The Last of the Mohicans

Heyward’s group encounters Bumppo, Chingachgook, and Uncas. Bumppo tells Heyward that they have lost their way if they are trying to get to the “post of the crown,” William Henry (39). Heyward tells them that they had trusted Magua to be their guide, but now they do not know where they are. Bumppo asks if the guide (Magua, also known as “Le Renard Subtil”) is a Mohawk and offers to show them the way, though he is concerned about the female travelers. He offers tips about how to deal with the area tribes. Bumppo peers at Magua from a distance and announces he thinks Magua is a traitor. Heyward reveals he was suspicious of their guide. Heyward goes to talk to Magua but they are interrupted when Magua runs into the forest, with Chingachgook chasing him as shots are fired.

Chingachgook and the others lose Magua, though Bumppo thinks he may be injured. Heyward has a vision of being surrounded by foes. Bumppo says he can guide the company somewhere, but it must be kept secret. Quietly, they depart, with Chingachgook slitting the throat of one horse as a “deed of apparent cruelty, but a real necessity” before hiding the others near the river (52).