stened with
delight to the pious worshipers.

Fred and Agnes, who spoke the Mohican language as fluently as their
mother tongue, would then explain to the Indians the contents of the
chapter read, in their native language, and sometimes Agnes would sing
one of the fine songs which she had cleverly translated into their
language.

Finally, when the service was over, the ladies crept into their tent,
the men stretched out on the warm blankets, and with the exception of
the Indian guard and Fred or Matthew, who watched over the camp, all
were soon fast asleep.

Through the thick foliage the stars gleamed down upon the quiet world,
and Fred, looking up to the heavens, was absorbed in deep thought as he
listened to the breezes that rocked the crowns of the trees, or to the
strange, weird noises that came from out of the forest in which beasts
of prey were looking for their food. On the other side of the camp the
Indian servant watched over the horses, while the Indian guide, ever
wary and cautious, would at times raise his head as he listened to
strange sounds like the hooting of the owls, or the weary wail of the
whippoorwill.

And over all rested that strange peace of God which is found in the
forest or on the prairie, where God is near and wicked men are far away.

CHAPTER VI

THE CURSE OF GREED

In Hartford, where the expedition arrived safe and well after a week of
steadfast traveling, Mr. Bradley encountered much that surprised him.
Sometimes we judge the world by our own standards, thinking that
everybody moves as rapidly or slowly as we ourselves; suddenly we are
brought face to face with the real situation, and we find ourselves
outwitted and outrun.

It so happened to Mr. Bradley, who up to this time had made no efforts
to extend his trade as far as the Connecticut River. When finally he
arrived on the scene, he discovered that competitors had established
themselves long ago in this paradise of the huntsman and the trapper.

The Englishmen from Massachusetts Colony, who had come here in the
previous year, had erected themselves sturdy log huts with a strong fort
in the midst, to protect them against a possible attack of the Indians,
and all along the river traders were plying their craft.

However, others had been there even before them. From the South, Dutch
trappers had come from New York, and these had gained the good will of
the Indians, from whom they purchased their furs. The Dutch we