Page 558 - THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS

The Last of the Mohicans

all the fighting men of the party — sat regarding each
other like men astonished equally at the audacity and the
success of their enemies. The next consideration,
however, was the means and opportunities for revenge.

Additional pursuers were sent on the trail of the
fugitives; and then the chiefs applied themselves, in
earnest, to the business of consultation. Many different
expedients were proposed by the elder warriors, in
succession, to all of which Magua was a silent and
respectful listener. That subtle savage had recovered his
artifice and self-command, and now proceeded toward his
object with his customary caution and skill. It was only
when each one disposed to speak had uttered his
sentiments, that he prepared to advance his own opinions.
They were given with additional weight from the
circumstance that some of the runners had already
returned, and reported that their enemies had been traced
so far as to leave no doubt of their having sought safety in
the neighboring camp of their suspected allies, the
Delawares. With the advantage of possessing this
important intelligence, the chief warily laid his plans
before his fellows, and, as might have been anticipated
from his eloquence and cunning, they were adopted

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