Hutter greets them with the news of the various tribes that have entered the area. He is worried for the safety of his daughters and is glad for help in protecting them. He is suspicious of Deerslayer when he mentions that his purpose in coming here is to meet his friend, Chingachgook, a member of the Delaware tribe.

Tom shows them...