The instant their mistake was rectified, the whole party retraced the error with the utmost diligence. Duncan willingly relinquished the support of Cora to the offered arm of Uncas, and Cora as readily accepted the welcome assistance. Men, hot and angry in the pursuit, were evidently on their footsteps, and each instant threatened their capture, if not their destruction.
"Point de quartier, aux coquins!" cried an eager pursuer, who seemed to direct the operations of the enemy.
"Stand firm, and be ready, my gallant 60ths!" suddenly exclaimed a voice above them, in the deep tones of authority; "wait to see the enemy, fire low, and sweep the glacis."
"Father! father!" exclaimed a piercing female cry from out the mist; "it is I! Alice! thy own Elsie! spare, oh! save your daughters!"
"Hold!" shouted the former speaker, in the awful tones of parental agony, the sound reaching even to the woods, and rolling back in solemn echo. " 'Tis she!
