“What is it thou dost, Uttamatomakkin?” asked Pocahontas.

“The werowance, thy father, told me to mark and let him know when I return how many white folk there were in this land.  I made a cut for each one I counted at first, but my stick is all but covered now and the Powhatan will not know how the palefaces swarm here like bees in a hollow tree.”

Pocahontas repeated to the Queen what he had said, and her Majesty was greatly amused.

“But thou dost not plan to return to Virginia for a long; time yet?” she asked.

“Much I like thy land, and its pleasant folk,” answered Pocahontas as she rose to go.  “But the time draweth near for us to set sail westward again.  Farewell.”

Then, accompanied by Lady De La Ware and Uttamatomakkin, she left the audience chamber.

“The Lady Rebecca,” said the Queen to her ladies when the curtains had fallen behind Pocahontas, “is one of the gentlest ladies England hath ever welcomed.”

[Illustration:  Decorative]