Chapter 24

Summary

Uncas gestures to Duncan not to show any recognition. So Duncan wanders through the lodges, eager to find a trace of Alice. He returns to the main lodge, where one of the old chiefs asks him to remove an evil spirit that lives in the wife of one of the Hurons. He reluctantly agrees to do so. Just as they are about to leave, however, Magua enters. Magua does not recognize Duncan, but he is overjoyed to see the captured Uncas, whom he identifies as Le Cerf Agile. Magua again speaks to the pack and whips up their passions for revenge. One warrior throws a tomahawk at Uncas but it fails to hurt him. Throughout it all, Uncas shows no fear. They then take Uncas outside to be tortured to death the next morning.

The chief then takes Duncan to the woman who they believe is possessed by an evil spirit. On their was, they see a bear, which is quite friendly and follows them in to the woman's apartment, which is in a large cavern. Duncan is surprised to see Gamut in the room amongst the woman's relatives. On seeing the woman, Duncan realizes that she is paralyzed and beyond cure. Gamut begins singing a hymn and is amazed when the bear seems to sing along. Whatever plans he had to inform Duncan of Alice's whereabouts vanish from his head, and all he can think to say is "She expects you, she is at hand," before leaving the cavern.

The idea of disguise is put forward by the author in this chapter. Duncan encounters a bear. It is actually Hawkeye, but his disguise and mannerisms are so good that he fools everybody, including the Major. David informs Duncan of the whereabouts of Alice by telling him in a very cryptic manner that she is nearby.

Uncas is in trouble, as the Hurons have captured him. He is recognized by an excited Magua who informs the Hurons that they have captured Le Cerf Agile. Uncas remains resolute throughout all his trials, however and he infuriates the Hurons by showing no fear.

The Hurons have ostensibly caught Duncan, but he is not harmed because they think that he is a French medicine man. No matter how hostile they are, the Indians respect healers of any culture.

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