“But how has this change happened?” said I, “who has taken your lands from you, and made you so miserable?”

“I will tell you all about that to-night,” said he, “when we return home.”

We proceeded cautiously through the woods, and had not gone far when the Indian beckoned us all to stop.  “Look yonder,” said he to me, “on that high rock above us!” I did so, but could see nothing.  “Look again,” said he; I did, and saw a young hind standing upon the point of a rock which hung over the valley; she was a beautiful little animal, full of spirit, with large black eyes, slender legs and of a reddish brown colour.

He now selected a choice arrow, placed it on the bow, and sent it whizzing through the air.  It struck directly through the heart.  The little animal sprang violently forward, over the rock, and fell dead many feet below, where Whampum’s sons soon found it; we now returned to the wigwam, carrying the fawn with us.

[Illustration]

In the evening I reminded him of his promise to tell me how the Indians had been robbed of their lands and reduced to poverty.  He accordingly began as follows:—­

“A great many years ago,” said he, “when men with white skins had never been seen in this land, some Indians who were out fishing at a place where the sea widens, espied at a great distance something very large, floating on the water, and such as they had never seen before.

“These Indians immediately returning to the shore, apprized their countrymen of what they had observed, and pressed them to go out with them and discover what it might be.  They hurried out together, and saw with astonishment what the others had described, but could not agree upon what it was; some believed it to be an uncommonly large fish or animal, whilst others were of opinion that it must be a very large house floating on the sea.

“They sent off messengers to carry the news to their scattered chiefs and warriors that they should come together immediately.

“The chiefs were soon assembled and deliberating as to the manner in which they should receive the Manitou or Supreme Being on his arrival.  Every measure was taken to be well provided with plenty of meat for a sacrifice, the women were desired to prepare the best victuals, all the idols were examined and put in order, and a grand dance was supposed not only to be agreeable to the Great Being, but it was believed that it might tend to appease him if he was angry with them.

“Distracted between hope and fear, they were at a loss what to do; a dance, however, commenced in great confusion; fresh runners arrive, declaring it to be a large house, of various colours, and crowded with living creatures.