Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 2).djvu/35

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THE MOHICANS.
29

this spot could venture to say that a mighty army was at rest among yonder silent trees and barren mountains!"

"We are then at no great distance from William Henry?" said Heyward, advancing, with interest, nigher to the scout.

"It is yet a long and weary path," was the answer, "and when and where to strike it, is now our greatest difficulty." "See," he said, pointing through the trees towards a spot where a little basin of water reflected the bright stars from its still and placid bosom, "here is the 'bloody pond,' and I am on ground that I have not only often travelled, but over which I have fou't the enemy, from the rising to the setting sun!"

"Ha! that sheet of dull and dreary water, then, is the sepulchre of the brave men who fell in the contest! I have heard it named, but never have I stood on its banks before!"

"Three battles did we make with the Dutch Frenchman in a day!" continued Hawk-eye, pursuing the train of his own thoughts, rather than replying to the re-