disappeared in pursuit; but there still 
remained the signs of another departure, before a log cabin of 
unusual size and accommodations, in front of which those sen- 
tinels paced their rounds, who were known to guard the person 
of the English general. At this spot were gathered some half 
dozen horses, caparisoned in a manner which showed that two, 
at least, were destined to bear the persons of females, of a rank 
that it was not usual to meet so far in the wilds of the country. 
A third wore the trappings and arms of an officer of the staff ; 
while the rest, from the plainness of the housings, and the trav- 
elling mails with which they were encumbered, were evidently 
fitted for the reception of as many menials, who were, seemingly, 
already awaiting the  of those they served. At a re- 
spectful  from this unusual show, were gathered divers 
groups of curious idlers ; some admiring the blood and bone of 
the high-mettled military charger, and others gazing at the 
preparations, with the dull  of vulgar curiosity. There 
was one man, however, who, by his countenance and actions, 
formed a marked exception to those who composed the latter 
class of spectators, being neither idle, nor seemingly very 
ignorant. 



12 THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS 

The