o be
heard, save that of the rushing flames and falling timbers. No one was
present, except the three--the natives who lived near having retired
deeper into the wood on the first alarm. Leaning on his gun, the
Knight gazed sadly on the burning ruin, reflecting on what had
probably become of its former occupants. If he had any doubts, they
were soon dissipated by Sassacus, whose attention, with that of the
other Indian, had been attracted by marks upon the ground which had
escaped the notice of Sir Christopher. These plainly revealed to them
by the light of the fire, the two, like well-bred hounds, had been
examining in every direction, until, gathering together the various
tracks into one trail, they had followed it into the wood. Returning
to the Knight, and pointing out the traces, the chief said:

"Many Owanux have been here, and all are gone to Shawmut."

"I surmised as much," said Sir Christopher, partly to himself. "We
will follow, Sagamore, and assure ourselves with our own eyes."

No time was lost in lamentation but the three instantly started after
the band.

Sir Christopher could see the trail until it reached the wood; but
here, notwithstanding his experience in woodcraft, he frequently lost
all trace of it, though to the Indians it seemed as plain as a beaten
highway. Never hesitating, even in the obscurest recesses of the
forest where penetrated no ray of a star, with rapid steps they
pursued their way.

Meanwhile, the party of soldiers, conscious of their strength, and
encumbered with their prisoners, though pushing on at first at a good
pace, had of late been proceeding more leisurely. Even Lieutenant
Venn, satisfied that they would be able without haste to reach their
destination before daylight, ceased to hurry. As they approached
nearer the village, their vigilance diminished--the men talked loud
and jested with one another, and it was obvious that no apprehensions
of danger were entertained.

This state of things had not been unnoticed by Philip, who had been
meditating over the question, whether it were not better to make an
attempt to escape. "There is no great hazard in it," he said to
himself; "but were I to get away I should be about as badly off as
now, unless I could meet Sir Christopher or the Sagamore; and perhaps
they have been captured by some other party, for our folk do not
things by halves. They have taken away my snap-chance, too, and I
cannot shoot with arrows like a savage, so