Chapter 8 Summary

Deerslayer tells the girls what has happened to their father and Harry. During their conversation, Judith refers to an old chest that her father keeps in the house but which only Hetty has seen opened.

Deerslayer explains that his friend Chingachgook will be arriving that evening. Chingachgook is searching for his stolen bride, Wah-ta-Wah, who has been kidnapped by Briarthorn of the Iroquois tribe. Deerslayer has agreed to help Chingachgook rescue her. Judith tries to find out if Deerslayer has a lover of his own and is happy to find out that he is single.

The three of them prepare to defend themselves from attack as they wait for Chingachgook. When the time comes to meet him, they lock up the house and board the ark. They approach the meeting place cautiously, attempting to keep the Iroquois unaware of where they intend to...