The Pilgrims of New England: A Tale of the Early American SettlersWebb, J. B., Mrs. (Annie)
History
The Pilgrims of New England: A Tale of the Early American Settlers
Webb, J. B., Mrs. (Annie)
Pilgrims (New Plymouth Colony) -- Fiction
for such cowardice would, in the estimation of the Indians, have been
far more contemptible than the crime of which they had been convicted.
Silently they withdrew; nor did they, even by the expression of their
countenances, seem to question the justice of their chastisement.
The next step to be pursued, was to prepare for securing Coubitant and
Salon the moment they should make their appearance in the camp, and
before they could be made aware of the discovery at their treason. For
this purpose, very effectual steps were taken; and Jyanough--the
faithful and energetic Jyanough--took the command of the band of trusty
warriors who were appointed to seize the leaders of the conspiracy, and
to bring them into the presence of the Chiefs.
That evening, soon after sunset, the searching party returned; and, no
sooner did Jyanough perceive, from the spot where he had posted his men
among the rocks and bushes that commanded the pathway, that Coubitant
and his fellow-criminal were with them, than he gave the concerted
signal, and rushed upon them. In an instant, they were seized by the
arms, and dragged forcibly forward to the village. They asked no
questions of their captors--for conscience told them that their sin had
found them out, and that they were about to expiate their crimes by a
death, probably both lingering and agonizing.
Doggedly they walked on, and were led to the spot where Tisquantum and
his son-in-law awaited their arrival. This was beneath a spreading tree
that grew near the banks of the river, which in that part were rather
high and precipitous. The shades of evening were deepening; and the
dark visage of Coubitant looked darker than ever, while the lurid light
of his deep-set eyes seemed to glow with even unwonted luster from
beneath his shaggy and overhanging brows.
The greatest part of the tribe were gathered together in that place,
and stood silently around to view the criminals, and to witness their
expected fate; for now all were acquainted with their guilt and all who
were assembled here were indignant at their treachery against their
venerable and beloved Sachem, and their scarcely less respected white
Chieftain.
The voice of Tisquantum broke the ominous silence.
‘Coubitant,’ he solemnly began, 'you have deceived your Chief. You have
spoken to him words of peace, when death was in your heart. Is it not
so?’
'I would be Chief myself,' replied the savage, in a deep, undaunted
voice. 'I was taught to believe that I should succeed you; and a pale-
faced stranger has taken my place. I have lived but to obtain
vengeance--vengeance that you, Tisquantum, who were bound to wreak it
on the slayer of your son, refused to take. A mighty vengeance was in
my soul; and to possess it, I would have sacrificed the whole tribe.
Now do to me as I would have done to Henrich.' And he glared on his
hated rival with the eye of a beast of prey. Tisquantum regarded him
calmly, and gravely continued his examination.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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