Metipom’s son went scatheless, I should have returned with an armed force and brought things to a head. But, as circumstances stood, for the Council at Boston would not countenance aught likely to interrupt the existing friendship between the Wachoosett tribe and the English, it seemed better to wait. I will not say, lad, that I was not troubled for you, and when Monapikot brought word that he had seen and talked with you and that you were well I was greatly relieved.”
“He gave you my message, father?”
“Aye, lad, but two days later.”
“I could not understand Pikot’s presence there with those others, father, nor do I yet. ’Twas hard to believe him not a traitor, since they fetched with them the dried heads of two of our people and sought to embroil Metipom in Philip’s quarrel.”
“He did not tell you, then?”
“He said only that I must trust him, which I did, though not without misgiving.”
“He keeps a secret well, but now that you have so well proved yourself, David, I see no reason why you should not know the truth about the Pegan. You may remove all suspicion of him from your mind, my son, for
