Page:Barbour--Metipoms Hostage.djvu/66

54 “Then can I, master,” said Obid bitterly. “Murder be enough for the bloody-minded savage, but he must even forewarn us that  we may suffer first in anticipation of our  fate.”

“Nay,” said David. “’Tis the Indian way to give challenge, and by so doing fight  fairly, Obid. When all is said, father, he has done us a kindness, for now we know of a  certainty that he means us harm and we can  be more than ever on our guard.”

“’Tis a childish play,” said Nathan Lindall, “and none but a child would be disturbed thereby.” He made as if to break the arrow in his hands, but David spoke quickly.

“Let me have it, father. ’Tis like none other I have seen and I would keep it.”

“A pretty keepsake, indeed,” muttered Obid, as he went back to his tasks. “Have no fear but that they be waiting to give us  plenty more of its like!”

The incident could not fail to cast a shade of gloom over the morning meal, and all  three were more silent than usual. Soon after they had finished, there came a hail  from the front and Master William Vernham and a servant approached. Their neighbor was a tall, grim-faced man of upwards