such as that intimated by his companion. It was evident,
however, that Sassacus expected an attack during the night, and that
so far from shunning the danger, he rather courted it; for it was
easily to be avoided, by leaving the wigwam to its fate. There would
not be much loss in that, the cabin being rudely built of bark: and
the few articles of value which it contained might, in a short time,
be removed to a place of safety. Arundel could scarcely be expected to
participate in the feelings of the wild warrior in the contemplation
of a fight with savages in the dark. Besides, he knew not by how many
they might be attacked; and the prospect of a contest betwixt himself
and Sassacus, on the one side, and half-a-dozen or more Taranteens, on
the other, may well be conceived to have had in it nothing alluring.
He would not, however, desert his friend; and, despairing of changing
the chief's resolution, he walked in silence after him, turning over
in his mind the possibilities of a night skirmish. Sassacus had,
probably, an idea of his thoughts, for presently he resumed his
attempt to dissuade Arundel from accompanying him.

"My brother," he said, "has no quarrel with the Taranteens. They have
come to smoke the calumet with his people, and not to plunder his
villages and burn his corn fields. Why should my brother expose his
life?"

It was partly to try the courage of the young man, perhaps, and partly
to ascertain how far he might be depended on, if there should be a
fight, that the Indian asked the question. At any rate, a suspicion of
the kind passed through Arundel's mind, and he answered:

"My life belongs to Sassacus. It is no longer mine."

"Sassacus gives his brother back his life. Will he not now return to
his big lodge, where he will hear no war-whoop, but only the pleasant
song of the gues-ques-kes in the morning?"

"Cease," said Arundel. "Not if there were as many Taranteens in the
woods as there are leaves on the trees will I desert thee."

"It is well; and my brother shall see the difference between a Pequot
and a wretched Taranteen."

All this time they had been walking without haste in a straight line,
the Indian leading the way, and seeming to follow a particular course
by instinct; for he looked not at the stars nor at any signs, so far
as his companion could judge, to direct his steps. In this manner,
they continued to advance, not much conversation passing until they
reached the hut of Sassacus. T