At this moment an Indian stepped into the lodge, and, uttering the word “fire!” accompanied by a gesture of the arm, retired.

The Knight and Sassacus sprung up, and, looking in the direction indicated, beheld the heavens all aglow with the conflagration.

“It is my lodge!” exclaimed Sir Christopher.  “I will hasten thither instantly.”

“Come with us, Towanquattick,” said the Chief, calling to the Indian, and the three at once directed their course toward the dwelling of the Knight.

With all their haste, they did not reach it until the fire had made such progress that it was impossible to suppress it, or even save anything from the building.  The flames were pouring out in billows from the doors and windows, and a moment after their arrival the roof fell in.  They approached as near as the heat would permit, but were unable to distinguish anything in the interior, nor was a sound to be heard, save that of the rushing flames and falling timbers.  No one was present, except the three—­the natives who lived near having retired deeper into the wood on the first alarm.  Leaning on his gun, the Knight gazed sadly on the burning ruin, reflecting on what had probably become of its former occupants.  If he had any doubts, they were soon dissipated by Sassacus, whose attention, with that of the other Indian, had been attracted by marks upon the ground which had escaped the notice of Sir Christopher.  These plainly revealed to them by the light of the fire, the two, like well-bred hounds, had been examining in every direction, until, gathering together the various tracks into one trail, they had followed it into the wood.  Returning to the Knight, and pointing out the traces, the chief said: 

“Many Owanux have been here, and all are gone to Shawmut.”

“I surmised as much,” said Sir Christopher, partly to himself.  “We will follow, Sagamore, and assure ourselves with our own eyes.”

No time was lost in lamentation but the three instantly started after the band.

Sir Christopher could see the trail until it reached the wood; but here, notwithstanding his experience in woodcraft, he frequently lost all trace of it, though to the Indians it seemed as plain as a beaten highway.  Never hesitating, even in the obscurest recesses of the forest where penetrated no ray of a star, with rapid steps they pursued their way.

Meanwhile, the party of soldiers, conscious of their strength, and encumbered with their prisoners, though pushing on at first at a good pace, had of late been proceeding more leisurely.  Even Lieutenant Venn, satisfied that they would be able without haste to reach their destination before daylight, ceased to hurry.  As they approached nearer the village, their vigilance diminished—­the men talked loud and jested with one another, and it was obvious that no apprehensions of danger were entertained.