"He is dead, Master Rolfe," he said. "There can be no other
conclusion, - a brave man lost to you and to the colony. We mourn
with you, sir."
"We too have searched, Jack," put in West. "We have not been
idle, though well-nigh all men believe that the Indians, who we
know had a grudge against him, murdered him and his man that
night, then threw their bodies into the river, and themselves made
off out of our reach. But we hoped against hope that when your
party returned he would be in your midst."
"As for this latest loss," continued the Governor, "within an hour
of its discovery this morning search parties were out; yea, if I had
allowed it, the whole town would have betaken itself to the woods.
The searchers have not returned, and we are gravely anxious. Yet
we are not utterly cast down. This trail can hardly be missed, and
the Indians are friendly. There were a number in town overnight,
and they went with the searchers, volunteering to act as their
guides. We cannot but think that of this load, our hearts will soon
be eased."
"God grant it!" groaned Rolfe. "I will drink but a cup of wine, sir,
and then will be gone upon this new quest."
There was a movement in the room. "You are worn and spent with
your fruitless travel, sir," said the Governor kindly. "I give you my
word that all that can be done is doing.
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