1694.] THE ABENAKIS HESITATE. 363 



the governor of Massachusetts was about to deliver 

 up the Indian prisoners in his hands, as stipulated 

 by the treaty. This completely changed the 

 temper of the warriors. Maclockawanclo declared 

 loudly for peace, and Villieu saw all his hopes 

 wrecked. He tried to persuade his disaffected allies 

 that the English only meant to lure them to de- 

 struction, and the missionary Thury supported 

 him with his utmost eloquence. The Indians would 

 not be convinced ; and their trust in English good 

 faith was confirmed, when they heard that a min- 

 ister had just come to Pemaquid to teach their 

 children to read and write. The news grew worse 

 and worse. Villieu was secretly informed that 

 Phips had been off the coast in a frigate, invited 

 Madockawando and other chiefs on board, and 

 feasted them in his cabin, after which they had all 

 thrown their hatchets into the sea, in token of 

 everlasting peace. Villieu now despaired of his 

 enterprise, and prepared to return to the St. John ; 

 when Thury, wise as the serpent, set himself to work 

 on the jealousy of Taxous, took him aside, and 

 persuaded him that his rival, Madockawando, had 

 put a slight upon him in presuming to make peace 

 without his consent. " The effect was marvellous," 

 says Villieu. Taxous, exasperated, declared that 

 he would have nothing to do with Madockawando's 

 treaty. The fickle multitude caught the conta- 

 gion, and asked for nothing but English scalps; 

 but, before setting out, they must needs go back to 

 Passadumkeag to finish their preparations. 



Villieu again went with them, and on the way his 



