"Christians they are not, and do not pretend to be, and do not
wish to be; and in calling them devils you have scarcely misnamed
them. That yell is one of rejoicing, and it is as conquerors they
have given it. The body of the Sarpent, no doubt, dead or alive,
is in their power.

"And we!" exclaimed Jasper, who felt a pang of generous regret, as
the idea that he might have averted the calamity presented itself
to his mind, had he not deserted his comrade.

"We can do the chief no good, lad, and must quit this spot as fast
as possible."

"Without one attempt to rescue him? -- without even knowing whether
he be dead or living?"

"Jasper is right," said Mabel, who could speak, though her voice
sounded huskily and smothered; "I have no fears, uncle, and will
stay here until we know what has become of our friend."

"This seems reasonable, Pathfinder," put in Cap. "Your true seaman
cannot well desert a messmate; and I am glad to find that motives
so correct exist among those fresh-water people."

"Tut! tut!" returned the impatient guide, forcing the canoe into
the stream as he spoke; "ye know nothing and ye fear nothing. If
ye value your lives, think of reaching the garrison, and leave the
Delaware in the hands of Providence. Ah's me! the deer that goes
too often to the lick meets the hunter at last!"