CHAPTER IX
THE VILLAGE OF THE WACHOOSETTS
It was clear to him that, so long as the sachem’s son was neither harmed nor deported into slavery, his own safety was assured, but if the court in Boston presently put Nausauwah to trial and ordered him executed, which was not beyond the possibilities, or sent to the Indies, his life would not be worth a grain of corn. Therefore, thought the boy, it behooved him somehow to manage an escape before Nausauwah’s fate was decided. Fortunately, he believed, the troubles with King Philip might well delay the sitting of the court beyond its usual time.
Woosonametipom had made him hostage to ensure the safety of his son, but, lest he bring the English about his ears, was prepared to deny the fact: for which purpose he had invented the story that David had wandered to the Indian village and asked for food and shelter. Should David’s friends come there seeking him, which they would do of a surety, Metipom would either hide him and deny all knowledge of him or turn
