Joy,

standing, where we lay all night; and a comfortable lodging we had, though nothing but straw to lie on. The Lord preserved us in safety that night, and raised us up again in the morning, and carried us along, so before noon we came to Concord. Now was I full of joy, and yet not without sorrow. to see such a lovely sight, so many Christians together, and some of them my neighbors. There I met with my brother and my brother-in-law, who asked me if I knew where his wife was? Poor heart! he had helped to bury her, and knew it not; she being shot down by the house, was partly burnt, so that those who were at Boston at the desolation of the town, and came back afterward and buried the dead, did not know her. Yet I was not without sorrow to think how many were looking and longing, and my own children among the rest, to enjoy that deliverance that I had now received, and I did not know whether ever I should see them again. Being recruited with food and raiment, we went to Boston that day, where I met with my dear husband. But the thoughts of our dear children, one being dead and the other we could not tell where, abated our comfort in each other; I was not before so much hemned in by the merciless and cruel heathen, but now as much with pitiful, tender-hearted, and compassionate Christians. In that poor and

beggarly condition I was received in, I was kindly entertained in several houses. So much love I received from several (many of whom I knew not) that I am not capable to declare it. But the Lord knows them all by name; the Lord reward them sevenfold into their bosoms of his spirituals for their temporals.

CHAPTER XI.

Attacks on the Coast Settlements.

Two Praying Indians are sent as spies-They discharge their errand excellently well-Medfield is surprised-The strange death of Mrs. Adams-Northampton attacked-The ambush near Springfield-Groton is assaulted and burned, but the people successfully defend themselves-Captain Pierce's gallant fight -A crafty savage.

THE savages did not complete the destruction of Lancaster. Indeed, their being allowed to find it unprotected was a great blunder on the part of the authorities, for they had distinct notice of their intentions. After the Narragansett fort had been taken the government was very desirous of getting information as to the plans of the Indian tribes, so that they might know what action to take. In this emergency Major Gookin was authorized to select two of the Praying Indians from those confined on Deer Island, in Boston harbor, and to employ them as spies. He chose Job Kattenanit and James Quannapohit, and they, being fully informed by him as to what was wanted, were secretly brought away from Deer Island, and as secretly set free be

yond the English lines. They reached the Nipmuck Indians, and there told the tale which had been arranged for them :-that they had been confined on Deer Island, but having gotten away had come among their fellows to see how matters were with them, that so they might advise the friends they had left, should it be possible for them to escape. Their story was believed, and they were allowed to move about at liberty. James Quannapohit returned in about three weeks. He was much spent with travel,

as the snows were deep and he had made his way on snow-shoes, and as, for obvious reasons, after making his escape, he had not loitered.

He

had not intended to come back so soon, but having found favor in the eyes of Mautampe, a chief sachem, that worthy had informed him that he proposed to take him with him on a visit to Philip. Fearing that he should find himself so far in the Indian country that escape later would be impossible, and dreading also the vengeance of Philip, for he had fought against him at Mount Hope, he seized the first opportunity and made his way back to his English friends.

He brought news of great importance. The savages were in high glee that the English had fought the Narragansetts. With this powerful tribe as allies they considered victory as already in their

grasp. They proposed within three weeks to burn Lancaster, and then to attack the other towns.

His tidings as to Lancaster turned out to be correct in every particular, both as to the time and manner of attack; but for some reason it was disbelieved, and no precaution was taken to insure the safety of the town.

Job stayed behind when James escaped. The latter tried to induce him to leave at the same time, telling him that he would probably be suspected at once as a spy, but Job determined to abide his chances. He had a personal reason of the strongest nature. His three children were among these hostile savages, and he wished to take them back with him. He reached Major Gookin's house late at night February 9th. He brought a startling corroboration of James's tidings. The savages, four hundred in number, were already on the march against Lancaster. The very

next day they would fall upon it. Major Gookin rose from his bed, and messengers were at once despatched to the adjoining towns, bidding troops march to the aid of the threatened town. Captain Wadsworth, at Marlborough, received the news at daybreak. With forty men he set out instantly. It was but a ten-miles march, but when he reached the town one half was destroyed. He attacked the savages resolutely, and drove them off, relieving one