, and the intruders to occupy our
hunting grounds."

"He says," said Samoset, interpreting to suit the chief, "that the
Indians were to drive the strangers, as the wind whirls the leaves
into little heaps."

"There will be two words to that bargain," said Dudley. "I trow it
will take more than one Powah to make me believe such a story."

"It is the inspiration of the devil, who is ever the father of lies,"
observed Endicott. "Go to, with nonsense like this, but I do admire
the brave bearing of the savage."

"Yet is it an unfortunate belief to prevail among the natives," said
Master Bradstreet. "If extensively entertained, it may be fraught with
great peril."

"A cunning invention of the Powahs, no doubt, to sustain the fainting
courage of their deluded followers," said Sir Richard.

"Give me three hundred stout and well-armed fellows, trusting in the
Lord, and careful to keep their powder dry and bullets ready, and I
will so take the conceit out of their red-skins, from the Kennebec to
the mouth of the Connecticut, that they will never tell this story
again," said Endicott.

"Ask him," proceeded Winthrop, "if this Sir Christopher Gardiner is
his friend."

"Soog-u-gest is my brother," answered the Sagamore.

"Does he know the occasions of Soog-u-gest's frequent absences from
home?"

"He hunted sometimes with Sassacus," was the answer.

"And what knows he of the woman?"

"She is the sister of Soog-u-gest."

"Is she not his wife?" demanded Dudley.

But Sassacus, merely shaking his head, made no reply.

"The proud savage disdains to answer your question, Master Dudley,"
observed Endicott, with a smile.

"Nay," answered Dudley. "It is because he cannot deny it."

"We will see," said Winthrop; and he put the question.

It was as Endicott (better acquainted from his longer residence in the
country than the others with the feelings of the natives) had
suggested, for now Sassacus spoke without hesitation.

"Soog-u-gest is the woman's brother. His wigwam is large. The woman
and Neebin, the little sister of Sassacus, live in one part, and
Soog-u-gest and his men in the other."

An expression of great astonishment was visible in the faces of the
members of the Council, as Sassacus avowed his relationship to the
little girl, but nothing was said. The thoughtful countenance of
Winthrop became still more grave, and a moment or two passed before he
asked the next question.

"Why did Sassacus give away his o