case. Once beneath the trees and bushes, a few
stones fastened to the ends of the branches had caused them to bend sufficiently
to dip into the river, and a few severed bushes, properly disposed, did the
rest. The reader has seen that this cover was so complete, as to deceive two men
accustomed to the woods, and who were actually in search of those it concealed,
a circumstance that will be easily understood by those who are familiar with the
matted and wild luxuriance of a virgin American forest, more especially in a
rich soil.
    The discovery of the Ark produced very different effects on our two
adventurers. As soon as the canoe could be got round to the proper opening,
Hurry leaped on board, and in a minute was closely engaged in a gay, and a sort
of recriminating discourse with Judith, apparently forgetful of the existence of
all the rest of the world. Not so with Deerslayer. He entered the Ark with a
slow, cautious step, examining every arrangement of the cover, with curious and
scrutinizing eyes. It is true, he cast one admiring glance at Judith, which was
extorted by her brilliant and singular beauty, but even this could detain him
but a single instant from the indulgence of his interest in Hutter's
contrivances. Step by step did he look into the construction of the singular
abode, investigate its fastenings and strength, ascertain its means of defence,
and make every inquiry that would be likely to occur to one whose thoughts dwelt
principally on such expedients. Nor was the cover neglected. Of this he examined
the whole minutely, his commendation escaping him more than once in audible
comments. Frontier usages admitting of this familiarity, he passed through the
rooms, as he had previously done at the Castle, and opening a door issued into
the end of the scow opposite to that where he had left Hurry and Judith. Here he
found the other sister, employed at some coarse needle-work, seated beneath the
leafy canopy of the cover.
    As Deerslayer's examination was by this time ended, he dropped the butt of
his rifle, and, leaning on the barrel, with both hands, he turned towards the
girl with an interest the singular beauty of her sister had not awakened. He had
gathered from Hurry's remarks that Hetty was considered to have less intellect
than ordinarily falls to the share of human beings, and his education among
Indians had taught him to treat those who were thus afflicted by Providence,
with more than common tenderness. Nor was there any thing in Hetty Hutter's
appearance, as so often happens,