‘Truly,’ replied Salon, ’your last scheme has succeeded better than any of the others you have tried; and I now gladly hail you as Sachem of our tribe.  I have made sure of the fidelity of many of our bravest warriors; and when those who would have taken the white man’s part, and followed him in obedience to Tisquantum’s wishes, find that he is dead, they will readily take you for their leader, as the bravest of our tribe, and the most determined foe of the pale-faces.  But it is possible that Henrich has even yet escaped us.  The bodies that lie scorched on the ashes are fewer than the number that were to follow us.  We must, therefore, take measures to seize and destroy those who yet live, if they are likely to disturb our scheme.  Of course, they will again set out on the same track, as being that which will most quickly bring them where food and water are to be found.  We have only to lie in wait at the other side of the savanna, where the narrow mountain pass leads to the river, and our arrows and spears will be sufficient to silence every tongue that could speak against your claims.’

‘You are right, nay faithful Salon,’ answered Coubitant, with a sign of warns approbation of the forethought of his accomplice.  ’Let us lose no time in crossing the plain; for, doubtless, the survivors of this glorious fire will be early on their march, and it would not do for them to overtake us in the midst of the ruin we have wrought.  We will set all inquiries to rest, and then we will report to our tribe that the dreadful conflagration has deprived them of both their Chiefs, and that it rests with themselves to choose another.  O, Salon! my soul burns to lead them to Paomet, that stronghold of our country’s foes!’

The murderers arose, and took their way directly across the prairie:  for all the rank herbage being now reduced to ashes, they were no longer obliged to follow the winding course of the buffalo track.  They proceeded at a rapid pace; but it was some time ere Lincoya ventured to descend from his hiding-place, as he feared being observed on the level plain, if either of those ruthless villains should east a glance behind them.  At length their retreating forms appeared to him like specks in the distance; and he came down from his watch-tower, and fled as fast as his active young limbs could carry him, towards the spot where he hoped to rejoin his friends.  He had not very long continued his flight, when he perceived several persons on horseback approaching towards him; and soon he found himself in the arms of his joyful mother, and was affectionately greeted by Jyanough and Henrich, who, with several others, had come out to look if any of their missing companions were still within reach of human aid.

All but Lincoya had perished!  The fire and the smoke had not only destroyed their lives, but had so blackened and disfigured them that it was impossible to identify a single individual.  A grave was dug in the yet warm earth; and all the victims were buried sufficiently deep to preserve their remains from the ravages of wild beasts; and then the party returned in all haste to those who anxiously awaited them at their place of refuge.