The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-07-17

which she used most skillfully dur
ing the contest, killing one of the
colonists, and wounding another.
Her enemies were much enraged, and
would have put her to death instant
ly, had the usages of warfare sane
toned such course. The party of
colonists, being composed of New
Haven and Connecticut volunteers,
and by far the greater portion be-
longing in Hartford, the captives
were taken to the latter place, and
put in confinement.
Nahwista was truly in a disagree
able and dangerous situation, hav-
ing committed crime against the
laws of the colonies, by which she
must suffer death, unless released by
the Dutch, who were secret enemies
to the English settlers.
1t was the custom in Hartford, in
those days, to keep the prisoners con-
fined in a sort of barrack or out
house, surrounded by high wall,
and guarded without by watch or
patrol guard.
A young man by the name of Pier
pont, an adventurer and trader, had
been chosen captain of the watch.
He had especially noticed the beau
tiful Nahwista, upon her arrival; and
at times, when he was not engaged
in his occupation of trading, or in his
duties as watch, he would pass his
moments with her, and as far as pos
sible learned her history. Her'pecu-
liar manner of conversation in the
Dutch language, together with her
goodness of temper, and simplicity of
behavior, interested him in her well
fare. He ascertained from her, her
parentage, her former connection
with the Dutch governors family,
and her unfortunate acquaintance
with the Swedes, and resolved to use
his influence in obtaining her release
from captivity, or putting off her
punishment, until some change in the
affairs of the colonies took place. He
succeeded so far, as to have her made
his slave; but she was not allowed to
depart from the barracks, during the
night time; and during the day, only
in company with Pierpont. or some
of the guard.
The arrival of the prisoners from
New Haven, created considerable ex-
element; and it was not long ere
earle ascertained that Nahwista was
one of the captives. He had made
several Intellectual attempts to see
her; but the jealousy of the English
toward the Dutch settlers, led them
to keep close watch upon their
movements; particularly of the Dutch
agent. Nahwista, with all the char
acteristic archness and cunning of
her tribe, concealed from her master
any knowledge she had of Garlic; and
her affability towards him, and the
mock delight she manifested on
meeting him, led Pierpont vainly to
hope that she loved him.
Months passed on, and the conf
dence strengthened between the
master and slave. Nahwista was al
lowed to perambulate, unattended,
the yards within the inner wickets.
and occasionally to repair to the
messy bank of the river, under the
eyes of the watch. Hours, she sat
upon the turf, watching the bright
water below. earle had observed her
habits, and could easily discern her,
while at her retreat, from the door of
his habitation. He was not long in
planning way of speaking with her;
and on cloudy morning, when but
a solitary watch was in sight, he de-
scended to the waters edge, and fol-
lowed the river up, until opposite the
barrack. Here he remained until the
loved form of Nahwista made its APP
pearance on the bank. Her eyes fell
upon the object of her attachment,
and she clapped her hands with Joy;
and the love lit smile played upon
her cheek. She sat down upon the
sward, and, bending forward, she
gazed eagerly upon her lover, push
ing with both her hands the dark
locks from before her eyes. earle
assembled the bank, and in moment
was at her feet. 81 am happy"
he said, "to see my Nahwista again.
l did not prize thy love until l had
left thee. l had heard you had left
Manhattoes, and | shed tear, as |
thought had lost thee for ever"
Then you still love Nahwista?"
she said, gazing intently into his face,
while the tears dropped fast upon
her moccasins.
Love thee! ay; l never loved thee