As they move through the trackless forest, Uncas is in the back scanning and making sure they're not being followed. Alice is a little way ahead of him, and Uncas keeps an eye on her making sure she is okay. Cora is ahead of Alice and watches intently at Hawkeye. Heyward follows closely behind Hawkeye; he's ill at ease. Following the lead of some half-Indian and not being in command is unsettling to him. Chingachgook is leading the party.
HEYWARD
How far is it, scout?
HAWKEYE
Day and a half
(pause)
Where did you get ... the guide?
HEYWARD
Colonel Munro sent him. He was one of our
Mohawk allies.
HAWKEYE
He is Huron and nothing else.
(checking the Munro girls are
not too close)
Why would he want to murder the girl?
HEYWARD
What?
HAWKEYE
Dark haired ...
HEYWARD
Miss Cora Munro. He never set eyes on
her before today.
HAWKEYE
No blood vengeance? No reproach or insult?
HEYWARD
Of course not!
(pause)
And how is it you were nearby?
HAWKEYE
Came across the war party, tracked 'em.
HEYWARD
Then you're assigned to Fort William Henry?
HAWKEYE
No.
HEYWARD
Fort Edward, then?
HAWKEYE
No. Headin' west. To Can-tuck-ee.
HEYWARD
There's a war in the North, how's it
you are heading west?
HAWKEYE
Well,
(he stops to turn to Duncan
and with a little amusement in his
voice)
We head north then real-sudden-like
we make a left
HEYWARD
I thought all our colonial scouts were in
the militia?
In the back Uncas is smiling at the thought as he looks back at the wilderness. Alice looks timidly toward him without his noticing, seeing his smile she smiles, and then turns her glaze to wear his is at. It was beautiful; the greenery of the forest and the water from the river cascading down the walks. If only she weren't too tired and scared she would be able to enjoy it more. However, she's gained a sense of security with Uncas just a few feet away.
Cora is looking at Hawkeye and Duncan and sees the tension building up.
HAWKEYE
I ain't your "scout". And we ain't in no
damn militia.
HEYWARD
(stops)
Then you are one of those who would allow
England to fight alone while she protects
you from France?
HAWKEYE
England does not protect me and does not
war against France on our account. She uses
us to war against France on her own account ...
of greed for land and furs.
Cora is appalled at what he says and looks curiously at him.
HAWKEYE
(turns)
Clear it up any?
HEYWARD
(loud)
I owe you gratitude or I'd call you out!
HAWKEYE
(low)
Do not let gratitude get in the way ...
Cora's hand holds back Heyward's sword arm because suddenly Chingachgook looms over him. He was fast for being older Cora thought to herself. Even if they didn't hold the same views they did save their lives and were willing to take them to the Fort. Cora was left perplexed as she was contemplating this in her mind…
Uncas turns alertly toward them and stops; something is bothering him. Cautiously he moves pass them turning back Hawkeye and Chingachgook realize something's not right. They start moving low and fast. Heyward is looking questioningly after them, looks back at the Munro girls, and then starts up after them. Cora wonders what happened that made them all be more alert than usual as she turns towards Alice. Alice takes Cora's hand as they head out behind Heyward and the others…
Behind a forest tree line Uncas waits for the others. As the others join him where the branches meet the ground; they see smoke drifting through the trees. Hawkeye sees and dips his head, then looks again. Chingachgook starts to cautiously head forward war club and rifle ready…
Cameron's Cabin is lying there with smoke rising from a part of the ash. Uncas starts to head cautiously to a body that turn out to be that of Alexandra's. A tomahawk cut can be seen in the back as she lays lifeless on the ground. Uncas lays his hand on her head then her arm as he gets up to look inside the cabin. Hawkeye sees the body of little James underneath a pile of wood. Chingachgook is canvassing the area, looking for any traces that might have been left behind.
Alice approaches and is frozen in her steps; Cora is standing at her side. Heyward stands a little way ahead of them and looks at the poor family in pity. Uncas is at the doorway to the house and sees the little girl in the embrace of John Cameron, both lying dead on the ground…
HEYWARD
Anything to be done?
Hawkeye and Chingachgook ignore him as they continue searching. Uncas heads out of the doorway, ashen, stoic, as they all are. They are all in pain for the loss of the Cameron family, especially Uncas who can't believe someone would do this to an innocent family.
UNCAS
All dead ...
Hawkeye bends over where Chingachgook is examining the ground. They look at each other grimly.
HEYWARD
Who were these people?
Uncas joins them carefully watching his steps carefully and bends down leaning on his rifle. Chingachgook traces the outline of a moccasin foot print
CHINGACHGOOK
(to Hawkeye)
Ottawa.
HEYWARD
Excuse me ...
Hawkeye gestures to Heyward to stay where he is: on the periphery with the women.
UNCAS
Mirrors ... tools ... clothes ... it's all inside.
They didn't take anything
HAWKEYE
Movin' fast, not able to carry much ...
this was a war party?
Chingachgook nods in confirmation; while Uncas leans his head on his rifle. Hawkeye rubs his brothers head as Chingachgook indicates a direction in Mohican; getting up he starts heading out as Uncas and Hawkeye do the same...
HEYWARD
(sympathetically)
Let us look after them ...
He starts approaching the bodies…
CHINGACHGOOK
Leave them.
Heyward stops in disbelief as Chingachgook walks past him. Uncas walks more to the right and passes Alice hoping that she will just follow without asking questions, as he tries to hide his pain. Hawkeye starts to pass Cora…
CORA
(hasn't moved)
Though they are strangers, they are at
least entitled to a Christian burial!
HAWKEYE
(shaking his head)
Let us go, miss.
CORA
I will not. I have seen the face of war
before, Mr. Poe, but never war made on
women and children. And almost as
cruel is your indifference.
Chingachgook keeps moving without looking at her for what she said, and Uncas continues to walk past Alice. Hawkeye turns back and rapidly approaches her. Alice stays motionless as she watches. Cora takes a step back, fearful.
HAWKEYE
(contained)
Miss Munro.
(pause)
They are not strangers ...
And they stay as they lay ...!
Cora realizes Hawkeye knew these people and is deeply affected. She also realized for the first time this is a whole new world with dynamics and complexities, behavior and rhythms she doesn't understand. He turns away from her and walks on. She hesitates a moment and then as Alice walks toward her they start after Hawkeye; Heyward follows. Chingachgook leads, followed by Hawkeye, Heyward, and the Munro girls, while Uncas waits for them, looking away from the cabin, so that he will be rearguard.