Chapter 1 Summary

Set in the "country which lies between the head waters of the Hudson and the adjacent lakes." Cooper describes the scene as the "bloody arena." The English and French armies are fighting for "their" settlers, and the Native Americans are either allies or enemies of both.

All the settlers are fearful, feeling as though they will lose no matter who wins. Their choices are slaughter and relocation under the French, who support the Indians; or detestable rule under the English King.

The story centers on the traverse between two forts - Fort Henry; held by a small group of Scotsmen; and Fort Edwards, manned by over 5,000 troops. Both forts are a defense against the invading French and the Indian raids. Within both forts, the residents prefer to hunker down inside their protective covers rather than expose themselves to the inferior, but more numerous...