l
informed of the movements of the Portuguese and hostile Indians, besides
having already rendered important services to the colony. The governor
only looked on him in the light of an intelligent young savage and a
faithful ally to the French. He had, however, already advanced in a
knowledge of Christian truth, and had become an earnest and believing
follower of the Lord. He one day came over to report that a party of
the Tuparas had been seen on the high ground beyond the southern
extremity of the harbour, making their way to the Portuguese settlement.
He advised that boats should be sent out and advanced posts stationed,
to give due notice of an attack, should one be contemplated. These
arrangements having been made, the governor invited Tecumah to accompany
him in a walk to a part of the island which he was about to visit. The
strains of solemn music reached their ears. Tecumah attentively
listened with much delight, and inquired whence they proceeded.

"The ministers of our religion are performing a sacred service, my
friend," answered the governor. "If you please, we will enter and pay
our devotions to the Holy Virgin and saints."

"I thought that Christians worship God alone," observed the Indian.

"Of course, so we do," said the governor; "but we worship also, in a
different way, the mother of God and His holy saints and apostles."

"I have heard that God is a jealous God, and will have none other gods
worshipped but Himself," said the Indian.

"But the mother of God; surely He will have us worship her?" observed
the governor.

"The Bible does not say so," answered Tecumah, boldly, "When Jesus hung
on the cross He said to John, `Behold thy mother,' and to His mother,
`Behold thy son;' and looking round on His disciples, He once observed,
when He was told that His mother and brethren were near, `Behold My
mother, and My brethren.'"

"Where did you learn all that?" asked the governor, in an angry tone.

"From one of your good ministers; and I am sure he spoke the truth,"
answered Tecumah, innocently.

"He shall suffer for it," muttered the governor.

They had just then reached the door of the church, and Tecumah followed
the governor, who went up towards the so-called "holy altar." The
Indian gazed around with astonishment at the gorgeous drapery, the
images, the lighted candles, and the large silver crucifix, with the
figure of the Virgin on one side, and Saint John on the other, and the
vases