Chapter 26 Summary

Hawkeye searches the village for the place Uncas was held. He finds the small hut where David sits. David is startled when the bear speaks to him. Hawkeye identifies himself and asks for the location of Uncas. David leads Hawkeye (the bear) to the center of the village. There are three guards in front. David tells them the bear is going to take the courage of the prisoner. He convinces the men to stand away so they do not lose their courage also.

Hawkeye and David find Uncas tied at the back of the lodge. David gives Hawkeye his clothes and accoutrements. Uncas dons the form of the bear, and David is in Indian garb. David sits in the shadow, pretending to be the prisoner. Hawkeye warns him to keep his feet pulled up so the ruse is not found too quickly.

It...