approach nigh to it again.

On the evening of the seventh day after their departure, they
approached the village of the Taranteens. The whole company halted at
a little distance from it, and the returning Indians shouted a
peculiar cry, after which they proceeded more leisurely on their way.
The yell had been heard and understood, for soon were seen advancing,
groups of men, women, and children. These, upon joining their friends,
manifested none of that stolid indifference, which it has been the
pleasure of certain writers to ascribe to the natives, forgetting that
by nature the same feelings animate the hearts of all men, whatever
may be the degree of their civilization, or the color of their skin.
On the contrary, there were smiling faces and tones of welcome, and
other demonstrations, that proved the existence of affection. The
squaws and children looked askance at the strangers, but their glances
were rather timid than obtrusive, and augured no unfavorable
prepossessions. Accompanied by a constantly increasing number, our
friends were conducted to a lodge in the centre of the village, which
they were told they would occupy during their stay. It was carefully
covered with bark, and, as usual, skins were hanging on the sides, and
lying on the ground for couches, and there were some cooking utensils,
made of clay, on one side. Such were all the articles constituting the
simple _menage_ of the child of nature, and completed his idea of
necessary furniture. Here the strangers were left by their guides,
though several of the tribe remained lingering around the wigwam.

"Thus far," said the Knight, stretching himself out on a skin, for in
whatever circumstances he might be placed, he was always at his ease,
"hath heaven breathed favoring airs into our sails. We will accept the
omen and be hopeful for the future."

"No more skilful ambassador, it seems to me," said Arundel, "ever
mediated betwixt mighty governments than thyself, Sir Christopher.
Why, Ephraim Pike was right, and I did injustice to his hang-dog look
when I distrusted him."

"What said he?" inquired the Knight.

"That our journey would be a mere pleasure flight, unattended with
danger."

"He would have found it different had he undertaken it," muttered Sir
Christopher. "And was it Ephraim who advised thee to associate thyself
with me?"

"He did not presume to advise. I scarcely know how it happened, but as
I accidentally met the man, the conversation