The Knight of the Golden Melice eBook

with the English, and been made the subject of his taunts in their presence.  Might they not justly consider this a strange way of courting an alliance?  True, the English knew not that Waqua was Sassacus, but would the Indians believe it?  Nor had they known, until the interpreter explained, and until it was too late to seize the offender, what he had uttered; but would the Taranteens, amid the excitement of feeling mourning over the loss of friends, much regard that?


  There is a pleasure in the pathless woods.


When Arundel awoke after that fierce night, Sassacus had already left his couch and was preparing their breakfast.  The young man stepped to the door-way of the lodge, and looked out upon the sylvan scene.

Nothing to remind of what had occurred was visible.  A shower had fallen at daylight, and obliterated all traces of violence.  The rays of the early sun were shining in the rain drops glistening on the leaves or falling in showers to the ground, as the branches were agitated by the breeze, or shaken by a bird flying from one perch to another.  No sounds other than those made by the feathered musicians, or the rattling drops, disturbed the tranquillity of the forest.  After gazing round a few moments, while the contrast betwixt the serenity of Nature and the passions of man forced itself on his mind, he threw himself down by his red friend, and together they shared the morning repast.  The curiosity of Arundel induced him to inquire, what had become of the Indians, who had rendered so timely a service the night before.

“The breath of Sassacus,” replied the chief, “called them out of the ground, and his breath bade them depart.  My brother will forget what he saw in the dark.  It will be to him like a dream.”

Arundel understood by this, that he was desired to be silent respecting what had happened, and indeed no caution was necessary.  He, therefore, said, in answer: 

“None shall know the exploits of Sassacus till he tells them himself.”

“If Soog-u-gest asks, my brother may tell.  He and Sassacus lie under one skin.”

Thus betrayed itself the simple vanity of the savage, who, with all his caution, was unwilling that his prowess should remain concealed; yet preferred its announcement from some tongue other than his own.  It was the first intimation to Arundel that the Knight and chief were acquainted, though Sassacus had once before spoken of Sir Christopher.  But the words of the Pequot implied more, viz:  that an intimacy existed between them, and this stimulated his curiosity.  The anxiety of Sir Christopher that the Indian should be warned of the danger which threatened him, was now explained.  They were friends, but why should the Knight conceal the fact?

“Has my brother been long acquainted with Soog-u-gest,” inquired Arundel.

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