, and most of the distinguished warriors,
followed, among whom the anxious Heyward found means to enter, without
attracting any dangerous attention to himself.
    A few minutes were consumed in disposing of those present in a manner
suitable to their rank and influence in the tribe. An order very similar to that
adopted in the preceding interview was observed; the aged and superior chiefs
occupying the area of the spacious apartment, within the powerful light of a
glaring torch, while their juniors and inferiors were arranged in the back
ground, presenting a dark outline of swarthy and marked visages. In the very
centre of the lodge, immediately under an opening that admitted the twinkling
light of one or two stars, stood Uncas, calm, elevated, and collected. His high
and haughty carriage was not lost on his captors, who often bent their looks on
his person, with eyes, which, while they lost none of their inflexibility of
purpose, plainly betrayed their admiration of the stranger's daring.
    The case was different with the individual, whom Duncan had observed to
stand forth with his friend, previously to the desperate trial of speed; and
who, instead of joining in the chase, had remained, throughout its turbulent
uproar, like a cringing statue, expressive of shame and disgrace. Though not a
hand had been extended to greet him, nor yet an eye had condescended to watch
his movements, he had also entered the lodge, as though impelled by a fate, to
whose decrees he submitted, seemingly, without a struggle. Heyward profited by
the first opportunity to gaze in his face, secretly apprehensive he might find
the features of another acquaintance, but they proved to be those of a stranger,
and what was still more inexplicable, of one who bore all the distinctive marks
of a Huron warrior. Instead of mingling with his tribe, however, he sat apart, a
solitary being in a multitude, his form shrinking into a crouching and abject
attitude, as if anxious to fill as little space as possible. When each
individual had taken his proper station, and silence reigned in the place, the
gray-haired chief, already introduced to the reader, spoke aloud, in the
language of the Lenni Lenape.
    »Delaware,« he said, »though one of a nation of women, you have proved
yourself a man. I would give you food, but he who eats with a Huron, should
become his friend. Rest in peace till the morning sun, when our last words shall
be spoken.«
    »Seven nights, and as many summer days, have I fasted on the
