Page:Barbour--Metipoms Hostage.djvu/90

78 gone we shall see all the tribes hereabouts arrayed against us. I would there were the means at hand to construct a stockade fort,  but ’tis a task too great for a few hands. We shall have to retire either to Newtowne or  Dedham, Master Lindall.”

“I shall remove what I may to Natick,” replied Nathan Lindall, “and join the militia so soon as ’tis seen that the Indians mean  to carry the war into this country. There be three of us here, Master Vernham, who  can shoot fairly straight and, though men of  peace, are ready to avenge those so foully  murdered at Swansea.”

“Were it not for Mistress Vernham I would bid you say four,” said the other  gloomily. “Nay, even so, an the varmints come hither, I will join you.”

When the visitor had gone again, David set about the watering of the garden, for the  rain still held away and the crops were  drooping sadly. There were those who connected the unnatural drouth with the eclipse of the moon that had happened a week or so  before and who predicted all kinds of dire  things in consequence. The small pond in the marsh still held a little muddy water,  although it was fast drying up, and to reach