1 Then arose the cry first heard by the fugitives.
2 The exertions of the fugitives were too severe to continue long, and the pursuers had the advantage of numbers.
3 The two canoes came round the last low point, like two coursers at the top of their speed, the fugitives taking the lead.
4 It will easily be understood that, amid such a concourse of vindictive enemies, no breathing time was allowed the fugitive.
5 As if aware that no danger was to be apprehended from the young soldier, the fugitive nearly brushed his person in his flight.
6 The savages were so near, that the least motion in one of the horses, or even a breath louder than common, would have betrayed the fugitives.
7 Additional pursuers were sent on the trail of the fugitives; and then the chiefs applied themselves, in earnest, to the business of consultation.
8 Then recollecting the importance of securing the fugitive, he dashed aside the surrounding bushes, and pressed eagerly forward to lend his aid in the chase.
9 Without stopping to consider his person, the rifle of Hawkeye was raised; but a rock, which fell on the head of one of the fugitives below, exposed the indignant and glowing countenance of the honest Gamut.
10 Happily, the aim was bad, and the bullets cut the air in a direction a little different from that taken by the fugitives; though still so nigh them, that to the unpractised ears of David and the two females, it appeared as if they whistled within a few inches of the organs.
11 Though his words were unheeded, or rather unheard, his example was followed by his companions, who, by incredible exertions, got near enough to the fugitives to perceive that Cora was borne along between the two warriors while Magua prescribed the direction and manner of their flight.