Chapter 17 Summary

Deerslayer lets himself be taken prisoner so Chingachgook and Wah-ta-Wah can escape. Rivenoak interrogates Deerslayer about his relationship to the Delaware tribe and the Hutter family. Deerslayer reveals the plan and actions taken to rescue Wah-ta-Wah. Rivenoak is more concerned with getting whatever treasures remain in Hutter's chest. The Iroquois man who had kidnapped Wah-ta-Wah confronts Deerslayer.

Suddenly Hetty appears, sent by Judith to bargain for Deerslayer's life. Deerslayer wants her to leave and return to safety. He tells her that he thinks the Iroquois will torture him into betraying the Hutters, but he thinks he can withstand it.

Chapter 17 Analysis

The confrontation between Deerslayer and Rivenoak shows their different concerns. Deerslayer is concerned with keeping his honor and not betraying his friends. Rivenoak is thinking about how he can get the trinkets that might still be in Hutter's chest. Hetty, because of...