Again the same sounds were repeated, evidently proceeding from the mouth of the beast. Once more the eyes of the youth roamed over the interior of the lodge, and returning to their former resting-place, he uttered, in a deep, suppressed voice, the usual exclamation—
"Hugh!"
"Cut his bands," said Hawk-eye to David, who just then approached them.
The singer did as he was ordered, and Uncas found his limbs released. At the same moment, the dried skin of the animal rattled hurriedly, and presently the scout arose to his feet, in his proper person. The Mohican appeared to comprehend the nature of the attempt his friend had made, intuitively; neither tongue nor feature betrayed another symptom of surprise. When Hawk-eye had cast his shaggy vestment, which was done by simply loosing certain thongs of skin, he drew a long glittering knife, and put it in the hands of Uncas.
"The red Hurons are without," he said; "let us be ready."
At the same time, he laid his finger sig-
