er of the red warriors
to the ground, and chased away those who sought to secure their wounded
comrade. The Indians saw that they were overmatched, and that nothing
but flight could save the remainder of their party; they therefore
uttered their wild war-cry once more, and commenced a rapid retreat
down the hill, pausing several times to send back a volley of arrows on
their victorious foes; which, however, fell harmless to the earth,
though more than one was aimed at Rodolph, by the strong and skilful
hand of Coubitant.

But rest was not to be afforded to the little conquering band. While
they were securing the wounded Indian, and binding up their own wounds,
they discovered a movement in the body of savages on the other side of
the plain, and truly surmised that they were preparing to attack them
in greater numbers. Standish instantly gave orders that the Indian whom
Rodolph had brought to the ground should be hung to a neighboring tree,
which was as instantly executed; and he re-entered the tent, to make
sure that no life remained in those three who lay on its bloody floor.
All were dead: and Standish, approaching the body of the Chieftain
Wattawamat, raised his good broad sword, and at one blow severed the
head from the trunk. Then seizing the gory head by the long scalp-lock,
he carried it forth as a trophy, and desired one of his men to secure
it, and carry it back to New Plymouth.

No time remained for further parley. A band of Indians were approaching
across the plain; and Standish disdained to fly, even before such
superior numbers. Every musket and pistol was hastily loaded, and the
undaunted party marched down the hill to meet the coming foe. They met:
and in spite of the furious onset of the savages, they were again made
to feel that their undisciplined hordes were no match for the well-
aimed fire-arms of the white men, and had no power to break the order
of their steady ranks. Once more they fled, leaving another of their
number dead on the field, and they returned no more to the charge.
During all this affair, Hobomak had remained a quiet spectator of the
combat, and of the defeat of his countrymen; and now he approached the
English captain, and complacently praised his bravery and military
prowess; and he remained as devoted as ever to his Christian friends.

The triumphant soldiers returned to New Plymouth, and were received
with joyful exultation by the Governor and the inhabitants, who felt
deeply