With hopes auspicious, urged their task along,—

Lighter of heart; though Williams still would brood,

And inly marvel, o’er the missing throng

Of friendly Indians, issuing from the wood

To greet him with “What-Cheer” in voices strong;

And oft would wonder if perchance a vain

Illusion had beguiled his troubled brain.

XIX.

But omens dark and dire appeared at last:

The grim Pawaw had seen the mansion rise,—