So well had their measures been taken, and with such good fortune executed, that they were already deep in the woods before the settlement was aroused by the alarm given by the sentinel.

“They may make as much noise as they choose, for their own pleasure,” said Philip, laughing, as the report of the culverins, which startled the colonists from their sleep, were heard; “but it is only a useless pother, and a vain rubbing of drowsy eyes.  I should like to see how valiant Captain Endicott will look, when he finds that the bird has flown.”

“In thy present habiliments of a savage?” said the Knight.

“Nay,” answered the soldier.  “I care not to be seen naked, and stained up like an Aberginian.  I was half ashamed of myself, especially before the lady, though there was not much light.”

“It were well,” said the Knight, “to cast our slough before we chance to be seen by Indians, notwithstanding they may be friendly.  We must retire deep, too, into the forest, for I mistake much the character of Winthrop and his council, if desperate means be not adopted to avenge the doings of this night.”

This indeed appeared to be the opinion of all, to judge from the haste with which they pushed steadily on, resting not until they had reached the wigwam of the chief whereto Spikeman had been taken.  Here, the first care of the white men was to wash off the paint from their persons, not without a half-jesting objection from the Sagamore.

“The two friends of Sassacus,” he said, “have Indian hearts; why should they not keep their Indian skins?  Let them come with me, and they shall become great sachems over the tribes that listen to the voice of the little salt lake.”

Philip, who was in high spirits at the success of their enterprise, and whose philosophy enabled him always to enjoy the present moment, was ready with an answer.

“A tempting offer,” he said; “and, by the head of King Charles, (his favorite oath), better, I trow, than this hand-to-mouth life we have lately been leading.  Plenty of bear’s meat and venison, and no prisons, Sagamore!  Verily, thy words are pleasant.”

“The deer shall come to lick the hands of my brothers, and the bear offer his steaks, and they will be as free as the wind on the tops of the hills.  They shall also have many squaws, and young wives shall smile on them when the old are wrinkled and cross.”

“Ha! ha!” laughed Philip.  “I misdoubt whether that would suit all round.  But, Sagamore, if I should ever have the luck to get a nice white squaw, I will ask her opinion; and if she fancies the plan of my having half a dozen wives, I will consider it.”

“A truce to this trifling,” said Sir Christopher.  “It is all sport with thee, Philip, but dost not remark it begins to be earnest with the chief?”

“He is quick-witted enough to understand,” answered Joy.  “Why, Sir Christopher, these salvages laugh so seldom, that they ought to be encouraged when they begin.  I fear me that the long faces of the folk at the settlement are catching, and that the poor Indians are more than half spoiled already.  Now, according to my judgment, it is a human privilege to laugh.  Some say, to be sure, that dogs and horses laugh, but I never heard anything that amounted to more than a snicker, and that I suppose they caught from being with people.”