Contrary to what is supposed to be the usual custom of the Indian, Adam Bent Knee laughed aloud. "Great chiefs," he said. Quickly, however, he recovered his composure, and passed the pipe again. If honors were equally divided in the former contest, the pipe had all the glory of the second encounter, for the boys refused to touch it. Still dizzy from the effects of the strong tobacco, they stood up and put on their coats. "Let's go over to the spring and wash our faces," said Carter. "There's no use fighting any more." No one would have thought that hostilities could be so soon forgotten; but boys forgive easily if they have no mean action cherished against one another. Old Adam left them, striding off through the trees with a parting injunction to "no more fight." When the late combatants reached the spring they threw themselves flat in the green soft grass, and washed their heated faces, and there was cemented a friendship between the younger branches of the rival families that was destined to bear most unlooked-for results. As they lay there talking together they heard the sound of voices, and George arose. "Why, look here!" he said. "Here's our two uncles and your father, Carter; and Dr. Grubb, from the cross-ways, with a big box under his arm. What are they about?" Looking through the bushes the three lads saw a strange sight. Uncle Nathan was standing with his arms folded quite alone, and a short distance away was Mr. Hewes, who was stripping the leaves from a twig he held in his hand. Beneath a tree a discussion was being held in low tones between four other gentlemen, and the doctor off to one side was mopping his forehead with a great handkerchief. The trio of new friends walked boldly out into the open. But they were not prepared for the consternation that their appearance created. The doctor stopped polishing his brow, and adjusted his old brown wig. Mr. Hewes dropped both his hands, and the group under the tree looked like school-boys caught robbing an orchard. Nathaniel Frothingham cleared his throat nervously. "What are you doing here, and what have you been at?" "We've been fighting," said William, promptly. "But we are good friends now, and we've smoked the pipe of peace; have we not, Carter?" No one spoke, and again an awkward silence followed. At last the Doctor spoke. "A capital idea," he said. "Have you it with you?--ah, eh?--the pipe, I mean." "No," said Carter. "It belonged to Adam Bent Knee, and it made us all most dreadful sick." At this Mr. Wyeth laughed, and Mr. Hewes's pale face broadened into a smile. "Now, I think me that a snuff-box might make an excellent substitute," said the Doctor, walking up to Mr. Hewes and extending a big horn-case. Mr. Hewes took a pinch, and then with reluctance Uncle Nathan followed suit. Then pinches of the powdered tobacco were exchanged all round.