Page:Barbour--Metipoms Hostage.djvu/305

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STRAIGHT ARROW RETURNS
287

fully of the future and predicted the ultimate confusion of King Philip.

“He secures victories only where the English live apart from each other,” said the Pegan. “To any bold front he turns tail like a fox. I fear much trouble in the west ere he finally skulks to cover, but if the Colonies will join forces and send fighting men upon him in numbers, he will flee and no more lives will be taken. He fears the winter that will soon come, for he has many mouths to feed, and when the Indian makes war he gathers no corn. Neither, when the leaves are off the trees, can he so well give battle, Master Lindall, and he has no stomach for winter trails.”

“And what of the Narragansetts, Pikot? Think you they will fully agree with Philip and follow him?”

“Aye, master, if the English do not persuade them otherwise. Bad portents come from that country and I would that the Governors gave heed to such.”

They were still in discussion when Master William Vernham and one of his servants arrived on horseback, and their neighbor, dismounting, clasped David in his great arms and boisterously gave him welcome home.