Page:Barbour--Metipoms Hostage.djvu/213

Rh father. In this way matters stand, David. The Wachoosett sachem demands the release of his son as the price of your return, but so  skillfully has he spoken that none dare say  for certain that he holds you captive. It is, he says, Manitou who will bring you back  safe to your home so soon as he is pleased  by the release of Nausauwah. He talked slyly of knowing your place of captivity by  reason of a vision, and so well did he play the  fox that your father and Master Vernham  returned not knowing whether he told the  truth or not.”

“Then my father did come for me, Pikot?” asked David eagerly.

“Aye, with Master William Vernham and Obid, the servant, and Captain Consadine,  of the Military at Newtowne.”

“And an Indian, Pikot. Was it you?”

“Nay; I was to the south and knew naught of your going until later. The guide was Tanopet.”

“Tanopet!”

“Aye. But we waste time that stands not still. Your father and Master Vernham and others have sought to secure the release of  Nausauwah, but with no avail. Promises have been made, but naught is done. The