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+Project Gutenberg's Some Three Hundred Years Ago, by Edith Gilman Brewster
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Some Three Hundred Years Ago
+
+Author: Edith Gilman Brewster
+
+Release Date: January 16, 2007 [EBook #20385]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SOME THREE HUNDRED YEARS AGO ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Barbara Tozier, Chris Curnow, Bill Tozier and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+          Some Three Hundred
+              Years Ago
+
+        BY EDITH GILMAN BREWSTER
+
+
+
+
+        The W. B. Ranney Company,
+               Printers,
+         Concord, New Hampshire
+  Copyright 1922, by Edith Gilman Brewster
+
+
+
+
+To the children of Portsmouth this book is dedicated.
+
+
+
+
+    DEAR BOYS AND GIRLS:
+
+    Because so little is told of the children who lived on our shores
+    when forests were cleared for home-making, I have tried to picture
+    here what they might have done in the midst of the true and
+    thrilling happenings you will some day read of in our history.
+
+    I hope these tales will help you to love the more our Granite State.
+
+                      Yours with much affection,
+
+                                               EDITH GILMAN BREWSTER.
+
+
+
+
+                              CONTENTS
+
+                  STORIES                             PERIOD
+
+               1  NONOWIT'S HOME                       1603
+
+               2  THE NEW WORLD                        1605
+
+               3  VISITORS FROM ENGLAND                1614
+
+               4  THE SETTLEMENT                       1623
+
+               5  DANGER FOR THE COLONISTS             1628
+
+               6 [A]STRAWBERRY BANK                    1631
+
+               7  THE BOYS' CATCH                      1632
+
+               8  THE FOREST GARDEN                    1633
+
+               9  THE FUR TRADE                        1634
+
+               10  COATS, SHIRTS, AND KETTLES          1638
+
+               11  WINNICUNNET                         1638
+
+               12  THE CRYSTAL HILLS                   1642
+
+               13  THE DENMARK CATTLE                  1643
+
+               14  THE CUT OF THE HAIR                 1649
+
+               15 [A]CYNTHIA'S BEAR                    1653
+
+               16  THE WITCHES OF 1656                 1656
+
+               17  THE WOLVES OF PORTSMOUTH            1662
+
+               18  THE KING'S FORT                     1666
+
+               19 [A]LITTLE JANE'S GENTIANS            1671
+
+               20  THE CHURCH LAW                      1675
+
+               21  PEACE OR WARFARE                    1675
+
+               22  SUSANNA'S RESCUE                    1675
+
+               23  TO THE GARRISON HOUSE!              1675
+
+               24  MY NEW HAMPSHIRE                    1680
+
+               25  THE BOWL OF BROTH                   1689
+
+               26  THOMAS TOOGOOD OUTWITS AN INDIAN    1690
+
+               27  THE ESCAPE                          1694
+
+               28  THE DEFENSE AT OYSTER RIVER         1694
+
+               29 [A]THE ATTACK AT THE PLAINS          1696
+
+               30  THE STRAWBERRY FIELDS OF EXETER     1697
+
+               [Footnote A: Courtesy of W. A. Wilde Company]
+
+
+
+
+NONOWIT'S HOME
+
+
+Long before New Hampshire found its name, the deep river at its southeast
+was known as the Piscataqua by the Indians who could stem its strong
+currents, even in bark canoes.
+
+Perhaps it was because of the fresh spring close to its salty shores,
+some three miles from the sea, that the red men made their encampment on
+the spot that was later equally attractive to men of white skins.
+
+Nonowit, like his people, was glad to see the snows melt away during that
+spring of 1603. The bare branches of the oak and maple showed tufts of
+browns, reds, and greens. The fish stirred in the streams, and by the
+time that Nonowit's forest home had its roof of thick green foliage the
+Indians themselves were astir. For far up the river at the falls fish
+could be found in plenty, and that was a welcome change from the game of
+the winter food.
+
+The men of the tribe were the first to start afoot for the fishing spot,
+while the squaws broke camp, gathered their belongings, and herded the
+children.
+
+Nonowit suddenly recalled some sturdy reeds growing by the salt marsh
+which he thought would make fine arrow shafts. It had occurred to the boy
+that he might stand by the falls and shoot his fish as they bounded
+over. That is why he was not on the spot when the children were started
+on the march, and the last camp fire had been covered.
+
+Even though he was an Indian boy, his heart thumped with fear, when at
+the end of the day he returned from his hunt on the marsh to a deserted
+camp. No answer came to his long shrill call. The sun was setting, and it
+was of no use to follow the trail that night, even though he had known
+just where his people were to go.
+
+He munched some scraps that had been left behind and sought the shelter
+of a hollow oak which had been the playhouse of the Indian girls and
+boys. An old owl hooted and flew from a hole above, but Nonowit had no
+fear of him, though he was glad the hole by which he had crawled into the
+oak was far above the ground. This was some protection from the wolves,
+which he could even then hear howling in the distance.
+
+All night there was a beating rain, which washed away the last trace of
+the carefully hidden trail of the Indian travelers. When Nonowit crawled
+out into the sunshine the following morning, he could learn nothing of
+their direction. To get a wider view, he wandered through the thick
+forest to the river's edge, but there discovered no signs of his people.
+"There are so many children in the camp I might not be missed," he
+thought and dropped upon a rock in one little heap of loneliness.
+
+Suddenly he sat very straight, for there beyond the Narrows he saw a
+monstrous thing. Could it be a huge bird with white wings spread? Over
+the water it seemed to be coming nearer. Instinctively he slid into a
+crevice between the rocks, yet without moving his gaze. Through the
+Narrows, under full sail, came the first ship. Nonowit seemed to become a
+part of the brown earth as he wriggled back into the undergrowth, never
+moving his wide-open eyes from this strange sight.
+
+Then came the rattle of chains and the voices of men. A boat was lowered,
+and Nonowit, safe under the cover of the low branches, saw it headed for
+his shore. Men with white skin and hair growing on their faces landed on
+the very rock on which he had been sitting. Their clothes were unlike any
+he had ever seen before, and their speech could not be understood.
+Cautiously he backed into the forest until he gained the branches of the
+oak in which he had slept. Yet that was unsafe, for the white men looked
+up into every tree, breaking the branches and tasting the sap.
+
+In his fright, Nonowit wriggled for safety through the very hole from
+which the owl had flown the night before. There from the dark hollows he
+watched the white men as they studied each tree. They came at last to the
+old oak and shook its branches. When one man even climbed far enough to
+look deep into the trunk, Nonowit crouched to the very ground, holding
+his breath. The shadows protected him and the men passed on. "Worse than
+wolves," thought the boy as he ventured again to his peep-hole. The white
+men lingered about for an hour or more, until the imprisoned little
+Indian felt that he might never see his people again. He would starve
+rather than face such creatures.
+
+At last, there came the sound of oars on the water. Creeping from the
+tree, Nonowit pushed aside the low branches to see the boatful of
+strangers depart. Suddenly a strong hand was clapped on his shoulder. He
+jumped with fear only to find himself in the grasp of his own father.
+Nonowit pointed hastily through the thick growth to the river, and the
+two watched the English vessel sail up the stream, but history reports
+that Martin Pring saw no Indians when he searched the Piscataqua shores
+for a sassafras tree, which, he believed, held the "Elixir of Life."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE NEW WORLD
+
+
+Far away on the shores of France, in a little cobbled lane by the water
+front, Jacques swung into the rhythm of the Sailor's Hornpipe. Raoul
+stood in the doorway of his low-roofed house, with his violin, directing
+the tune and swings until he pronounced the dance correctly learned.
+
+Just then three well-dressed gentlemen turned into the narrow way and
+passed on to the vessel at the wharf below. The raising of sails and
+shouting of orders suggested an immediate start.
+
+Jacques' father hurried around the corner and motioned to his boy. As
+Jacques followed, he called back to Raoul, "I'll bring you an Indian
+scalp when I come home!"
+
+The father and son then crossed the narrow plank to the deck and went
+below, for their business was to cook for the crew.
+
+The distinguished-looking gentlemen, however, talked earnestly on the
+shore until the last sail was spread. Then one of them, no other than
+Monsieur Champlain, stepped aboard, and, as the gang-plank was drawn,
+called to his friends, "We will also mark the rivers."
+
+And so, long ago in 1605, the French sailed to the Northwest with new
+hopes. The Spanish and Portuguese had returned with wonderful tales of
+the mines of South America. Perhaps even greater things might be found on
+the Northern shores.
+
+It happened one day when the sea was smooth and the well-fed sailors had
+little to do, that a group of them gathered on deck with tales of the
+Americas: the shining gold to be found there, the wild beasts, and the
+wilder Indians. Jacques felt that if he had but a knife, he could conquer
+the whole country. In the meantime his eye rested on a sharp and
+ugly-looking one thrust into the belt of a rough old salt who sat astride
+the deck rail.
+
+Just then there came a lull in the tales and the old fellow, to urge on
+the flagging spirits, brandished his dirk and pledged it to "The best
+fellow yet!"
+
+Fierce and impossible yarns followed until Jacques, as if to work off his
+excitement, jumped into the circle with the swing and the stamp of his
+newly-learned hornpipe. He danced it well and responded repeatedly to the
+sailors' applause. It pleased them better than any tale told, and they
+voted Jacques, "The best fellow yet!" True to his pledge, the old salt
+presented the knife with a sweeping bow. Jacques, overjoyed, at once cut
+his mark on the handle, and he dreamed that night of his attack on the
+New World. He awoke to make plans for the Indian scalps he should take to
+Raoul, for Indians seemed only as beasts to be slaughtered.
+
+Days and nights of sailing passed, as well as storms and fogs. When the
+sun at last brought clear horizons, the shout of "Land head!" thrilled
+captain, mates, and crew. No one knew just where they were, but shining
+peaks could be seen in the distance. At last they came to anchor, and
+small boats carried the men ashore. Jacques, too, was allowed to go. He
+clutched his knife, expecting to plunge it into the head of the first
+red-skin.
+
+A group of Indians stood on the rocks. Monsieur Champlain, the first to
+step ashore, greeted them with friendly signs. Jacques caught sight of an
+Indian boy of his own size, lurking behind. He held a bow in his hand,
+and a quiver of arrows was slung across his back. It was Nonowit, for
+they had landed on the Piscataqua shores.
+
+The Indian boy gathered wood for the fire, and Jacques eagerly joined in
+the search. Soon the older folk sat about the blaze. The white men tried
+to ask where they had landed and what was the nature of the coast.
+Jacques, in his desire to learn, drew in the sand for Nonowit the picture
+of the ship, the point of rocks, and the coast. The Indian boy understood
+and added the river to the map. That aroused Monsieur Champlain, who sent
+an order to the ship and soon received brilliant beads and various knives
+from the stores on board. These he laid at the feet of the Indians and
+pointed to the boy's map on the sand. The red men pulled charred sticks
+from the fire and drew on the paper offered the full coast line, so far
+as they knew, even to the Merrimac River with its impeding sandbars, then
+not even heard of by white men.
+
+By the time the French had started for their vessel Jacques had become
+sure that the many stories he had heard of the fierceness of the Indians
+were not entirely true, for already he had found an Indian boy a good
+companion. Instead of thrusting his knife into his scalp, he followed the
+example of his leaders and laid it at Nonowit's feet. The little
+red-skin, pleased with his gift, instinctively offered to Jacques his bow
+and arrows. These the French lad safely tucked away for Raoul, now
+thinking it a much finer gift than many scalps.
+
+Monsieur Champlain was even more pleased than Jacques to carry to his
+countrymen so true a map of the coast of the New World, though at that
+time he did not know it was to be the map of New England, nor that he had
+landed on the New Hampshire shore.
+
+
+
+
+VISITORS FROM ENGLAND.
+
+
+Eleven years passed and Nonowit was a grown Indian who knew the forest
+lands along the Piscataqua and the rocky turns of the coast. But in all
+this time he had not forgotten the two strange experiences of his
+boyhood: a sailing vessel, seen in the river, and later the meeting of
+white men face to face. Never did his eye run along the ocean horizon
+without thought of those white-winged sails.
+
+One morning in May, 1614, Nonowit paddled miles from the shore and pulled
+his canoe upon the rocks of a small island, the largest of a group that
+could be seen from the coast. Leaving his bark in safety, he crossed to
+the opposite shore of the island, where he first laid sticks for a fire
+and then threw out his line for a fish. A full catch held his attention
+until the tide had risen to an unusual height. Suddenly he thought of his
+canoe. He hastened over the rocks to find it far afloat. There he was
+left alone on the island with only the fish of the ocean for food and the
+sky to cover his head. That day and the next he watched for a stray
+canoe. On the morning of the third day, as he scanned the ocean to the
+East, he discerned a distant white speck.
+
+Slowly it shaped itself, and he realized that once again he was watching
+the approach of a white man's vessel. It seemed to be heading for his
+very island. Nonowit watched cautiously, ready to find safety in the
+rocky caves in case these proved unfriendly people.
+
+The vessel dropped anchor and a small boat brought eight men ashore. The
+leader was Capt. John Smith, who had sailed from England to learn what he
+could of the New World, and whether it was a desirable place for
+colonists. As this group of small islands attracted him, he had landed to
+see what could be found.
+
+Nonowit, from his hiding place, watched the astonishment of the white men
+when they came upon the burning coals of his fire. Then his turn of
+surprise came, for one face of that group was familiar to him. The
+features of Jacques had been stamped upon his boyhood mind, never to be
+erased. He now recognized the French boy who, since that first trip
+across the ocean, had learned his father's art of cooking and had hired
+out as steward to this English captain.
+
+Springing from his cave, Nonowit appeared before the wondering men, who
+drew back, fearing him one of a band of hidden Indians. Suddenly, Jacques
+caught a glimpse of the knife, cut with his own mark, thrust into the
+Indian's belt. It was the very dirk he had won by his well-danced
+hornpipe on his voyage with M. Champlain.
+
+After an exchange of friendly greetings, the Indian led the English party
+about and visited with them the smaller islands of the group. The low
+green bushes and bold rocky shores surrounded by the sparkling ocean so
+pleased Captain Smith that he gave the group his own name, calling
+Smith's Isles what later have been known as the Isles of Shoals.
+
+The seamen learned of Nonowit's lost canoe and offered to take him
+ashore. As they approached the mainland, the wooded coast with its lone
+mountain and later the safe harbor and rocky shores were most attractive
+to these Englishmen.
+
+On through the Narrows they sailed, as did Martin Pring many years
+before. This time, Nonowit was aboard the vessel that his people watched
+from the bank by the fresh spring where they had made their encampment.
+It is near the spot where Portsmouth markets now stand. Perhaps the first
+marketing was done that day, for Captain Smith was ready to trade knives,
+beads, fish lines, and hooks for the furs the Indians offered. Jacques
+prepared stews and porridge for these new friends, and in turn the
+Indians feasted the sailors upon maize and bear meat.
+
+After Nonowit had well described the coast lines to Captain Smith, he
+presented dried fish and deer meat for the journey, and to Jacques, for
+his own use, the skin of a bear. Although Nonowit was urged to sail with
+the party, he refused.
+
+Captain Smith continued along the coast to the point now known as Cape
+Cod and then, returning, found others of his party whom he had left
+fishing at the mouth of the Penobscot River.
+
+With salted fish and furs from Indian trading, Captain Smith returned to
+England, elated with the charm of the New Land. He published a map of the
+seacoast with a vivid description of the country and presented it to
+Prince Charles who named the region New England, and so, ever since, it
+has been called.
+
+
+
+
+THE SETTLEMENT
+
+
+In a little thatched cottage in old Portsmouth of Hampshire, England,
+Roger Low sat on a stool by his father's knee, while the light of the
+fire flickered over the heavy settles and on the rafters above. The man
+was still in his working clothes, with his hammer and saw at his side.
+
+"This new world they tell me of, my boy, must be a wonderful place. Those
+Puritan leaders, Bradford and Standish three years ago, in 1620, took
+their followers to New England to worship as they pleased. And now the
+Laconia Company, of which our own Governor, John Mason, is a member, has
+been given a grant of land there."
+
+"What can he do with it, father?" Roger asked.
+
+"They say, lad, the furs of those forests and the fish of those waters
+would make a big business for England."
+
+A knock at the door brought the man to his feet. On opening it, he bowed
+low to the gentleman waiting.
+
+"Come in, sir, and be seated."
+
+David Thompson took the opposite settle, quite ignoring Roger, who had
+risen in respect. Absorbed in his own plans this Scotchman, Thompson,
+broke out at once, "Low, I want you to pick up your tools and come to
+America with me this spring. Governor Mason wishes to make a settlement
+and proposes to establish a Manor on his new grant. We will pursue fur
+trade and fishing, and even hope to cultivate vines and discover mines."
+
+It was an astonishing thought to this carpenter, whose son was his only
+companion.
+
+"I should have to take the boy with me," was his first remark, after some
+thoughtful moments.
+
+"Certainly," replied David Thompson, who knew that the good workmanship
+of this man was worth an extra passenger. "We shall need the boys in a
+year or two," he added.
+
+Final arrangements were completed, and in the spring of 1623, Roger and
+his father sailed with the party for New England.
+
+Edward Hilton and his brother William, who had been fish dealers in
+London, were on board with equipment for one settlement, while David
+Thompson had charge of the other.
+
+From the map which Captain John Smith had made, the Piscataqua River was
+found. Here the coast was thoroughly studied. Thompson selected for
+building the very point at which Monsieur Champlain once stopped. But the
+Hilton brothers preferred river fishing and continued some eight miles up
+stream to a point of land called by the Indians, Winnichannat. It later
+became a part of Dover.
+
+Thompson's location was at the mouth of a small stream, which led to the
+main river. He called it Little Harbor. The hillock on which he planned
+to build gave a commanding view of the ocean. At the west stretched a
+salt marsh, of great value to a plantation.
+
+Small log cabins were quickly constructed, and also a secure building for
+the abundant provisions. Roger worked with the men in landing barrels of
+pork, kegs of molasses, sacks of oats, and boxes of candles. A securely
+fastened door not only protected these supplies from the weather, but
+also kept off the prowling beasts that might find comfortable living on
+such food.
+
+When the excitement of landing and the newness of this life began to wear
+away, the days seemed much alike. Roger asked one morning, "Father, shall
+we see no one but each other again today?"
+
+"That is all, my boy, for the Plymouth Colony is many miles to the south,
+and there are only a few people between that settlement and our own. The
+Indians are probably up river now for their spring fishing."
+
+Roger had been eager to see an Indian, though he had hoped he might not
+be alone, for he rather feared them.
+
+The days wore on with much monotony. The carpenters were busy building
+the Manor-house. A few men were planting only the most necessary crops.
+Others were making arrangements for the manufacture of salt, which was of
+first importance. Otherwise fish could not be preserved for the markets
+of England.
+
+One day something did happen. At dusk Roger passed the cabin where
+provisions were stored and found the door wide open. It was a law of the
+settlement that that door be kept closed and barred.
+
+The boy darted in to see if any one was there. Peering about the kegs and
+boxes he met a pair of glaring, fiery eyes that glowed through the gloom
+between himself and the doorway. He screamed. The creature crouched. An
+added horror came when Roger glanced at the door and saw there the dark,
+stern face of a tall Indian with arrow poised. It was aimed not at Roger,
+but at the springing lynx. The whirr of that arrow lived in Roger's mind
+the rest of his days. The boy himself was almost as limp with fright as
+the creature that was carried by Nonowit to the main cabin. For this
+Indian had heard of the new settlement and had travelled miles through
+the forest to make friends with the white men. He was close behind Roger
+and heard his scream of fright when he ran into the store-house.
+
+The settlers, resting from the day's work, were surprised at the
+appearance of the Indian, but still more astonished by Roger's story.
+John, the cook, then confessed that he had come out of the store-house
+with his arms full, and had forgotten to go back and close the door.
+
+The day's excitement was not over, for that night David Thompson led into
+camp Captain Miles Standish of the Plymouth colony. He had a hard story
+to tell of the starving condition of his people. They had compared
+themselves with the Israelites during the famine of Egypt, yet the
+Hebrews had their flocks and herds left to them. "However," continued the
+captain, "the Lord has been good to give us the abundant fish of the sea
+and the spring water, which is all we have, save a few dried peas." He
+then added that Governor Bradford had urged him to go even as far as
+Piscataqua to search for food.
+
+"And little could we have offered him," spoke up the cook, "if the old
+lynx and his friends had had a night in our store-house!"
+
+Much was then given from the ample supply of the settlement, and Captain
+Standish returned to Plymouth well repaid for his journey.
+
+
+
+
+DANGER FOR THE COLONISTS.
+
+
+Five years had passed since Roger Low and his father had come to America
+to help establish the Mason Manor. Although David Thompson, the leader,
+had found an island in Massachusetts Bay more to his liking, still enough
+settlers remained at Piscataqua to make the Lower Plantation one of
+importance. Edward Hilton yet held what was called the Upper Plantation
+at Dover.
+
+One morning, early in the summer of 1628, the Mason settlers were
+disturbed to find that John, the cook, had disappeared. Whether the days
+had become too monotonous for him and he had gone in search of adventure,
+or had been lost by wandering too far into the woods, no one knew.
+Finally Nonowit, who had become fond of Roger and had spent much time in
+teaching him the ways of the woods, was sent with the boy in search of
+the lost cook.
+
+The two started in the direction of the Upper Plantation. Not far from
+the Hilton Settlement, the sound of a shot in the woods brought them to a
+standstill and then to the ground, where they hid in the underbrush.
+Through the clearing they saw a deer fall. They waited breathlessly,
+expecting next to see the bulky form of John shoulder his game. To their
+surprise, a Tarateen Indian glided over the ground to the fallen deer. As
+he was an enemy, Nonowit and Roger remained in hiding until they could
+safely continue their journey. They then carried to the plantation not
+only news of a lost man, but also the astonishing word that Indians were
+using guns in the woods.
+
+Such a thing was unheard of. It was against the law of the settlers to
+trade firearms or ammunition with the Indians. How it had been done, or
+by whom, was a matter that must be looked into at once. The people of the
+Upper Plantation had seen nothing of the cook, though that was of small
+moment now.
+
+Edward Hilton felt it was of utmost importance to return at once with
+Roger and Nonowit to the Lower Plantation.
+
+On arriving there, a leader from Naumkeag was found who had brought the
+same disastrous word that the Indians were armed. He had received a
+message to the same effect from Weesagascusatt. It threatened serious
+danger for the colonists. Just at dusk a messenger from Winnisimmet
+arrived at Piscataqua with the same rumor. By candle light that night a
+conference of grave importance was held. The Naumkeag leader reported
+that a man named Morton had opened his settlement at Mount Wollaston,
+Mass. to all discontented servants and lawless people. He had changed
+the name to Merrie Mount and there he allowed reckless, dissolute living.
+Upon hearing of the loss of the cook, he suggested that he might be found
+among the merrymakers.
+
+Worst of all, Morton had established a trade of firearms with the Indians
+in order to obtain a greater number of furs. With guns in such skilled
+and treacherous hands, the white settlers stood in great danger.
+
+The discussion that night resulted in an agreement to send letters,
+pleading for help, to Plymouth, which, though it stood in less danger,
+was a colony stronger than all the rest together. It was also near enough
+for an approach to Morton at Merrie Mount.
+
+Roger was asked to carry the letters. With Nonowit as his guide, he
+started out on the following day. It was an adventurous trip, partly by
+land and partly by sea, for the man from Naumkeag was returning by water
+and carried the two along with him.
+
+When well underway by boat, a darkened sky and wild wind drove the small
+vessel to the Isle of Shoals for shelter, where they found at anchor "The
+Whale," an English ship soon to cross the ocean. The hurricane was of
+short duration, and the messengers continued their journey.
+
+Traveling afoot from Naumkeag, they soon noticed fresh footprints on the
+path, which suggested that someone was not far ahead of them. They
+continued with increased haste and added caution. Nonowit suddenly gave
+the signal for silence when, not far from the path, they saw through the
+thicket the broad shoulders of a white man eating by his camp fire. They
+remained silent until he turned and the jolly face of John was visible.
+He was doubtless on his way to Merrie Mount but allowed them to think he
+was merely off for a change. On learning what had happened and the
+message they carried, John allied himself to the two and begged to
+continue with them.
+
+After a rough journey, the three arrived at Plymouth and delivered the
+letters, which were most carefully considered by the men of that colony.
+Realizing the serious danger such a center as Merrie Mount could be to
+all the settlements, it was decided to send a note of warning to Morton.
+He, however, treated it with scorn and in the same spirit rejected a
+second appeal. Then, with stern determination to take the man by force,
+Captain Miles Standish started with his company of soldiers. He returned
+with Morton, who was sent as a prisoner to England on "The Whale," the
+very ship the travelers had found about to sail from the Isles of Shoals.
+The various colonies shared the expense.
+
+Roger, Nonowit, and John finally arrived home, triumphant with the news
+of success. But the wrong Morton had already done the settlers was never
+rectified, for the Indians had learned the value and power of a gun and
+never again were content without firearms.
+
+
+
+
+STRAWBERRY BANK.
+
+
+"Couldn't he find one anywhere, Mother?" asked Samuel.
+
+"Why didn't he keep on looking?" persisted Richard, as the two boys
+braced themselves for the lurch of the vessel which was tossing on a
+choppy sea. Mrs. Chadborn steadied herself and continued the story they
+so loved.
+
+"It was almost thirty years ago that Martin Pring sailed up the river to
+which we are now going. He searched the forests on either bank for a
+certain tree which he believed had the power to give people health and
+happiness. He found the deserted camp fires of the Indians, but, even
+though no savages disturbed his hunt, he sailed away disappointed because
+he could not find a sassafras tree."
+
+"I believe I could find one there," boasted Richard, with a secret
+determination to do so, "for I know how they look."
+
+This was in the early summer of 1631. It was a happy day when they landed
+on the New England shore close by the Mason Manor House, which had been
+built eight years before. Then it was the only one for many miles. Now
+some eighty men and women of many trades had come to settle about it and
+to build another which they would call the Great House.
+
+There was much to interest Samuel and Richard in the salt works and the
+flakes where fish were dried, and in the fort which was built on the
+hillock between the Manor-house and the ocean.
+
+But a few days after landing, Richard, much troubled, hunted for Samuel,
+whom he found fishing from the rocks.
+
+"Sam, Mother's almost sick. Father says the voyage has tired her. He
+thinks she's homesick, too. What can we do about it?"
+
+Samuel dropped his pole and sighed, "I wish we could find a sassafras
+tree."
+
+"We will," cried Richard, jumping to his feet. "Father will let us go
+with him to the place where they are working on the Great House. It is
+several miles away, but we can hunt the woods there and camp with the men
+until they come back."
+
+Mr. Chadborn readily consented, not knowing what plan the boys had in
+mind. But he warned them not to stray far, for, once lost, they were at
+the mercy of the Indians and the wild beasts.
+
+They made a long search always keeping within the sound of hammers.
+
+"I'll keep the path while you examine that tree off there," they
+constantly agreed, but never did they find one of the right kind. For two
+days they searched diligently, glad to get back to the cornmeal cakes
+and pea-porridge, and at night, quite as disappointed as Pring and
+doubtless more tired, they fell upon the bed of boughs their father had
+laid for them.
+
+On the third morning Mr. Chadborn told them to keep within call, for they
+were to return to the Manor that day.
+
+Samuel thought quite seriously, while Richard lay on the ground
+discouraged.
+
+"What is it, Sam?" cried Richard, catching a gleam in his brother's eye,
+and ready always to grasp at a suggestion.
+
+"Let's make baskets out of bark from a birch tree and fill them with
+these strawberries for Mother."
+
+They went to work with much energy, surprised to find how abundantly the
+berries grew along the banks, and returned to the Manor so full of the
+account of that strawberry patch that their disappointment was almost
+forgotten.
+
+"Oh, Mother, see what we have found! The bank was covered with berries,
+even after we had picked all these!"
+
+"Why, boys, it is just like the home-land! Surely Captain John Smith had
+described this Place well for Prince Charles to name it New England.
+Already I feel better, for this land is not so strange since home things
+grow here."
+
+The boys found that even the sassafras could not have given her more
+pleasure. They went to bed that night before dark, contented with their
+search and anxious to return to the strawberry field.
+
+For twenty years the land about the Great House was called Strawberry
+Bank. Though that was almost three hundred years ago and the name was
+afterward changed to Portsmouth, there are now many people in New
+England, and some outside, who know just what spot is meant when they
+hear of Strawberry Bank.
+
+
+
+
+THE BOYS' CATCH.
+
+
+"Get off that boat! We can't be bothered by boys on this trip!"
+
+Edward Godfrie, who had charge of the fisheries at Mason Manor, shouted
+with stern authority.
+
+It was scarcely daybreak on a May morning in 1632. Six great shallops lay
+at anchor off the rocks. Five fishing boats were in readiness, while
+several skiffs were conveying fishermen and equipment for the day's work.
+
+Godfrie's own boy, Hugh, and James Williams, regretfully climbed ashore.
+
+"Leave that seine behind!" was the next order to the boatmen. The stretch
+of net was pitched out upon the rocks.
+
+Every available worker at the Manor was ready to cast a line or haul a
+net on this trip, for the biggest catch possible was to be made that day.
+The Warwick, an English trading vessel of the Laconia Company, had
+already gone up the Piscataqua River and on her return would take a cargo
+of fish back to England. No later catch could be sufficiently salted and
+dried.
+
+"To feed eighty people every day," grumbled Godfrie, "and keep a cargo on
+hand, can't be done even in these waters."
+
+There had been little planting on this shore; so the fish already
+prepared for market had been eaten by the hungry settlers because of the
+delayed arrival of the Warwick with food supplies. Perhaps this accounts
+for Godfrie's irritation and anxiety for a good catch. When the last boat
+had started, he stepped into a skiff, picked up the oars, and pulled for
+the fishing fleet.
+
+Four forlorn boys, for Samuel and Richard Chadborn had joined the others,
+stood on the shore and watched the sails against the pink of the morning
+sky. The glorious air and strong salt breeze made the land seem
+unbearable to them. They wandered to the flakes and on to the salt works.
+Francis Williams, James's father, manufactured the salt.
+
+"Get away from there, boys," he shouted, as they appeared. "A big catch
+comes in tonight, and we need every grain!"
+
+Log cabins were scattered about the estate for those who did not live in
+the Hall. Horses, cows, pigs, sheep, and goats had their sheds or
+wandered about at will. However, there was no interest in them for the
+boys, who sauntered back to the shore from which the boats had started.
+
+"There are two skiffs left," suggested Hugh. "Let's go fishing for
+ourselves!"
+
+"Yes!" exclaimed Sam, with a new idea. "And why not take that net and
+stretch it across the narrows in the little harbor? I saw the men do
+that one day."
+
+It was a thought that aroused them all, perhaps because it required both
+daring and pluck. The net was a weighty one for their muscles, although
+they were stout, strong fellows for their years.
+
+James's father felt relieved as he saw them start. At least the flakes
+and the salt would be unmolested. However, his attitude changed at
+sundown when the boys had not returned.
+
+The fishing fleet brought back a set of disappointed men, for the catch
+had not been what was hoped for by many pounds. Godfrie's grumbling could
+be heard before he landed, nor was it lessened when he reached shore to
+find that his boy, with the others, was missing.
+
+The sun set and the moon rose, yet nothing had been seen of the boys. An
+hour later the distant splash of oars on the quiet waters and excited boy
+voices brought all the Manor folk to the shore. The approach was so slow
+that there was great fear that some one had been hurt. Yet there was an
+elated tone as the voices came nearer. When they were within shouting
+distance there came a call for help.
+
+A half-dozen strong men jumped into their skiffs and pulled with speed.
+In a half-hour's time two great boat-loads of fish were pulled ashore.
+The boys had stretched their net at low water across a narrow part of the
+stream. As the tide rushed in, it brought fish in a school of unusual
+size, which, caught by the current, had entered the little harbor instead
+of the main river.
+
+This catch made up for the loss in the day's fishing. Men and boys set to
+work in the moonlight to clean the fish. They then spread them on the
+flakes for salting and drying.
+
+Godfrie started a good cargo to the English markets, and each of the four
+boys carried the title of Captain for weeks to come.
+
+
+
+
+THE FOREST GARDEN.
+
+
+It was the spring of 1633. Richard and Samuel had watched the distant
+horizon for many days. At last came the shout, "A sail! A sail!"
+
+Later, the Warwick dropped anchor. The boys soon climbed aboard, and
+there they found Rebecca Gibbons, an English girl, who had started with
+her mother to join her father, Ambrose Gibbons, who was helping establish
+the New Hampshire Colony for the Mason grant. John Mason had given the
+name because of his home in Hampshire, England.
+
+"Then you are going on to Newichewannock," explained Richard. "Your
+father has built a house there for you. At the falls they have a
+saw-mill. It is the only one in New England."
+
+Samuel, who had gone ashore, then returned with a package, which he
+tucked into Rebecca's hands with a whisper. She secretly hid this strange
+parcel as the vessel started.
+
+The Warwick left its passengers and supplies at the Great House on
+Strawberry Bank, and continued up the winding Piscataqua, which seemed
+endlessly long to Rebecca. At last a final turn brought to sight the new
+home, and, best of all, her father, followed by his four helpers,
+hurrying down to the shore.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The house was a substantial one. There were also a barn, other small
+buildings, and a fine well, all surrounded by a palisade which protected
+the family from wild animals and hostile Indians.
+
+The saw-mill kept a busy hum on the logs, making boards for immediate
+use. Many were also to be shipped to England on the returning vessel.
+Ambrose Gibbons and his men spent their time otherwise: in search for
+useful ores or minerals, or trading for furs to be sent back to the
+Laconia Company, who, in turn, kept the colonists supplied from English
+stores. Perhaps for these reasons the gardens were quite neglected, and
+so Rebecca's strange little parcel proved a double treasure.
+
+Her spinning done with the spirit of a true pioneer, Rebecca explored the
+surrounding woods and soon knew them quite as well as the nooks and
+corners of her own dooryard. In one spot there grew a thick undergrowth,
+through which she crept and discovered a small clearing so closely shut
+in that it would never have been suspected.
+
+"This is the spot for my secret," she declared and began to pull the
+grass by the roots. The next day she returned with spade and rake, and
+her mysterious package. It was to be a buried treasure, for here she
+opened her bundle and planted in various holes the kernels of yellow
+Indian corn which Samuel had given her.
+
+"There!" she exclaimed, as she patted the loose earth. "This is to be my
+own secret, till I am quite ready to tell. Then I will surprise them."
+
+The home people were too much occupied with their own interests to give
+attention to Rebecca's play-time. The Newichewannock Indians, whose
+settlement was near by, were camping elsewhere for the summer, so that no
+one even guessed the garden, or knew how well it was growing.
+
+Some struggling grape vines and a few vegetables had been planted within
+the palisade, but small attention had been given to them. In fact, so
+little gardening had been done that the Autumn brought anxious days. No
+English vessel had come in, nor had the grain from Virginia arrived in
+Boston, where it was to be ground at the wind-mill and sent on to
+Strawberry Bank.
+
+The meal-chest at the Newichewannock home was almost empty, and except
+for fish and game the food supply was low. The situation became serious.
+Ambrose Gibbons started, one crisp fall morning, for the Bank, hoping to
+obtain food of some sort. He took one man with him, while the other three
+with their axes started for a distant point to fell trees, not returning
+until night.
+
+Rebecca ran off for awhile that afternoon to inspect her garden, which
+was now filled with a surprising growth of ripening corn.
+
+"It might be picked at once," she whispered to herself. "But I think I
+will leave it for a big surprise. Father may not be able to get us food."
+
+Quite elated over her splendid crop, she hastened back to the house. She
+was surprised to find the gate of the palisade open and still more
+astonished to see a tall figure in the kitchen.
+
+Her frightened mother was showing the empty meal-chest to a fierce
+looking Indian. Rebecca did not then know it was Rowls, the Sagamore of
+the Newichewannock Camp. He had returned ahead of his people with a small
+but hungry band of Indians.
+
+"He has come for food, dearie, but I cannot make him understand that we
+have nothing."
+
+Rowls straightened himself and by motions again ordered Mrs. Gibbons to
+get him food. At the same time he showed a fine beaver skin for exchange.
+Empty cupboards and barrels were opened, but the fierce creature believed
+the food was hidden and raised his knife as a threat. At this a sudden
+thought struck Rebecca. With energy she motioned for him to wait. Then
+she darted to her secret garden, where she tore the precious ears from
+the stalks until her arms were full. Fearing for her mother in the
+meantime, she flew back to the house to find that Rowls had patiently
+waited.
+
+It was what he wanted. With a satisfied grunt, he took the corn and
+presented Rebecca with the most beautiful beaver skin she had ever seen.
+After the Sagamore had gone and the palisade gate was bolted, Rebecca
+explained her secret garden to her surprised mother.
+
+She then for the first time realized the disappointment of not bringing
+in her own crop, should her father return without food. But just then a
+whistle was heard outside the gate, and Ambrose Gibbons was admitted,
+bowed over with a heavy sack of grain, for the Virginia supply had that
+morning reached Strawberry Bank.
+
+Soon after these events a grist-mill was established at Newichewannock,
+and gardens became a matter of more careful consideration.
+
+
+
+
+THE FUR TRADE
+
+
+The winter had passed since Rebecca Gibbons had traded her corn crop for
+a beaver skin. That piece of fur had become a much-beloved treasure to
+Becky. It covered her rag dolls in the daytime and served her as a
+blanket many a cold night.
+
+The winter had been a rough one, filled with severe hardships. In spite
+of their knowledge of New England winters, even the Indians in their
+encampment close at hand suffered. Hostile tribes had at times surrounded
+the house a hundred strong. Added to these troubles there was a great
+scarcity of provisions, so that a longing for warmer days was coupled
+with an anxious hope for the returning English vessel. Supplies of all
+kinds were sadly needed.
+
+One cold raw day in May, Rebecca wandered into the woods to gather early
+spring flowers. She suddenly realized that, in spite of her usual care,
+she had strayed beyond the sound of the buzzing mill. Searching in vain
+for a familiar spot, she at last shouted for help. No sound was heard in
+reply. She dropped to the ground, frightened by the thought of the many
+awful things that might happen. Was that a shadow at her feet? She
+started suddenly to find standing behind her a silent Indian squaw, with
+a pappoose strapped to her back. Without a word the woman turned and
+Rebecca followed, for she had recognized a squaw of the neighboring camp.
+It was a long walk home. As they passed the Newichewannock Camp, four
+forlorn shivering little Indians who had been huddling over the dying
+coals caught her attention.
+
+Rebecca was stirred by the misery of their cold and hunger, quite
+forgetting how near her own household were to this same misery. On
+reaching home, determined to show her thanks for this safe return, the
+little girl hunted out her fishing pole and started for the river. She
+hoped to make a catch for these hungry people. She reached the rocks and
+cast her line like a true fisherman.
+
+"Captain Neal will feel mean enough when he gets here and finds us all
+starved to death," she murmured as she jerked her pole only to find her
+line had caught and broken. Finally, with the disappointment of no fish,
+she was turning toward the house when a white gleam on the water caught
+her eye. It was from the sail of the Pide-Cowe, the English vessel just
+rounding the bend.
+
+Rebecca dashed home with the news. That afternoon cornmeal, salt, beef,
+butter, sweet oil, oatmeal, and candles were landed within the palisade.
+There were men's coats, waistcoats, and children's coats, stockings,
+blankets, rugs, flannel and cotton cloth, as well as fish hooks and
+lines, lead, hammers, pewter dishes, and iron kettles.
+
+Indians, gay in fringes and beads, arrived on the scene with loads of
+fur: otter, mink, fox, and beaver for trade. Ragged squaws and shivering
+pappooses followed. Captain Neal and his sailors mingled with hearty good
+cheer among them, while the white settlers acted as tradesmen, happy in
+the relief which this vessel had brought them.
+
+Rebecca was wild with excitement. She knew this meant food for everybody.
+Each box and barrel was turned and inspected by Miss Becky. She poked
+over the piles of clothing and tried on the children's coats and even the
+men's coats, anything in fact that struck her fancy. Some bright beaded
+things caught her eye. Pulling at the English shag, she drew from the
+bottom of a pile a queer little garment labeled "Pappoose coat." After
+searching and tugging, she produced five of different sizes. Then her eye
+fell on the group of timid little creatures still clinging to their
+mother.
+
+Rebecca knew that at this trading all the furs would go to buy food. Her
+wise little head thought, "These coats would make them so comfortable!"
+Perched on a salt-cask close to the pile she was soon absorbed in her own
+plans, which were quickly completed. Jumping down she excitedly ran to
+explain them to her mother, who had been watching the trading from the
+doorway of their home. Becky stood on tip-toe, awaiting her mother's
+decision. After a moment's thought, it came. The child rushed indoors and
+soon returned with her still beautiful beaver-skin.
+
+"Captain Neal," she cried, before she had fairly reached him. "How many
+of these pappoose coats will you trade for this beaver?"
+
+"You may have all for such a skin as that," he exclaimed as he stroked
+the soft fur.
+
+With the five coats in her own possession, proud little Becky begged her
+mother's help. Together they fitted them to the five smallest Indian
+children. Trading ceased for a moment, while all eyes turned to the funny
+sight of these wild little creatures in English clothing. The settlers
+and seamen laughed aloud, while even the stolid faces of the old warriors
+looked pleased.
+
+
+
+
+COATS, SHIRTS, AND KETTLES.
+
+
+During the winter of 1637-8, at least three feet of snow remained on the
+ground from November 4th until March 5th. Broken ice was still in the
+rivers, when in March a coaster started from Boston with Mrs. Wheelwright
+and her five children and also friends of hers with their children.
+
+Little Thomas, quite as round as the small iron kettle which he carried
+under his plump arm, trudged up the plank to the deck.
+
+"Mother, see what Tom has!" exclaimed Susan with some disgust.
+
+"Never mind, child," came the tired reply. "That kettle was forgotten in
+packing, and, if it pleases him, do let him keep it."
+
+There were children enough on board to make the party a merry one in
+spite of the sharp cold winds. The vessel turned northward, rounded the
+coast to the Piscataqua River, and pushed its way among the ice chunks
+even into Great Bay, not stopping until it came to the foot of the falls
+in Squamscot River.
+
+The Rev. John Wheelwright and several of his followers had already spent
+the winter about Piscataqua. The rough cabins, now built for their
+families, were not so comfortable nor so well furnished as the home
+Rebecca Gibbons had found at Newichewannock.
+
+The children were delighted with the wild woods. The month gave them some
+warm spring-like days, and they soon established a play camp for
+themselves not far from the cabins. Edward and Joseph built a wigwam
+pointed at the top like those of the Squamscot Indians who camped along
+the river.
+
+"Look," cried Susan with delight as she rested three poles together at
+the top, "this will stand over our fire, and we can swing Tom's kettle
+from it."
+
+But Tom and the kettle were missing. At last he was found in the curled
+roots of an old oak, scratching the picture of an Indian on the rough
+surface of his treasured kettle, which he was persuaded to use for the
+new play. The fun went with zest until Susan was called into the house.
+
+"There, dear," explained her mother, passing her an armful of woolen
+stuff, "you must take my needle and finish this seam, while I prepare
+these birds for a stew. This is the last of six shirts your father wished
+completed soon."
+
+Susan seated herself by the fireside on a stool, which was merely a tree
+stump, for their furniture was of the roughest kind. Her mother quickly
+plucked the feathers from the wild fowl that had just been brought in and
+prepared them for the kettle that hung on the crane over the hearth
+fire.
+
+"Oh, may we have that little one, Mother, for our camp?" begged Susan.
+"We want to make a stew out there in Tom's kettle."
+
+Her mother consented and laid the bird aside, while Susan watched
+carefully to see just how the stew was made. When it began to boil, her
+mother picked up the sewing and told her to run and play again.
+
+The children soon had a fire crackling and the fowl stewing. They sat
+delightedly about it, planning many fine uses for the little black kettle
+with its three short legs. Then Edward and Joseph started on a scouting
+trip, but returned later with eyes that told of something more real than
+play.
+
+"We've found an Indian boy, a real one, Susan, lying on the ground as if
+he were sick."
+
+"Then," replied Susan quickly, "take him some of our broth. I am sure it
+will help him. There it is, just as good as mother's," she exclaimed, as
+she gave a final taste and poured out a bowlful.
+
+Some half dozen children followed the boys and soon circled about a
+frightened Indian lad stretched on the ground. In a trice, Susan had
+propped him up and was feeding him with the stew, which seemed to revive
+him. Soon he allowed the children to lead him back to their wigwam, where
+he dropped again to the ground. They brought him food from the house, and
+then to amuse him they showed their black kettle and pointed out the
+Indian Tom had scratched on its side. Though the lad said nothing, his
+fear was gone, and his eyes were wide with interest. Suddenly a shadow
+fell across the path, and the little Indian's face brightened. There
+stood a full-grown Indian of the Piscataqua tribe. It was Nonowit, though
+these children did not know him. The little fellow was his son, Assacon,
+who had lost his father on this hunting trip and had become exhausted for
+want of food.
+
+Not only Nonowit, but other Indians began to arrive at the new
+settlement. White men landed on the shore with loads of woolen shirts and
+heavy coats like those sent on the English vessels; even iron kettles
+were lifted from their boats.
+
+The next day, which was April 3rd, 1638, Wehanownowit, Sagamore of the
+Piscataquas, Pummadockyon, his son, and Aspamabough arrived with many of
+their tribe. The Squamscot Indians and others gathered together with the
+white men in their clearing by the river.
+
+The questioning children begged of their fathers to know what it all
+meant. They were told that, as the men of the Plymouth colony had thought
+it just and kind to pay the Indians for the use of their lands, so Mr.
+Wheelright had urged the men of the New Hampshire settlement to do the
+same.
+
+A deed was made out to the Indians, promising the land of a certain
+district for settlement by the white men, but reserving the privilege for
+the Indians to hunt and fish there. Payment was to be made in money as
+well as coats, shirts, and kettles. The white men signed their names, but
+the Indians could not write. The children then saw Wehanownowit with the
+point of a wild goose quill make his mark of a man holding a tomahawk.
+Pummadockyon drew a man with a bow and arrow, and Aspamabough, who also
+signed the deed, drew for his mark an arrow and bow. And thus a friendly
+feeling was established between the natives and the colonists at the time
+of this settlement, which grew to be the town of Exeter, named for the
+one in England.
+
+When the coats, the shirts, and the kettles of varying sizes were
+shouldered, the Indians started homeward. The children then hurried back
+to their camp and soon found that their own play-kettle was gone. After
+many inquiries it was learned that in the confusion of things someone had
+caught it up and tossed it upon the pile of kettles offered to the
+Indians. The children were bitterly disappointed and sorely missed the
+loved plaything. Nor could another be spared from the limited home
+supply.
+
+Weeks went by, and the children still played in their camp. One day,
+while all were gone on a play-search for food, Joseph was left on guard
+in a hollow tree with merely a peep-hole through which to watch. He heard
+the cracking of a twig; to his surprise, something moved cautiously
+through the bushes. It was a real Indian boy. He crept to the wigwam
+door, peeped in, and then thrust in his arm. Joseph could not tell
+whether it was to take or to leave something. As the lad turned, he
+proved to be Assacon. Before Joseph could scramble from the tree, the
+Indian was gone, frightened perhaps by the voices of the returning
+children. Together they hurried to the wigwam, and there in the center
+stood the little black kettle with the same picture that Tom had
+scratched upon it. Assacon had found it in his own camp. In some way he
+had secured it and, in appreciation of their goodness to him, had
+traveled some ten miles to return it.
+
+
+
+
+WINNICUNNET.
+
+
+In the days when no lines were drawn between Massachusetts and New
+Hampshire, the General Court of Massachusetts had an eye open for a
+stretch of salt-marsh a few miles north of the Merrimac River, near the
+sea. The forests were so thick that feeding places for the cattle were
+difficult to find. Here on these marshes salt was added to the food,
+which in those days was considered a most valuable possession. For that
+reason it was agreed that three men from Newbury and Ipswich should build
+a house on the edge of the marsh.
+
+So on an October day in 1638 they went in a shallop up the winding
+Winnicunnet River. Where Hampton now stands, they built of logs the Bound
+House, to make good the claim of Massachusetts to the marsh.
+
+Soon others followed, and the little settlement of Winnicunnet grew up in
+the wilderness, miles from other neighbors, except the Indians who had
+pitched their wigwams in the vicinity. Their trails along the river and
+over the marshes to the sea were used by the white men in hunting and
+fishing.
+
+In this same wilderness Elizabeth dwelt in a cabin of logs, yet not
+without playmates or playthings. Chewannick, an Indian boy who lived in a
+wigwam, came often to play with her, and the little black lamb that was
+born in the spring was given to Elizabeth for her very own. As soon as
+she found it was hers, she called Chewannick within the palisade to see
+the little black thing with legs like sticks.
+
+"When it is old enough to be sheared," she explained, "I shall help to do
+that myself. Then my mother will help me to card its nice black wool, and
+we will spin it into long threads. I shall then weave a thick cloth,
+which will make me a warm winter cloak."
+
+Chewannick stood with wide-open eyes understanding by Elizabeth's motions
+much of what she was telling him. Together they made the little creature
+a comfortable bed in the big yard outside the cabin.
+
+It was most necessary to have the high fence built about the house to
+protect the garden from foxes and other prowling creatures, and to keep
+the wolves and the bears away from the cattle and sheep at night. Through
+the day, the gate stood open. The cows and sheep wandered off to the
+marsh grass, and the children came and went as they wished, but before
+the sun went down, every creature was driven home, and the children were
+safely inside when the gate was barred. When Elizabeth petted her little
+black lamb at night, she could hear the howl of the wolves through the
+woods and often the growl of a bear just outside the enclosure.
+
+One day when the children were outside the palisade, Chewannick attempted
+to climb it. Elizabeth laughed and declared he could not do it. He then
+fastened a prop between the closely planted posts and tried again, but he
+could not spring with enough force to get over. Again and again on
+succeeding days he tried, determined at every failure to reach the top
+some day.
+
+Late one afternoon as the cows came wandering in at their usual hour, the
+children watched the sheep huddle together. Elizabeth noticed that the
+little black lamb was not with them.
+
+"And the sheep came from the woods, not the marsh," she added after her
+first word of surprise.
+
+"Come, Chewannick, we must find my lamb!"
+
+Unnoticed by her mother, who was busy in the yard, Elizabeth led the
+Indian boy over the well trodden path to the woods. Already the sun had
+dropped, but on and on the children went until they paused to listen.
+From the far-distance came a faint cry like that of a child.
+
+"It is my precious, black woolly lamb!" cried Elizabeth, frantically. "It
+is in the thorn bushes!"
+
+Farther still they pushed into the woods, hardly noticing how dark the
+shadows were growing. The cry seemed close at hand.
+
+"Yes, here's my darling lamb!" Elizabeth tugged at the poor little thing,
+caught by its woolly fleece in the long sharp thorns of a bush.
+
+"Help, Chewannick, pull hard!"
+
+Great tufts of black wool were left on the bush, but the frightened
+little creature was freed at last.
+
+The woods seemed very dark by that time, as they half pulled, half
+carried the lamb homeward. Darker still it grew. Howls could be heard in
+the distance. The children hurried on. Suddenly a wolf barked on their
+very trail. They were then within sight of the house, but with horror
+they saw that the gate was closed. The hastening wolf had caught the
+scent of the lamb. The children tried to shout, but they could make no
+sound.
+
+Chewannick bounded ahead. With desperate force he sprang upon the fence,
+grasped the top, and fairly fell over the other side. He had the door
+unbarred for Elizabeth and the lamb, as the fiery eyes of the wolf could
+be seen but a few rods up the path. The gate was closed in time to shut
+the creature out, while Elizabeth's surprised mother caught up her little
+girl as if she feared the wolf might even then spring through the bolted
+door.
+
+
+
+
+THE CRYSTAL HILLS.
+
+
+Those who sailed the sea came always to these shores with accounts of the
+white and shining hills seen far back over the land. From other travelers
+were gathered wonderful tales of lakes stocked with delicate fish, fine
+forests rich in game, and fair valleys abounding in fruits, nuts, and
+vines.
+
+The immediate needs of the settlements held most of the colonists close
+to their homes, but the spirit of adventure was too strong for Darby
+Field. It was soon reported among the few households of Exeter that he
+was going to explore the country to the North, an enterprise which was of
+great interest to them all. He hoped to find gold and precious stones
+added to all the other wonders. It was thought that a trip of a hundred
+miles might take him to the river of Canada, or perhaps to the Great
+Lakes.
+
+Susan, Edward, Joseph, and all the other children stood about with
+wide-eyed wonder at the courage and daring that could carry one so far
+into an unknown wilderness. With two Indians as companions, and a pack
+strapped to his back, Darby Field waved his good-bye to the group of
+settlers and started off.
+
+For some forty miles they traveled past lakes large and small, over
+Indian trails, and through pathless forests. From this time on they
+seemed to be tramping upward. Field felt sure that they had reached the
+lower slopes of the shining hills so often seen from the sea.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+At last they climbed to a moss-grown level. Here they found an encampment
+of some two hundred Indians, who proved to be friendly. The travelers
+rested and looked about. Not far away appeared [A]"a rude heap of massive
+stones, piled upon one another a mile high, on which one might ascend
+from stone to stone, like a pair of winding stairs."
+
+Darby Field was moved by the charm of that peak which seemed to be the
+highest of all. When he expressed a determination to climb to the top,
+the Indians, horrified at the thought, begged him for his life to
+refrain. It was, they assured him, Agiochook, the abode of the Great
+Spirit whom they could see in the clouds about the summit. His voice
+could be heard in the thunder of the storms from cliff to cliff. The
+winds were manifestations of His power. His gentleness was revealed
+through the sunset colors that lingered on the slopes. This sacred
+mountain had never been climbed by an Indian. Now they begged the white
+man not to risk his life.
+
+In spite of this warning, Darby Field persisted in his plan. A group of
+Indians accompanied him to within eight miles of the top. There they
+waited for his return, for this daring act was of great concern to them.
+The two Indians who had followed Field from home took courage by his
+example and held to the party, which was undoubtedly the first that ever
+climbed our Mount Washington.
+
+From the summit they saw waters to the westward, which they thought to be
+the great lake from which the Canada river flows. To the North, the
+country was said to be [A]"daunting terrible, full of rocky hills as
+thick as mole hills in a meadow, and clothed with infinite thick woods."
+Perhaps the outlook was too terrible for adventure, for after they had
+picked up clear shining stones which proved to be crystals, they
+descended the mountain and presented themselves safe to the waiting
+Indians. Then instead of continuing their explorations, they decided to
+return home.
+
+After an absence of eighteen days, they reached home. On a cold night in
+June of 1642, the grown folk and children gathered about a blazing hearth
+to hear of the country that lay to the North.
+
+The travelers reported a wonderful trip of at least a hundred miles from
+home. They felt sure that their discovery of the Great Lakes [A]"wanted
+but one day's journey of being finished," but for lack of sufficient
+provisions they had been obliged to return. The glistening stones were
+passed on to the wondering children, and Field announced that he had gone
+as far as the Crystal Hills,--the name at one time of the White Mountains
+of New Hampshire.
+
+[Footnote A: Quoted from Jeremy Belknap's History of New Hampshire,
+Chapter I.]
+
+
+
+
+THE DENMARK CATTLE.
+
+
+The thread dropped from the spinning wheel as Elizabeth earnestly leaned
+forward in the firelight, that late afternoon of May in 1643.
+
+"Uncle Richard, is there any school for boys--"
+
+"Sh! here comes your father!" whispered her uncle.
+
+Francis Norton, absorbed in thought, entered the large east room of Mason
+Manor house and wandered to the window, where he scanned the ocean
+distance for a sail. Elizabeth silently picked up her thread.
+
+"Things have become serious, Richard," exclaimed Norton. "Since Mason's
+death, few supplies have come from England, as you know, and the amounts
+due the workers here have long been unpaid. I am here to manage the Mason
+affairs and consequently get the blame, yet my own interests are at
+stake. My boy must be educated--"
+
+"Oh, I say, Father, six cows are missing!" It was a rugged, healthy boy
+who burst into the room. "They have wandered off somewhere, and now it's
+milking time. Shall I hunt them up?"
+
+Norton continued his conversation, quite ignoring his son, who
+respectfully awaited his father's reply.
+
+"There is a school at Cambridge, near Boston. The only one I know of in
+New England. A Charlestown minister, John Harvard, left eight hundred
+pounds for it a few years ago--"
+
+"Don't lose those cows, Francis," interrupted his brother-in-law. "They
+are a valuable lot, a Denmark breed sent over by Mason, while I was a
+boy."
+
+Jacob then caught a nod of assent from his father and cast a quick glance
+at his sister, Elizabeth, whose wheel was again whirring busily. She
+jumped to her feet.
+
+"May I go too, father?" she cried.
+
+He gave his consent absent-mindedly and then turned to the subject in
+question.
+
+Meantime the girl and boy chased off together.
+
+"I believe the cows have wandered through the woods to the salt-marsh,"
+declared Elizabeth; so they turned in that direction, following a crooked
+path for a long time. At last a breaking of the bushes opened a way to
+the discovery of five of the cows. The children were pushing on for the
+sixth, when a distant shout was heard on the opposite shore of the marshy
+stream. There in the mud and mire stood a horse and rider. Each step
+plunged them deeper and brought them nearer to the stream.
+
+"Is this the ford?" the stranger called.
+
+Jacob at once saw he had mistaken a cow-path for a trail.
+
+"Back, quick!" cried the frightened children. "You cannot cross there!"
+
+The horse, about to plunge again, turned suddenly, while the children
+shouted the direction to the ford, much farther up the stream.
+
+The last cow had by that time appeared. Driving the six ahead, Jacob and
+Elizabeth wondered together who the strange rider might be, and then
+turned their discussion to family affairs which kept the home atmosphere
+constantly clouded.
+
+"Elizabeth, I must find some way to go to school," declared Jacob, "but I
+know father cannot send me now. They say all the furs, lumber, and fish
+that have been sent from here to England cannot cover the expense of
+these people. What can be done?"
+
+"We must find a way, Jacob," replied Elizabeth thoughtfully, "for you to
+go to that Cambridge school called Harvard College. All boys ought to be
+educated." She gave no thought to herself, for in those days girls were
+taught only home interests.
+
+Still deep in conversation, the children reached home to find that the
+same stranger, caught so dangerously on the marshes, had arrived at the
+Manor. He brought Francis Norton a written message, which had come by way
+of Boston from a newly-arrived English ship.
+
+Norton, standing at the door while the rider waited, read the word and
+exclaimed--
+
+"So we're to shift for ourselves! The owners of the Mason property can no
+longer be responsible for their New Hampshire estate."
+
+Many settlers who had come for the purpose of furthering the interests of
+this estate were involved in this crisis. With no returns from England
+and back dues long unpaid, the situation seemed hard and serious. Some of
+the occupants claimed the land they lived upon; some the creatures they
+cared for; but the most daring of all was the plan of Francis Norton.
+
+Jacob heard it first and hurried the astonishing news to Elizabeth, whom
+he found at the well.
+
+"Beth, father is going to drive a hundred oxen to Boston, almost sixty
+miles! He is to sell them there! What is more, we are all to go with
+him!"
+
+This crafty plan was actually carried out. It was a long, slow journey,
+but successfully made. The cattle sold in Boston at twenty pounds
+sterling a head, the current price of that day, which brought Norton a
+snug little sum. He did not return to Strawberry Bank, but established a
+home in Charlestown. He was then able to give Jacob an education.
+
+
+
+
+THE CUT OF THE HAIR.
+
+
+So many settlers had come to New Hampshire that, as early as 1641, the
+need of a government was felt, and therefore Massachusetts was asked to
+extend her law to this colony. It was then arranged for two deputies to
+represent New Hampshire life in the General Court of Massachusetts.
+
+On a summer's day in 1649, at the boat-landing not far from the Great
+House, the power of this General Court was under discussion by Jonathan
+Low and Thomas Berry, as they threw their lines into the river and waited
+for the fish to bite.
+
+"The Court can make a man do anything!" remarked Jonathan. Thomas seemed
+to doubt it.
+
+"My father has told me," continued Jonathan, "that not more than four
+years ago Mr. Williams bought an African slave from Captain Smith. The
+General Court considered it wrong for a man to own a slave and made Mr.
+Williams give him up. Then they sent the black man home to Africa."
+
+"Hush, here comes Mr. Williams now! Who is that with him?"
+
+"That," replied Jonathan, "is Ambrose Gibbons. They are both
+magistrates."
+
+Evidently the men were talking on the same subject that was interesting
+the boys, for, as Ambrose Gibbons stepped into his boat, he remarked
+emphatically, "The Court has the power to control this evil. Hugh Peters
+returned to England a few years ago and announced before Parliament that
+he had not seen a drunken man, nor heard a profane oath during the six
+years he had spent in the colonies. We can surely then control this
+ungodly habit that is threatening to corrupt us."
+
+The boys were alert to find out what the evil might be.
+
+"As magistrates," replied Williams, "we control undue pride and levity of
+behavior. We oblige the women to wear their sleeves to their wrists and
+close their gowns about their throats. Our men must now overcome this
+sinful habit of wearing the hair long."
+
+Gibbons picked up his oars, remarking, "We will enforce the law after we
+have met the governor and deputies, as is planned." He pushed off his
+boat, and Williams walked thoughtfully away, while the boys agreed that
+the Court was a power.
+
+For several days the matter remained in Jonathan's mind. He noticed as
+never before the trig little cuffs about his mother's wrists, and the
+narrow collar that enclosed her throat. He was so troubled by the long
+hair that swept his father's shoulders that, at last, one afternoon he
+talked the matter over with his mother as she sat by the open door. They
+both knew Roger Low to be a determined man and slow to accept new
+customs.
+
+Little Mary was playing with her dolls under the spreading lilac bushes.
+She glanced at the two as they talked earnestly together and caught bits
+of the conversation, but continued with her play. After an early tea
+Jonathan and his mother wandered down by the river, while Roger Low, the
+father, weary with a hard day's work, settled himself in his big chair
+and soon dropped to sleep.
+
+Little Mary had put her dolls to bed and, feeling much alone, snuggled
+close to her sleeping father. Looking at the long locks as they hung from
+his bent head, she recalled the afternoon's conversation.
+
+"His hair is too long," she thought. "Jonathan says it is not right to
+wear long hair."
+
+Stepping to the shelf she took down the scissors and quickly gave a
+delicious snip to her father's thick locks. Another snip-snap and more
+hair fell. The sleeping man roused a little, but finding only his little
+Mary playing about him, nodded off again. His head this time fell in a
+more favorable position for Mary to continue the clipping, which she did
+most thoroughly.
+
+It was dark when her mother returned and passed her sleeping husband to
+put Mary to bed.
+
+Just what happened in that home the next day I cannot tell you, but Roger
+Low appeared to the towns-people with closely cut hair, an astonishing
+example, just as the proclamation of the magistrates was announced.
+
+It read as follows:
+
+[A]"For as much as the wearing of long hair, after the manner of ruffians
+and barbarous Indians, has begun to invade New England, we, the
+magistrates do declare and manifest our dislike and detestation against
+the wearing of such long hair, as against a thing uncivil, and unmanly,
+whereby men do deform themselves and do corrupt good manners. We do,
+therefore, earnestly entreat all elders of this jurisdiction to manifest
+their zeal against it, that such as shall prove obstinate and will not
+reform themselves, may have God and man to witness against them."
+
+[Footnote A: Adams, Annals of Portsmouth. Page 34.]
+
+
+
+
+CYNTHIA'S BEAR
+
+
+"Yes, we have given up the name of Strawberry Bank," exclaimed Richard
+Chadborn, as he settled back before the bright firelight on a sharp
+October evening in 1653. His brother Samuel had just returned from his
+clearing in Rhode Island, and was eager to know all that had happened in
+the years of absence.
+
+"The townsmen petitioned the General Court of Massachusetts," Richard
+continued, "to change the name to Portsmouth, 'it being the river's mouth
+and good as any in the land'."
+
+But the name of Strawberry Bank had caught the ears of Hannah and small
+Sam, who rushed to the spot begging for the story of the first berries
+picked there by these very men when they were boys.
+
+Uncle Samuel pulled the two children to his knees, offering instead a
+true bear story.
+
+"Now, all this happened," he explained, "to my Cynthia and John, your
+cousins, way down in Rhode Island. They had been to the edge of the
+clearing and had gathered a basket of fine blackberries for their mother.
+
+"'Just what I want for a pasty,' she told them, 'and so well picked that
+I will make you a gingerbread man for dinner.'
+
+"Their eyes shone like the berries, as their mother pulled the molasses
+pitcher from the shelf. But there was not a drop in it.
+
+"'Our very last,' she reported, as she looked into the keg in the corner.
+
+"The shine went out of their eyes until Cynthia suggested that she and
+John go to the neighbors and borrow some. Their mother hesitated, for the
+children had never been there alone, but those little things looked so
+disappointed that she let them go.
+
+"Well, they got there all right, I suppose, and had the pitcher filled.
+They started home, probably talking about their gingerbread dolls, when
+little John called out eagerly, 'See the big dog, sister; he is coming
+right to us!'
+
+"Cynthia knew that the creature was a bear. The sight of him so startled
+her that she jerked the pitcher and spilled a great spot of molasses on
+the ground.
+
+"The bear was very near by that time and ran for the molasses.
+
+"'Run, Johnny, run!' Cynthia cried, pulling him on. She stopped a moment
+later to pour out more molasses for the hungry bear, who was already
+chasing after them.
+
+"'Run, Johnny, run!' she cried again, anxious not to lose a moment for
+those little short legs, and so the two kept on. When the last drop of
+molasses was poured out, and Cynthia had dropped the pitcher for the
+bear, little John stubbed his toe and fell just before the turn of the
+path to the cabin.
+
+"Now it happened," explained Uncle Samuel, "that a few minutes before
+this accident word had reached me that two bears had been seen in the
+woods that morning, and I had rushed home to say that the children must
+not go out. Before I had finished speaking, their mother had grabbed the
+gun from the wall and had dashed down the path.
+
+"I tore ahead with my musket. We made the turn as the bear was bounding
+away from the well-licked pitcher after the children.
+
+"They had no gingerbread dolls that day, but later I brought them home a
+fine bearskin rug, on which they now sit for their bedtime stories."
+
+
+
+
+THE WITCHES OF 1656.
+
+
+Strawberry Bank had not only taken the name of Portsmouth, but other
+changes had also crept in. In place of logs, houses were built of bricks
+burned in the dooryard; or else were constructed of frames of oak, often
+with pitched roofs that sloped to the ground.
+
+It was in such a house as this that Hannah Puddington lived. Old Buff,
+her large, yellow cat, would sometimes run to the ridgepole and from
+there watch for the river boats as they returned with fresh fish.
+
+One April morning Old Buff hungrily followed little Hannah to the
+landing, where she went with her mother to secure a fresh supply of fish
+to salt and dry, as well as some to cook at once.
+
+As they returned, Goodman Trimmings stopped them to tell of the sad
+condition of his wife. "She has surely been bewitched by Goody Walford,
+whom she met in the woods. When she first came home, she could not speak.
+Her breathing troubled her, but later she complained that her back was as
+a flame of fire and her limbs numb with cold. Goody Walford told her that
+she would take a long journey but would never return, and then the witch
+seemed to vanish in the shape of a cat. My wife has since been very
+ill."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Goodwife Puddington listened with alarm. "How frightful to find
+witchcraft on our own shores! Charlestown and Salem have been so invaded
+by it. There even children have been accused." Fearfully she grasped
+little Hannah by the hand and hurried home.
+
+When the fish were well cooked, Mrs. Puddington laid one temptingly on a
+hot pewter plate and covered it.
+
+"There, Hannah, take this to Goodwife Trimmings. It may tempt her
+appetite. Yes, little Jacob may go with you."
+
+Old Buff followed the two children down the grassy path and through a
+short stretch of woods to the neighbor's. As they returned, Hannah saw a
+queer looking figure digging roots in the woods. Her waistcoat and
+petticoat were red; her old apron green. She wore a black hat over a
+white linen hood tied under her chin. It was Goody Walford. Friendly Old
+Bluff darted to her side, while Hannah seized Jacob's hand and ran for
+home. Her haste and fright moved the little fellow to howls and tears.
+
+"Stop," commanded Hannah, "you must not cry, for then they will say that
+I have bewitched you, and may be they will hang me as they do the Salem
+witches."
+
+He caught her meaning, though he did not fully understand, and manfully
+gulped back his sobs.
+
+Another fear came. Hannah had seen the old witch stretch out her hand and
+stroke the soft, yellow fur of Old Buff.
+
+"She might have bewitched him," thought the little girl, "but I'll tell
+no one."
+
+At noon Hannah's father came in with more trouble to tell of Goody
+Walford. Her husband would not let her feed his cattle for fear she would
+bewitch them.
+
+After sunset Goodwife Evans, frightened by the reports, came to the
+Puddington house and begged that she might stay for the night.
+
+"I am followed by a yellowish cat wherever I go. I am sure 'tis the witch
+work of Goody Walford. Oh, don't open that door!" she cried. "It will
+come in." She dropped trembling to the settle.
+
+Little Hannah's fright was quite as great in her secret fear that Old
+Buff might be the witch-cat. She gasped when she saw her father take his
+gun from the wall.
+
+"We'll put an end to these witch-cats," he declared, and stalked out.
+
+Hannah held her breath in fear. She heard no shot, however. At last her
+father came in and looked over his gun.
+
+"It wouldn't work," he muttered.
+
+"There is more witchwork going on inside this house," his wife remarked
+as she looked over his shoulder at the gun. "Your new stockings that I
+finished last week have holes in them already."
+
+When on the following morning a large hole was found under the door that
+led to the shed, the family blame was directed to Old Buff. He was
+without doubt the yellowish cat that had followed Goodwife Evans. Hannah
+had not seen her dearly loved pet since she had left him in the woods the
+day before. She feared to have him come home, yet her heart yearned for
+Old Buff.
+
+That day it was discovered that much of the homemade soap stored under
+the pitch of the roof had disappeared.
+
+"Cat-witchery it surely is!" declared Mrs. Puddington.
+
+Little Hannah, miserably unhappy, tossed in her bed that night. Perhaps
+she slept a little. She was, however, quick to awake upon hearing a cry
+at her window. Like a flash she bounded out of bed, pushed up the sash,
+and pulled in her own dear Buff.
+
+"You're not bewitched, I know you're not, my dear Old Buff. You wouldn't
+cry in that same old way if you were! Come quick and let me hide you so
+you won't get shot!"
+
+She pushed the cat under the bedclothes and in her happy relief dropped
+to sleep.
+
+In the morning Old Buff, proud and dignified, sat like a king before the
+kitchen fire, while at his feet lay the body of the huge rat he had
+killed. It was the rat that had eaten the stockings, had gnawed the door,
+and had carried off the soap, afterward found in the walls. Old Buff was
+the hero of the house.
+
+This strange experience of the Puddington household was told throughout
+the village. Some were satisfied that witchery was no longer to be
+feared, but others still held their belief. In course of time, however,
+the witch acts believed of Jane Walford were forgotten.
+
+
+
+
+THE WOLVES OF PORTSMOUTH.
+
+
+John Hinkson led his saddled horse from the stable one September morning
+in 1662. Things had gone hard with John, for taxes were due, and bills
+were demanding immediate payment. As he needed money at once, he was now
+starting for Exeter to borrow, if possible, from his brother Peter, until
+his grist-mill should bring him the fall returns.
+
+As he mounted the horse, his wife opened the door.
+
+"John," she asked, "if you go to Peter's home, do not fail to ask Miranda
+for a bottle of her pine syrup. I ought not to be without it, for already
+little Anthony has a heavy cold. When shall you be back?"
+
+"I must return on Wednesday," John replied, "for there is to be a
+town-meeting that afternoon." Then, adjusting his gun, he called,
+"Good-bye," and was off.
+
+When Wednesday came, and the townsmen had gathered at their meeting, John
+Hinkson was not there. Thomas Keats, whose home was on the outskirts of
+Portsmouth, reported that Hinkson had passed his house on the way to
+Exeter a day or two before, but had not yet returned. Richard Webster
+remarked that he had just spoken with Mrs. Hinkson at her gate. She was
+looking anxiously for John. Their boy was seriously ill, and she needed
+the medicine John would bring. She was equally worried lest in his delay
+night should overtake him, when there was grave danger of attack by
+wolves. Another townsman emphatically declared:
+
+"It seems as if measures should be taken immediately to overcome this
+pest of wolves. There is no safety in the woods after dark, and even our
+door-yards are in danger from straggling beasts. Since Portsmouth has
+grown to be a town of a hundred inhabitants, though we are widely
+scattered, we ought to be able to make some headway against them."
+
+The meeting was then called to order, and that very question was placed
+under formal discussion.
+
+Meanwhile, John Hinkson had reached Exeter, only to find that his brother
+was crippled for funds and could give him no help. He obtained the syrup
+that his sister-in-law had made from the pine sap and, after indulging in
+a short visit, made an early start for home.
+
+The roads were very rough, and the horse loosened a shoe on the way. His
+progress was so slow that darkness had overtaken Hinkson by the time he
+had reached the isolated home of Thomas Keats on the edge of Portsmouth.
+
+The rider kept on his way, hoping that the distant cries he heard might
+not come nearer. He was less than half a mile from Keats' home when the
+howl of the wolves became more distinct. Soon he knew that a pack was on
+his trail. The horse seemed to sense his master's fear and dashed
+forward. At a bend in the path Hinkson turned and caught the gleam of the
+fiery eyes in full speed behind him. He fired, and the pack stopped to
+devour the fallen leader, while the horse plunged on. Again Hinkson's
+good aim brought another wolf to the ground, but a few of the pack, mad
+with the taste of blood, kept on in hot pursuit. Hinkson brought down a
+third and dodged a fourth that sprang at the horse's flanks. Again the
+wolf jumped and would have crippled horse and rider had not the crack of
+another gun sounded upon the frosty air. It belonged to Thomas Keats,
+then on his way home from town meeting. The wolves, frightened by the
+double-attack and weakened in numbers, slunk away into the woods.
+
+"This is a lucky shot for you, Hinkson," called Keats. "The town today
+voted a bounty of five pounds for every head, provided the nearest
+neighbor would stand witness that they were shot within the town's
+boundaries. I'm that neighbor, and I'll stand witness for you." Then, as
+John Hinkson fastened his bloody trophies to the saddle, Keats added,
+"The heads must be nailed to the meeting-house door."
+
+The two men parted and later Hinkson rode into his own dooryard, where
+he found an anxious little wife.
+
+She begged for the pine syrup, for her little Anthony was choking with
+croup. One glance at the saddle told of the story yet to be heard, but
+not until an hour of troubled watching had passed could she listen. The
+little boy then rested in comfortable sleep, and John related to his wife
+his exciting adventure with the wolves, adding, "I have brought home four
+heads, which give me twenty pounds bounty. With my good eye and my steady
+gun, I can yet relieve the town of an even greater number, and taxes at
+least will be paid."
+
+
+
+
+THE KING'S FORT.
+
+
+Little Peter White was so filled with the pride he took in his older
+brother Thomas that he had no thought for himself.
+
+Thomas was just sixteen years old, which was a very important matter that
+June of 1666, when King Charles the Second of England ordered the harbors
+of the New England colonies fortified.
+
+Although the King's Commissioners had had some trouble with the General
+Court, nevertheless, the Governor and Council of Massachusetts had
+appointed a committee to visit the New Hampshire settlements and
+determine upon the most suitable place for a fort. The eastern point of
+Great Island, now known as New Castle, had been the spot selected. The
+matter of building had been left to the decision of the townsmen of
+Portsmouth.
+
+Now it happened that little Peter was feeding his pet rabbits with
+plantain just outside the doors of the town-meeting that afternoon of
+June 19th. As the dignified men adjourned from the gathering, they still
+discussed the measures adopted for the erection of the fort. Peter's
+sharp ears overheard the mystic words "sixteen years." Had not his Thomas
+reached that wonderful age? They must be speaking of him. Peter caught
+every word that followed, and although the conversation was not about
+his Thomas, it was of utmost interest to Peter.
+
+With a white rabbit under one arm and a brown bunny bulging from the
+other, Peter ran full tilt down the beaten path to his snug home on the
+river bank, where Thomas was weeding the garden.
+
+"Oh, Tom," cried the little fellow excitedly, "you are to help build the
+King's Fort at Great Island, because you are sixteen years old." This
+surprising news was explained a few minutes later when the boys' father
+returned from the meeting.
+
+Eager to learn what was meant, Tom rested on his rake with an inquiring
+look in his eyes. Mrs. White, who from within the house had caught
+Peter's words, had come to the rose-arbored doorway, while Peter, still
+hugging his rabbits, called, "Tell them, father."
+
+"It has been voted," explained Abram White, "that every dweller in this
+town, above the age of sixteen years, shall promise a week's work on the
+new fort before next October. He must be there from seven in the morning
+until six at night and will be paid three shillings a day. The King has
+sent eleven guns, six pounders, to defend the fort."
+
+"Just think, Tom, you're to work on the King's fort!" exclaimed little
+Peter, fairly bursting with brotherly pride, for a direct order from the
+King seemed to the little boy a great honor.
+
+"That will mean another pound for Harvard," replied practical Tom as he
+bent again to the rake.
+
+Harvard College, the only institution of learning in the country at that
+time, was the ambition of many a growing lad in the remote districts.
+
+When the call actually came for Tom to work on the fort, Peter announced,
+"I'll do the home work while Tom's away. I'll weed the gardens and drive
+the cows to pasture."
+
+"You'll be my right-hand man," declared his father with a gentle slap on
+the little fellow's back.
+
+For six days Tom had taken the early start, rowing down the river to
+Great Island and then at a brisk pace crossing it to the ocean side,
+where fortifications were being erected for protection from attack by
+sea. On the last morning his father, whose week was just beginning,
+accompanied him.
+
+Peter in consequence felt himself doubly important as the only man at
+home. In the forenoon as he was passing the boat-landing, he chanced to
+see the basket containing the dinners which had been forgotten.
+
+"They must have it," thought Peter and stepped into the one remaining
+boat, which he pushed into the stream.
+
+Peter had had little experience alone on the water. So interested was he
+in watching the boat swing into the current of the outgoing tide, that he
+did not notice the darkening clouds above. Soon there came a flash
+followed by the deep roll of thunder. The swift Piscataqua tide held the
+boat amid stream, and the small arms could turn it neither to the right
+nor the left. Flash and roar repeatedly followed each other. The boat
+swung past the usual landing on Great Island and on down the river. As
+the wind tossed the water into white-caps, Peter, who had long before
+pulled in the oars, clung frightened to the sides. On sped the small
+craft until it had rounded the curve to the great ocean beyond.
+
+Dinner time had come for the men at the fort, but Tom and his father,
+with nothing to eat, stood on the rocks, watching the ocean toss in this
+yet rainless storm.
+
+Suddenly a little boat swept into sight from the river. Above its side
+was seen a small head too far away to be recognized. Instantly the two
+watchers, with the same thought, dashed for a boat drawn up on the shore.
+Pushing it off, they jumped in and grasped the oars. With strong, even
+strokes they made steady headway, while the stray boat plunged on and out
+into the sea. It was a mighty pull even for sturdy arms, but nearer and
+nearer they came until they saw the pale, frightened face of their own
+little Peter. With redoubled energy, they overtook the little fellow and
+held his boat while he scrambled into theirs, announcing, as he lifted
+the lunch basket over, "I was bringing your dinner to you."
+
+Thankfully they carried him safe to shore, where together they ate with
+relish the rescued dinner.
+
+Early that afternoon Peter's father took him home to relieve the anxiety
+he knew the boy's mother must be feeling.
+
+When Tom returned that night with his newly-earned shillings, he passed
+half of them over to Peter.
+
+"There, Pete, put them aside for college. Harvard will want such a man as
+you will make."
+
+Peter went to bed that night, happy with the new thought that he,
+himself, might some day go to college.
+
+
+
+
+LITTLE JANE'S GENTIANS.
+
+
+"Have you never seen a fringed gentian?" asked little blue-eyed Jane. "If
+you will go down that path with me, I'll show you where they grow."
+
+Benjamin was about to follow, when his father reined in his horse at the
+gate and called, "Come, Ben, we must start for home!"
+
+"Never mind," whispered little Jane, "I'll bring one to you at the
+meeting-house on the Sabbath."
+
+John Cutts lifted his boy to the horse's back, and with the bag of meal
+behind the saddle they started homeward over beaten paths through the
+woods to the clearing, some two miles from the settlement. This happened
+as long ago as 1671, when the fire on the hearth was the only kind used.
+Benjamin was glad to get close to it this cold fall night, as he listened
+to his father's account of the many wolves shot that week, whose heads,
+Benjamin knew, would be hung on the meeting-house door until the captors
+received their bounty.
+
+On Sunday morning John Cutts examined his musket closely, for he dared
+not start to meeting without it. Indians as well as wolves were feared.
+His wife sat on the horse behind him, and Benjamin rode before. Traveling
+over the narrow paths, they passed but few people on their way.
+
+Sunday was a day of fear for Benjamin, for outside the church door was
+built a large wooden cage which held the stocks, while a pillory was
+constructed on top, both of which were to hold in most uncomfortable
+positions those who disturbed the meeting.
+
+Inside the church his mother sat on one side, his father on the other.
+Benjamin was always left at the back with a row of boys under the
+piercing eye of Nicholas Bond, the tything man, who kept strict order
+with his rod and an occasional nod to the cage outside.
+
+On this particular morning when Benjamin dropped into his seat at the end
+of the row and near the door, he thought seriously of the whispered word
+he had overheard outside.
+
+"Little Jane is lost. There are several searching parties out!"
+
+"This is the morning," thought Benjamin, "that little Jane was going to
+bring me the gentians. I wonder if anyone would think of searching that
+path for her!"
+
+He glanced at the unusual number of wolves' heads hung on the door and
+thought of those still living in the woods. The guns stacked by the
+doorway suggested lurking Indians. His fear for little Jane's safety so
+increased that he became restless and soon received a sharp rap on the
+shins from the tything man.
+
+It was during the long prayer when all heads were bowed that his fear for
+Jane became greater than his fear of the cage. Could it be that Nicholas
+Bond was nodding? Benjamin slipped from his seat, crept out the door, and
+flew down the road outside. The risk was great, for if he should be
+caught, the horror of the cage awaited him.
+
+He was soon out of sight of the church and had turned down the gentian
+path without meeting any one. He knew enough of woodcraft to break a
+branch here and turn a stone there to mark his way. The gentians were
+found, and some had been picked, but Jane answered none of his shouts. He
+returned the same way until he found a branching path.
+
+"She might have taken that by mistake," he thought.
+
+It was a long search before Benjamin came upon the little girl asleep on
+the ground, with her hands full of gentians. "Oh, Jane, Jane, wake up and
+come quickly! The wolves or the Indians might find us!"
+
+Together they ran down the path to the turn and up the right one to the
+church, which they reached just as the people came out, troubled by the
+disappearance of Benjamin. A searching party came from the opposite
+direction, and Jane's father caught his little girl up in his arms, while
+Benjamin told his part of the story. His father proudly patted him on
+the back and swung him up on the saddle, but little Jane scrambled to her
+feet and darting to his side reached up her plump little hand,
+exclaiming, "I picked these gentians for you, Benjamin!"
+
+
+
+
+THE CHURCH LAW
+
+
+It was now 1675. Four years had passed since Jane Fryer gathered the
+gentians for Benjamin. Her father, Jonathan Fryer, had moved from the
+neighborhood of the meeting-house far up the river-side, where he found
+better land for cultivation. He still held a strong church interest and
+built for his family a small shed at the rear of the meeting-house. Here
+they could warm themselves by a hearth fire before the service in the
+unheated building and take a hot dinner before the long walk home.
+
+Jane was now an energetic girl of ten. One February afternoon she rested
+her bucket of water on the icy edge of the well as she watched her father
+striding homeward down the hill slope. As he reached her, he picked up
+the heavy bucket and entered the house, where his boy Tom was placing a
+huge log on the fire, and his wife stood ready to fill the kettle with
+water and hang it on the crane. Jane had followed her father and waited
+with expectant silence until Jonathan Fryer announced--
+
+"I am going to Boston!"
+
+"Father!" exclaimed Tom.
+
+"This winter?" asked his wife, while Jane embraced her dearly loved
+father as if he were off for the moon. Boston was fifty-eight miles
+away.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"I have just attended town-meeting," he explained. "The sixty pounds
+which we have pledged to Harvard College annually must be paid. There are
+also town matters for consultation."
+
+As it was February, Jonathan Fryer decided to travel on horseback by an
+inland route to Boston.
+
+During his absence, the family had cause for anxiety in the weather.
+Storms and a moderating temperature were bad, for Jonathan Fryer had
+frozen rivers to cross.
+
+On the night of the second Saturday after his departure, he returned
+weary and exhausted from a hard and perilous trip. Jane had spent many
+hours watching for her father and was eager to make him comfortable. She
+hung about him with every attention, and laughed when he nodded with
+sleep.
+
+"Father, you must go to bed, for if your head should tip like that in the
+meeting-house, the cage would await you."
+
+It had been decreed that the old wooden cage before the church door
+should punish--"those who use tobacco or sleep during public exercise."
+
+The next morning Jonathan Fryer arose aching in every limb. His family
+begged him to break his custom of attending meeting, but his strong
+spirit asserted itself, and he was ready at the usual time. With a basket
+of dinner, the four started afoot at an early hour that they might be
+well warmed before meeting.
+
+Mr. Moody, famous for his long sermons, had preached some forty minutes
+when a lusty snore brought the already straight listeners to an alert
+posture. It awoke the sleeper himself, no other than Jonathan Fryer. The
+preaching continued to its customary length of an hour or more. Then
+silently, shamed beyond endurance, Jonathan, his goodwife, his Tom, and
+his Jane, sought shelter in their small house. Words were useless. They
+knew what would follow.
+
+The tramp of four tything men was soon heard crunching the ice. Some
+eight or ten men with that title had been chosen to "look after the good
+morals" of the neighbors of their home district.
+
+Tything-man Eliot was the spokesman as the four stood to administer
+justice.
+
+"We regret, Goodman Fryer, that since you have disobeyed the strict
+orders of the Church, not only by sleeping, but also by disturbing the
+meeting with an audible snort, we must comply with our laws and place you
+in the stocks, within the cage built for that purpose."
+
+There was no chance for reply, for like a tiger Jane pounced before these
+men of dignity and burst forth, "It is not right. My father, in service
+for the town, has faced great hardships and almost lost his life. That he
+came to meeting at all, he should be thanked. If you place him in the
+stocks, you shall place me there too!"
+
+Her flashing eyes and angered face seemed to burn themselves into the
+stolid four as she stamped her foot for emphasis. The spokesman turned
+and quietly remarked to his companions, "There is need for further
+council!" They left. Jane threw herself into her father's arms. He
+dropped his head.
+
+"My daughter, this conduct doubles the insult to the Church. Your action
+is unrighteous, though well meant. Your father's disgrace was great
+enough, but this from a child to our worthy tything men cannot be
+overlooked. There was need for further council."
+
+No greater punishment could have been given Jane than these words from
+her father. The barley-cakes, porridge, and cheese were left untouched by
+the shame-faced group.
+
+Soon the heavy steps were again heard. The moment of suspense was
+stinging. The door opened and the tything men entered. The same
+spokesman, perhaps the gentlest of the four, began:
+
+"Goodman Fryer, it is deemed best that the punishment to be administered
+to your untamed daughter for her unruly tongue shall be determined by her
+parents. It is left to their discretion. Yet there is truth in her words.
+The council of the Church commends you for your recent service to the
+town and grants you pardon for your unseemly conduct in the meeting."
+
+
+
+
+PEACE OR WARFARE
+
+
+Since the days when Nonowit had welcomed the English to his shores and
+had taught Roger Low the ways of the wood, there had been little serious
+trouble between the white man and the red.
+
+The New Hampshire coast was at this time fortified against an enemy from
+over the seas, but the homes were rarely protected by palisades, save the
+larger ones used as garrison houses, where the neighbors gathered in case
+of an attack by Indians. Up to this time, however, there had been but
+little need of the garrisons.
+
+Roger Low had become the father of Jonathan, and even Jonathan now had a
+boy Robert, for some fifty years had passed since Robert's grandfather
+had crossed the ocean to this land. The Portsmouth house in which the
+three lived had been the scene of Jonathan's boyhood and recalls the time
+when his little sister, Mary, cut off her father's hair.
+
+The winter months of 1675 had passed. Frightful stories of Indian
+troubles were coming to the ears of the colonists. Robert Low had loved
+to sit on his grandfather's knee and in the warm light of the hearth fire
+to listen to stories of Indian life and of Nonowit, of whom nothing had
+been heard for many years.
+
+The two were sitting by the fire one evening, when Jonathan Low, leaving
+them alone, had gone to Exeter for the night. A neighbor happened in. His
+face was grave, and he shook his head in doubt as he seated himself on
+the opposite settle.
+
+"Philip, that chief in Massachusetts, the son of Massasoit, is a
+dangerous fellow. He is turning his Indians against the white men. And
+have you heard what has happened on the Saco River, at our east?"
+
+Robert was alert for a new story, though his interest was now mingled
+with a sense of fear.
+
+"The squaw of the sachem Squando," continued the caller, "was crossing
+the river in a canoe with her pappoose, when two sailors upset the craft
+just for the sport of it. The child sank, but the mother dived to the
+bottom and brought it up alive. Later the child died, and Squando is now
+rousing the Indians of the east against the colonists. With Philip south
+of us and Squando, a chief of wide influence, at the east, we stand in
+great danger."
+
+"Yet peace must exist between the white man and the red," confidently
+replied the grandfather, "for Passaconaway, the great sachem of the
+Penacooks, that wonderful chieftain, fifteen years ago urged peace when
+he called the river and the mountain Indians together at Pawtucket Falls.
+At a great dance and a feast held there Passaconaway spoke to his people
+and bade them live in peace, for it was the only hope for the race. They
+might do some harm to the English, but it would end in their own
+destruction. This the Great Spirit had said to him. Then," continued
+Roger Low, "he gave up his chieftainship to his son Wonolancet, who has
+heeded his father's warning, as have other tribes about us. They had
+faith in old Passaconaway, who had the power to make water burn and trees
+to dance. He could even turn himself into a flame. Yet he accepted our
+Christianity as preached by John Eliot and finally, the Indians say, he
+was carried in a sleigh drawn by wolves up the slope of our highest
+mountain, whence he rose toward the heaven of the white man in a chariot
+of fire."
+
+The neighbor again shook his head doubtfully and bade them good-night.
+Little Robert, torn by the fears of the Indian raids, and his
+grandfather's assurance of peace, lay awake many hours. His grandfather
+was breathing heavily in his sleep, when Robert distinctly heard a
+footstep outside. Thinking his father might have returned, he hurried to
+the window in time to see the figure of an Indian. The little boy threw
+himself upon his sleeping grandfather in fright. As the old gentleman
+awoke, a heavy knock was heard at the door.
+
+"'Tis an Indian, grandfather," shrieked the boy.
+
+At that moment the outline of the Indian's face was seen at the window
+which he was trying to open. Roger Low jumped from his bed, seized his
+gun, and stood ready for an attack. The Indian spoke. Low dropped his
+gun and listened. Something more was said outside, Grandfather hastily
+unbolted the door. "Was he mad?" He seemed eager to meet the Indian. Then
+Robert heard his grandfather cry, "Nonowit!" for the old-time friend had
+at last come back.
+
+They stirred the fire and seated themselves to hear Nonowit's story of
+peace and trouble between whitemen and Indians. Robert gained no promise
+of peace. However, the friendliness of such a powerful Indian as Nonowit
+was reassuring, and he dropped to sleep in his grandfather's arms.
+
+
+
+
+SUSANNA'S RESCUE
+
+A Tale of 1675
+
+
+Toby Tozer dropped the rock which would have completed his house of
+stones, as he saw a sail tacking across the river straight to his point
+at Newichewannock.
+
+"Look, Susanna! Here comes Mistress Lear, and she has brought Henry with
+her," he cried excitedly.
+
+Susanna hurried up the bank to carry the news. She was a sturdy girl of
+eighteen, with neither home nor people. The little group at the
+settlement took care of her, and she gratefully served them all.
+
+Hearing of the arrival, Mistress Tozer hurried to the shore, bidding
+Susanna notify the few neighbors and invite them all to her home for the
+day. Spinning, weaving, and other household cares were always pushed
+aside for such an occasion as a visit.
+
+"And may we keep her for days, Jacob?" Mrs. Tozer asked anxiously of Mr.
+Lear, who was then pushing off his boat.
+
+"Just an over-night trip," he called. "I'm on my way to Dover and will
+come around for her on my return."
+
+Already the good-wives, with knitting in hand, were gathering to greet
+Mistress Lear. Some fifteen or more, including the children, were soon
+settled about the Tozer fireplace, eager to learn of the happenings in
+Portsmouth.
+
+"How dared you come so far, Mistress Lear, when the Indians are
+committing such terrible deeds? Since King Philip has stirred up the
+creatures in Massachusetts, even the settlements of Maine have felt their
+treachery."
+
+By this time Susanna had caught the winks and nods of Toby and Henry, who
+were tired of sitting primly on the settle.
+
+"Shall I draw you a bucket of water, Mistress Tozer?" asked Susanna, as
+eager as the boys for an excuse to get out to the open. She glanced at
+the boys, who followed to help her. Secretly she held the fear of an
+Indian attack and, for days, had been keeping watch over the river.
+
+"My great-grandfather, Ambrose Gibbons, dug this well!" exclaimed Henry,
+knowingly, as Susanna let down the bucket. "His little girl, Becky
+Gibbons, was my grandmother, and she traded some corn for a beaver skin
+with the Indians."
+
+Since Susanna and Toby seemed interested, Henry continued his story as
+they turned to the shore. "Almost all the Indians were friendly in those
+days," he added.
+
+"But they are not now," replied Susanna. Her alert eye, at that moment,
+had caught a distant movement of paddles on the water. As a nearer view
+brought the dreaded Indians to sight, she cried, "Run for your lives,
+boys!"
+
+The frightful feathered savages were gliding straight toward the point.
+
+The two children made a mad dash for the house. Susanna, ahead, broke
+into the peaceful group gathered there.
+
+"Indians! Run! Out the back door, over the fence to the Knight's house!
+Don't let them see you!"
+
+Susanna slammed the front door and threw her full weight against it,
+while the women in mad haste rushed through the narrow doorway and
+scrambled over the fence to the more secure protection of the neighboring
+house. A moment later the howling Indians slashed their tomahawks into
+the door which Susanna, to gain time for the others, still held. The
+savages now forced the door open. The girl was thrown to the floor by the
+blow, and the Indians, thinking her dead, rushed through the house.
+Finding it deserted, they dashed through the back door on toward the
+neighboring house. Shot after shot from this direction startled the
+pursuing Indians and made them realize that their party was too small to
+face such fire. They then wheeled about and struck for the canoe.
+
+After a long and fearful waiting, Mrs. Tozer crept cautiously back to her
+home, sure that Susanna had been carried off captive. No, there she lay
+on the floor by the door. Could it be that she moved? Her eyes opened.
+Mrs. Tozer dropped to her side and, with the assistance of those who had
+followed, brought her quick relief. The girl was tenderly cared for, and
+in time she entirely recovered her strength.
+
+When Henry Lear returned to Portsmouth, he told a tale of Newichewannock
+life wilder than the stories of his grandmother's day.
+
+
+
+
+TO THE GARRISON HOUSE!
+
+
+One September day in 1675, near their home on the Upper Plantation, now
+known as Dover, Betty Haines, a girl of ten, stood in the cornfield with
+her little apron outstretched to hold the ears of ripe corn her father
+was plucking. Suddenly her brother Joseph, twice her age, bounded over
+the meadow and into the field.
+
+"Father," he cried excitedly, "the Indians have made an attack at
+Newichewannock. They are likely to be down upon us at any moment. The
+garrison house is our only safety."
+
+His mother, at the door of their home, caught Joseph's alarming words and
+took immediate command of the situation. The rest of the family hurried
+in from the cornfield and followed her directions.
+
+"Get your heavy coat, Joseph! Betty, pack the bread into that basket and
+ask your father to bring down our heaviest blankets!"
+
+"I hope nothing will happen to this nice home of ours," sighed Betty as
+her father on their departure locked the door.
+
+"Nor to our corn either," he added, with a thought of the winter's food.
+
+Soon they established themselves in the largest home of the neighborhood,
+which stood open in such a moment of need. Mrs. Haines, ready and
+capable, did her part for the neighboring families assembled there,
+while Mr. Haines and Joseph lent their aid to strengthen the
+fortifications of timber outside and to erect a sentry box on the roof,
+where guard was to be kept night and day.
+
+As Joseph Haines took his turn to guard, the first night of alarm, Betty
+crept up to the roof after him and immediately cried, pointing across the
+river, "Look there, Joe!"
+
+A small glow of fire, seen in the distance, soon brightened the whole sky
+with flames.
+
+"Work of the Indians!" muttered Joe. When word was brought the next day
+that two houses and three barns with a large quantity of grain had been
+burned that night by the Indians, Betty implored her brother, "Oh, don't
+let them burn our house, Joe!"
+
+"No, little Betty, I'll see that they do not," he declared with
+determination.
+
+Later the report reached Dover of six houses burned at Oyster River (a
+neighboring village) and two men killed. The young men of Dover rose with
+indignation at the insults of the Indians and begged Major Waldron,
+commander of the militia, to grant them permission to protect the town in
+their own way. This request granted, some twenty of them, Joseph Haines
+in the number, armed themselves and scattered through the woods, hoping
+in that way to find the lurking savages who were doing their mischief in
+small groups.
+
+Just at dusk Joseph, with one companion, took his position in the woods
+near his own home.
+
+"Hist!" came from his friend after long, patient watching. The two were
+alert, for five stealthy figures were seen to cross the meadow and linger
+in the cornfield. Three of them began to pick the corn, while two,
+approaching the house, gathered sticks for a fire which they lighted.
+Their purpose seemed to be to roast the corn, but the fire was built
+dangerously near the house.
+
+Joseph and his friend had become separated from their companions. No
+signal could be given without arousing the suspicion of their enemies.
+After a whispered consultation, they cautiously crept out of the woods
+and into the shadow of the house. From there they suddenly rushed upon
+the two Indians by the fire, striking them down with the butts of their
+guns. Those in the cornfield, hearing the commotion, ran for the woods
+and escaped.
+
+Mr. Haines, seeing the firelight in the direction of his house, started
+at once from the garrison, not knowing that Betty quietly followed him
+through the darkness, even slipping through the big gateway without being
+seen.
+
+The fire had already caught the house, while the young men were occupied
+in binding the prisoners. Mr. Haines dashed to the well for water and
+returned to find his Betty beating the flames with a broom.
+
+Mrs. Haines, missing Betty and suspecting that she had followed her
+father, was on the spot by the time Joseph had turned his attention from
+the prisoners to find that the house had been saved from the flames.
+
+Word of the efficient guard at Dover was reported by the escaping
+Indians, and no further attack was made at that time.
+
+
+
+
+MY NEW HAMPSHIRE
+
+
+The Indian raids had told heavily upon the colonists in the region of the
+Piscataqua. Scattered gardens had been devastated; homes built by great
+effort had been destroyed in a night; family circles had been broken by
+death, or by capture, and the colony had suffered the loss of strong
+young men who were its mainstay.
+
+John Stevens had been crippled by the tomahawk of an Indian; his whole
+family and that of his brother had been swept out of existence by the
+same cruel hands, and all that was left was his home and one little
+nephew, David.
+
+"This country is ours now, David, and we must hold it," he would say to
+the manly little fellow, who was already facing the responsibilities of
+life, though with arms too young to swing the axe or to steady the
+plough.
+
+Glancing at the sturdy little boy, John Stevens, unable to leave his
+chair, looked through the open doorway to his cleared land and his
+forests, and wondered how, to say nothing of protecting the country, he
+could keep the boy and himself alive. "David," he cried on sudden
+thought, "the garden shall be yours and the forest mine. We will each do
+what we can. I still have a strong arm left to me and a sharp knife. The
+red oaks can be felled and sawed at the mill. Here in my chair with my
+knife I can shape the short boards into hogshead staves. The town accepts
+them for taxes at twenty-five shillings a thousand."
+
+"Perhaps," added David, "Mr. Cutt, the merchant, will have use for some."
+
+Together the man and the boy, before the open door, planned for the
+coming days until the twilight had settled into night.
+
+The simple home was remote, and neighbors rarely dropped in. David took
+the necessary trips to the Bank, as the upper end of the town by the
+river was still called, or to the South End, where the Great House stood
+with many smaller homes of the town to the south of it. Always the little
+boy started with this injunction:
+
+"Learn all you can, David, of town affairs. Inquire about the doings of
+the General Court. This is our country, David, and we must know what
+happens."
+
+The cutting of staves proved to be a means of meeting their simple daily
+needs. The abundant forests everywhere prevented a demand for the
+shipment of staves to other ports; so it was an exultant David who came
+home one fall day with the word that Mr. John Cutt, the wealthy merchant
+of Portsmouth, wanted all the staves John Stevens could make. They had
+proved the best of the kind that Mr. Cutt had yet found. With the little
+that David could do on the garden the two managed to make a living. Yet
+all this effort to live was held before David as a small matter compared
+with the life of the country.
+
+"You must remember, David," his uncle impressed upon him, "that the
+country must live whether we are here or not, and its life, lad, depends
+upon what we can do for it while we are here."
+
+With this quickened interest in the big country, of which he could see so
+small a part, David returned from town early in January of 1680, with
+stirring news for his uncle.
+
+"Listen to this, Uncle John," he cried, excitedly, "Our King in England
+has seen fit to separate New Hampshire from the government of
+Massachusetts, and he has appointed our Mr. John Cutt as President. The
+Royal Charter is already here!"
+
+John Stevens leaned forward, as if to grasp the thought.
+
+"Say it again, David, every word." Then, after the boy had repeated the
+news, his uncle slowly shook his head.
+
+"It is a heavy responsibility for us, lad. We have but four small towns
+in New Hampshire. Yet I have confidence in the honored gentleman
+appointed to lead us."
+
+Actually to withdraw from the rule of Massachusetts required time, during
+which period David never returned home without bringing some interesting
+news. One day it was, "Uncle John, Portsmouth has seventy-one men who can
+vote; Dover has sixty-one; Hampton, fifty-seven; and Exeter, twenty." At
+another time he announced, "There is to be an important meeting in March,
+to which every town of New Hampshire is to send three representatives
+except Exeter, which sends two."
+
+On the 16th of March, the day of the General Assembly, John Stevens sent
+the boy off to town for the whole day.
+
+"Learn everything for me, David," was his parting command. "Do not miss a
+thing. And David," he added, impressively, placing his hand on the boy's
+shoulder, "Remember always that this is your New Hampshire." Then he
+counted the hours for the boy's return.
+
+When David reached the town he found three other boys of his own age
+eagerly watching for a sight of the gentlemen attending the Assembly.
+Choosing an advantageous spot on the roadside, David and his companions
+swung themselves to the low, spreading branches of an oak, where they
+patiently waited.
+
+"Here they come," called Sam Cutt, who had already seen these gentlemen
+arrive at his father's house.
+
+As the solemn procession of representatives from New Hampshire's four
+small towns passed on their way to the meeting-house, David slid from
+his branch to the ground and in an erect position bared his head and
+held his hat to his heart until they had passed.
+
+"Oh, see the sissy!" cried one boy from the tree, pointing to David, when
+the riders had moved along. David's face flushed, but with unusual
+self-command he replied.
+
+"Did you not know that those men are taking care of our province, which
+is yet very small, and that this is for us all a very serious and
+important meeting that they are attending?"
+
+The surprised boys who had expected to see David slink away, slid down
+from the branches, caught with interest in what he continued to tell them
+of town and even state affairs. They asked questions which he could
+answer. "Now I tell you," he added with authority, "you must remember
+always that this is your New Hampshire." David's knowledge of his country
+had so deeply impressed and interested the boys that, when the General
+Assembly adjourned, four hatless lads stood in respect as the members
+passed, who honored them with a salute.
+
+When, at the close of the day, David reached home he threw off his coat
+and warmed his hands by the fire exclaiming.
+
+"You should have seen the dignified gentlemen, uncle. There were a dozen
+or more of them who rode from Mr. Cutt's estate to the meeting-house.
+They wore fine clothes, and swords at their sides, and shining buckles on
+their shoes and knee bands. The Rev. Mr. Moody preached a sermon to them
+after he had offered a long prayer. Then the gentlemen voted to write a
+letter to the General Court of Massachusetts. Sam Cutt told me all about
+it. He had asked his father what had happened there. And, uncle, in this
+letter they thanked the Court for the care and kindness given us while we
+were under its rule. They explained that we did not seek this change. It
+was only because it was the King's wish that we were willing to accept
+the plan. Then they begged the Court for the benefit of its prayers and
+blessing in this separation. Sam said that it was all very solemn.
+Uncle," David continued, after a pause, "I kept feeling all day long,
+'This is my New Hampshire!'"
+
+
+
+
+THE BOWL OF BROTH
+
+
+One September day Mrs. Elizabeth Heard opened the door of her house on
+the Cocheco River, in Dover, and first looking cautiously about, a habit
+bred by fear of lurking Indians, stepped out with a bowl of hot broth,
+which she was about to carry to a neighbor who was ill.
+
+The Heard house was a garrison with a protecting wall built about it, the
+gate of which, Mrs. Heard at this moment noticed had been carelessly left
+open. A few months of peaceful living had caused the younger members of
+the family to grow careless of the once needed caution. Now about to pass
+through this gateway the quick movement of a shadow beyond the well,
+caught her eye. Bravely approaching the spot, she discovered, crouching
+there, a young Indian whose face instantly told more of fear than of
+daring. Instinctively her mother-heart felt sorry for him, and she
+offered him the bowl of hot broth. He drank it eagerly and then begged
+her to hide him. Without a moment's hesitation, she led him to the garret
+of her house and there in a corner concealed him under a pile of
+blankets. It was fortunate for her scheme that her family of ten, five
+boys and five girls, was off on a fishing trip.
+
+Later, on their return, they brought the news of a large capture of
+Indians made in the town that day. Mrs. Heard said nothing of the one
+then hidden under their own roof.
+
+After the children had been tucked into bed, and she had made the rounds
+of the rooms to be sure that all were sleeping, she crept to the garret
+and signaled to the Indian that his moment of escape had come.
+Noiselessly and swiftly he made his way out.
+
+Some thirteen years passed, and the children of the Heard family were
+well grown. One June day in 1689, Mrs. Heard, three of her sons, a
+daughter and some friends, had taken a river trip to Portsmouth and were
+returning by night. As they approached Dover, where their home still
+stood, they heard many unusual sounds.
+
+"I fear the Indians may be in the town, Benjamin," remarked Mrs. Heard to
+her oldest son, with some alarm.
+
+"Perhaps," replied Benjamin, "we had better go right to the Waldron's
+garrison, since it is so near. I see lights there."
+
+The party, filled with fear, hastened to the house suggested and knocked
+at the outer gate.
+
+"Let us in!" they pleaded. No answer, however, came from the home within.
+Benjamin then climbed the wall and looked over the top. To his horror, he
+saw an Indian, armed with a gun, standing in the open doorway of the
+house. Benjamin had not been seen, and the confusion within had drowned
+the cries outside. Jumping down, he started his party with utmost speed
+to their own garrison house. They had not gone far, before, to his
+dismay, he realized that his mother was not with them.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He returned to the scene of their peril to find his mother, exhausted by
+fright, still at the gate. She was lying there unable to move.
+
+"Go," she implored him in a whisper, "and help the others to safety! I
+will come as soon as my strength returns." At that moment a cry of fear
+from the others, and his mother's last urgent appeal drove Benjamin to
+their rescue while his brave mother was left to her fate.
+
+Recovering a little, Mrs. Heard crept to some protecting bushes where she
+lay until daylight, when the gate opened, and an Indian with a pistol
+approached her. He paused and looked at her very hard. Silently he left
+but returned immediately, for another keen look. This time, his grim
+savage face still unmoved, he grunted--
+
+"Good squaw kept Indian boy safe! Indian no forget!" Then he ran yelling
+to the house, with some word for his friends who seemed to be there in
+numbers.
+
+Soon after the Waldron house burst into flames. Not until the house had
+burned to the ground, and the Indians had gone, could Mrs. Heard gather
+strength enough to move. She feared the same sad end for her own home,
+but, to her surprise, she found it standing unharmed. Surely she had
+received her blessing for the bowl of broth and aid to the Indian lad,
+for her family and the friends, who had succeeded in reaching the house,
+reported that they had been free from attack through the horrors of that
+night, which were long remembered by the people of Dover.
+
+
+
+
+THOMAS TOOGOOD OUTWITS AN INDIAN
+
+An Incident of 1690.
+
+
+"There, you clumsy thing, you've stepped in the cat's saucer and spilled
+the milk. Be gone from here," and the crabbed old aunt, who kept house
+for the Toogoods, switched her broom after Tom as he moved good-naturedly
+out the back door.
+
+Thomas Toogood was overgrown, and awkward, and seemed always to be doing
+the wrong thing. He now sauntered out to the shed, where his father was
+feeding the cows and his sister tossing grain to the hens.
+
+"Tom," said his father, pointing to a gun in the corner, "I traded some
+corn for a gun for you, in Dover yesterday. They say that wild ducks are
+now found on the Cocheco. Thought you might like to try for them."
+
+Tom picked up the gun, looked it over, and said, "All right," but the
+look of pleasure on his face told that it was the first gun he had ever
+owned.
+
+"Now that you have a gun," spoke up his sister joyfully, "you can take me
+to the quilting party in Dover, next week. All our friends are to be
+there."
+
+Tom had reasons of his own for wishing to attend that gathering, but he
+was especially pleased to be considered manly enough to play the part of
+escort. Though Dover was but a few miles away, it was never safe to take
+even that trip without a gun for protection.
+
+With his father's suggestion of ducks in mind, Thomas picked up his new
+gun and whistled his way along the path to the river, where he kept his
+canoe. As he pushed his bark into the stream, he thought that he might
+now appease his aunt's anger by a brace of fine ducks for dinner.
+
+Two hours later poor Tom, dripping wet, with one small bird in his hand,
+faced the assembled family in the home kitchen.
+
+"Where is your gun?" asked his father immediately.
+
+"At the bottom of the river," replied the boy. "I was reaching for my
+duck, and the canoe upset."
+
+"Oh, Tom, you'd upset a sailing vessel if you stepped on it!" came from
+his sister. "Now you can't take me to the quilting party. It is just too
+bad!"
+
+"You go over to neighbor Roger's and chop his wood," ordered Tom's father
+with disgust in his tone. "I told him one of us would do it, for he is
+bad in his limbs."
+
+After changing his clothes, Tom started off to the Roger's home, a good
+two miles through the woods. The family attitude had dampened his usual
+good spirits, and his sister's words had stung. An afternoon's work of
+wood splitting brought cheer, at least to the forlorn neighbors, and Tom
+started home again whistling.
+
+It was a bad habit, in those days, to make one's presence known in the
+woods, and in this case Tom's whistling proved most serious, for
+suddenly, he realized that three dusky figures were creeping up the hill
+slope behind him. Quick as could be, he bounded up the crest of the hill
+and over the other side; but quite as quickly came one of the three
+Indians in hot pursuit. The other two, confident of their companion's
+speed, waited below for him to return with his prisoner.
+
+Tom was too heavy to run far, and soon the Indian had him in his ugly
+clutch.
+
+"Name?" asked the Indian, taking Tom by the shoulders.
+
+"Thomas Toogood," was the boy's frightened reply.
+
+"Ugh!" grunted the Indian. Then, appreciating Tom's clumsiness, the
+Indian loosened his grasp for a moment to straighten some cords with
+which to bind his captive. As the red man stooped with gun under his arm,
+for an instant he turned his back. Tom, for once in his life not slow, in
+a flash seized the gun and aimed it at the Indian.
+
+"You shout for help, and I'll shoot," he cried, backing away, and then
+with more dexterity than hitherto seemed possible, Tom continued to back
+with gun still pointed at the Indian, who muttered, "Tom no good, no
+good!"
+
+Once out of momentary danger, before the Indian could signal to the
+others, Tom had plunged into the thicket and taken a short cut home. He
+was again in possession of a gun, and he had met an adventure which must
+command the respect of the family and prove to his sister his worth as an
+escort.
+
+
+
+
+THE ESCAPE
+
+
+"This, my little Dick, is a fine holiday for us," exclaimed Mrs. Waldron
+as she lifted her baby from his hooded crib. "Your father has promised an
+outing, and you shall go with us to the farm far up the river. Some day,
+my little boy, you shall gather the strawberries there yourself, and play
+in the hay, and hunt for eggs."
+
+As she tossed her baby while she chatted, he seemed to be caught in
+mid-air by the tall soldierly gentleman who had entered. After a moment
+of play, Mrs. Waldron turned soberly to her husband.
+
+"Now, Richard, will you use every argument possible to persuade Madam
+Ursula Cutt to return with us to Portsmouth? The French have so stirred
+the Indians in the East that it is not safe for her to remain on that
+remote farm."
+
+"She has insisted," protested Col. Waldron, "that the haying must be done
+first. Until the crop is safely stored, it will be hard to start her.
+However, the weather has been warm and dry, so it may even now be done.
+Our boat is ready, can you go soon?"
+
+It was a wonderful July day in 1694. Mrs. Waldron followed her husband
+down the garden slope to the sparkling river and had already passed
+little Dick into his arms while she stepped into the boat. A servant,
+hurrying over the arbored path, announced--
+
+"Your friends from the Manor have arrived and are waiting to see you."
+
+"Oh, Richard," came in disappointed tones from Mrs. Waldron, "we cannot
+take our trip. They have come so far we must offer them at least a day's
+hospitality."
+
+Regretfully they turned and cordially received their guests. The plans
+for entertainment crowded out all thought of the river trip and a day on
+the farm.
+
+The farm two miles up the river belonged to Madam Ursula Cutt. It was a
+busy place, while the Waldrons were detained at home that July morning.
+Madam Cutt was over-seeing her household affairs as well as keeping a
+watchful eye on the hay-makers at work in the field. The maid at the
+washtub remarked, as her mistress stepped to the door with basket and
+scissors to gather flowers.
+
+"Dover has felt the fury of the Indians. They may yet come down the
+river!"
+
+"It may be well for us to move into town as soon as the haying is done,"
+Madam Cutt replied, and passed on to the garden.
+
+The maid rinsed the white linen and lifting a basketful stepped out to
+spread it on the grass to dry. With the awful fear of Indians still on
+her mind, she peered through the trees to the river, half expecting to
+see the dreaded creatures bounding up the bank.
+
+The clothes were spread on the green when her piercing gaze caught a
+strange movement of the water. A second look discerned the curve of a
+canoe. Madam Cutt was off in the flower garden. The hay-makers were in
+the fields. There was scarcely a moment in which to find shelter. Darting
+into the grape arbor, the maid then crept behind bushes and through uncut
+grass to the river slope around the bend. At last she was hidden from the
+farm-site. On she sped with all haste toward the town. There was a gap of
+water to be crossed. She found a boat and pulled at the oars in the
+direction of Portsmouth.
+
+While the Waldrons and their guests in the Portsmouth home were gaily
+chatting at the table, cries of "The Indians! The Indians!" were shrieked
+through the hall, and the terrified girl in working clothes rushed in
+exhausted.
+
+As soon as she recovered her voice, she poured forth brokenly, "The
+Indians--I ran--They didn't see me!"
+
+"But Madam Cutt, where is she?" asked Col. Waldron.
+
+"She was in the garden! She must be killed! There was no time! I hid in
+the bushes, crept over the meadow, and ran to the point, where I found a
+boat!"
+
+Col. Waldron ordered his horse and in a short time had gathered a force
+and hastened to the farm. It was all too true. The Indians had made
+their attack. Madam Ursula Cutt had been killed and robbed of her jewels.
+The three hay-makers had been shot, and their scalps taken for trophies.
+
+But little Dick, who might have been there, was safely rocked in his own
+cradle that night and saved to become Secretary Waldron, an important man
+in New Hampshire history.
+
+
+
+
+THE DEFENSE AT OYSTER RIVER
+
+
+Thomas Bickford viewed with satisfaction his house and fortress now
+complete. Building in 1694 was attended with many difficulties, as John
+and William, his sons, well knew, for they had helped.
+
+"Boys, you've worked well. A holiday for you tomorrow," promised their
+father.
+
+Early the following morning the boys started off on an exploring tour,
+for they had but recently come to the Oyster River shores, several miles
+north of Portsmouth where they had lived with their grandmother.
+
+The river had much to interest the boys. At night they returned home
+filled with excitement over the large hollow oak they had found almost a
+mile below.
+
+"It was just like a house, father. We planned the rooms and played there
+all day."
+
+"And saw no Indians?" their father inquired with some anxiety.
+
+"Yes, on the opposite bank we saw several creeping up the river, but we
+had a fine hiding place."
+
+The boys little knew that on that 17th day of July, some two hundred
+Indians were stealing cautiously up the Oyster River, on both sides, to
+the Upper Settlement. Their plan was to divide into small groups and
+attack each house at sunrise, the next morning. A single shot was to be
+the signal.
+
+On the following day by some mistake the shot was given before the
+Indians were ready.
+
+"What does that mean?" exclaimed Thomas Bickford, who from his home had
+heard the crack of a gun far up the river on that early morning of July
+18th. Instantly he recalled the stealthy Indians that the boys had seen
+the previous day, and he sensed immediate danger.
+
+"Quick!" he called to his wife and boys. "Run to the boat! I believe the
+Indians are afoot!"
+
+Hurrying into their clothes, they rushed to the river and jumped into the
+boat. Bickford passed them the oars.
+
+"Down the stream," he pointed, "and get around the bend as soon as you
+can! The savages are up the river!"
+
+"You are not coming?" they asked in alarm as he remained on shore.
+
+"No, that house is not to be lost, if I can save it!"
+
+There was no time for argument. He pushed the boat into the stream and
+darted back to the house, bolting the gates of the palisade and then the
+door as he entered. He grabbed his gun and placed his bullets and
+powder-horn in readiness. He then dashed upstairs quickly returning with
+an armful of clothing, which he spread out upon chairs and tables. At
+that moment the shots of the Indians struck the house.
+
+A horrible fear for the safety of his family brought a shudder to Thomas
+Bickford, yet, though alone in the house, he bravely began its defense.
+
+"Steady there, shoot!" he shouted as if he had a house full of men to
+command. He then pulled on an old red soldier's coat and flashed past the
+window in view of the Indians peering through the chinks outside the
+palisade. With another loud command and a remark in a different tone of
+voice, Bickford tore off the coat, pulled on a fur hat, and came again to
+view at the window. This he continued to do with frequent changes of
+costume and constant shooting and shouting until the Indians lost courage
+and fled for safety fearing an armed band would soon rush out upon them.
+
+Their flight brought but a moment of relief. The house, perhaps, was
+safe, but what of the family?
+
+Not until late in the day did Thomas Bickford dare start forth in search
+of them. He crept along the shore in the dusk, fearing each moment the
+shot of some lurking Indian. On and on he went, yet he found no trace of
+his people. At last he came upon the hollow oak that the boys had
+described as their playhouse. Here he paused, for a sound came from
+within.
+
+"Can that be a hiding place of the savages?" he asked himself in alarm
+and quickly turned his course. Suddenly there came from the oak a stifled
+whisper, "Father!"
+
+The family had but just escaped the sight of the Indians that morning,
+and here in the hollow tree they had crouched in fear all the long day.
+Now, startled lest the sound they heard outside was the tread of a
+redman, the boys peeped through a knothole and saw their father.
+
+To find each other was joy enough for one moment. The next brought the
+whisper:
+
+"Is the house saved?"
+
+After dark all crept cautiously out to the hidden boat, and later in the
+shelter of their home they listened breathlessly to the story of its
+wonderful defense.
+
+
+
+
+THE ATTACK AT THE PLAINS
+
+
+"Scamper! The raindrops will get there before you!" Mrs. Jackson
+scattered her children like a flock of chickens to the green to gather up
+the whitened linen which had been spread to dry on that long remembered
+June day of 1696.
+
+"There, Samuel, do stop that nonsense, for the rain will soon be here!"
+she laughed in spite of herself, as the round freckled face of her boy on
+hands and knees appeared with a grin from beneath a sheet.
+
+The laughter of all three children increased when the cows and sheep, in
+mid-afternoon, came hurrying to the barns, as if they, too, were afraid
+of a sprinkle.
+
+Mrs. Jackson gave a troubled glance skyward at the on-coming storm and
+then at the trembling cattle, which had doubtless been frightened by
+something worse.
+
+Samuel, Betsey, and Peggy had glorious romp together after supper, but
+neither father, nor mother, nor even Uncle Jack, could be persuaded to
+tell them a bedtime story, for something seemed to trouble them all. The
+children went early to bed. Betsey whispered, as they climbed to the
+feathers, "I heard father say that we'd stay here one more night. Do you
+suppose the Indians are coming?"
+
+However, not even the dreaded word, Indian nor the booming of the thunder
+storm outside could keep those sleepy eyes open.
+
+Downstairs the older members of the family and several neighbors gathered
+about the wide fireplace, glad of the warmth that chilly June night. With
+sober faces they discussed the rumors of terrible deeds the Indians had
+committed in Dover, a few miles up the river.
+
+"Some are lurking about us," declared Mr. Jackson, "for no storm would so
+frighten the cattle. 'Tis not the first time they have come home bruised
+and bleeding."
+
+"Tomorrow night," added his brother, "the settlers here at the Plains
+must go to the garrison house for safety. An attack may come at any
+moment."
+
+Little Samuel was the first to open his eyes the following morning,
+thinking it a glorious sunshine that gave such a brilliant light outside.
+Suddenly a snap and a crackle brought him to his feet. He found the barn
+ablaze. A war-whoop from the Indians then aroused the household.
+
+While father and Uncle Jack armed themselves with such implements as they
+had at hand, mother gathered the children together to go with her to the
+garrison house. About to leave the house she missed her wallet, which she
+had left, and ran upstairs to get it. She came down to find the children
+gone.
+
+"Perhaps they have started ahead," she thought, and hurried out.
+
+The children, left alone for a moment, frightened and bewildered had run
+out the front door, for at the back of the house were the Indians,
+yelling and shrieking. Samuel had crawled into a familiar hiding place
+under the cinnamon rose bushes, while Betsey and Peggy had hidden beneath
+the low branches of the lilac, so completely concealed that they did not
+even see their mother come out of the same door a moment later.
+
+Here the children remained until the barns were smouldering ashes, and
+the Indians had fled. Samuel was the first to creep from his hiding-place
+and dash to the side of his father, whom he saw at the front door. Betsey
+and Peggy followed, calling, "Where's mother?"
+
+"Is she not with you?" asked their surprised father, grasping his
+children by the hands in his thankfulness to find them alive, for the
+Indians had left a desolated spot.
+
+"Here comes Uncle Jack from the garrison house. He will tell us where
+mother is," cried Peggy hopefully. They all hastened to meet him, only to
+learn that their mother had not been seen since she left home.
+
+"Did the Indians carry her off?" cried little Samuel, choking back a sob.
+
+Betsey relieved that awful thought by exclaiming, "Here comes Captain
+Shackford with his soldiers. They will find her."
+
+The little group gathered about the sturdy Captain, who had been summoned
+from the Bank, two miles away. With his militia, he had reached the
+Plains too late to meet the Indians. Seeing the destruction they had
+caused, he inquired in which direction they had fled and started in
+pursuit.
+
+"Bring back my mother!" pleaded little Samuel, running after the captain,
+who nodded doubtfully.
+
+It was soon learned that four people were missing from this little group
+of settlers; several were injured and many had been killed. Nine barns
+and five dwellings had been burned.
+
+"We have a house left to us," sighed Peggy, "but what is that without
+mother?"
+
+There was no time, however, for even the children to mourn their loss; so
+many things were needed from their home for those without homes, that
+they were kept busy for several hours carrying pillows, blankets, and
+other things of comfort to the injured ones.
+
+Suddenly little Samuel cried, "Here comes Captain Shackford back again,"
+for the Captain was then emerging from the woods across the clearing with
+his militia carrying kettles, lanterns, blankets, and other things the
+Indians had taken as plunder.
+
+"Oh!" cried Betsey with joy, straining her gaze for a moment. "Mother is
+with them!"
+
+The children dashed across the Plains, in wild delight to escort their
+mother home. Her friends gathered about and with the children still
+clinging to her heard how the Captain had seen a feathery blue smoke some
+four miles from the Plains and, approaching it, had found that the
+Indians were cooking their breakfast behind the protection of their
+captives, who were tied to the trees. The soldiers suddenly rushed upon
+the Indians, who escaped. However, the plunder and, best of all, the four
+prisoners were safely brought back.
+
+Since then many a bedtime story by the hearth-fire has been told of that
+spot, which to this day is known as Breakfast Hill.
+
+
+
+
+THE STRAWBERRY FIELDS OF EXETER
+
+
+On a June afternoon in 1697, the silent forests about the little village
+of Exeter felt an almost imperceptible stir of life, for through it there
+stealthily crept an Indian chief, followed by one and then another of his
+frightful band. Each dressed in tawny skins like the creatures of the
+wood and with adornment of feathers from the very birds, they seemed but
+a part of the forest life. No smoke of the camp fire floated through the
+green boughs, for in utmost secrecy these Indians took concealed
+positions to spring, in the early morning, upon the unguarded inhabitants
+of the town before they were astir.
+
+Now it happened on that same afternoon while the sun shone alluringly
+upon the open fields, Patience Nutter dropped her wearisome patchwork and
+looked out of the window. A speck of red in the grass outside the house
+caught her attention. Her stint was not finished by several squares, yet
+the temptation of that strawberry was too great. Laying aside her work,
+she stepped out and popped the luscious red berry into her mouth. Beyond
+it she found a cluster of berries ripe and juicy. Step by step she was
+led into the open field fairly riotous in its growth of nodding red
+strawberries. It seemed as if she could not pick them fast enough.
+
+"Patience!" came a call from the house. The little girl turned to see her
+mother in the doorway, holding up the unfinished piece of patchwork.
+Reluctantly she returned.
+
+"Mother," she cried, as she entered the house, "will you go with me for
+some berries after I have finished my sewing? The field is full of them."
+
+"Yes, child, we need some for supper. While you are sewing, I will step
+into Mrs. Wiggin's, for she will be glad to know that the berries are
+fully ripe."
+
+Mrs. Nutter's news of the berries was of interest to Mrs. Wiggin and her
+daughters, who picked up their baskets to start for the field at once.
+
+Anthony Wiggin, who was sorting his papers at his desk, shook his head
+with the warning:
+
+"It is a great risk you run to go into that open field without a guard.
+Indians may even now be prowling about the woods."
+
+Nevertheless the women started off for the strawberries. Little Patience,
+with the strip of patchwork dangling from her pocket, joined them so
+quickly that one could almost believe some large stitches had been taken
+on that last square.
+
+When Anthony Wiggin had finished his work and each paper had been placed
+in its proper pigeon hole, he closed his desk.
+
+"Hm," he muttered, glancing from the window at the women and children in
+the field, "they do not sense the danger we constantly live in, now that
+the French have stirred up the Indians. I believe I will frighten them
+with a shot, just as a warning."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He picked up his gun from the corner where it was kept in constant
+readiness and, stepping to the door, sent a bullet over the heads of the
+strawberry pickers, whizzing into the woods beyond.
+
+Baskets and berries were dropped by the pickers in their fright and haste
+to get home, for their fears had been aroused by the words of Anthony
+Wiggin before they left the house. Patience, who had not sensed a
+possible danger, had wandered near to the woods where the berries were
+more abundant. Even after the sound of the gun, she lingered for a few
+more strawberries.
+
+The shot acted like magic upon the inhabitants of Exeter, who took it for
+an alarm of danger. Men dropped plough or rein and seized their guns.
+Women followed with powder-horns and bullets. In less time than one could
+believe, an armed body was in the village centre ready to protect their
+homes.
+
+That gun-shot carried its force still farther, for there in the woods
+beyond the strawberry field lay the Indians in ambush.
+
+"We are discovered," reported their leader. The savages then bounded into
+the open to make their attack, only to find themselves faced by an armed
+body of men. Firing a few shots, the Indians then made a hasty retreat.
+One, however, seeing Patience running for home and yet not halfway
+across the field, dashed after her, caught the child in his arms, and
+followed the retreating band.
+
+"Patience! Patience!" shrieked her mother. "She is captured! Oh, save
+her!" and the woman turned imploringly to her townsmen.
+
+They started in an almost hopeless pursuit, for the speed of an Indian in
+the woods is hard to cope with. Some dropped out of the chase, but the
+swiftest and more persistent men kept at it, Anthony Wiggin in the lead.
+
+Hours of agonizing horror then passed for Patience's mother as she
+pictured her own little girl in the cruel clutches of the savages. She
+could feel no possible hope of rescue.
+
+In the meantime the men continued a long and wearying chase, when
+suddenly a distant glimpse of an Indian was seen through the clearing.
+Anthony Wiggin, still ahead, sent a shot and soon after came upon little
+Patience alone in the woods.
+
+It seems the Indians had stopped to parley, and when they renewed their
+flight, Patience had been picked up by the last savage in the line. As he
+roughly seized her, she caught at the patchwork dropping from her pocket
+and found her needle still in it. Her indignation had by this time risen
+beyond her fear. Quickly she thrust the needle so far into the Indian's
+neck that he instinctively dropped the child to pull it out. She ran back
+over the path they had followed, just as Wiggin's shot was heard. The
+Indian ran for his life.
+
+As the full rising moon outlined the forest-tops to the people of Exeter,
+a triumphant shout came from the woods, and Patience, proudly shouldered
+by Anthony Wiggin, was placed in her mother's arms.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Some Three Hundred Years Ago, by 
+Edith Gilman Brewster
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