CHAPTER X.

A

THE HAND OF THE MASTER.

S soon now as he could,

it is to be sup

posed that it was on the very next day,

Smith and his party took their leave

in the boats, and prepared to return again to Jamestown. He had not yet supplied himself with what corn he had come after, and so thought it would be as well to make brief calls upon the several tribes along the way.

Just as soon as he had turned his back upon the place of Powhatan's residence, the Dutchmen, whom he had sent the chief to assist in building him a house after the English style, began openly to show the depravity that was the characteristic of their natures. Two of them immediately volunteered to hurry off to Jamestown, and, by false representations, obtain the swords and guns that Captain Smith had declined

bringing along with him. The proposal pleased Powhatan exceedingly. It was for just such a purpose as this that he desired to keep these treacherous men, and not with any wish to have them erect him a house, or perform any other service of that kind. And, when he had succeeded in getting the weapons he so much wanted from the fort, he intended to make them initiate him and his warriors into their familiar

use.

The base fellows accordingly set out for the fort at the settlement, where they arrived safely and seasonably. Captain Wynne was in command. Of course Captain Smith had not got back yet, and that they well understood. So they laid before the commandant a long and highly plausible story about the success of Smith's expedition, telling him how they had left him with Powhatan, and that he had sent by them for certain weapons which he wished to barter with the Indians for corn and provisions. They likewise represented that Smith stood in want of clothes, and tools of various kinds. In addition to this, they found means to lay in with a few restless and dissatisfied seamen, who im

proved their opportunity to secrete what articles they could, embracing powder, shot, guns, and swords, and who thus fulfilled the desire of Powhatan even more promptly than he could himself have thought it possible. In all, eight guns, fifty swords, and three hundred hatchets, were stealthily carried away to the enemies of the infant settlement. They were all received very gladly by Powhatan, who could not control or conceal his joy. The two Englishmen that had been left with the Dutchmen in the Indian camp, for the purpose of erecting a house for Powhatan, were greatly frightened at what they saw, and at the earliest moment attempted an escape. But the savages were a little too watchful for them, and they were brought back, and for a long time kept in continual fear of death at their hands.

Passing along from one place to another, Smith found himself at the residence of his old acquaintance, Opechancanough. This chieftain, it will be recollected, was generally called the brother of Powhatan. He received the captain with much friendliness, and made feasts for his party that consumed several days. Then a time was ap

pointed for trading; and all the Indians, far and near, were summoned to attend upon the important transaction. On the morning agreed upon, Smith took a dozen or fifteen men with him, and went from the boats to the village. It was entirely deserted. There was nothing left, either within or without the settlement. This greatly surprised Captain Smith, who expected to find the place alive with preparations for business. But soon Opechancanough came in sight, accompanied by a few chosen warriors. He brought little or no provisions with him, and his men were well armed with bows and arrows. This looked like anything but a disposition for peaceful trade, and Smith at once opened on the chieftain in words that had no very honeyed

accent.

"You have deceived us," said he, in effect, "and the love you have professed is nothing but baseness and falsehood. Last year you filled our boats; now you are willing to let us starve. You know that we are in want, and I know that you have a plenty. In some way or other, I must have a part of what you have got. You are a king, and I expect you to keep your word

faithfully. Here are my articles of trade; let me see your grain in exchange for them."

The Indian was at once whipped into compliance with Smith's demand, and gave up what corn he could then command, at fair rates of compensation. Next day it was promised there should be larger supplies on hand. So the next day Smith was punctual to the hour appointed. He saw at first only a few baskets of corn, but no one who looked like the Indian king. Presently, however, the latter made his appearance. He was very stiff in his manner, and showed little feeling in his expressions of friendship and kindness. He kept telling, too, how much trouble it had given him to collect what grain he had. But, while he was speaking, the hut was surrounded by a large crowd of Indians, numbering five hundred and over!

All the rest of the party were frightened beyond description. But Smith remained surprisingly collected and calm. He delivered to his handful of followers an off-hand speech, that was a very model of bravery and courage, and told them to look to him and to their own valor for a safe deliverance. Opechancanough stood by, not