Quaboags, lying in wait, had attacked. Eight of the English had fallen at the first fire, and three more had been wounded so that they must die. Of these was Captain Hutchinson. The English had fought back for a time, and then, finding themselves like to be exterminated by a foe they could scarce see, had retreated toward the garrison, pursued by the Quaboags. Of the latter none had been killed and but few wounded.
“How many were in their company?” asked King Philip.
“Twenty, all mounted on horses, and the three Indians,” answered Quanansit.
“How many are in the village?”
“We do not know, for some have come of late to aid them. Yet no more than eighty in all, we think.”
“Good, Quanansit! Let none escape. Send a messenger to the Wachoosett sagamore, Woosonametipom, and bid him bring forward all his warriors. Encompass the village that none may leave or enter. At nightfall I will come also and when darkness hides us we will attack. Leave one here to serve as guide to me, Quanansit.”
“This man will I leave, Philip. His name is Wompatannawa, a captain of the Niantics,
