The DeerSlayer: Chapter 9

Summary – Chapter Nine
As they approach the designated rock (where Deerslayer and Chingachgook have arranged to meet) they keep a watch for him and any enemies. When they see him, they come closer to the land and he comes aboard. Soon after this they hear the yell of 20 ‘savages’ who come leaping through the bushes. Judith cries for them to pull away and they do so with Chingachgook’s help.
 
Once they are safe, Deerslayer introduces his friend and when the women retreat to prepare a meal, the two men converse in the language of the Delawares. Chingachgook explains how he got here and on being questioned says he has seen the captives. They are not caged, but he knows they will be scalped.
 
Deerslayer tell the women the news and Judith says she will give up her finery as a ransom if that is what is required and if there are women in the camp who would want it.
 
When the men are alone again, Chingachgook looks at Deerslayer to query what he has been doing and Deerslayer tells him he has fought. Chingachgook is delighted and Deerslayer explains what happened while, we are told, avoiding being boastful.
 
As it gets darker, Judith talks to them. They then hear somebody paddling a canoe. Deerslayer tells the person to stay still and the person, who is female, tells him to go his way and she will go hers. They realize it is Hetty and she has taken the canoe they brought with them.
 
On being questioned, Judith reveals that Hetty loves not only their father, but Hurry as well. They follow after her, but lose her and eventually Deerslayer decides to return to the castle. He is now apprehensive that all of his precautions for safe-guarding the canoes could be defeated ‘on the part of feeble-minded Hetty’.
 
Analysis – Chapter Nine
With the introduction of Chingachgook, the action moves on and Hetty’s disappearance adds to this all the more. Her decision to leaves the others and attempt to help in the release of her father and Hurry means that she is now also in danger. This means that the dramatic tension is increased and is all the more so given that she is regarded as the weakest of the group.