The
Great Spirit was angry when they grew together."
The sensitive wife understood but too well the current of the chief's
thoughts. Suppressing the pain she felt, however, she answered with the
readiness of a woman whose imagination was quickened by her affections.
"What Conanchet hath said is true. But the Yengeese have put the apple of
their own land on the thorn of our woods, and the fruit is good!"
"It is like that boy," said the chief, pointing to his son; "neither red
nor pale. No, Narra-mattah; what the Great Spirit hath commanded, even a
Sachem must do."
"And doth Conanchet say this fruit is not good?" asked his wife, lifting
the smiling boy with a mother's joy before his eyes.
The heart of the warrior was touched. Bending his head, he kissed the
babe, with such fondness as parents less stern are wont to exhibit. For a
moment, he appeared to have satisfaction in gazing at the promise of the
child. But, as he raised his head, his eye caught a glimpse of the sun,
and the whole expression of his countenance changed. Motioning to his
wife to replace the infant on the earth, he turned to her with solemnity,
and continued--
"Let the tongue of Narra-mattah speak without fear.
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