The whoop was heard that night; many died, and the
Narragansetts took scalps. Thou seest this lodge of stone, over which fire
has passed. There was then a cunning place above, and in it the pale-men
went to fight for their lives. But the fire kindled, and then there was no
hope. The soul of Conanchet was moved at that sight, for there was much
honesty in them within. Though their skins were so white, they had not
slain his father. But the flames would not be spoken to, and the place
became like the coals of a deserted council-fire. All within were turned
to ashes. If the spirit of Miantonimoh rejoiced, it was well; but the soul
of his son was very heavy. The weakness was on him, and he no longer
thought of boasting of his deeds at the war-post."
"That fire scorched the stain of blood from the Sachem's plain?"
"It did. Since that time I have not seen the marks of my father's blood.
Gray heads and boys were in that fire, and when the timbers fell,
nothing was left but coals. Yet do they, who were in the blazing lodge,
stand there!"
The attentive Metacom started, and glanced a hasty look at the ruin.
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