the three children
remained in the wilderness alone, amply supplied with provisions and
articles of trade.

For their traffic Mr. Bradley had purchased a fine, strong boat, in
which they could easily reach Hartford whenever they cared to go there.
In the barn which was built to the house, stood three horses, accustomed
to traveling in the woods, and altogether faithful and reliable.

Fred, who till the arrival of John Rawlins was in charge of everything,
at once made preparations to become acquainted with the Indians and to
gain their friendship, for on them he depended for furs.

He secured a Pequot Indian boy, from whom he could learn the native
language, and he won his confidence and good will by little gifts which
he gave him.

The task of learning the language of the Indians was the most important
one, and each morning several hours were set aside for that purpose.
The work proved itself a very delightful one, for the method was simple.

Each of the three white children had a little notebook into which they
would write the words which the Indian boy mentioned to them, and
although many mistakes occurred at first which caused a good deal of
laughter, they progressed very fast so that in a short time they knew
the Indian words for the most important articles.

But also on their expeditions the Indian boy had to serve as teacher,
and so he was troubled with perpetual questions which his inquisitive
friends asked him. As the Pequot Indians had long associated with the
Dutch, not a few Dutch words were added to their vocabulary, though
strangely changed by the lips of the Indians.

The visits to the Indians, whether made by boat or on horseback, also
proved themselves a source of pleasure. It is true, they did not find
them in the same friendly mood as the Mohicans, but since open
hostilities had not been declared, there was still a chance to win them
over.

And how could the Indians resist the three children, who came to them so
boldly, and yet so innocently and kindly! Not a village they left
without having enriched it with treasures which the Indians prized very
much. Wherever they went, they spread the spirit of peace and good will.

Agnes was of great help to the two boys, for by her fine singing and her
alluring playing on her faithful lute, she endeared herself to the
Indian women, who gave to her the name "little bird of the woods."

When the Indians came to the trading post, they were received ki