fit to produce a race of
hardy warriors."

"Hast thou visited it thyself?"

"Once, on a hunting expedition, did I wander thus far, and partake of
the hospitality of the Pequot Chief, who, in return, was prevailed
upon to visit my poor quarters."

"I wonder what induces the noble savage to linger so long about
Massachusetts Bay, after having made his visit to you, and confess to
some apprehensions on his account."

"Have no fear on that score," said the Knight, cheerfully. "Sassacus
is prudent as well as brave, and, as you saw on the night when he was
attacked by the Taranteens, has some of his men with him; besides, the
Aberginians are at peace with his tribe."

"It is only the ingenious malice of the Assistant Spikeman that I
dread."

"Be assured, also, on that head. He will not venture into Boston
during our absence, and will so carefully keep out of the way as to
allow no opportunity for violence."

How mistaken was the Knight, is already known; but the most consummate
tact and profoundest wisdom are not able to guard against every
possible emergency.

With conversations of this kind did the two companions beguile the
way, on their journey homeward, which occupied somewhat less time than
it took to reach the Indian village. It was early in the morning--that
is to say, the sun had just risen--when they stood on the edge of the
clearing within which stood the Knight's habitation. Here they were
met by an Indian, who, to Sir Christopher's inquiry if all was well,
answered, sententiously, "All well." On arriving at the house, they
found the soldier, Philip, who manifested his joy at seeing them again
in a manner contrasting somewhat with that of the phlegmatic native.

After the demonstrations of welcome, Philip said, "I know not, Sir
Christopher, whether you have not got away from one danger, only to
fall into another. According to my thinking, a man of any spirit may
better trust himself with the salvages, whom I find nice, reasonable
people enough, who will not interfere with him if he will let them
alone, than with the meddlesome, crop-eared knaves down on the Bay."

"Remember in whose presence you are speaking, Philip," said the
Knight, "and that it becomes not me to hear those whose ambassador I
am, evil spoken of."

"I crave pardon," said Philip; "but, if all tales be true, they
deserve no such forbearance. It was out of no friendship, they sent
you to be murdered by them Taranteens, nor will they