reaking out of the war, my
friends, like others, became alarmed, and adopted such means of defence
as they could command; still, when Philip really appeared with his
Indians, they were surprised. Ah, sir, even you, who I see are an
officer, and probably used to such sights, would have been touched by
the misery and desolation those wretches caused on that day. They fired
the house we were in, and when we were driven by the flames to the open
air, they assailed us; and then I saw my friends struck down about me.
An old woman, a mother, three daughters and a son, all brutally killed.
Then they seized me, more dead than alive. A fierce Indian, with a yell,
raised some weapon in the air, while holding me fast with the other
hand; but his uplifted arm was suddenly grasped by a stalwart and gayly
dressed chief, whom I soon learned was King Philip. Although nearly
overcome with terror, I heard him say, 'She is too'"--

"Beautiful to be killed," added the officer.

"Well, yes, I suppose that was the idea. 'Take her captive.' They bound
my arms to my sides and carried me away. I fainted at that point, and
when I came to myself was on horseback, supported by a horrible old
squaw."

"Poor girl! how did you survive such a shock?"

"I do not know, for I was ill with fever throughout the journey; but am
I not wearying you with the history of a girl who has surely no claim
upon you?"

"You have a claim, dear lady; the unfortunate have always a claim upon
any honorable man; besides, I am deeply interested in your story. Please
proceed."

"We travelled slowly on for several days, resting at night. The shock,
the mode of life, and, above all, the anxiety about my sister, of whose
fate I knew nothing, made me ill and unfit for the rough journey. When I
failed and fainted, as I did several times, they beat me and knocked me
about, making me walk when utterly unable, as a punishment for my
laziness, they said. At last, when they saw I could go no farther on my
feet, they strapped me on a horse's back, where I lay, half delirious
and without food, until we reached this place."

"What an experience for one so delicate!" remarked the officer, looking
at Millicent with increasing interest.

"We arrived here late one night, and then an old squaw, who has ever
since been kind to me, took me to her wigwam and made me as comfortable
as she could. I shall never forget the relief it was to lie quiet, if
only on a bed of pine-boughs."

"Yo