When the little band had arrived at the spot indicated by Masasoyt, and within a short distance of the Indian place of rendezvous, Standish commanded his men to halt for rest and refreshment for the last time before the expected encounter with the army of savages who were assembling for their destruction.  This halting-place was situated on the summit of a considerable elevation, well covered with trees and bushes, and overlooking a plain, on the further side of which the Indian camp was formed.  The advantageous position in which the emigrants were posted enabled them to obtain a full view of their enemies without being perceived by them; and Captain Standish resolved to remain there quietly that night, in order to recruit the strength of his men after their rapid and toilsome journey, and to mature his plans for subduing the horde of natives before him with so small a band as now surrounded him, and who waited but his orders to rush on to the most desperate enterprise.

The Wampanoge interpreter, Hobomak, accompanied the party at his own desire, and that, also, of his sovereign, Masasoyt.  Standish was glad of his assistance in his capacity of interpreter:  he had already shown such devoted attachment to the English, that they entertained no fears of his either betraying or deserting their cause; and, on this occasion, he fully justified their confidence.

Early in the morning, the leader announced his intention of going himself to the Indian camp, to make overtures of peace, and to invite the Chiefs to a conference; and he desired his men to construct a strong and spacious wigwam for their reception, and to make a door to it, which could be closed and fastened securely.  He did not then explain his project more clearly; but Rudolph understood it, and his soul revolted from the treachery he suspected.  ‘Now,’ said the captain, having finished his directions to his well-disciplined followers, ’who will volunteer to go down with me and Hobomak to the heathen camp, and to carry the flag of truce before me?  It may be a service of danger to enter that hornet’s nest; and no one who has left his soldier’s heart at home with his wife or his children, had better attempt it.’

Rudolph felt the sarcasm, though it was uttered good humoredly, and he instantly replied—­

’I am ready, my chief, to attend you wherever you may go; and if I have left my heart’s affections at New Plymouth, you shall see that I have brought with me none the less of courage and fidelity to my leaders and my countrymen.  The dearer my home, the more energetic shall be my efforts to preserve it from desolation.  Besides,’ he added, In an undertone, so that only Standish should hear:  ’I much prefer going boldly into the midst of the enemy, even at the risk of my life, to remaining here to assist in constructing a trap for their destruction.’