l die of age, and the maple-trees of the
valley cease to yield sugar, that the race of the sowers of little
seeds will have exterminated the race of the flesh-eaters, provided
our hunters do not also resolve to sow."

Through the vast solitude, impressive by its silence and its
loneliness, guiding their course by day by the position of the sun and
the mosses on the trunks of the trees, and at night by the stars, the
three men pursued their way. On the afternoon of the third day, the
Knight, after a conversation with their guide, came to the conclusion
that it was better the Aberginian should return, as they had now
approached too nearly to the haunts of the Taranteens to suppose that
they should long remain undiscovered. Accordingly, the Indian took his
departure, leaving to the white men all the dangers of a further
advance, and to find their way as best they might.

CHAPTER XIX.

"Mery it was in the grene forest,
Amonge the leves grene;
Whereas men hunt east and west,
Wyth bowes and arrowes kene."

BALLAD OF ADAM BELL, "_Clym of the Clough, and William of Cloudesly_".

As the Knight, with confident steps, led the way, Arundel expressed
surprise at the skill which he displayed.

"You forget that I may be said to be half an Indian myself," said Sir
Christopher, "and am therefore entitled to a knowledge of the woods. I
know not how many times I have accompanied the natives in their
distant hunting expeditions, and it would be strange if the experience
were thrown away."

"But surely you could never have penetrated so far in the direction of
this fierce tribe?"

"Farther, my young friend. I have wandered more than a week's journey
to every quarter of the compass from my lodge; and it is the knowledge
of the country thus derived, and intimacy with Indian character, that
inspire me with resolution in our enterprise. It might be considered a
perilous accomplishment," he added, with a smile, "since it
recommended me to the consideration of the Council, to whom, moreover,
the life of one not of the congregation is of less value."

The Knight had never before shown a disposition to be so
communicative. Perhaps the isolation of the two from the world, and
the devotion which Arundel had manifested, heightened his feeling of
regard, and drew out his confidence. The young man's interest in the
conversation increased, and he said:

"Surely, you would not impute to the Governor, or to a majority of