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70 upon which to hang a quarrel. I fear the skies will soon be red again, David. I like it not.”

“But these Indians were fairly tried, father, and surely they merited their punishment.”

“Aye, lad, but there could have been no harm in delay.”

“But if, as you have said, a strong hand should be shown? Will not King Philip, mayhap, take warning by the fate of these  murderers?”

“Wisely said,” piped Obid, busy at the hearth with the preparation of the evening  meal. “An those of the Plymouth Colony, as well as we, were but to choose every other  savage and hang him, ’twould put a quick  end to these troubles. And I would that this Preacher Eliot were here to hearken.”

“Time alone will tell,” said Nathan Lindall soberly. “Yet the men from Dedham were not so minded. They foresee war with King Philip and dread that he will persuade  the Narragansett Indians to join with him. ‘When the leaves are on the trees,’ said Tanopet.”

“We here are far distant from Philip, though,” said David.