s nature revolted at any attempt by insidious
questions to extract from the savage a knowledge which he desired to
conceal. It appeared unworthy of himself, and a wrong to both his
friends. "I know little of Soog-u-gest, and would like to learn more."

The fine, bold face of the Indian looked pleased at the frankness of
Arundel, and, it is probable, that he was more communicative than if
he had been adroitly questioned. His native subtlety might then have
taken alarm, and cunning been met by cunning. But Sassacus felt no
desire, on his own account, for concealment. The two young men had
been strongly attached to each other from the first, and on the side
of the Indian, at least, was springing up a friendship for the other,
more like that which Plato celebrates among the Greeks, or Cicero
dilates upon, than the feeling of modern times.

"Listen, my brother," said the chief. "It is more than six moons since
Soog-u-gest came into the woods. Sassacus was laughing when he said
that six moons only had lighted the path betwixt him and Soog-u-gest,
but he is not laughing now. The white chief built his wigwam in the
woods because he loves the Indians and the sound of their language,
and Sassacus loves him for that reason, and because he has sat in the
lodge on the pleasant bank of the Pequot river, and ate venison with
Sassacus from the same fire. All Indians love to hear him tell how
great and happy they might be. He knows more of the tribes than any
other white man, and has been far toward the setting sun, even beyond
the country of the Maquas. Soog-u-gest is very wise, and his eyes
pierce far into the darkness. And now let my brother bend down his
head, so that not one of my words may be lost. Soog-u-gest has
promised to teach the Indians to become wise and powerful like the
white men. Perhaps now that my brother knows that, he will help."

"But Governor Winthrop and the ministers will teach all that can be
taught you, and so will all the English."

"My brother is mistaken," said Sassacus, earnestly. "Sachem Winthrop's
men are jealous of their great Manito, and do not wish to teach the
Indians how to talk with him, lest he should like us better than
themselves. Now, we want to know how to talk with the Manito who
instructed them in so many things. If they are good for Owanux, they
may be good for us too."

"Certain am I, Sassacus," said Arundel, "nothing would delight the
noble heart of the Governor more than to have you