Page:Barbour--Metipoms Hostage.djvu/202

188 the trap. What you think is an enemy is but a noise made by King Philip.”

“He is a great warrior and a sachem of much wisdom.”

“A great warrior he may be,” said David, “but his wisdom is that of a gnat.”

John scowled and muttered.

“Philip has followed the advice of a few malcontents, and now, having declared war  and finding his mistake, he seeks help of the  great Metipom. The fox who fell into the pitfall called on the bear to help him. So the bear jumped into the hole and the fox  climbed out on his back. Whereupon the bear called to him and asked: ‘And in what  manner do I escape, Master Fox?’ And the  fox answered: ‘Why, that Brother Bear, is  a thing concerns me not. I bid you good-day!’”

“You speak for your people,” grumbled John. “I speak for mine. When the wind blows two ways there is only dust.”

“Until one wind becomes the stronger, O Brother. Then the dust vanishes and wise counsel prevails.”

The Wachoosett grunted. “My brother has many words,” he replied dryly, and relapsed into silence.