tortures prepared for them. So, when they found
themselves in the toils of their enemies, like a herd of buffaloes
surrounded by a band of mounted hunters, they coolly sat down to think
of the means and reckon the chances of escape.

[Footnote A: Jack-with-the-Lantern.--This is an appearance which
impresses the Indians with inconceivable terror. They generally
retreat to a place of safety, if such can be had, on its first
appearance.]

While they sat talking, suddenly there appeared under the shade of a
tree near them a man of singular shape and proportions. He was squat,
and so very fat, that he looked like a skinned pig which has been
reared in a plentiful season of nuts and mast. His face was far wider
than it was long, and the flesh and fat fell in great folds, upon his
body, legs, and arms, which were entirely naked, and of the colour of
a bright fire; his hair stood out every way, like flames kindled in a
brisk wind; and, when he opened his mouth, the breath which issued
from it was felt scorching and searing at the distance of half a
bowshot. His eyes, which were two coals of fire, emitted sparks like a
piece of birch wood which has been steeped in bitter water[A]. The
Nansemonds were stricken with great terror at the sight of this
hideous Spirit, and it was a long time before they ventured to address
him. When they had called up a sufficient stock of courage, they went
towards him, and the leader of the band spoke to him thus:

[Footnote A: Salt water.]

"Who art thou?"

"The Spirit of Fire," he answered.

"Where is thy dwelling place?"

"I have my dwelling place in many and various places--in the caverns
of the earth, and where-ever mortals dwell, there am I found."

"Why hast thou, Spirit, beguiled us into the toils of our enemies, the
Eries? Behold us entrapped, as a wolf is entrapped by a cunning
hunter."

"Then shall I taste revenge!" answered the Spirit, and broke into a
hissing laugh. "Does not the chief of the Nansemonds remember that,
when I had with my breath kindled a fire in the time of a high wind,
and was enjoying the glorious prospect of giving the dry prairie to
the devouring flame, the men of his nation assembled, and first
repelled, and finally extinguished, that flame. From that moment I
have sought revenge--I have found it--the bravest of the Nansemonds
are enclosed like a partridge in a net, soon like that partridge to be
food for the spoiler."

"Though we then sinned against t