was favorable to the practices of an anchorite. The youths of the dwelling
regarded his unbending brow, and the undisturbed gravity of the eye it
shadowed, with a respect akin to awe. Had the genuine benevolence of his
character been less tried, or had he mingled in active life at a later
period, it might readily have been his fate to have shared in the
persecution which his countrymen heaped on those who were believed to deal
with influences it is thought impious to exercise. Under actual
circumstances, however, the sentiment went no farther than a deep and
universal reverence, that left its object, and the neglected little piece
of artillery, to the quiet possession of an apartment, to invade which
would have been deemed an act bordering on sacrilege.

The business of Content, on the occasion which caused his present visit to
the edifice whose history and description we have thought it expedient
thus to give at some length, led him no farther than to the lowest of its
more military apartments. On raising the trap, for the first time a
feeling of doubt came over him, as to the propriety of having left the boy
so long unsolaced by words of kindness, or by deed of charity. It was
appeased by observing that his concern was awakened in behalf of one whose
spirit was quite equal to sustain greater trials.

The young Indian stood before one of the loops, looking out upon that
distant forest in which he had so lately roamed at liberty, with a gaze
too riveted to turn aside even at the interruption occasioned by the
presence of his captor.

"Come from thy prison, child," said Content, in the tones of mildness;
"whatever may have been thy motive in lurking around this dwelling, thou
art human, and must know human wants; come forth, and receive food: none
here will harm thee."