124 THE VENGEANCE OF UNCAS. 



fathomed. Into this frightful " hell of waters," the hunted 

 Indians leapt. The waters flashed as one and another and 

 another sprang into the chasm. A moment their dusky 

 forms were seen struggling in the whirling mass, and then, 

 drawn down by the strong under-current, they were swept 

 beneath the tide. 



Thus perished the last of Miantonimoh's warriors ; but the 

 sachem was reserved for a more cruel fate. As he was has- 

 tening to join his devoted band, two of the enemy, who were 

 swifter of foot, passed him, and turned him back into the path 

 of his pursuing foe. Uncas, who was a man of gigantic 

 strength, sprang forward and grasped him by the shoulder. 

 Miantonimoh saw that all was lost, and with the sullen pride of 

 his race he calmly seated himself upon the ground, in perfect 

 silence. He uttered not one word of remonstrance or entreaty ; 

 and, though compelled to witness the merciless butchery of his 

 warriors, and the murder of his own brother, he scorned to 

 unclose his lips. Uncas, elated by his victory, spared his life for 

 the present, and conducted him in triumph to Mohegan. 



Some dispute occurring, soon after, between Uncas and a 

 portion of the colonists, who, having purchased lands of the 

 Narragansetts, were disposed to protect their sachem, the victor 

 determined to carry his prisoner to Hartford, and ask counsel 

 of the whites. The proud savage who had refused to employ 

 entreaty towards his conquerors, now broke silence, and begged 

 to be left in the hands of the English. To this Uncas con- 

 sented upon condition that Miantonimoh should be held as his 



