The commander sent off at once to me, and I see
naught better to do than to dispatch you with a dozen men to bring
them to their senses. But there 's to be no harrying nor battle. A
show of force is all that 's needed, - I'll stake my head upon it. Let
them see that we are not to be taken unawares, but give them fair
words. That they may be the sooner placated I send with you
Master Rolfe, - they'll listen to him. See that the black paint is
covered with red, give them some beads and a knife or two, then
come home. If you like not the look of things, find out where
Opechancanough is, and I'll send him an embassy. He loves us
well, and will put down any disaffection."
"There's no doubt that he loves us," I said dryly. "He loves us as a
cat loves the mouse that it plays with. If we are to start at once, sir,
I'll go get my horse."
"Then meet us at the neck of land," said Rolfe.
I nodded, and left the room. As I descended the steps into the
growing light outside, I found Master Pory at my side.
"I kept late hours last night," he remarked, with a portentous
yawn. "Now that this business is settled, I'll go back to bed."
I walked on in silence.
"I am in your black books," he continued, with his sly, merry,
sidelong glance. "You think that I was overcareful of the ground,
that morning behind the church, and so unfortunately delayed
matters until the Governor happened by and brought things to
another guess conclusion.
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