Claw, a Delaware tribesman, hates all Europeans and sparks a rebellion among the friendly Native Americans, forcing the English from their own fort. Even the efforts of Hawkeye and Chingachgook fail to bring peace between the allies.

Hawkeye is accused of treason when Taylor is shot during an almost disastrous military campaign. The evidence proved it was Hawkeye's rifle ball that shot Taylor. Hawkeye was sentenced to face a firing squad.