Chapter 24 Summary

Uncas quietly assures Heyward that the others were safe. He tells Heyward to pretend not to know him. Heyward goes out and wanders around the huts, hoping to find a sign of Alice. He fails to see her and returns to the lodge. The elders have returned and are discussing an expedition to the head of the Hirican River. Heyward moves in quietly, hoping for a chance to just sit in silence while he gathers his thoughts. This was not to be. The chief addresses him saying, "My Canada father does not forget his children, I thank him." He goes on to describe an "evil spirit" in the wife of one of the young men. The chief asks Heyward to frighten it away.

Heyward knows of the Indian ways to frighten the spirits. He feels this could improve his situation. Heyward keeps to...