munition. It was shortly after eight o’clock when the little force left Lancaster and, fording the river above the settlement, took a broad trail into the west, which, more direct than that following the stream, nevertheless proved later to be a most arduous one, crossing many hills and floundering through quagmires innumerable.
But David had little thought for the road, for there was much to learn and to tell, and when the trail allowed he rode his mare close to his father’s side and listened or talked. Nathan Lindall told of the journey with Master Vernham and others to the Wachoosett village and of its unsatisfactory result.
“Metipom received us as friends and gave a feast in our honor, but we were not deceived. Yet none would say that they had seen aught of you, though Tanopet spoke aside with many of the tribe. In the end, finding no trace of you, we must needs depart with what grace we might, although William Vernham was for enticing the sachem outside the palisade and making prisoner of him, a fanciful plan that we would not countenance. Had I not been assured that no harm would befall you so long as
