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The story of Pocahontas and Captain John Smith

Chapter 11: 9. CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH A PRISONER
By E. Boyd Smith
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AdventureAmerican LiteratureRomance

About This Book

A vividly illustrated narrative retells the early encounters between a young indigenous Virginian girl and an English adventurer as colonists establish a settlement along the river. It follows their separate origins, the arrival of the newcomers, escalating tensions and skirmishes, the explorer's capture and dramatic rescue by the girl, and her efforts to aid the struggling settlers. Later episodes cover her capture by other colonists, a marriage to an Englishman and a visit to the royal court in England, a reunion with the explorer, and her nostalgic longing for home, concluding with a sober reflection on the personal costs of cultural collision.

9. CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH A PRISONER

At first they decided to kill him at once, then some thought it better to lead him to their village, that the whole tribe might rejoice in the triumph. But, as one of the Indians shot by the Captain had in the meantime died, the more impatient clamored for speedy vengeance. So they bound him to a tree to use as a target.

Now, as the arrows began to strike dangerously near, Captain John, ever quick-witted and resourceful, brought forth his pocket compass and showed the Indians the dancing needle; and when they found they could not touch it, because of the glass, they were amazed, for of course they had never seen glass before, and could not understand it. A feeling of awe crept over them; they thought him a magician, and were afraid to kill him. So at last they marched him off in their midst, through the forest, to consult with the rest of the tribe as to what should be done with him.