tribes now maintain a friendly intercourse with you.'

They do so; and, particularly, the powerful Sachem Massasoit, and his subjects, who inhabit the northern shore of the Narraganset Bay, about forty miles distant from us. A few months after our arrival, the Sachem sent us a present of furs, with a message announcing his intention of visiting us; and, shortly after, he appeared on this very hill, with a train of sixty attendants, all decorated with the skins of wild beasts, and frightfully disfigured by paint. The chief signified his pleasure, that one of us should come to him, and being requested by the Governor, I went alone, and carrying a present; though, I assure you, Major Atherton, I could hardly approach such wild looking beings without trembling. I remained with them, as an hostage, while Massasoit, with twenty of his men, unarmed, descended to the brook yonder, where they were received by Captain Standish, and six of our people, who conducted the Indians to a house. They were seated on cushions, placed on the floor, and feasted, after the English fashion. Governor Carver presently entered, followed by a few musketeers, with a drum and trumpet, which caused them great astonishment and delight. We then entered into a treaty of peace and friendship with them, which has ever since been faithfully preserved, on both sides.'

'How could you understand their barbarous dialect; enquired Atherton; or did you converse only by signs?'

"We found an interpreter,' said Mr. Winslow, in an Indian sagamore, who early adventured amongst us, and had learned something of our language, from the English traders and fishermen, who used to frequent the coast. There was also another savage, called Squanto, who attached himself to us, and, on many occasions, did us good service, though he eventually proved treacherous. Several years before, he, with twenty others, were decoyed on board a vessel, by one master Hunt, (who came hither, under pretence of trading with the natives,) and carried to Malaga, where they were sold for slaves. Squanto was afterwards sent to England, and is the only one who has ever returned here. This perfidious act of our countryman, justly incensed the savages against all white people, and it is not strange, that they should wish to exclude such dangerous neighbours. But I must leave you, Major Atherton: we lead a pastoral life, here, you see, and the labour of our fields, and welfare of our flocks must be attended to.'

6

I am glad my father has done his speech,' exclaimed Peregrine White, springing from the ground, the moment he had left them. But who comes here? Hobamock, as I live, with Alexander and the mastiffs.'

And, in truth, the Indian, who had heard their arrangements on the preceding evening, and loved every wild adventure, now came running swiftly towards them, followed by Alexander Standish, who was tugging up the hill, almost out of breath;

and pettishly accusing his more nimble footed companion for leaving him in the rear.

Why wont you stop for me Hobamock? I can't keep up with you,' they could hear him say.

"Your legs be younger than mine, and I do carry your gun,' returned the Indian, who was, in fact, loaded with two pieces.

"And what have you come here for Hobamock?' asked Peregrine, as soon as he was within hearing. 'I come for shoot you, master Peregrine.'

Shoot me, you copper-coloured rascal, do you

mean so?"

Shoot for you the birds, master Peregrine, I mean, and then make a fire for eat them, in the woods.'

"Oh, you come to eat, did you? well, let's on then. But stop, what ails you, Alexander?”

Nothing;' said the boy, and snatching his fowling piece from the hand of Hobamock, he followed them a few moments in silence. But his cheerfulness soon returned; for he was naturally gay and good-tempered, though rather self-willed, which might be attributed to the want of early discipline, having lost his mother in infancy, and his father's public duties calling him frequently from home, had left him much at his own disposal.

The little party proceeded gaily on their way, and soon struck into the mazes of a deep forest, where Peregrine White augured they should find plenty of game. They followed a winding path along the margin of a clear stream, that floated on

here; there seems little but dried leaves stirring to-day!'

Not much else, in the bottom of that muddy pool where you have been looking this half hour,' said Peregrine; but see there!' and he aimed steadily at a bird which was perched at some distance. But the keen eye of Hobamock had already marked it, and his unerring aim brought it in an instant fluttering to the ground. Peregrine White's third attempt, however, proved more fortunate, and abundantly recompensed him for his past mortification; and each having been more or less successful, they began to feel strong appetites produced by their exercise, and commissioned Hobamock to kindle a fire under the trees, and cook their game. The Indian obeyed with alacrity; and stripping the birds of the beautiful plumage, which they had lately sported with such innocent joy in their native bowers, he was preparing to lay them on the coals, when the distant echo of fire-arms announced that other sportsmen were amusing themselves in the forest.

6

We will see who is here,' said Peregrine, springing forward, and crushing the brushwood under his feet; and do you run on, Hobamock; and if it is any of your sooty brethren, warn them to be civil to us.'

'I will stay and take care of the dinner,' said Alexander, only don't be gone long if you want me to save any for you.'

"You must have a lion's appetite to eat all those