Waqua, stepping into a bush, returning with the
carcass on his shoulder, and throwing it upon the ground.

"Is my brother's lodge distant?"

"It would not tire a new born fawn to run the distance. My white
brother shall see the wigwam of Waqua, and rest his limbs, and then
Waqua will go with him to the lodges of the white men at Shawmut."

It was yet early in the day. There was no need of hurry, and the wish
of the Indian of itself was enough. It would have been indeed
ungracious to deny acquiescence to one who had just saved his life,
and Arundel therefore at once signified his assent. But before they
started, the Indian with the knife which he took from his neck,
despoiled the panther of its skin. Throwing it then across his
shoulders on top of the deer's carcass, he led the way out of the path
in a direction different from that in which Arundel had been
travelling.

It was truly as Waqua had said, and a few moments sufficed to reach
his habitation. It stood by itself, near the margin of the Charles
river, which empties into Massachusetts Bay, and was merely a rough
hunting lodge, made of bark, yet so constructed as effectually to
answer the purpose for which it was designed during the milder months.
Doubtless in winter it was deserted for the more comfortable wigwam in
the village.

Arrived at his dwelling, Waqua took down some skins suspended on one
side, and spreading them upon the ground, courteously invited his
companion to a seat. Arundel was glad to rest after his late violent
conflict, and availed himself of the opportunity to brush off the
dirt, and re-arrange his torn and disordered dress. Meanwhile, Waqua
kindled a fire, and cutting off some bear steaks, threw them on the
glowing coals. The exercise and danger of Arundel had given him an
appetite, and with no little interest he watched the process. The meal
was soon ready, and justice done to it by both; and upon its
conclusion, it became apparent that it was not on its account only
that Waqua had desired to return to his wigwam. It was also to make
some alteration in his toilette, therein betraying that fondness for
ornament which is equally active in the savage and in the civilized
exquisite. For the garments he had worn, others were substituted of
finer quality, and more showy appearance. Over his shoulders was
thrown a robe of beaver skins; in his hair were stuck some red
feathers, and from his ears hung pendants carved out of bone, into a
rude