ordered him to desist. Vain, he thought, would it be to assail one so
protected, nor was he willing to incur the mysterious enmity of the
snake. How its power might be displayed, whether in striking him
dead on the spot, or in laming his limbs, or defeating his success
in hunting, or what other dreadful manner, he knew not, but he was
convinced that some awful punishment would follow disobedience. He
thought it, therefore, more prudent to yield for the present, and wait
till he had propitiated the snake, or it had withdrawn its protection.
As long as that lasted Onontio was beyond his power. Not that
vengeance was forborne; it was only postponed.

Of such a character were the thoughts that darted through the mind of
the Pequot when frightened from his purpose, and in less time than it
has taken to record them, as with drooping head he pursued his lonely
way. Even what he considered the interposition of a supernatural
power, had not shaken the determination of his spirit. The desire
for revenge had been too long cherished to be given up at a single
warning, however awful, or however strongly appealing to the deepest
implanted superstitions.




CHAPTER VII.

"Arma, virumque cano qui Primus."
VIRGIL


The season had now advanced to within a few days of that joyous period