the young savage. Content received a merited and grateful reward for his
prudence, in the approbation of one whom he still continued to revere with
a mental dependence little less than that with which he had leaned on his
father's wisdom in the days of his childhood.

"Thou hast done well and wisely," said his father; "but more remaineth to
be performed by thy wisdom and fortitude. We have had tidings that the
heathen near the Providence Plantations are unquiet, and that they are
lending their minds to wicked counsellors. We are not to sleep in too much
security, because a forest journey of a few days lies between their
villages and our own clearing. Bring forth the captive; I will question
him on the matter of this visit."

Until now, so much did the fears of all turn towards the enemies who were
believed to be lurking near, that little thought had been bestowed on the
prisoner in the block-house. Content, who well knew the invincible
resolution, no less than the art of an Indian, had forborne to question
him when taken; for he believed the time to be better suited to vigilant
action, than to interrogatories that the character of the boy was likely
to render perfectly useless. He now proceeded, however, with an interest
that began to quicken as circumstances rendered its indulgence less
unsuitable, to seek his captive, in order to bring him before the
searching ordeal of his father's authority.

The key of the lower door of the block-house hung where it had been
deposited; the ladder was replaced, and Content mounted quietly to the
apartment where he had placed his captive. The room was the lowest of
three that the building contained, all being above that which might be
termed its basement. The latter, having up aperture but its door, was a
dark, hexagonal space, partly filled with such articles as might be needed