, and by the low murmurs that run through their own numbers, as a few
cautious questions and answers were exchanged, relative to the object of their
expedition. When they had crossed the little bridge of hewn logs that was thrown
over the Susquehanna, they left the highway, and struck into that field which
had been the scene of the victory over the pigeons. From this they followed
their leader into the low bushes of pines and chestnuts which had sprung up
along the shores of the lake, where the plough had not succeeded the fall of the
trees, and soon entered the forest itself. Here Richard paused, and collected
his troop around him.
    »I have required your assistance, my friends,« he said, in a low voice, »in
order to arrest Nathaniel Bumppo, commonly called the Leather-stocking. He has
assaulted a magistrate, and resisted the execution of a search-warrant, by
threatening the life of a constable with his rifle. In short, my friends, he has
set an example of rebellion to the laws, and has become a kind of out-law. He is
suspected of other misdemeanours and offences against private rights; and I have
this night taken on myself, by the virtue of my office of sheriff, to arrest the
said Bumppo, and bring him to the county gaol, that he may be present and
forthcoming to answer to these heavy charges before the court to-morrow morning.
In executing this duty, friends and fellow citizens, you are to use courage and
discretion. Courage, that you may not be daunted by any lawless attempts that
this man may make, with his rifle and his dogs, to oppose you; and discretion,
which here means caution and prudence, that he may not escape from this sudden
attack - and - for other good reasons that I need not mention. You will form
yourselves in a complete circle around his hut, and at the word advance, called
aloud by me, you will rush forward, and, without giving the criminal time for
deliberation, enter his dwelling by force and make him your prisoner. Spread
yourselves for this purpose, while I shall descend to the shore with a deputy,
to take charge of that point; and all communications must be made directly to
me, under the bank in front of the hut, where I shall station myself, and remain
in order to receive them.«
    This speech, which Richard had been studying during his walk, had the effect
that all similar performances produce, of bringing the dangers of the expedition
immediately before the eyes of his forces.