"
"Thou hearest, Hallam; he reasoneth on a matter that toucheth the peace
and safety of the King!" cried the other, his arrogance of manner
increasing with the anger of disappointment. "But why is this dark-skinned
boy a prisoner? dost dare to constitute thyself a sovereign over the
natives of this continent, and affect to have shackles and dungeons for
such as meet thy displeasure?"
"The lad is in truth a captive; but he has been taken in defence of life,
and hath little to complain of, more than loss of freedom."
"I will inquire deeply into this proceeding. Though commissioned on an
errand of different interest, yet, as one trusted in a matter of moment, I
take upon me the office of protecting every oppressed subject of the
Crown. There may grow discoveries out of this practice, Hallam, fit to go
before the Council itself."
"Thou wilt find but little here, worthy of the time and attention of those
burthened with the care of a nation," returned Content. "The youthful
heathen was found lurking near our habitations, the past night; and he is
kept where thou seest, that he may not carry the tidings of our condition
to his people, who are doubtless outlying in the forest, waiting for the
fit moment to work their evil.
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