David left the marsh island. Gradually the use of his limbs returned to him, although each nerve and muscle ached intolerably and movement sent his head to spinning. But presently they were on dry ground in a forest of great trees widely spaced, and there they halted.
Monapikot spoke. “The garrison is in sore danger, my brothers, and aid must come soon. These plans had I made. Westward, at Hadley, are two English captains with many men. I meant to go thither and summon them. To the north and east is Major Willard, if report be true, by a place called Lancaster. To him would I have sent you, Memecho. But now I know not, for with your wound you are not fit to go.”
“I will try, Monapikot,” answered Memecho sturdily, but with a voice that told of suffering.
“Nay,” broke in David eagerly, “give me directions for the journey, Pikot! ’Tis but thirty miles and surely I can win there by dawn! My strength is already returned, Pikot. Memecho is not fit for the task. Say I may go! ”
“Aye, my brother, for I but waited for your word. Go, then, and when you have
