way had been; and Helen hastily surveyed it, that she might be able to
guide the Wampanoges thither, and point out to them where to commence
the pursuit. Again she resumed her way; and, regardless of fatigue, she
never paused again until she reached the border of the quiet and lonely
lake, on which the rising moon was now shining in all her silvery
splendor. The huts of the friendly natives stood out, clear and dark,
on the level shore of the lake, and Helen and her weary child soon
reached them, and hastened to Mooanam’s lodge. There they found the
Chief, and his interesting young wife and children, sitting on the
matted floor, listening with deep attention to the words of life and
salvation which Brewster was reading and interpreting to them from the
Holy Scriptures. The hurried entrance of Helen startled and alarmed
them; for her countenance plainly told them, that some calamity had
occasioned her unlooked-for appearance at such an unwonted time.

With breathless haste she told her sad errand, and Brewster quickly
explained her words to the Chief, Mooanam seized his arms, and rushed
from the lodge, calling, in a loud and commanding voice, on his people
to arm themselves and accompany him in the pursuit of the cruel and
vindictive Nausetts. All was hurry and excitement throughout the
village, and every swarthy warrior pressed forward, and desired to
share in the expedition to save their young English favorite. It was
necessary, however, to leave a strong party at the village, to guard it
from any act of treachery or violence on the part of their malicious
rivals, who, it was now evident, were still lurking in the
neighborhood; and, while Mooanam was selecting his party, and arranging
his plans, a clear shrill voice was heard from the margin of the lake,
crying, 'The canoes! the canoes! Quadequina is returning.'

'The canoes, the canoes!' resounded through the crowd; and Helen's