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Rh Metipom’s son went scatheless, I should have returned with an armed force and brought things to a head. But, as circumstances stood, for the Council at Boston would not  countenance aught likely to interrupt the existing friendship between the Wachoosett  tribe and the English, it seemed better to  wait. I will not say, lad, that I was not troubled for you, and when Monapikot  brought word that he had seen and talked  with you and that you were well I was  greatly relieved.”

“He gave you my message, father?”

“Aye, lad, but two days later.”

“I could not understand Pikot’s presence there with those others, father, nor do I yet. ’Twas hard to believe him not a traitor, since they fetched with them the dried heads of  two of our people and sought to embroil  Metipom in Philip’s quarrel.”

“He did not tell you, then?”

“He said only that I must trust him, which I did, though not without misgiving.”

“He keeps a secret well, but now that you have so well proved yourself, David, I see  no reason why you should not know the truth  about the Pegan. You may remove all suspicion of him from your mind, my son, for