"A happy fortune, Mohegan, something aided by the power of the white men,
hath put this Narragansett into thy hands," he said. "It is certain that
the Commissioners of the Colony have consented that thou shouldst exercise
thy will on his life; but there is a voice in the breast of every human
being, which should be stronger than the voice of revenge, and that is the
voice of mercy. It is not yet too late to hearken to it Take the promise
of the Narragansett for his faith--take more, take a hostage in this
child, which with its mother shall be guarded among the English, and let
the prisoner go."
"My brother asketh with a big mind!" said Uncas, drily.
"I know not how nor why it is I ask with this earnestness," resumed
Dudley, "but there are old recollections and former kindnesses, in the
face and manner of this Indian! And here, too, is one, in the woman, that
I know is tied to some of our settlements, with a bond nearer than that of
common charity--Mohegan, I will add a goodly gift of powder and of
muskets, if thou wilt listen to mercy, and take the faith of the
Narragansett.
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