as time will allow."

"For my part, I am glad to be rid of him," observed Gilbert; "and, aided
by our compass, we can find our way without his guidance."

Supper was over; the watch was set, the officers were seated round their
camp-fire, discussing how they should proceed on reaching Powhattan's
village on the morrow, when the sentry gave notice that an Indian was
approaching from the side of the forest.

"After all, we have wronged Pomaunkee, and he is returning," observed
Rolfe.

"Not so certain of that," remarked Vaughan, who had now begun to
entertain the same opinion of the Indian as his brother; "he may have
been absent on an errand not tending to our advantage, and it will be
well, if we do not hold him in durance, that we watch him even more
narrowly than before."

"Let us, at all events, learn what he has to say for himself," observed
Gilbert, rising, Vaughan and Fenton accompanied him. The Indian
ascended the hill, and the sentry, believing him to be their guide,
allowed him to pass without challenge. As he got within the ruddy glare
of the fire, instead of the forbidding countenance of Pomaunkee, the far
more pleasant features of the Monacan chief, Canochet, were brought into
view. Vaughan and Gilbert greeted him warmly.

"I am thankful that I have arrived in time to warn you of intended
treachery," said the chief. "He who undertook to be your guide, has
formed a plot for your destruction. I gained a knowledge of his
intentions, and instantly followed on your trail to warn you. On
passing through the forest, I found that you had come hither, and was
following you when I caught sight of the traitor. I tracked him,
unseen, till I found he had joined a large body of his tribe, who are
lying in ambush about a mile from this. On discovering them, I had no
doubt that he intended to betray you into their hands. As I thought
that even now he might hope to attack you unawares, I hastened to bring
you warning, that you might be prepared, should he attempt to surprise
you. I myself would remain, but my single arm could not avail you much,
and I should render you more aid by returning to my people, who, though
they are still at a distance, I may yet bring up in time to assist you."

Rolfe, on hearing this, thanking Canochet for the warning he had given,
begged him to hasten on his tribe, though he doubted not that he could
hold out against any number of savages Pomaunkee might collect to attack
him.