termed the left, or eastern flank of the position unprotected by
this covering. We have said unprotected, though that is not properly
the word, since the knoll behind the huts and the fire offered a
cover for those who were now stealthily approaching, rather than
any protection to the Indians. Deerslayer did not break through
the fringe of bushes immediately abreast of the canoe, which might
have brought him too suddenly within the influence of the light,
since the hillock did not extend to the water; but he followed the
beach northerly until he had got nearly on the opposite side of
the tongue of land, which brought him under the shelter of the low
acclivity, and consequently more in the shadow.

As soon as the friends emerged from the bushes, they stopped to
reconnoitre. The fire was still blazing behind the little ridge,
casting its light upward into the tops of the trees, producing an
effect that was more pleasing than advantageous. Still the glare
had its uses; for, while the background was in obscurity, the
foreground was in strong light; exposing the savages and concealing
their foes. Profiting by the latter circumstance, the young men
advanced cautiously towards the ridge, Deerslayer in front, for he
insisted on this arrangement, lest the Delaware should be led by
his feelings into some indiscretion. It required but a moment to
reach the foot of the little ascent, and then commenced the most
critical part of the enterprise. Moving with exceeding caution,
and trailing his rifle, both to keep its barrel out of view, and
in readiness for service, the hunter put foot before foot, until
he had got sufficiently high to overlook the summit, his own head
being alone brought into the light. Chingachgook was at his side
and both paused to take another close examination of the camp. In
order, however, to protect themselves against any straggler in the