The French-Huron Threat

The Last of the Mohicans

This flow traces the pressure created by Montcalm's campaign and the Huron fighters operating in the woods, without confusing the wider French advance with Magua's personal betrayal.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Campaign Moves South The Campaign Moves South from "The Last of the Mohicans". The French Advance Montcalm on the Lakes Montcalm moves south along Lake Champlain toward the British frontier.

The Campaign Moves South from "The Last of the Mohicans". The French Advance Montcalm on the Lakes Montcalm moves south along Lake Champlain toward the British frontier.

The French Advance Montcalm on the Lakes Montcalm moves south along Lake Champlain toward the British frontier. The route makes the forts and portage strategically important. Fear Before Battle British settlers and soldiers remember recent defeats and fear attacks in the woods. Rumor magnifies the danger even before an enemy appears. The campaign establishes a climate in which suspicion can be exploited.

Warriors in the Forest Warriors in the Forest from "The Last of the Mohicans". A Hidden Opposition Signs of an Ambush Uncas has tracked Huron warriors lying concealed in the woods.

Warriors in the Forest from "The Last of the Mohicans". A Hidden Opposition Signs of an Ambush Uncas has tracked Huron warriors lying concealed in the woods.

A Hidden Opposition Signs of an Ambush Uncas has tracked Huron warriors lying concealed in the woods. Hawkeye expects them to seek scalps and plunder near the army's route. A Threat Beyond the Road The forest holds opponents the British column may not see. The travelers' shortcut brings them closer to danger without the protection of numbers. The enemy is present before the protagonists can identify a clear front line.

The Deceptive Approach The Deceptive Approach from "The Last of the Mohicans". A Threat Inside the Party The Guide's Allegiance Magua's connection to the Hurons makes Hawkeye doubt his claimed service to the British.

The Deceptive Approach from "The Last of the Mohicans". A Threat Inside the Party The Guide's Allegiance Magua's connection to the Hurons makes Hawkeye doubt his claimed service to the British.

A Threat Inside the Party The Guide's Allegiance Magua's connection to the Hurons makes Hawkeye doubt his claimed service to the British. Heyward's party has carried its danger with it rather than encountering it from outside. A Narrow Escape Magua flees when the Mohicans move to seize him. His escape leaves the party exposed to the warriors who may be waiting nearby. The conflict shifts from distant military opposition to immediate betrayal and pursuit.

The Siege of the Island The Siege of the Island from "The Last of the Mohicans". The Attackers Close In Fire from the Banks Huron fighters surround the rock refuge and shoot across the water.

The Siege of the Island from "The Last of the Mohicans". The Attackers Close In Fire from the Banks Huron fighters surround the rock refuge and shoot across the water.

The Attackers Close In Fire from the Banks Huron fighters surround the rock refuge and shoot across the water. Their cries make the forest seem to close on the trapped travelers. A Defensive Pause The defenders hold under cover and drive back the first attack. Their success costs ammunition and does not persuade the attackers to abandon the pursuit. The battle becomes a contest of endurance rather than a single surprise.

Capture Imminent Capture Imminent from "The Last of the Mohicans". The Pursuit's Advantage Escape Disabled A Huron sends the canoe into the current, removing the defenders' simplest route away.

Capture Imminent from "The Last of the Mohicans". The Pursuit's Advantage Escape Disabled A Huron sends the canoe into the current, removing the defenders' simplest route away.

The Pursuit's Advantage Escape Disabled A Huron sends the canoe into the current, removing the defenders' simplest route away. The attackers have shown that they can exploit the landscape as well as the defenders. A Closing Crisis Cora expects that the sisters may be taken into the northern wilds and urges the others to carry a warning. The excerpt ends before any capture or rescue is narrated. The enemy's pressure has narrowed the party's options but not yet revealed its final outcome.

Midsummer, before the party departs Fort Edward

Before dusk, as the party approaches the stream

At dusk, when Magua is confronted by Hawkeye

At dawn, after the party's nighttime escape

After the canoe is stolen from the refuge