Ten American Girls From History | Page 8

Namontack, bade
him bring his old moccasins and mantle to send to King James in return
for the crown and robe!
Much amused, Captain Newport thanked him and received the gift, but
told him that more than moccasins or mantles, the Englishmen desired
his aid in attacking a neighboring and hostile tribe. In this desire,
however, Powhatan showed no interest, and the two Captains were
obliged to leave Werewocomoco without his co-operation, which
would have been of much benefit in subduing the unfriendly tribe. But

the coronation ceremony had been accomplished; that was one thing for
which to be thankful and Captain Newport had for the first time seen
the charming Indian girl who had become such an ally of the settlers, so
he felt well repaid for the visit, although to him Pocahontas showed
none of the spontaneous sympathy which she gave so joyously to
Captain Smith.
And now again came winter and with it privation and hunger for the
colonists. Corn must be procured. There was only one man
stout-hearted enough to venture on another expedition in search of it,
and that was Captain Smith. He decided to go to Werewocomoco once
more, and if he found the new-made Emperor rebellious, to promptly
make him prisoner and carry away his stores of corn by force.
While the Captain and his men were making ready to start on the
expedition, to their great surprise messengers arrived from Powhatan
inviting Captain Smith to visit Werewocomoco again if he would bring
with him men to build a house and give the Emperor a grindstone, fifty
swords, some firearms, a hen and rooster, and much beads and copper,
for which he would be given corn.
Immediately forty-six Englishmen set out on a snowy December day,
in two barges and a pinnace, for Werewocomoco. The first night they
spent at the Indian village of Warrasqueake, where a friendly chief
warned Captain Smith not to go further.
"You shall find Powhatan to use you kindly," he said, "but trust him not,
and be sure he have no opportunity to seize on your arms, for he hath
sent for you only to cut your throats."
On hearing these words many of his comrades would have turned back,
but the Captain spoke to them in such courageous words that in spite of
the warning all continued on their way.
While they were journeying on toward their destination, Pocahontas, at
Werewocomoco, was daily with her father, watching him with alert
ears and eyes, for she saw that the old ruler was brooding over some
matter of grave import, and she drew her own inference. Only when

planning to wage war on an alien tribe or plotting against the
Jamestown settlers did he so mope and muse and fail to respond to her
overtures. Late one evening, when she saw two of his loyal warriors
steal to his side, in order to hear their conversation better she climbed a
near-by tree and listened to their muttered words. Her suspicions were
confirmed. There was need of her intervention again. From that
moment until she had foiled Powhatan's design, she was on guard day
and night watching and waiting for the coming of the Englishmen,
often lying sleepless in her wigwam to listen for some unwonted noise
in the hushed forest.
When the party from Jamestown reached the Indian village the river
was frozen over for a half-mile from shore. With his usual impetuous
courage the Captain broke the ice by jumping into the frozen stream,
and swam ashore, followed by the others, who were ashamed to be less
courageous than he. It was nearly night, and they took possession of a
deserted wigwam in the woods near the shore and sent word to
Powhatan that they were in immediate need of food, as their journey
had been a long one, and asked if he would not send provisions at once.
In response an Indian runner came to their wigwam bearing bread,
turkeys, and venison, much to the delight of the half-starved colonists.
Refreshed by a good meal, they slept heavily in the still forest, and
early the next morning went to pay their respects to Powhatan, who
was in his "Chief Place of Council" awaiting their visit in his gala robe
of luxurious skins and elaborate feather head-dress. His greeting was
courteous, but he at once turned to Captain Smith and asked:
"When are you going away? I did not invite you to come."
Although taken by surprise, quick-witted Captain Smith did not show
his feelings, but pointing to a group of Indian warriors standing near, he
said:
"There are the very men who came to Jamestown to invite us here!"
At this Powhatan gave a guttural laugh and changed the subject at once,
by asking to see the articles which