The truth flashed upon Bernard at once. This young savage, who, in a moment of selfish ambition, for his own personal advancement, had withheld the vengeance of his people, was left by those whom he had once led, as no longer worthy of their confidence. In the fate of this untutored son of the forest, the young courtier had found a sterner rebuke to selfishness and ambition than he had ever seen in the court of the monarch of England.
“And so you are alone in the world now?” said Bernard.
“With nothing to hope or to live for?”
“One hope left,” said Manteo, laying his hand on his tomahawk.
“What is that?”
“Revenge.”
“On whom?”
“On long-knives and Pamunkeys.”
“If you live for revenge,” said Bernard, “we live for nearly the same object. You may trust me—I will be your friend. Do you know me?”