Deerslayer is a captive in the Iroquois camp. He is offered his freedom, if he will join the Indian camp. When he refuses, Rivernote, the Indian chief, says that he must die. The party in the castle has set out in the ark and has been skirting the shore in darkness hoping to get sight of the camp and in some way effect Deerslayer's release, but they have had no luck. The ark is now floating about a mile from the castle and everyone is depressed, contemplating the fate of their friend.