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The hunter, who had already abandoned his intention of maiming the runner, mused a moment, and then made a gesture, which instantly brought his two red companions to his side. They spoke together earnestly in the Delaware language, though in an undertone; and by the gestures of the white man, which were frequently directed towards the top of the sapling, it was evident he pointed out the situation of their hidden enemy. His companions were not long in comprehending his wishes, and laying aside their firearms, they parted, taking opposite sides of the path, and burying themselves in the thicket, with such cautious movements, that their steps were inaudible.
xx Heyward prepared to comply, though with strong disgust at the nature of the office he was compelled
to execute. Each moment, however, pressed upon him a conviction of the critical situation in which he
had suffered his invaluable trust to be involved through his own confidence. The sun had already disappeared,
and the woods, suddenly deprived of his light,1 were assuming a dusky hue, which keenly reminded him
that the hour the savage usually chose for his most barbarous and remorseless acts of vengeance or
hostility, was speedily drawing near. Stimulated by apprehension, he left the scout, who immediately
entered into a loud conversation with the stranger that had so unceremoniously enlisted himself in the
party of travelers that morning. In passing his gentler companions Heyward uttered a few words of encouragement,
and was pleased to find that, though fatigued with the exercise of the day, they appeared to entertain no
suspicion that their present embarrassment was other than the result of accident. Giving them reason to
believe he was merely employed in a consultation concerning the future route, he spurred his charger,
and drew the reins again when the animal had carried him within a few yards of the place where the
sullen runner still stood, leaning against the tree. The Indian riveted his glowing eyes on Heyward as he asked, in his imperfect English,
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