The
sailor proved himself a coward, but the captain was bold to the
last, and alternately defied the king and encouraged his weaker
companion, who was whimpering by his side. Then, in one long
speech which, absurdly out of keeping with the surroundings as it
was, yet had the ring of true pathos, the captain bade farewell to
home, wife, and children, and welcomed death in the name and for
the honor of queen and country. Even Aunt Jane's face grew a
little gentler as the boy voice went on to the close, and there
was a momentary hush, followed by a hearty burst of applause,
while Mrs. Adams, at the side, held Polly back, that her too hasty
entrance should not mar the scene. Then Pocahontas dashed wildly
in and, regardless of consequences, cast herself down on the
captain's prostrate body with a force that elicited a sudden "Ow!"
from the hero who had just dared to defy a savage king. But his
anguish was quickly repressed, and the scene went finely to its
close, when the fair Pocahontas herself loosed his fetters, raised
him to his feet, and once more threw herself into his arms, while
Powhatan embraced them both, with many paternal remarks uttered in
the choicest Indian gutterals.
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