his hand, he slit the noses of each of the culprits from top to bottom, and dismissed them, to carry for life the marks of their disgrace.  No cry was uttered by any one of the victims, nor the slightest resistance offered to their venerable judge and executioner; for such cowardice would, in the estimation of the Indians, have been far more contemptible than the crime of which they had been convicted.  Silently they withdrew; nor did they, even by the expression of their countenances, seem to question the justice of their chastisement.

The next step to be pursued, was to prepare for securing Coubitant and Salon the moment they should make their appearance in the camp, and before they could be made aware of the discovery at their treason.  For this purpose, very effectual steps were taken; and Jyanough—­the faithful and energetic Jyanough—­took the command of the band of trusty warriors who were appointed to seize the leaders of the conspiracy, and to bring them into the presence of the Chiefs.

That evening, soon after sunset, the searching party returned; and, no sooner did Jyanough perceive, from the spot where he had posted his men among the rocks and bushes that commanded the pathway, that Coubitant and his fellow-criminal were with them, than he gave the concerted signal, and rushed upon them.  In an instant, they were seized by the arms, and dragged forcibly forward to the village.  They asked no questions of their captors—­for conscience told them that their sin had found them out, and that they were about to expiate their crimes by a death, probably both lingering and agonizing.

Doggedly they walked on, and were led to the spot where Tisquantum and his son-in-law awaited their arrival.  This was beneath a spreading tree that grew near the banks of the river, which in that part were rather high and precipitous.  The shades of evening were deepening; and the dark visage of Coubitant looked darker than ever, while the lurid light of his deep-set eyes seemed to glow with even unwonted luster from beneath his shaggy and overhanging brows.

The greatest part of the tribe were gathered together in that place, and stood silently around to view the criminals, and to witness their expected fate; for now all were acquainted with their guilt and all who were assembled here were indignant at their treachery against their venerable and beloved Sachem, and their scarcely less respected white Chieftain.

The voice of Tisquantum broke the ominous silence.

‘Coubitant,’ he solemnly began, ’you have deceived your Chief.  You have spoken to him words of peace, when death was in your heart.  Is it not so?’

‘I would be Chief myself,’ replied the savage, in a deep, undaunted voice.  ’I was taught to believe that I should succeed you; and a pale-faced stranger has taken my place.  I have lived but to obtain vengeance—­vengeance that you, Tisquantum, who were bound to wreak it on the slayer of your son, refused to take.  A mighty vengeance was in my soul; and to possess it, I would have sacrificed the whole tribe.  Now do to me as I would have done to Henrich.’  And he glared on his hated rival with the eye of a beast of prey.  Tisquantum regarded him calmly, and gravely continued his examination.