“Cease,” said Arundel.  “Not if there were as many Taranteens in the woods as there are leaves on the trees will I desert thee.”

“It is well; and my brother shall see the difference between a Pequot and a wretched Taranteen.”

All this time they had been walking without haste in a straight line, the Indian leading the way, and seeming to follow a particular course by instinct; for he looked not at the stars nor at any signs, so far as his companion could judge, to direct his steps.  In this manner, they continued to advance, not much conversation passing until they reached the hut of Sassacus.  This they entered:  and, to the surprise of Arundel, the Indian, after throwing down a few skins for seats, began leisurely to prepare a meal.  He lighted a fire outside of the lodge, which, of course, threw a light all around, and served to guide the steps of any wanderers, whether friends or prowling enemies; and waiting until the wood was reduced to glowing coals, threw upon them pieces of meat, whose pleasant odor soon pervaded the atmosphere.  The confident bearing of the Indian had, by this time, produced such an effect upon Arundel, that he did not even ask him why he so unnecessarily exposed the place of his retreat, but partook of the viands from the coals, and of the parched corn, which his host produced from the wigwam, with a hearty appetite.  His entertainer observed his execution upon the meal with marked satisfaction; and, upon its conclusion, presented him with a pipe, and, taking one himself, was soon under its soothing influence.  Arundel, unaccustomed to the use of tobacco, could only inspire a few whiffs, out of compliment to the other, and then sat watching him.  The fire light shone full upon the face of the bronze statue—­“the stoic of the woods, the man without a tear”—­before him, but no ferocity was discoverable in its lineaments.  It seemed impossible to suppose that thoughts of bloodshed were passing at that moment through the mind of the handsome youth, dreamily closing and opening his eyes, as the clouds from the pipe floated away over his head, apparently unconscious of danger, intending no ill to others, and not anticipating it for himself.

After smoking his pipe, the Indian, instead of extinguishing the fire, threw additional wood, in considerable quantities, upon it; thereby still further increasing the wonder of Arundel.  He next invited the guest into the wigwam, and heaping up several skins in a corner for a couch, said, that he was about to be absent for a short time, but that his brother might sleep meanwhile in perfect security.  With these words the Pequot departed, leaving the young man reclined upon his bed, but not to slumber.