n board the shallop, and
instead of being destroyed as they expected, had been kindly treated,
and brought in safety to Boston, where they were presented to
Winthrop. The Governor, politic as well as humane, seized the
favorable opportunity to cultivate a better understanding than had
hitherto existed between his own people and the eastern tribes. He was
completely successful in making the impression he desired upon the
rescued Taranteens; and when they took their departure, loaded with
presents, it was with a lively regret that they had not sooner become
acquainted with a people so hospitable and generous. Among their
number was an inferior chief, endowed with the gift of eloquence,
which often exists in a high degree among the red men. His eulogies of
the colonists on his return were so glowing, and his representations
were so well confirmed by his companions, that the exertions of the
Frenchmen were no longer able to stifle their curiosity to know more
of their neighbors, especially as the report of their returned
tribes-men effectually contradicted the monstrous fictions which had
been invented to deter them. Such was the origin of an embassy which
was a source of fear to the French, and of hope to the English.

It is not surprising that Winthrop, thinking highly of the importance
of the occasion, should avail himself of all the means at hand to
produce a striking and imposing spectacle, and that he should be
seconded, to the best of their ability, by the colonists. As Arundel
walked along he could observe indications of the approaching
ceremonies. The roll of a drum, mingled with the shriek of a fife, and
the blast of a trumpet was heard; an occasional passenger either on
foot or horseback, with a musket on his shoulder, and whose face was
not to be seen daily in the streets of the town, loitered on his way;
the guard at the door of the Governor's house was doubled, more for
show than for any other purpose, and a greater number of the
assistants than usual was to be seen. Several of these gentlemen lived
in the town, but some resided on their plantations in the
neighborhood, and came to Boston only for purposes of business, or
diversion, or pleasure. Several men were also engaged in drawing a
couple of culverins to the place of audience, which was to be in the
open air. Waqua, as he walked demurely after Arundel, doubtless
noticed all that was passing, but he made no remark, nor through his
appearance of indiffere