s a sign of attention, or of approval, or the
contrary, but it was difficult to the English to determine in any case
which. In fact, like skilful diplomatists, the ambassadors preserved
their dignity, and concealed their feelings.

When the Governor had resumed his seat, one of the oldest Indians,
after a considerable pause, rose, and stepping forward a few feet, so
as to separate himself from all around, turned his face to Winthrop,
and began a speech in return. It was pronounced with great
deliberation, and rendered into English by the interpreter, as the
orator proceeded.

"The Taranteens," he said, "are a great nation, who having heard that
a people of the same color, but speaking a different language from
their friends the French, had taken possession of the country of the
Aberginians, had sent him and his companions, that with their own eyes
they might see, and with their own ears might hear, if what had been
told them was the truth. Besides, they desired to return thanks for
the kindness shown to their countrymen, which they would not forget.
Let this belt," said the orator, taking a piece of wampompeag from
the hands of one of his companions, and laying it on the ground,
"preserve my words. It is very pleasant," he continued, "to plant the
tree of peace. May the sapling which we shall plant to-day become a
bigger tree than the great elm under which we are assembled, and may
we, for many seasons, dance together in its shade. The Taranteens are
a great people; they have many warriors, and big canoes, and are so
strong, that when they talk of peace, it is not so much for themselves
as for the sake of others; and as my white brother hath said, hath not
the Great Spirit made all men, and doth he not love to see them
playing like children in the grass?

"Now let my white brothers open wide their ears, for I am going to say
a thing which much concerns them and us. We have heard that our white
brothers are very fond of land, and that if we make friends with them
they will try to steal away our land. We care not if they take all the
land of the Aberginians, but they must not think to have any part of
our hunting grounds. We want them all for the game to run in. These
two black belts preserve my words.

"But the Taranteens are a great people, and know how to defend
themselves, and if Owanux attempt to dispossess them, there will be
talk of taking scalps. These three red belts preserve my words.

"My brothers, Owanux