The canoe lay in front of a natural vista, not only through the
bushes that lined the shore, but of the trees also, that afforded
a clear view of the camp. It was by means of this same opening
that the light had been first seen from the ark. In consequence
of their recent change of ground, the Indians had not yet retired
to their huts, but had been delayed by their preparations, which
included lodging as well as food. A large fire had been made,
as much to answer the purpose of torches as for the use of their
simple cookery; and at this precise moment it was blazing high and
bright, having recently received a large supply of dried brush.
the effect was to illuminate the arches of the forest, and to
render the whole area occupied by the camp as light as if hundreds
of tapers were burning. Most of the toil had ceased, and even the
hungriest child had satisfied its appetite. In a word, the time
was that moment of relaxation and general indolence which is apt to
succeed a hearty meal, and when the labours of the day have ended.
The hunters and the fishermen had been totally successful; and
food, that one great requisite of savage life, being abundant,
every other care appeared to have subsided in the sense of enjoyment
dependent on this all-important fact.

Deerslayer saw at a glance that many of the warriors were absent.
His acquaintance Rivenoak, however, was present, being seated in
the foreground of a picture that Salvator Rosa would have delighted
to draw, his swarthy features illuminated as much by pleasure as
by the torchlike flame, while he showed another of the tribe one of
the elephants that had caused so much sensation among his people.
A boy was looking over his shoulder, in dull curiosity, completing
the group. More in the background eight or ten warriors lay half