ress of this narrative.

But we have reason to believe that a great part of the colonists
contributed nothing to the success of the scheme, and did much to render
it fruitless. The natives, who had received the first adventurers with
unsuspecting hospitality, were now estranged by the certain prospect of
seeing their provisions taken away and their homes wrested from them by
civilized pretenders. Wingina, the King of the country, had never been
cordial, and he now became their implacable foe. Nothing but a
superstitious reverence of the Bible, the fire-arms, and the medicinal
remedies of the colonists restrained his earthly enmity; but at length,
upon the death of his father, Ensenore, who had been the steady friend
of the whites, he prepared for vengeance. In accordance with a custom
common among the Indians, he had changed his name to Pemissapan, and now
drew around him followers to aid in his scheme of death. Twenty or more
were to surround the hut of Lane, drive him forth with fire, and slay
him while thus defenceless. The leader destroyed, the rest of the
colonists were to be gradually exhausted by starving, until they should
fall an easy prey to the savages. But this well-concerted plan was
betrayed to the English--a _rencontre_ occurred, and several Indians
were slain. The settlers considered themselves justifiable in meeting
the treachery of the foe by a stratagem, which drew Pemissapan and eight
of his principal men within their reach, and they were all shot down in
the skirmish (1586).

But this success did not assuage the hunger of the famished colonists.
They were reduced to extremity, when a seasonable relief appeared on
their coasts (June 8th). While despair was taking possession of their
bosoms, the white sails of a distant fleet were seen, and Sir Francis
Drake, with twenty-three ships, was soon in their waters. He had been
cruising in search of the Spaniards in the West Indies and had been
directed by the Queen to visit the Virginia colony. His quick perception
instantly discerned the wants of the settlers, and he provided for them
a ship well stored with provisions and furnished with boats to serve in
emergency. But a violent storm drove his fleet to sea and reduced to
wreck the vessel intended to sustain the settlers. Their resolution gave
way; it seemed as though divine and human power were united against
them, and, in utter despondency, they entreated Drake to receive them in
his fleet and carry th