The chief bent his head to the earth, and listened intently.

He was about to raise it again, in disappointment, when the long drawn and trembling respiration of one who slumbered imperfectly met his ear.

The Indian was too well skilled in all the means of deception to become himself the victim of any common artifice.
He knew the sound to be natural, by its peculiar quivering, and he hesitated no longer.
A man of nerves less tried than those of the fierce and conquering Mahtoree would have been keenly sensible of all the hazard he incurred.
The reputation of those hardy and powerful white adventurers, who so often penetrated the wilds inhabited by his people, was well known to him; but while he drew nigher, with the respect and caution that a brave enemy never fails to inspire, it was with the vindictive animosity of a red man, jealous and resentful of the inroads of the stranger.
Turning from the line of his former route, the Teton dragged himself directly towards the margin of the thicket.

When this material object was effected in safety, he arose to his seat, and took a better survey of his situation.

A single moment served to apprise him of the place where the unsuspecting traveller lay.