Why was John Smith not killed when first captured by the Powhatans?

In 1607, a ship containing people looking for new land and a place to start new lives, along with a young wealthy captain by the name of John Smith, arrived at the Chesapeake Bay in what we know today as North America.  During their settlement of the town known as Jamestown the winter weather became an issue.  Smith and some of his men set out to look for trade for food so that they could survivve. Smith and his men came into contact with different Powhatan Indian tribes and villages, raiding them of their food trying to stay alive. Little did they know that they were being watched by Opechancanough (brother of Powhatan the leader of the Powhatans).

In December of 1607 Opechancanough ordered the capture of Smith and his men. All of Smith's men were slain, but Smith wasn't. It is stated in the General History of Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles that, "He damanding for their captain, they showed him Opechancanough, King of Pamunkey, to whom he gave a round ivory double compass dial." (pg 61) The Indians were amazed by the compass. You would have been amazed also if it was your first time being introduced to that sort of modern technology back then! Smith also explained to them what the dial meant in the same passage, "But when he demonstarted by that globe-like jewel the roundness of the earth and skies, the sphere of the sun, moon, and stars, and how the sun did chase the night round about the world continually, the greatness of the land and sea, the diversity of nations, variety of complexions, and how we were to them antipodes and many other such like matters, they all stood amazed with admiration." They spared him his life. Some people may not know this, but the only reason they spared John his life was because they were looking for trade also. Both the Powhatan and English began trading youths to learn the others language. The Powhatan also traded food in exchange for metal and manufactured goods. http://www.smithtrail.net/native-americans/natives-and-smith/smith-powhatan-pocahontas.aspx

Another story to answer the question is the story containing Pocahauntas. Youtube videos such as the one attached gives a better understanding of how the situation happened. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1PbOM7mZbo But until this day nobody really knows how the story really happened as to why John Smith was kept alive! The picture below shows how Pocahauntas SUPPOSEDLY saved Smith from being killed.

Franklin, Gura, et al. The Norton Anthology of American Literature. New York, 2007. Print. From A Description of New England. Pg 67.