them to kill him, they apologize, and beg him not to be angry. The
rattlesnake again is an object of great respect. Supplied with a
deadly venom that makes him the most formidable of enemies, he never
attacks unless first injured, and then, if he can reach his foe, his
vengeance is sure. On his trail he disdains concealment, but with the
rattles nature has provided to announce his approach, apprises all,
that they may remove themselves out of his way. Indeed, he comprehends
within himself those qualities most valued by the Indians, and is the
type of a brave warrior. When, therefore, at such an hour and such a
place, the reptile made its appearance, and first darting its fiery
glances at the Pequot, quietly and, as if scorning and defying the
danger, laid itself caressingly on the limbs of Holden, it seemed to
the astonished Indian that the snake knew his purpose, and angrily
ordered him to desist. Vain, he thought, would it be to assail one so
protected, nor was he willing to incur the mysterious enmity of the
snake. How its power might be displayed, whether in striking him
dead on the spot, or in laming his limbs, or defeating his success
in hunting, or what other dreadful manner, he knew not, but he was
convinced that some awful punishment would follow disobedience. He
thought it, therefore, more prudent to yield for the present, and wait
till he had propitiated the snake, or it had withdrawn its protection.
As long as that lasted Onontio was beyond his power. Not that
vengeance was forborne; it was only postponed.

Of such a character were the thoughts that darted through the mind of
the Pequot when frightened from his purpose, and in less time than it
has taken to record them, as with drooping head he pursued his lonely
way. Even what he considered the interposition of a supernatural
power, had not shaken the determination of his spirit. The desire
for revenge had been too long cherished to be given up at a single
warning, however awful, or however strongly appealing to the deepest
implanted superstitions.

CHAPTER VII.

"Arma, virumque cano qui Primus."
VIRGIL

The season had now advanced to within a few days of that joyous period
of the year, when the Governors of the several New England States are
wont to call the people to a public acknowledgment of the favors of
Divine Providence. At the time of which we write, their Excellencies
required the citizens to be thankful "a