Chapter 32 - Page 2

baggage and wounded, and otherwise leaving him
who had issued the order greater liberty of action.

Judith held no communications with any but Hist, after the death
of her sister, until she retired for the night. Her sorrow had
been respected, and both the females had been left with the body,
unintruded on, to the last moment. The rattling of the drum broke
the silence of that tranquil water, and the echoes of the tattoo
were heard among the mountains, so soon after the ceremony was over
as to preclude the danger of interruption. That star which had
been the guide of Hist, rose on a scene as silent as if the quiet
of nature had never yet been disturbed by the labors or passions
of man. One solitary sentinel, with his relief, paced the platform
throughout the night, and morning was ushered in, as usual, by the
martial beat of the reveille.

Military precision succeeded to the desultory proceedings of border
men, and when a hasty and frugal breakfast was taken, the party
began its movement towards the shore with a regularity and order
that prevented noise or confusion. Of all the officers, Warley
alone remained. Craig headed the detachment in advance, Thornton
was with the wounded, and Graham accompanied his patients as a matter
of course. Even the chest of Hutter, with all the more valuable
of his effects, was borne away, leaving nothing behind that was
worth the labor of a removal. Judith was not sorry to see that
the captain respected her feelings, and that he occupied himself
entirely with the duty of his command, leaving her to her own
discretion and feelings. It was understood by all that the place
was to be totally abandoned; but beyond this no explanations were
asked or given.

The soldiers embarked in the Ark, with the captain at their head.
He had enquired of Judith in what way she chose to proceed, and
understanding her wish to remain with Hist to the last moment, he
neither molested her with requests, nor offended her with advice.
There was but one safe and familiar trail to the Mohawk, and
on that, at the proper hour, he doubted not that they should meet
in amity, if not in renewed intercourse. When all were on board,
the sweeps were manned, and the Ark moved in its sluggish manner
towards the distant point. Deerslayer and Chingachgook now lifted
two of the canoes from the water, and placed them in the castle.
The windows and door were then barred, and the house was left by
means of the trap, in the manner already described. On quitting
the palisades, Hist was seen in the remaining canoe, where the
Delaware immediately joined her, and paddled away, leaving Judith
standing alone on the platform. Owing to this prompt proceeding,
Deerslayer found himself alone with the beautiful