Many questions did those young strangers ask each other relative to their respective homes, and native customs; and Henrich learnt, with much dismay, that the Nausetts under Tisquantum’s rule were so soon to change their place of residence.  His hopes of escape became less strong, but they were not destroyed:  and when he was summoned to pass the night in the Sachem’s apartment, he was able to lift up his heart to God in prayer, and to lie down to sleep on the rude couch prepared for him, with a calm trust in His Almighty power and goodness, and a hope that He would see fit to shorten his trials, and restore him to his friends.

The Chief watched him as he knelt in prayer; and when he rose, and prepared to lie down to sleep, he abruptly asked him why he had thus remained on his knees so long?

‘I was praying to my God to protect me,’ answered Henrich; and a tear rose to his eye, as he remembered how he had knelt every evening with his own beloved family; and thought how his absence, and their probable belief in his death, would sadden the act of worship that would that night be performed in his father’s house.

‘Do you pray to the Great Spirit?’ asked Tisquantum.

‘I do!’ replied the young Christian.  ’I pray to the Great Spirit, who is the God and Father of all men; and I pray to his Son Jesus Christ, who is the friend and Savior of all who love him.’

‘It is good!’ said the Chief.  ’We know the Great Spirit; but we know nothing of the other gods of the white men.  Sleep now; for your strength and activity will be tried to-morrow.’  And Henrich lay down, and slept long and peacefully.

He was awakened the next morning by the gentle voice of Oriana, who stood beside him, and said, ’You must rise now, and eat with me, before you go out to try your strength and skill.  Come to my apartment.’

Henrich opened his eyes, and gazed around him in wonder.  But quickly the whole sad reality of his situation came over him, and he felt that he must nerve himself for the coming trial.  Soon he followed Oriana to her inner room, where a slight Indian repast of maize and fruits had been prepared by the young Squaw-Sachem and her attendants.  Tisquantum had left the lodge, and was now occupied in preparing a spot for the exercise of the white boy’s skill.  At his side stood Coubitant, silent and gloomy.  His indignation at the Chief’s merciful intentions towards the intended victim was great; and strongly had he urged him to the immediate slaughter of the captive.  But Tisquantum was not to be lightly moved, either to good or evil.  He had said that the boy should live, if he proved himself worthy to bear Indian arms, and all the cruel suggestions and arguments that Coubitant could bring forward only made him more resolved to keep his word.