ch the white
men did not half understand, they unlashed the body from the boughs,
and taking it into the boat, pulled for the land, closely followed by
the swimmers. As they approached the vessel, they were ordered by
Dudley to take it to the wharf, and he and the Knight, followed by the
natives, descended the side, and advanced to the spot where the boat
was to land. Here, when they arrived, a considerable group of persons
had collected, and were examining the corpse.

So short a time had passed since the breath left the body, that it
still looked fresh and life-like. There, extended on the sand, lay the
strong, bold man, who but a day before had boasted of his prowess, and
of the terror of his name; now a dog might insult him with impunity. A
deep wound gaped upon his breast, and the water had not washed all the
clotted blood from his head. His countenance wore a look of deadly
ferocity, and it was evident that he had died as a brave man should,
with his face to the foe.

The Taranteens, after the first burst of feeling, looked on in gloomy
silence, and began to cast glances of distrust and apprehension
around. The scalp-lock of Pieskaret was untouched. He had fallen then
in no conflict with Indians. His companions had escaped with the body,
and launched it on the water in order to apprise them of what had
happened, and of their own danger. In low tones they addressed each
other, and drew aside for consultation.

Meanwhile a thousand comments were made by the bystanders. A cloud
rested on the weather-beaten face of Dudley, and over the whole group,
except the Knight, whose equanimity no circumstance seemed able to
disturb.

"I suspected mischief," said Dudley to the Knight, "when this morning,
only half the number of the savages presented themselves; and now doth
it pass my understanding how this miserable wretch lost his life."

"It is seldom that a brawl disturbs our peaceful settlement," said Sir
Christopher, "and I have heard of none during the night. Has your
worship obtained knowledge of any such?"

"Of none. And now will great scandal, and even infamy rest on us, by
reason of this most untoward event, I fear me that our position with
reference to these Taranteens will be worse than it was before, and
that now they will be converted from indifferent neighbors into
relentless enemies, unless we discover and deliver up to them the
murderer, and even that will hardly restore confidence."

"Nor can we say t