Page:Posthumous works, in prose and verse - Ann Eliza Bleecker.djvu/46

neither respecting age or sex. This terribly alarmed Mrs. Kittle; she began to prepare for flight, and the next evening after receiving this intelligence, as she and Mr. Kittle were busily employed in packing up china and other things, they were accosted by several Indians, whose wigwams were contiguous to the village of Schochticook, and who always seemed well affected to the English. An elderly savage undertook to be prolocutor, and desired the family to compose themselves, assuring them they should be cautioned against any approaching danger. To inforce his argument, he presented Maria with a belt interwoven with silk and beads, saying, "There, receive my token of friendship: we go to dig up the hatchet, to sink it in the heads of your enemies; we shall guard this wood with a wall of fire — you shall be safe." A warm glow of hope deepened in Maria's cheek at this — Then ordering wine to be brought to the friendly savages, with a smile of diffidence, "I am afraid," said she, "necessity may oblige you to abandon us, or neglect of your promise may deprive us of your protection." "Neglect of my promise!" retorted he with some