Page:Barbour--Metipoms Hostage.djvu/176

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
162
METIPOM’S HOSTAGE

teacher, and it was not long ere his pupil began to comport himself creditably and to earn praise from even his tutor.

Meanwhile David had not ceased wondering what had taken place during his absence from the village, and one day, when he had shot better than ever, he took courage in hand and put the question to Sequanawah. Being a counselor, the Indian might well resent being questioned, as David knew, and it was not without misgiving that the boy asked.

Sequanawah was silent a moment, and David feared that he was offended. But presently he answered:

“One time come English, make talk with Great Sachem, have food, have sleep, go away in morning.”

“Saw you them, Sequanawah?”

“Aye, me see um.”

“Was one a tall man, wide of shoulder, with a long beard? ”

“Maybe so. One was Indian.”

“A Pegan?” asked the boy, thinking of Monapikot. “A young Indian?”

Sequanawah shook his head. “Old man, him. Maybe Pegan, maybe Nipmuck.”

“And how many were there who came?”