Chapter 26 Summary

Deerslayer says his goodbyes to his friends as he prepares to return to captivity. He tells Judith how much he admires her. He tells Wah-ta-Wah to be proud of her lover, Chingachgook. He and Chingachgook have a long conversation reaffirming their friendship and their views of the afterlife.

Hetty, protected by her mental condition, takes Deerslayer back to the encampment. Deerslayer tries to talk to her about Harry and Judith but cannot make her understand.

Chapter 26 Analysis

Deerslayer's goodbyes show that he is resigned to dying at the hands of the Iroquois. He thinks it is honorable to return to them to face this punishment and tries to comfort his friends before he goes. The various conversations he has about life after death show his state of mind and show the expectations of his friends.