Chapter 3 Summary

Harry, anxious to see Judith, seeks out the Hutter family. He and Deerslayer leave the house to look for them in the canoe. Harry and Deerslayer get into an argument about the character of Native Americans. Harry argues that all are equally evil and sub-human. Deerslayer, however, points to his experience with the Delaware tribe as an example that some tribes are honorable and produce honorable people. He argues that people are essentially the same, though led by different moral codes. This conversation leads Deerslayer into a more abstract lecture on the nature of laws, and he expresses his opinion that no law against God is lawful, regardless of which government or human authority passes it.

As they continue in their search for the Hutters, the conversation turns to physical beauty. Harry takes pride in his appearance while Deerslayer regrets that he, himself...