"'HOW DO, ENGLISH!'"
The little Indian smiled delightedly, and politely took a few—not all. Having munched the kernels gravely, the new-comer began to dance.
It was a most remarkable dance. It was first a stately measure, accompanied by many poisings on his toes, and liftings of his head, from which the wind blew back his straight black hair; but gradually his motions grew faster and more furious, his slow steps changed to running, he turned, he twisted his lithe body into all possible contorted shapes, he threw his arms high above his head, waving them wildly, he took great leaps into the air, and finally, when his dance had lasted about fifteen minutes, several amazing somersaults brought him breathless, but still smiling, to the children's feet.
His spectators had been shouting with delight during the whole performance, and now asked him eager questions. What was his name? How did he learn to dance? Could he not speak any more English? But to all their inquiries he only shook his head, and at last sat down beside them, motionless now as any little bronze statue, and looked steadily out to sea.
Prudence's head drooped upon her brother's shoulder.
"I'm rather tired, Joel," she said wistfully; "don't you think we could get to Plymouth pretty soon?"
"I don't know," said Joel, despondently.
At the words the Indian boy sprang to his feet. He ran toward the woods, then stopped, and beckoned them to follow.
"He is going in the wrong direction, I am sure," said Joel, shaking his head.