Assistant, of Dudley.

"I surmise our Governor desires something further to quiet his
ever-anxious and doubting mind," answered Dudley.

"I lack no light to form a judgment," said Endicott, "and a further
inquiry is supererogatory."

"Nevertheless," said Master Bradstreet, "there be some of us on whom a
clear light hath not yet shined. My charity strongly inclines me to
view this poor woman in a less unfavorable light since she hath avowed
herself not to be an idolater of Rome."

"Well saith the Scripture," exclaimed Dudley, "that charity doth cover
a multitude of sins. The rule is good in the exercise of judgment in
things pertaining to private concerns, but in public business it is
naught. But your scruples, and those of Master Winthrop, are likely
soon to be satisfied, for here comes the little Canaanite."

And as he spoke the door was opened, and the servitor appeared,
bringing in the child.

"Where is the other Indian?" inquired Endicott.

"He will be here incontinently, your worship," replied the man. "As
there was some delay in the needful preparation, I did think it
expedient not to keep your worships waiting, more especially as it
would not be becoming that ye should be put to inconvenience for a
heathen red skin."

"Reasoned like Aristoteles," said Dudley, laughing. "Give me a man of
thy humor, Hezekiah Negus, who rightly apprehends the value of time,
and the danger of keeping his superiors dependent on his laziness."

"Bring hither the child," said Winthrop.

The servitor, in obedience to the order, led the girl to the
Governor's seat, and placed her standing by his side.

"What is thy name, little one?" asked Winthrop, putting his hand upon
her head.

"Neebin," answered the girl, whose eyes, from the moment of her
entrance, had been scanning the company and the room in that quiet,
covert way, in which the Indian is wont to gratify his curiosity while
endeavoring to conceal it. At the same time, if she felt fear, neither
her voice nor manner betrayed it.

"Neebin!" repeated Winthrop. "A very pretty name, and hath a pretty
meaning in English, I doubt not."

The child, encouraged by the gentleness of his voice and looks, and
perhaps proud of showing her knowledge of the language of the whites,
answered:

"Neebin is summer."

"Darling Neebin," said Winthrop, whose countenance really expressed an
interest in the little Indian, "hast ever been taught thy prayers?"

"Neebin knows two prayers