ed to a glittering chain, presented it to the
Indian,

"Take it," he said, "and wear it in testimony that the white chief
knows how to estimate thy service, and desires to cultivate thy
friendship."

But the Indian held not out his hand to receive the proffered medal.

"Why dost hesitate?" inquired Winthrop, in some amazement, (for never
had he known before an ornament, of which the savages are usually so
fond, refused.) "Is there aught else that would pleasure thee more?
Speak freely thy thoughts."

"Waqua thanks the white chief," replied the savage, softly, "but he
wears only one totem, and that is one which cannot be taken from his
neck. See!"

So saying, he threw open the folds of the robe of skins that covered
his chest, and disclosed upon his naked bosom the picture of a turtle.
It was painted upon or pricked into the skin in divers colors, so as
to be indelible, and though rudely done, was sufficiently well
executed to convey an idea which could not be mistaken of what was
intended to be represented.

"Waqua," he continued, "will have but one totem, and it is that of his
ancestors; but if the white chief desires to please Waqua, let him
recollect and teach his people that the same Great Spirit made red men
and white men, and wishes them to be brothers."

The sagacity of Winthrop penetrated the motive of the savage, and
wonder at the refusal to accept the token was lost in admiration of
the other's jealousy of whatever might imply a want of exclusive
devotion to his tribe, or a placing of himself in a position
inconsistent with perfect independence. He scrutinized the Indian with
much more attention than he had at first bestowed upon him, and
fancied that in his daring face he read an air of nobleness and
command which at first he had not remarked.

"It troubles me, Waqua," he said, "to have thee refuse this badge of
my friendship, and which would be a declaration to the world that thou
wert my friend, and the friend of the white man, but sith it may not
be, receive my promise that I will inculcate the maxim on my people,
that we are all descended from the same heavenly father, and bound to
love and to practice actions of mutual kindness. I were less, indeed,
than Christian man were I to do otherwise."

"And now I have a petition to proffer to your excellency, and which
lies very near to my heart, and without the granting whereof the life
saved by Waqua will be of little value to me," said Arundel.