“Master Arundel,” he said at length, “I do admire the wisdom—­ahem—­of the worshipful magistrates in the care they take of the citizens and visitors of our godly town.  By the appointment of Master Prout to the office which he doth sometimes exercise with somewhat of rigor, they do, too, in a manner avouch the value of my calling, and their desire to countenance it, and that in agreement with Scripture, for is it not written that He hath given wine to gladden man’s heart?  Nevertheless, methinks, being one of the congregation, a modicum might be left to mine own judgment in regard to the capacity of my guests.  Not that I care about the two or three pieces whereof his interference hath deprived me—­ahem—­but the feelings of godly men who know best what is good for them, are hurt needlessly oftentimes.  The wine is good, as can be proved by our own virtuous citizens, who have not injured themselves by early rioting, and are able, as a reward of their youthful temperance, to drink twice as much as this Captain Sparhawk, who hath probably, in a measure, injured his constitution by indulgence in bad liquors.  Man is truly a fallen creature,” concluded goodman Nettles, heaving a deep sigh,—­“ahem—­or such wine could never affect him.”

Arundel felt no inclination to discuss the subject, and soon retired to his apartment.

CHAPTER IX.

               “With wild surprise,
  As if to marble struck, devoid of sense,
  A stupid moment motionless.”

  THOMSON’S SEASONS.

A couple of hours elapsed before Waqua made his appearance, after disposing of his skins and venison.  He had exchanged them for such articles as his savage taste fancied, among which Arundel noticed a small mirror, in a brass frame, hung like a medal on his breast, and a red woollen sash tied around his waist.  As the Indian, thus bedecked, entered the room, it was with an increase of dignity becoming one possessed of such splendid ornaments, whereat, however, Arundel found it difficult to repress a smile.  But it was important to the maintenance of their new friendship that no such levity should be perceived, which might have aroused the resentment of the savage.  Suppressing then the feeling, and regarding his tawny friend with a face of welcome, the young man said: 

“You look bravely, Sachem; it is a pity the Indian girls do not see you.”

“They will see,” said the Indian, “when Waqua returns to his village.  Look,” he continued, presenting the mirror to Arundel, and, unable to conceal his admiration, “it is a still spring in an open plain.”

“You will not be obliged now to leave the wigwam and seek the clear water when you wish to paint your face.”

“Waqua thanks the white man,” said the Indian, gazing admiringly at himself in the mirror, “for the clear frozen water which he can carry with him wherever he goes.  Waqua will never more be alone, for whenever he pleases he may look into the bright frozen water and see a warrior.  Let me behold my brother in the wonderful medicine.”