When he was first made captive, the Indians found his compass, and were
stricken with wonder, because, however the instrument might be turned,
the needle always pointed in the same direction. The glass which
protected the needle caused even more amazement, and, believing him to
be a magician, they took him to Powhatan.
After many days of traveling, the savages were come with their prisoner
to Powhatan's village, where Captain Smith was held close prisoner in
one of the huts, being fairly well treated and fed in abundance, until
the king, who had been out with a hunting party, came home.
Twice while he was thus captive did Captain Smith see the girl
Pocahontas, who had visited him in Jamestown; but she gave no especial
heed to him, save as a child who was minded to be amused, until on the
day when some of the savages gave him to understand that he was to be
killed for having come into this land of theirs, and also for having
shot to death some of their tribe.
When he was led out of Powhatan's tent of skins, with his feet and hands
bound, he had no hope of being able to save his own life, for there was
no longer any chance for him to struggle against those who had him in
their power.