ake out one word, which
sounded like "Mesandowit," but its meaning he was unable to divine. He
stood looking at them until the Indian discovered him, who,
ejaculating the word "ahque," (beware) the Knight turned and also saw
him.

"Thy appearance dispenses with the necessity of asking how thou hast
passed the night, Master Arundel," cried Sir Christopher. "Well, there
is nothing like a trust in Providence, whereto I commend thee, to
inspire with courage. Courage may, in a certain sense, be said to be
piety."

"Truly, Sir Christopher," said Arundel, catching confidence from the
cheerful tone of the Knight, "I begin to regard thee as a sort of
Providence, for wherever you move, you seem to exercise a command. Now
would I give something to know the secret whereby you have tamed yon
savage."

"It is no astonishing mystery. I did but elucidate to him clearly our
sacred character and thy mistake in firing."

"Is he content with the explanation?"

"He seems to be. The natives are not so unreasonable as is sometimes
represented. Difficulties between men do often arise from an ignorance
of each others intentions; and one grand cause of contention is,
doubtless, an inability to comprehend their diverse languages. Now, I
suffer under no such disability. I can impart my ideas, and receive
their own in return, and thus is language a bridge of reconciliation
betwixt us. Believe me--a common cord vibrates through the hearts and
minds of all men, and skilful words are the fingers wherewith to touch
it."

"Thou art a skilful musician in more than one sense," said Arundel, as
he turned to the brook to wash his hands and face.

No very strict, certainly not obtrusive surveillance, was exercised by
the Taranteens over their captives. They were allowed to move about
where they pleased, and their escort began to assume the appearance of
a guard of honor, rather than a band of suspicious enemies; nor did
the savages seem at all disposed to hurry, or take any measures to
prevent a surprise, feeling, probably, a consciousness of security in
being on their own hunting grounds. Their breakfast, of which the two
white men partook with them, was leisurely prepared, and eaten with
equal deliberation, and the sun was high when they resumed their
journey. All these circumstances were noticed by Arundel, and tended
to increase his confidence. However, he made no remark respecting
them.

But when, soon after the commencement of their march,