James Fenimore Cooper's Frontier: The Pioneers as History

Chapter 12:

 [Religion Discussed] As the congregation disperses, Oliver Edwards admits to Rev. 

Mr. Grant that he was brought up as an Episcopalian. Natty Bumppo insists on returning to his 

cabin, and expresses doubts about formal religion. John Mohegan asserts that Edwards is "The 

Young Eagle" with the blood of a Delaware. Edwards walks Louisa Grant home, and learns how 

her mother and siblings had all died in poverty. He continues to express inexplicable hostility 

towards Judge Temple. 

Chapter 13:

 [Tavern scene] The Bold Dragoon tavern described, as the townsmen gather to 

drink after the service. Squire Lippet argues that Oliver Edwards could bring a criminal case 

against Judge Temple for wounding him. Natty arrives and is welcomed. Natty muses on how 

John Mohegan has come down in the world since he was a Chief. 

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Chapter 14:

 [Tavern Scene Continued] Judge Temple and his party enter, followed by 

Mohegan, and begin to drink, as Squire Lippet quietly retires. Jotham Riddel describes his 

tangled business transactions and vague plans for the future. Judge Temple calls for game laws to 

protect deer and fish; Natty argues that no real hunter would kill them out of season anyway. 

Richard Jones sings a drinking song. The intoxicated Mohegan sings fiercely in Delaware about 

past glories; he is soothed by Natty and taken to the barn to sleep it off. Judge Temple and his 

friends leave for the Mansion House, singing and weaving their way unsteadily through the 

snow. 

Chapter 15:

 [Conversation among Servants] Back at the Mansion House, Elizabeth Temple 

retires, and the servants Remarkable Pettibone and Ben Pump speculate whether her arrival will 

end their household authority. Ben tells anecdotes of his naval service. Judge Temple and his 

party arrive, and all retire for the night. 

Chapter 16:

 [Christmas Morning] On Christmas morning Elizabeth tells Richard Jones that he 

has been appointed county Sheriff, and Jones prepares to enjoy his new-found authority. 

Walking through the grounds, they eavesdrop on Natty, Oliver Edwards, and John Mohegan, 

who want to take part in a Christmas turkey shoot, though Natty is out of money and Edwards 

has only one shilling left. Mohegan says he can no longer shoot straight because of age and the 

white man's liquor. Elizabeth presents herself and offers to pay anyone who will shoot the turkey 

for her; Natty accepts the shilling, though he recognizes that Billy Kirby may have the best 

prospects. 

Chapter 17:

 [Turkey shoot] Near the lake Abraham ("Brom") Freeborn has tied up a turkey 

behind a stump, with only its head showing, as a target to be shot at from 100 yards away, and is 

collecting entry fees. Billy Kirby, a Vermont woodcutter who clears land for a living, is 

described. Kirby shoots and misses. Oliver Edwards shoots and misses. Natty shoots, but his gun 

misses fire, and it is ruled that he has lost his turn. Kirby again misses. Natty shoots again and 

kills the turkey, which he presents to Elizabeth, who in turn gives it to Edwards. Judge Temple 

arrives and joins the sport. 

Chapter 18:

 [Edwards Joins the Family] Judge Temple invites Oliver Edwards to become his 

secretary, since Richard Jones has been named Sheriff, and to move into his house. Urged by 

Natty and John Mohegan, the reluctant Edwards finally accepts. Despite Richard Jones' 

objections, Judge Temple insists that Edwards will be considered a gentleman and treated as part 

of the family. Edwards, returning to Natty's cabin with Mohegan, expresses great distaste at 

serving Judge Temple. The Temples return to the Mansion House, and a rainstorm ensues. 

Chapter 19:

 [The End of Part One] Ben Pump insists that the night will turn frigid, and 

preparations are made. The next morning the Lake is covered with black ice, and every branch 

and twig sparkles with an icy coating. Oliver Edwards takes up residence as Judge Temple's 

secretary. There is discussion of Edwards' possible Indian blood. Three months pass.