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32 Eliot that came from across the sea by ship. All has been well with you, David? ”

“Aye, but I am glad indeed that the winter is over. I like it not. They say that in Virginia the winters are neither so long nor  so severe, and I sometimes wish that we  dwelt there instead.”

The Indian shook his head. “I know not of Virginia, but I know that my people  who live in the North are greater and  stronger and wiser than they who dwell in  the South. ’Tis the cold of winter that makes strong and lean bodies. In summer we lose our strength and become fat, wherefore God  divides the seasons wisely. I have something to say to you, David. Come a little way along the shore where it may not be overheard.”

David followed, viewing admiringly the straight, slim figure of his friend. Monapikot was a Pegan Indian. The Pegans were one of the smaller tribes of the Abenakis who  lived southward in the region of Chaubunagunamog. He was perhaps three years David’s senior and had been born at Natick in the village of the Praying Indians. Although scarcely more than a lad in years, he was  already one of Master Eliot’s most trusted