Publisher's Synopsis
The French-Indian war is in full swing. The French are trying to overtake the English fort William Henry. They have the Huron and the Iroquois on their side, so the forests are extremely dangerous for English travelers. Duncan Heyward must escort the Munro sisters from Fort Edward to Fort Henry, where their father is. They have an Indian runner, Magua, who is their guide. When in the forest, they are approached by the musician David, who has heard that they are going to William Henry and asks if he may join them. Duncan is reluctant, but Alice convinces him to let David stay with them. As they walk, someone watches them and traces their footsteps. It is the Mohican Uncas. The author switches to a scene nearby, where Hawkeye and Chingachgook are conversing about the different beliefs of whites and Indians. Uncas returns to them and alerts them of Huron hiding in the woods. Chingachgook hears the approach of the travelers. He asks Hawkeye to speak to them in their native language. Upon meeting Duncan and learning of their destination, the scout tells him that they are completely off course. Hawkeye believes their guide has led them astray on purpose. Looking upon Magua's countenance, his belief is confirmed. Hawkeye wants to shoot him, but Duncan will not permit it. He tries to capture Magua himself and fails. The scout shoots the Huron chief, but only hits his shoulder. The foresters converse, and decide to take the travelers out of harm's way and become their guides. The group passes the night in a cave that they reach by canoe. David sings for all of them, which brings tears to Hawkeye's face. A strange sound is heard. After going outside, Duncan realizes it is a horse in peril. Uncas is dispatched to try and stop the noise. He returns safely. The women sleep while the men stand guard. At daybreak, they are ready to leave, but a shot rings out and wounds David. Uncas and Hawkeye slay two of the men. Duncan wrestles with a third but has to be rescued by Uncas. There is a sniper in a tree. After a bit Hawkeye manages to kill him with his rifle. Uncas goes to the canoe to get more gunpowder, but it has been stolen. Cora urges the foresters to depart and get help from her father. Somewhat reluctantly, they heed her good advice. The travelers hide in the deepest recesses of the cave. Eventually they are pulled out by the Huron party, led by Magua. They are marched out of the cave as prisoners. Magua desires the blood of Hawkeye. Upon finding that he has escaped, he is quite angry. The tribe stops to rest. Magua asks to speak to Cora. He says he will free the other travelers if she will become his wife. Cora is repulsed and refuses. Duncan and Alice agree with her decision. Magua decides that they should all die. Duncan jumps upon a warrior and is almost killed, but a shot rings out and kills the Indian. The foresters descend to help them. Chingachgook battles with Magua as the other two kill his comrades. Magua pretends to be dead and then manages to roll over a precipice onto a hill. He runs away.
