"We are never certain. We thought ourselves safe behind the bushes,
and yet you saw that we were discovered."

"And the Mingo imp paid for his curiosity, as these knaves are
about to do."

The, Pathfinder ceased speaking; for at that instant the sharp
report of a rifle was heard, when the Indian in the stern of the
canoe leaped high into the air, and fell into the water, holding
the paddle in his hand. A small wreath of smoke floated out from
among the bushes of the eastern shore, and was soon absorbed by
the atmosphere.

"That is the Sarpent hissing!" exclaimed the Pathfinder exultingly.
"A bolder or a truer heart never beat in the breast of a Delaware.
I am sorry that he interfered; but he could not have known our
condition."

The canoe had no sooner lost its guide than it floated with the
stream, and was soon sucked into the rapids of the rift. Perfectly
helpless, the two remaining savages gazed wildly about them, but
could offer no resistance to the power of the element. It was
perhaps fortunate for Chingachgook that the attention of most of
the Iroquois was intently given to the situation of those in the
boat, else would his escape have been to the last degree difficult,
if not totally impracticable. But not a foe moved, except to
conceal his person behind some cover; and every eye was riveted on
the two remaining adventurers. In less time than has been necessary
to record these occurrences, the canoe was whirling and tossing