On the evening of the seventh day after their departure, they approached the village of the Taranteens.  The whole company halted at a little distance from it, and the returning Indians shouted a peculiar cry, after which they proceeded more leisurely on their way.  The yell had been heard and understood, for soon were seen advancing, groups of men, women, and children.  These, upon joining their friends, manifested none of that stolid indifference, which it has been the pleasure of certain writers to ascribe to the natives, forgetting that by nature the same feelings animate the hearts of all men, whatever may be the degree of their civilization, or the color of their skin.  On the contrary, there were smiling faces and tones of welcome, and other demonstrations, that proved the existence of affection.  The squaws and children looked askance at the strangers, but their glances were rather timid than obtrusive, and augured no unfavorable prepossessions.  Accompanied by a constantly increasing number, our friends were conducted to a lodge in the centre of the village, which they were told they would occupy during their stay.  It was carefully covered with bark, and, as usual, skins were hanging on the sides, and lying on the ground for couches, and there were some cooking utensils, made of clay, on one side.  Such were all the articles constituting the simple menage of the child of nature, and completed his idea of necessary furniture.  Here the strangers were left by their guides, though several of the tribe remained lingering around the wigwam.

“Thus far,” said the Knight, stretching himself out on a skin, for in whatever circumstances he might be placed, he was always at his ease, “hath heaven breathed favoring airs into our sails.  We will accept the omen and be hopeful for the future.”

“No more skilful ambassador, it seems to me,” said Arundel, “ever mediated betwixt mighty governments than thyself, Sir Christopher.  Why, Ephraim Pike was right, and I did injustice to his hang-dog look when I distrusted him.”

“What said he?” inquired the Knight.

“That our journey would be a mere pleasure flight, unattended with danger.”

“He would have found it different had he undertaken it,” muttered Sir Christopher.  “And was it Ephraim who advised thee to associate thyself with me?”

“He did not presume to advise.  I scarcely know how it happened, but as I accidentally met the man, the conversation turned upon thy enterprise, of the dangers whereof he made light.”

“There is some mystery,” said the Knight, “connected with this.  Be sure the obscure varlet would not have sought thee out for such a purpose of his own motion, but was instigated thereto by another.”

“Who could that be, and with what motive?”

“Nay, I judge no man; but, perhaps, it so happened that they who intended harm conferred a favor.”