Page:Barbour--Metipoms Hostage.djvu/278

262. It was shortly after eight o’clock when the little force left Lancaster and, fording the river above the settlement, took a  broad trail into the west, which, more direct  than that following the stream, nevertheless  proved later to be a most arduous one, crossing many hills and floundering through quagmires innumerable.

But David had little thought for the road, for there was much to learn and to tell, and  when the trail allowed he rode his mare  close to his father’s side and listened or  talked. Nathan Lindall told of the journey with Master Vernham and others to the  Wachoosett village and of its unsatisfactory  result.

“Metipom received us as friends and gave a feast in our honor, but we were not deceived. Yet none would say that they had seen aught of you, though Tanopet spoke  aside with many of the tribe. In the end, finding no trace of you, we must needs depart with what grace we might, although  William Vernham was for enticing the sachem outside the palisade and making prisoner of him, a fanciful plan that we would  not countenance. Had I not been assured that no harm would befall you so long as