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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5089780 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #55021 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/55021) diff --git a/old/55021-8.txt b/old/55021-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 56acf4f..0000000 --- a/old/55021-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9148 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Through Swamp and Glade, by Kirk Munroe - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: Through Swamp and Glade - A Tale of the Seminole War - -Author: Kirk Munroe - -Illustrator: Victor Perard - -Release Date: July 1, 2017 [EBook #55021] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THROUGH SWAMP AND GLADE *** - - - - -Produced by Graeme Mackreth and The Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - - - - -THROUGH SWAMP AND GLADE - -[Illustration: A GREAT SHEET OF FLAME LEAPED FROM THE ROADSIDE.] - - - - - THROUGH - SWAMP AND GLADE - - _A TALE OF - THE SEMINOLE WAR_ - - BY - - KIRK MUNROE - - AUTHOR OF "THE WHITE CONQUERORS," "AT WAR WITH - PONTIAC," ETC., ETC. - - _ILLUSTRATED BY VICTOR PERARD_ - - NEW YORK - - CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS - 1896 - - - - - COPYRIGHT, 1896, BY - - CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS - - - Norwood Press - J.S. Cushing & Co.--Berwick & Smith. - Norwood Mass. U.S.A. - - - - -TO MY READERS - - -The principal incidents in the story of Coacoochee, as related in -the following pages, are historically true. The Seminole War, the -most protracted struggle with Indians in which the United States ever -engaged, lasted from 1835 to 1842. At its conclusion, though most of -the tribe had been removed to the Indian Territory in the far west, -there still remained three hundred and one souls uncaptured and -unsubdued. This remnant had fled to the almost inaccessible islands -of the Big Cypress Swamp, in the extreme southern part of Florida. -Rather than undertake the task of hunting them out, General Worth made -a _verbal_ treaty with them, by which it was agreed that they should -retain that section of country unmolested, so long as they committed no -aggressions. From that time they have kept their part of that agreement -to the letter, living industrious, peaceful lives, and avoiding all -unnecessary contact with the whites. They now number something over -five hundred souls, but the tide of white immigration is already -lapping over the ill-defined boundaries of their reservation, while -white land-grabbers, penetrating the swamps, are seizing their fertile -islands and bidding them begone. They stand aghast at this brutal -order. Where can they go? What is to become of them? Is there nothing -left but to fight and die? It would seem not. - - KIRK MUNROE. - - BISCAYNE BAY, FLORIDA, 1896. - - - - -TABLE OF CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I. A BIT OF THE FLORIDA WILDERNESS 1 - - II. MR. TROUP JEFFERS PLOTS MISCHIEF 9 - - III. THE SLAVE-CATCHERS AT WORK 17 - - IV. CAPTURE AND ESCAPE OF NITA PACHECO 26 - - V. A FOREST BETROTHAL 34 - - VI. CRUEL DEATH OF UL-WE, THE STAGHOUND 43 - - VII. COACOOCHEE IN THE CLUTCHES OF WHITE RUFFIANS 52 - - VIII. RALPH BOYD THE ENGLISHMAN 60 - - IX. MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF A SENTINEL 67 - - X. FONTAINE SALANO'S TREACHERY AND ITS REWARD 74 - - XI. "THE SEMINOLE MUST GO" 82 - - XII. CHEN-O-WAH IS STOLEN BY THE SLAVE-CATCHERS 88 - - XIII. "WILEY THOMPSON, WHERE IS MY WIFE?" 96 - - XIV. OSCEOLA SIGNS THE TREATY 102 - - XV. LOUIS PACHECO BIDES HIS TIME 111 - - XVI. OSCEOLA'S REVENGE 119 - - XVII. ON THE VERGE OF THE WAHOO SWAMP 126 - - XVIII. COACOOCHEE'S FIRST BATTLE 133 - - XIX. RALPH BOYD AND THE SLAVE-CATCHER 141 - - XX. AN ALLIGATOR AND HIS MYSTERIOUS ASSAILANT 148 - - XXI. BATTLE OF THE WITHLACOOCHEE 156 - - XXII. THE YOUNG CHIEF MAKES A TIMELY DISCOVERY 165 - - XXIII. SHAKESPEARE IN THE FOREST 171 - - XXIV. BOGUS INDIANS AND THE REAL ARTICLE 181 - - XXV. A SWAMP STRONGHOLD OF THE SEMINOLES 190 - - XXVI. TWO SPIES AND THEIR FATE 200 - - XXVII. ANSTICE SAVES THE LIFE OF A CAPTIVE 211 - - XXVIII. THE MARK OF THE WILDCAT 222 - - XXIX. TREACHEROUS CAPTURE OF COACOOCHEE AND - OSCEOLA 233 - - XXX. IN THE DUNGEONS OF THE ANCIENT FORTRESS 245 - - XXXI. A DARING ESCAPE 255 - - XXXII. NITA HEARS THAT COACOOCHEE IS DEAD 264 - - XXXIII. TOLD BY THE MAGNOLIA SPRING 274 - - XXXIV. FOLLOWING A MYSTERIOUS TRAIL 285 - - XXXV. FATE OF THE SLAVE-CATCHERS 296 - - XXXVI. PEACE IS AGAIN PROPOSED 306 - - XXVII. COACOOCHEE IS AGAIN MADE PRISONER 316 - - XXXVIII. DOUGLASS FULFILS HIS MISSION 326 - - XXXIX. THE BRAVEST GIRL IN FLORIDA 336 - - XL. A DOUBLE WEDDING AND THE SETTING SUN 346 - - - - -LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS - - - FACING - PAGE - - A GREAT SHEET OF FLAME LEAPED FROM THE ROADSIDE - _Frontispiece_ - - THEN WITH A VICIOUS HISS THE RAW-HIDE SWEPT DOWN - WITH THE FULL FORCE OF THE ARM THAT WIELDED IT 58 - - IT SUNK DEEP INTO THE WOOD OF THE TABLE AND STOOD - QUIVERING AS THOUGH WITH RAGE 100 - - "TO LEAB BEHINE DE ONLIEST FEDDERBED SHE DONE GOT" 174 - - THE GIRL STEPPED CLOSE TO THE YOUNG CHIEF AND SPOKE - A FEW WORDS 216 - - HADJO LOST HIS HOLD OF THE ROPE AND CAME TUMBLING - DOWN THE WHOLE DISTANCE 260 - - NITA SAT BY HER FAVORITE SPRING 276 - - "ALL IS LOST AND THE WAR IS ABOUT TO BREAK FORTH - WITH GREATER FURY THAN EVER" 324 - - - - -THROUGH SWAMP AND GLADE - - - - -CHAPTER I - -A BIT OF THE FLORIDA WILDERNESS - - -The scene is laid in Florida, that beautiful land of the far south, in -which Ponce de Leon located the fabled Spring of Eternal Youth. It is a -land of song and story, of poetry and romance; but one also of bitter -memories and shameful deeds. Its very attractiveness has proved its -greatest curse, and for weary years its native dwellers, who loved its -soil as dearly as they loved their own lives, fought desperately to -repel the invaders who sought to drive them from its sunny shores. - -Although winter is hardly known in Florida, still there, as elsewhere, -spring is the fairest and most joyous season of the year, and it is -with the evening of a perfect April day that this story opens. - -The warm air was pleasantly stirred by a breeze that whispered of the -boundless sea, and the glowing sun would shortly sink to rest in the -placid bosom of the Mexican Gulf. From the forest came sweet scents -of yellow jasmine, wild grape, and flowering plumes of the palmetto -mingled with richer perfumes from orange blossoms, magnolias, and -sweet bays. Gorgeous butterflies hovered on the edge of the hammock -and sought resting-places for the night amid the orange leaves. -Humming-birds, like living jewels, darted from flower to flower; -bees golden with pollen and freighted with honey winged their flight -to distant combs. From a ti-ti thicket came the joyous notes of a -mocking-bird, who thus unwittingly disclosed the secret of his hidden -nest. A bevy of parakeets in green and gold flashed from branch to -branch and chattered of their own affairs; while far overhead, flocks -of snowy ibis and white curlew streamed along like fleecy clouds from -feeding-grounds on the salt marshes of the distant coast to rookeries -in the cypress swamps of the crooked Ocklawaha. Some of these drifting -bird-clouds were tinted or edged with an exquisite pink, denoting the -presence of roseate spoonbills, and the effect of their rapid movement -against the deep blue of the heavens, in the flash of the setting sun -was indescribably beautiful. - -Amid this lavish display of nature's daintiest handiwork and in all -the widespread landscape of hammock and savanna, trackless pine forest -that had never known the woodman's axe, and dimpled lakes of which a -score might be counted from a slight elevation, but one human being was -visible. A youth just emerged from boyhood stood alone on the edge of -a forest where the ground sloped abruptly down to a lakelet of crystal -water. He was clad in a loose-fitting tunic or hunting-frock of doeskin -girded about the waist by a sash of crimson silk. In this was thrust a -knife with a silver-mounted buckhorn handle and encased in a sheath of -snakeskin. His hair, black and glossy as the wing of a raven, was bound -by a silken kerchief of the same rich color as his sash. The snow-white -plume of an egret twined in his hair denoted him to be of rank among -his own people. He wore fringed leggings of smoke-tanned deerskin, -and moccasins of the same material. The lad's features were handsome -and clear cut, but his expression was gentle and thoughtful as might -become a student rather than a mere forest rover. And so the lad was a -student, though of nature, and a dreamer not yet awakened to the stern -realities of life; but that the mysteries of books were unknown to him -might be inferred from a glance at his skin. It was of a clear copper -color, resembling new bronze; for Coacoochee (little wild cat) belonged -to the most southern tribe of North American Indians, the Seminoles of -Florida. Indian though he was, he was of noble birth and descended from -a long line of chieftains; for he was the eldest son of Philip Emathla -(Philip the leader), or "King Philip," as the whites termed him, and -would some day be a leader of his tribe. - -Now, as the lad stood leaning on a light rifle and gazing abstractedly -at the glistening clouds of home-returning birds that flecked the -glowing sky, his face bore a far-away look as though his thoughts -had outstripped his vision. This was not surprising; for to all men -Coacoochee was known as a dreamer who beguiled the hours of many an -evening by the camp-fire with the telling of his dreams or of the -folklore tales of his people. Not only was he a dreamer of dreams and -a narrator of strange tales; but he was a seer of visions, as had been -proved very recently when death robbed him of his dearly loved twin -sister Allala. - -At the time Coacoochee was many miles away from his father's village, -on a hunting-trip with his younger brother Otulke. One night as they -slept the elder brother started from his bed of palmetto leaves with -the voice of Allala ringing in his ears. All was silent about him, and -Otulke lay undisturbed by his side. As the lad wondered and was about -to again lie down, his own name was uttered softly but plainly, and -in the voice of Allala, while at the same moment her actual presence -seemed to be beside him. - -It was a summons that he dared not disobey; so, without rousing Otulke, -the young hunter sprang on the back of his pony and sped away through -the moonlight. At sunrise he stood beside the dead form of the dear -sister whose fleeting spirit had called him. - -Since then he had often heard Allala's voice in the winds whispering -through tall grasses of the glades, or among nodding flags on the river -banks; in waters that sang and rippled on the lake shore; from shadowy -depths of the hammocks, and amid the soft sighings of cypress swamps. -Fus-chatte the red-bird sang of her, and pet-che the wood dove mourned -that she was gone. To Coacoochee, she seemed ever near him, and he -longed for the time when he might join her. But he knew that he must -be patient and await the presence of the Great Spirit, for he believed -that the hour of his own death had been named at that of his birth. He -also knew that until the appointed time he would escape all dangers -unharmed. He felt certain that Allala watched over him and would warn -him of either death or great danger. Being thus convinced, the lad was -absolutely without fear of dangers visible or unseen; and, dreamer that -he was, often amazed his companions by deeds of what seemed to them the -most reckless daring. - -At the moment of his introduction to the reader Coacoochee, bathed -in the full glory of the setting sun, wondered if the place to which -Allala had gone could be fairer or more beautiful than that in which he -lingered. - -Although he was without human companionship he was not alone; for -beside him lay Ul-we (the tall one), a great shaggy staghound that -the young Indian had rescued three years before from the wreck of an -English ship that was cast away on the lonely coast more than one -hundred miles from the nearest settlement. Coacoochee with several -companions was searching for turtle-eggs on the beach, and when they -boarded the stranded vessel, a wretched puppy very nearly dead from -starvation was the only living creature they found. The Indian boy took -the little animal for his own, restored it to life through persistent -effort, nursed it through the ills of puppyhood, and was finally -rewarded by having the waif thus rescued develop into the superb hound -that now lay beside him, and whose equal for strength and intelligence -had never been known in Florida. The love of the great dog for his -young master was touching to behold, while the affection of Coacoochee -for him was only excelled by that felt for his dearest human friend. - -This friend was a lad of his own age named Louis Pacheco, who was -neither an Indian nor wholly a paleface. He was the son of a Spanish -indigo planter and a beautiful octoroon who had been given her freedom -before the birth of her boy. The Seņor Pacheco, whose plantation -lay near the village of King Philip, had always maintained the most -friendly relations with his Indian neighbors; and, Louis having one -sister, as had Coacoochee, these four were united in closest intimacy -from their childhood. - -At the death of the indigo planter his family removed to a small estate -owned by the mother, on the Tomoka River, some fifty miles from their -old home; but this removal in nowise weakened their friendship with -the red-skinned dwellers by the lake. Frequent visits were exchanged -between the younger members of the two families, and when Allala -was taken to the spirit land, none mourned her loss longer or more -sincerely than Louis and Nita Pacheco. - -Louis, being well educated by his father, taught Coacoochee to speak -fluently both English and Spanish in exchange for lessons in forest -lore and woodcraft. The young Creole was as proud of his lineage as was -the son of Philip Emathla, and bore himself as became one born to a -position of freedom and independence. - -It was some months since he and Coacoochee had last met, and at the -moment of his introduction to us the latter was thinking of his friend -and meditating a visit to him. It would seem as though these thoughts -must have been induced by some subtle indication of a near-by presence; -for the youth was hardly conscious of them ere Ul-we sprang to his feet -with an ominous growl and dashed into the thicket behind them. At the -same moment the young Indian heard his own name pronounced in a faint -voice, and wheeling quickly, caught sight of a white, wild-eyed face -that he instantly recognized. Ul-we had but time to utter one joyful -bark before his young master stood beside him and was supporting the -fainting form of Nita Pacheco in his arms. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -MR. TROUP JEFFERS PLOTS MISCHIEF - - -For a full understanding of this startling interruption of the young -Indian's meditations it is necessary to make a brief excursion among -the dark shadows of a history which, though now ancient and well-nigh -forgotten, was then fresh and of vital interest to those whose fortunes -we are about to follow. - -Florida had only recently been purchased by the United States from -Spain for five millions of dollars, and its vast territory thrown open -to settlement. Being the most nearly tropical of our possessions, -it offered possibilities found in no other part of the country, and -settlers flocked to it from all directions. As the Spaniards had only -occupied a few places near the coast, the interior had been left to the -undisturbed possession of the Seminoles and their negro allies. The -ancestors of these negroes escaping from slavery had sought and found -a safe refuge in this beautiful wilderness. By Spanish law they became -free at the moment of crossing the frontier boundary line, and here -their descendants dwelt for generations in peace and happiness. - -With the change of owners came a sad change of fortunes to the native -inhabitants of this sunny land. The swarming settlers cast envious -glances at the fertile fields of the Seminoles, and determined to -possess them. They longed also to enslave the negro friends and allies -of the Indians, whom they discovered to be enjoying a degree of freedom -and prosperity entirely contrary to their notions of what was right and -fitting. Slavery was a legally recognized institution of the country. -The incoming settlers had been taught and believed that men of black -skins were created to be slaves and laborers for the benefit of the -whites. Therefore to see these little communities of black men dwelling -in a state of freedom and working only for themselves, their wives, -and children was intolerable. Slaves were wanted to clear forests and -cultivate fields, and here were hundreds, possibly thousands, of them -to be had for the taking. The villages of these negroes and those of -their Indian allies were also affording places of refuge for other -blacks who were constantly escaping from the plantations of neighboring -states, and seeking that liberty guaranteed by the Constitution of -the United States to all men. This condition of affairs could not be -borne. Both the Indians and the free negroes of Florida must be taught -a lesson. - -General Andrew Jackson was the man chosen to teach this lesson, and he -entered upon the congenial task with a hearty relish. Marching an army -into Florida, he killed all the Indians whom he encountered, killed or -captured all the negroes whom he could find, burned villages, destroyed -crops, and finally retired from the devastated country with a vast -quantity of plunder, consisting principally of slaves and cattle. - -To impress this lesson more fully upon the Indians, General Jackson -compelled an American vessel lying in Appalachicola Bay to hoist -British colors in the hope of enticing some of them on board. Two -Seminole chiefs, deceived by this cowardly ruse, did venture to -visit the supposed British ship. When they were safely on board, his -Majesty's ensign was hauled down, that of the United States was run up, -and beneath its folds the too confiding visitors were hanged to the -yard-arms without trial or delay. - -After this General Jackson summoned the Indians to come in and make -a treaty; but they were fearful of further treachery, and hesitated. -Finally some thirty warriors out of the entire tribe were bribed to lay -aside their fears and meet the Commissioners. These signed a treaty by -which the Seminoles were required to abandon their homes, villages, -fields, and hunting-grounds, in the northern part of the territory, -and retire to the distant southern wilderness, where they would be at -liberty to clear new lands and make new homes. The tribe was also bound -by the treaty to prevent the passage, through their country, of any -fugitive slave, and to deliver all such seeking refuge among them to -any persons claiming to be their owners. - -The United States on its part promised to compensate the Indians for -such improvements as they were compelled to abandon, to allow them five -thousand dollars annually in goods and money for twenty years, to feed -them for one year, and to furnish them with schools. - -With the signing of this alleged treaty the trials and sufferings of -the Seminoles began in earnest. They were literally driven from their -old homes, so eager were the whites to possess their fertile lands. -Most of their promised rations of food was withheld, that they might -be induced by starvation the more speedily to clear and cultivate new -fields in the south. The goods issued to them were of such wretched -quality that they were contemptuously rejected or thrown away; and -on one pretext or another nearly the whole of their cash annuity was -declared forfeited. The most common excuse for thus defrauding the -Indians was that they did not display sufficient activity in capturing -the negroes who had sought refuge in their country. - -Any white man desirous of procuring a slave had but to describe some -negro whom he knew to be living among the Seminoles and file a claim -to him with the Indian agent. The latter then notified the Indians -that they were expected to capture and deliver up the person thus -described, or else forfeit his value from their annuity. Thus these -liberty-loving savages soon discovered that, under the white man's -interpretation of their treaty, they had bound themselves to deliver -into slavery every man, woman, and child found within their territory, -in whose veins flowed one drop of negro blood, including in some cases -their own wives and children, which crime they very naturally refused -to commit. - -Although Philip Emathla had thus far avoided an open rupture with the -whites, an event of recent occurrence caused him grave anxiety. On -the occasion of his last expedition to St. Augustine to receive that -portion of the annuity due his band he had been persuaded by Coacoochee -and Louis Pacheco, who happened to be visiting his friend at that time, -to allow them to accompany him. The Indians camped at some distance -from the town, but were permitted to wander freely about its streets -during the daytime--a permission of which the two lads took fullest -advantage. Thus on the very day of their arrival they set forth on -their exploration of the ancient city, and Louis, who had been there -before with his father, kindly explained its many wonders to his less -travelled companion. - -The massive gray walls of Fort San Marco, with their lofty watch -towers, and black cannon grinning from the deep embrasures, possessed a -peculiar fascination for Coacoochee, and it seemed as though he would -never tire of gazing on them. From the gloomy interior, however, -he shrank with horror, refusing even to glance into the cells and -dungeons, to which Louis desired to direct his attention. - -"No," he cried. "In these I could not breathe. They hold the air of a -prison, and to a son of the forest that is the air of death. Let us -then hasten from this place of ill omen, lest they close the gates, and -we be forced to leap from the walls for our freedom." - -So the Wildcat hastily dragged his friend from that grim place, nor -did he draw a full breath until they were once more in the sunny -fields outside. He was infinitely more pleased with the interior of -the equally ancient cathedral, and lingered long before the mystic -paintings of its decoration. Its music and the glowing candles of its -richly decked altar affected him so strangely, that even after they had -emerged from the building and stood in the open plaza, listening to its -chiming bells, he was for a long time silent. - -Louis, too, was occupied with his own thoughts; and as the lads stood -thus, they failed to notice the curiosity with which they were regarded -by two men who passed and repassed them several times. One of these -men, Troup Jeffers by name, was a slave-trader, who was keenly alive to -the possibility of making a good thing out of the present embarrassment -of the Seminoles. The other man, who was known as Ross Ruffin, though -that was not supposed to be his real name, was one of those depraved -characters found on every frontier, who are always ready to perform a -dirty job for pay, and who so closely resembled the filthiest beasts of -prey that they are generally spoken of as "human jackals." With this -particular jackal Mr. Troup Jeffers had already dealt on more than one -occasion, and found him peculiarly well adapted to the requirements of -his despicable trade. - -"Likely looking youngsters," remarked the slave-dealer, nodding towards -the two lads upon first noticing them. "Pity they're Injuns. More -pity that Injuns don't come under the head of property. Can't see any -difference myself between them and niggers. Now them two in the right -market ought to fetch--" - -Here the trader paused to inspect the lads more closely that he might -make a careful estimate of their probable money value. - -"By Gad!" he exclaimed under his breath, "I'm dashed if I believe one -of 'em is an Injun!" - -"No," replied his companion; "one of 'em is a nigger. Leastways, his -mother is." - -"You don't say so?" remarked Mr. Troup Jeffers, his eye lighting with -the gleam of a man-hunter on catching sight of his prey. "Who owns him?" - -"No one just now. Leastways, he claims to be free. He lives with his -mother and sister in the Injun country. I've been calculating chances -on 'em myself for some time." - -"Tell me all you know about 'em," commanded the trader, in a voice -husky with excitement, while the evil gleam in his eyes grew more -pronounced. - -When Ross Ruffin had related the history and present circumstances of -the Pachecos to the best of his knowledge, the other exclaimed: - -"I'll go yer! and we couldn't want a better thing. Agent's in town now. -I'll make out a description and file a claim this very evening. We'll -claim all three. Jump this young buck before he has a chance to get -away. It'll make the other job more simple too. Get all three up the -coast, easy as rolling off a log. 'Quick sales and big profits'--that's -my motto. I'll divvy with you. On the square. Is it a go? Shake." - -Thus within five minutes, and while the unsuspecting lads still -listened in silence to the tinkling chimes of the old cathedral bells, -there was hatched against them a plot more villainous than either of -them had ever conceived possible. Not only that, but the first link was -forged of a chain of circumstances that was to alter the whole course -of their lives and entwine them in its cruel coils for many bitter -years to come. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -THE SLAVE-CATCHERS AT WORK - - -The following day was also passed by Coacoochee and Louis in pleasant -wanderings about the quaint little city whose every sight and sound -was to them so full of novel interest. At length in the early dusk -of evening they set forth on their return to Philip Emathla's camp, -conversing eagerly as they walked concerning what they had seen. So -occupied were they that they paid little heed to their immediate -surroundings, and as they gained the outskirts of the town were -startled at being commanded to halt by a man who had approached them -unobserved. It was Troup Jeffers, the slave-catcher, who had been -watching the lads for some time and awaiting just such an opportunity -as the present for carrying out his evil designs. - -"What's your name?" he demanded, placing himself squarely in front of -the young Creole. - -"Louis Pacheco." - -"Just so. Son of old Pacheco and a nigger woman. Nigger yourself. My -nigger, sold to me by your dad just afore he died. Hain't wanted you up -to this time. Now want you to come along with me." - -"I'll do nothing of the kind!" cried the lad, hotly. "When you say that -I am your slave, or the slave of any one else, _you lie_. My mother was -a free woman, and I was born free. To that I can take my oath, and so -can my friend here. So stand aside, sir, and let me pass." - -"Ho, ho! my black fighting cock," answered the trader, savagely; -"you'll pay sweetly for those words afore I'm through with ye. And -you'll set up a nigger's oath and an Injun's oath agin that of a white -man, will ye? Why, you crumbly piece of yellar gingerbread, don't you -know that when a white man swears to a thing, his word will be taken -agin that of all the niggers and Injuns in the country? Cattle of that -kind can't testify in United States courts, as you'll find out in a -hurry if you ever try it on. Now you're my property, and the sooner you -realize it, the better it will be for you. I've filed my sworn claim -with the agent, and it's been allowed. Here's his order for the Injuns -to deliver you up. So I'd advise you to go along peaceably with me if -you don't want to get yourself into a heap of trouble. Grab him, Ross!" - -Mr. Troup Jeffers had only talked to detain the lads until the arrival -of his burly confederate, who was following at a short distance behind -him. As the moment for action arrived, he seized Louis by one arm, -while Ross Ruffin grasped the other. - -Coacoochee, knowing little of the ways of the whites, had not realized -what was taking place until this moment; but with the seizure of his -friend the horrid truth was made clear to him. He was called a dreamer, -but no one witnessing the promptness of his action at this crisis would -have supposed him to be such. Ross Ruffin was nearest him, and at the -very moment of his laying hands on Louis there came a flash of steel. -The next instant Coacoochee's keen-bladed hunting-knife was sunk deep -into the man's arm just below the shoulder. - -With a yell of pain and terror, the "jackal" let go his hold. Louis -tore himself free from the grasp of his other assailant, and in a -twinkling the two lads were running with the speed of startled deer in -the direction of their own camp, while an ineffective pistol shot rang -out spitefully behind them. - -A few minutes later they had gained the camp, secured their rifles, -told King Philip of what had just taken place, crossed the San -Sebastian, and were lost to sight in the dark shadows of the forest on -its further side. - -They had hardly disappeared before St. Augustine was in an uproar. An -Indian had dared draw his knife on a white man who was only exercising -his legal rights and claiming his lawful property. An Indian had -actually aided in the escape of a slave, when by solemn treaty he was -bound to use every effort to deliver such persons to their masters. -The act was an intolerable outrage and must be promptly punished. - -Within an hour, therefore, an angry mob of armed citizens headed by -Troup Jeffers had surrounded Philip Emathla's encampment. They were -confronted by his handful of sturdy warriors, ready to fight with the -fury of tigers brought to bay, and but for the determined interference -of the Indian agent, who had hastened to the scene of disturbance, a -bloody battle would have ensued then and there. This officer begged the -whites to leave the affair with him, assuring them that the Indians -should be made to afford ample satisfaction for the outrage, and taught -a lesson that would prevent its repetition. At first the citizens would -not listen to him; but the cupidity of the slave-catcher being aroused -by the promise of a handsome pecuniary compensation for his loss, -he joined his voice to that of the agent, and finally succeeded in -persuading the mob to retire. - -Two thousand dollars of government money due King Philip's band was -in that agent's hands and should have been paid over on the following -day. Now that official gave the aged chieftain his choice of delivering -Coacoochee up for punishment, and Louis Pacheco to the man who claimed -him as his property, or of relinquishing this money and signing for it -a receipt in full. - -The alternative thus presented was a bitter one. The loss of their -money would involve Philip Emathla and his band in new difficulties -with the whites, to whom they were in debt for goods that were to be -paid for on the receipt of their annuity. The old man knew that his -creditors would have no mercy upon him, but would seize whatever of -his possessions they could attach. Nor could mercy be expected for his -son and Louis Pacheco should they be delivered into the hands of their -enemies. - -Long did the perplexed chieftain sit silent and with bowed head, -considering the situation. His warriors, grouped at a short distance, -watched him with respectful curiosity. At length he submitted the case -to them and asked their advice. - -With one accord, and without hesitation, they answered: "Let the -Iste-hatke (white man) keep his money. We can live without it; but if -one hair of Coacoochee's head should be harmed, our hearts would be -heavy with a sadness that could never be lifted." - -So Philip Emathla affixed his mark to the paper that the agent had -prepared for him, and was allowed to depart in peace the next day. Of -the money thus obtained from the Indians two hundred dollars served to -salve the wound in Ross Ruffin's arm, and eight hundred satisfied for -the time being the claim of Mr. Troup Jeffers, the slave-trader. What -became of the balance is unknown, for the agent's books contain no -record of the transaction. - -Coacoochee and Louis had halted within friendly shadows on the edge -of the forest, and there held themselves in readiness to fly to the -assistance of their friends, should sounds of strife proclaim an attack -upon the encampment. Here they remained during the night, and only -rejoined Philip Emathla on his homeward march the following day. When -they learned from him the particulars of the transaction by which their -liberty had been assured, both of them were bitterly indignant at the -injustice thus perpetrated. - -The indignation of the young creole was supplemented by a profound -gratitude, and he swore that if the time ever came when it should lie -in his power to repay the debt thus incurred, he would do so with -interest many times compounded. Now, feeling secure in the freedom -for which so great a price had been paid, he returned to his home on -the Tomoka, where for several months he devoted himself assiduously -to labor on the little plantation that afforded the sole support of -his mother, his sister, and himself. During this time of diligent -toil, though he found no opportunity for communicating with his Indian -friends of the lake region, they were often in his thoughts, and his -heart warmed toward them with an ever-increasing gratitude as he -reflected upon the awful fate from which they had saved him. - -While the busy home life of the family on the Tomoka flowed on thus -peacefully and happily, there came one evening a timid knock at -the closed door of their house, and a weak voice, speaking in negro -dialect, begged for admittance. - -Louis, holding a candle, opened the door, and as he did so, was struck -a blow on the head that stretched him senseless across the threshold. -As Nita, who was the only other occupant of the house at that moment, -witnessed this dastardly act, she uttered a piercing scream and was -about to fling herself on her brother's body, but was roughly pushed -back by two white men, who entered the room, and dragging Louis back -from the door, closed it behind them. - -One of the men, who were those precious villains Troup Jeffers and Ross -Ruffin, bound the wrists of the unconscious youth behind him, while the -other ordered Nita to bring them food, threatening to kill her brother -before her eyes in case she refused. The terrified girl hastened to -obey; but, as with trembling hands she prepared the table with all -that the house afforded in the way of provisions, her mind was filled -with wild schemes of escape and rescue. Her mother was absent, having -gone to sit with the dying child of their only near neighbors, a negro -family living a short distance down the river. - -While the girl thus planned, and strove to conceal her agony of thought -beneath an appearance of bustling activity, the slave-catchers dashed -water in her brother's face and used other means to restore him to -consciousness. In this they were finally successful. - -The moment that he was sufficiently recovered to realize his situation -and recognize the men who had treated him so shamefully, he demanded to -be set at liberty, claiming that he was free by birth, and that even if -he were not, the price of his freedom had been paid several times over -by the annuity that Philip Emathla had relinquished on his account. - -"Oh no, you're not free, my lad, as you'll soon discover," replied Mr. -Troup Jeffers, with a grin. "You're property, you are. You was born -property, and you'll always be property. Just now you're my property, -and will be till I can get you to a market where your value will be -appreciated. As for the cash handed over by that old fool of an Injun, -it warn't more than enough to pay for the cut that young catamount give -my friend here, and for my injured feelings. It warn't never intended -to pay for you. So shut your mouth and come along quietly with us, or -we'll make it mighty oncomfortable for ye. D'ye hear?" - -"But my father was a white man, my mother was a free woman, and I was -born--" - -"Shut up! I tell ye!" shouted the trader, angrily. - -Determined to be heard, the youth again opened his mouth to speak, -when, with a snarl of rage, the brute sprang forward and dealt him -several savage kicks with a heavy cowhide boot that proved effective -in procuring the required silence. - -While the attention of both men was thus engaged, Nita managed to slip -unobserved from a back door of the house. With the swiftness of despair -she fled along the shadowy forest trail that led to the neighbor's -cabin, a quarter of a mile away. There she hoped to obtain help for her -brother's rescue. When she reached it, she found to her dismay that -it was dark and empty. Its door stood wide open, and the poor girl -received no answer to her terrified callings. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -CAPTURE AND ESCAPE OF NITA PACHECO - - -For a minute Nita, trembling with excitement and terror, stood -irresolute. Then, noticing that a few embers still smouldered on the -hearth, she found a sliver of fat pine and thrust it among them. As it -flared up with a bright blaze, its light disclosed a scene that filled -the girl with despair and told the whole sad story--the child with whom -her mother was to watch that night lay dead on the only bed in the -room. The rest of the scanty furniture was overturned and broken; while -the whole appearance of the place denoted that it had been the scene of -a fierce struggle. - -In vain did Nita seek for any trace of her mother. It was only too -evident that the slave-catchers had been here, made captives of all -the living inmates, and removed them to a place of safe keeping before -visiting the Pacheco house. Sick at heart and undecided as to her -course of action, the poor girl left the cabin. As she emerged from its -shattered doorway, she was rudely clasped in a pair of strong arms, and -with a hoarse chuckle of satisfaction a voice, that she recognized as -belonging to one of the men she had left with Louis, exclaimed: - -"So, gal, ye thought ye was gwine to give us the slip, eh? and maybe -bring help to your brother? We uns is up to them games though, and -ye've got to be oncommon spry to git ahead of us. I suspicioned whar -ye'd gone the minit I found ye'd lit out without so much as saying by -your leave, and I was on to yer trail in less'n no time. Now ye might -as well give in and go along quiet with us. We'll find ye a nice easy -place whar ye won't hev much to do, and whar ye kin live happier than -ye ever could in this here forsaken wilderness." - -While thus talking, the man, with a firm grasp of the girl's arm, was -leading her back along the trail they had come. She had not spoken -since uttering a cry of terror when he first seized her, and she now -walked beside him so quietly and unresistingly that he imagined her -spirit to be broken beyond further thought of escape. - -The darkness of the hammock was intense, and being unaccustomed to the -narrow path, Ruffin found difficulty in following it. All at once, as -he swerved slightly from the trail, his foot caught in a loose root, -and he pitched headlong to the ground, releasing the girl's arm as -he fell. In an instant she was gone. Her light footfall gave back no -sound to indicate the direction she had taken, and only the mocking -forest echoes answered the man's bitter curses which were coupled with -commands that she return to him. - -Time was precious with the slave-catchers, and to pursue the girl would -be a hopeless task. Ross Ruffin realized this, and so, baffled and -raging, he made his way to that point on the river where, in a small -boat, with Louis still bound and helpless, Troup Jeffers impatiently -awaited his coming. The latter upbraided his confederate in unmeasured -terms for allowing the girl to escape, and so fierce was their quarrel -that it seemed about to result in bloodshed. Finally their interests, -rather than their inclinations, led them to control their anger and to -reflect that with the captives already secured, including Louis, his -mother, and the family of their negro neighbors, the venture promised -to be very profitable, after all. So they pulled down the dark river -and out to a small schooner that, in charge of two other white men, lay -off its mouth, awaiting them. - -Louis had listened eagerly to Ruffin's report of his sister's flight, -and thus assured of her escape, he became more reconciled to the fate -in store for himself. As the boat in which he lay glided from the -river's mouth, there came to him the sound of a dear voice that in -all probability he would never hear again. It was a passionate cry -of farewell from the sister whom he loved better than all the world -beside. With a mighty effort the captive raised himself to a sitting -posture. - -"Good-bye, Nita!" he shouted; "God bless--" - -Then he was silenced and struck down by a blow in the face. At the same -instant a flash of fire leaped from the boat, and a rifle bullet sped -angrily through the forest in the direction from which Nita's voice had -come. It did not harm her, but she dared not call again. Nor did she -dare remain longer in that vicinity. - -Returning to her deserted home, the poor girl hastily gathered a -slender store of provisions and then set forth, fearfully and with -a breaking heart, to thread the shadowy trails leading to the only -place of refuge that she knew,--the village of Philip Emathla the -Seminole. For two days she travelled, guided by instinct rather than -by a knowledge of the way, and at the end of the second she came to -the place where Coacoochee was standing. As her presence was betrayed -by Ul-we, and the young Indian sprang to her side, the girl sank into -his arms, faint and speechless from exhaustion. Her dress hung in -rags, her feet were bare and bleeding, and her tender skin was torn by -innumerable thorns. - -Filled with wonder and a premonition of evil tidings by this appearance -of his friend's sister so far from her home and in so sad a plight, -Coacoochee bore her to the open space in which he had stood, and laid -her gently down at the base of a great oak. Then, realizing that all -his strength would not suffice to carry her over the mile or more -lying between that place and his father's village, he bade the great -staghound stand guard over the fainting girl, and started off at a -speed that he alone of all his tribe possessed, to seek assistance. - -The peaceful village was startled by his appearance as he dashed -breathlessly into it a few minutes later, and some of the men -instinctively grasped their weapons. With a few words, Coacoochee -assured them that there was no immediate cause for alarm, and then -ordering three stalwart young warriors to follow him, he again entered -the forest and hastened back to where he had left the exhausted girl. - -A little later Nita Pacheco was borne into the village and given over -to the skilful ministrations of the women belonging to King Philip's -household. Under their kindly care the strength of the fugitive was so -restored that within an hour after her arrival she was able to relate -her sad story to the aged chief, who bent over her and listened to her -words with breathless attention. - -When she finished, and Philip Emathla was possessed of all the facts -she had to communicate, he drew himself to his full height and stood -for a moment silent, while his whole frame trembled with anger. - -At length he said: "It is well, my daughter. I have heard thy words, -and they have caused my heart to bleed. From this hour thou shalt be -to Philip Emathla as the child of his old age, and thy sorrows shall -be his. Sleep now and regain thy strength while he takes counsel -concerning this matter with his wise men, and in the morning he will -speak further with thee." - -When the old chief repeated Nita Pacheco's story to his warriors -assembled about the council fire that night, his words were received in -silence, but with fierce scowls; clinched hands, and twitching fingers. -At its conclusion the silence was only broken by angry mutterings, but -none knew what to advise. At length King Philip addressed Coacoochee, -who, youngest of all present, had been allowed a seat at this council -for the first time. Calling him by name, the old chief said: - -"My son, on account of thy friendship with Louis Pacheco, thy interest -in this matter is greater than that of any other among my councillors. -What, then, is thy opinion concerning this tale of wrong and outrage?" - -Standing bravely forth in the full glow of firelight, with his athletic -form and proud profile clearly outlined against it, the lad spoke -vehemently and from a full heart as he replied: - -"The words of my father have made the hearts of his children heavy. -They tell us of the wickedness of the white man. That is nothing new. -We have heard of it many times before. So many that we are weary with -listening. But now this wickedness has fallen on those who have the -right to call upon us for vengeance. They are not of our blood, but -they lived among us and trusted us to protect them. Louis Pacheco is -my friend and brother. This maiden is as a daughter to my father. They -were not born slaves. The Great Spirit created them free as the birds -of the air or the deer of the forest. Of this freedom, the gift of the -Great Spirit, the white man seeks to rob them. Are we dogs that we -should suffer this thing? No; the Seminoles are men and warriors. Let -the chief send a message to the white man, demanding that these our -friends be set free and restored to us. Let him also send out those who -will discover whither they have been taken. If they be dead or carried -away so far that he cannot find them, then let him lead his warriors -to battle with the pale-faced dogs, that the fate of our friends may -be avenged. Coacoochee has spoken, and to Philip Emathla has he made -answer." - -This brave speech, delivered with all the fire and enthusiasm of youth -as well as with the eloquent gestures that Coacoochee knew so well -how to use, was received with murmurs of satisfaction by the younger -warriors, whose eyes gleamed with a fierce joy at the thought of -battle. The breast of the young orator swelled with pride as, reseating -himself in his appointed place, he glanced about him and noted the -effect of his maiden effort at public speech-making. His whole soul was -enlisted in the cause of those oppressed ones for whom he had just -pleaded so earnestly, and he longed with the earnestness of honorable, -high-strung, and fearless youth to strike a telling blow in their -behalf. - -While he with the younger members of the band were thus animated by -a spirit of resistance to injustice at any cost, the older warriors -shook their heads. They could not but reflect upon their own weakness -when they considered the power of the white man and the number of his -soldiers. - -The old chief who had called forth this manifestation of feeling noted -shrewdly the varied expressions of those about him and then dismissed -the council, saying that after sleeping he would announce his decision. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -A FOREST BETROTHAL - - -Philip Emathla was an old man and a wise one. He had visited the great -white Father at Washington, and had thus gained a very different idea -of the power and number of the palefaces from that generally held by -his tribe. He loved his land and his people. He was determined not to -submit to injustice if he could help it, but he shrank from plunging -the Seminoles into a war with the powerful and arrogant invaders of -their country. He knew that such a war could only result in the utter -defeat of the red man, no matter how long or how bravely he might -fight. Thus Coacoochee's fiery speech at the council was a source of -great anxiety to the old man and caused him to pass a sleepless night. -By morning, however, he had decided upon a course of action, and again -summoning his councillors, he unfolded it to them. - -As the money value of Louis Pacheco and his mother had already been -doubly paid by the Indians through the relinquishment of their annuity, -Philip Emathla would himself go to the agent at Fort King, claim them -as his slaves, and demand their return to him as such. At the same -time he would send scouts to St. Augustine to discover if the captives -were in that city and what chance there was of rescuing them in case -the agent should refuse to recognize his claim. Until these things -were done there must be no thought or mention of war. It could only be -considered after all else had failed. - -As Coacoochee listened to these words, his face assumed a look of -resolve, and he eagerly awaited an opportunity to speak. He was no -longer content to be considered a dreamer, but was anxious to prove -himself the worthy son of a great chief and entitled to the proud rank -of warrior. When, therefore, his father finished what he had to say and -signified that any who chose might speak, the lad, after waiting for -a few minutes out of deference to his elders, rose with a modest but -manly bearing and requested that two favors might be granted him. One -was that he might be allowed to go alone on the scout to St. Augustine -and there learn the fate of his friend. The other, asked with that -confusion of manner which all youths, savage as well as civilized, -manifest on such occasions, was that he might have his father's -permission to make Nita Pacheco a daughter of the tribe, in fact as -well as in name, by taking her to be his wife. - -After regarding the lad fixedly and in silence for nearly a minute, the -old chief made reply as follows: - -"My son, although thou hast attained the stature of a man, and it has -been permitted thee to speak in council, thou art still but a boy in -knowledge as well as in years. That thou may speedily prove thyself -worthy the name of warrior is my hope and desire. Therefore that thou -may not lack opportunity for gaining distinction, I hereby grant the -first of thy requests on condition that six of my well-tried braves -shall go with thee. They may be left in concealment outside the city, -and thou may enter it alone; but it is well to have friends at hand in -case of need. It is also well that a young warrior should be guided by -the counsel of those who are older and wiser. - -"Thy second request will I also grant upon conditions. Gladly will I -accept the maiden whom thou hast named, as a daughter in truth as well -as in name; but it seems to have escaped thy mind that no son of the -Seminoles may take to himself a wife until he has won the title of -warrior and proved himself capable of her support. Again, there is but -one time for the taking of wives, which may only be done at the great -green corn dance of thy people. If it pleases the maiden to plight thee -her troth, to that I will give consent, provided the ceremony shall -take place ere the setting of this day's sun. Then when thou art gone -on thy mission to discover the fate of her mother and her brother, she -will be doubly entitled to the love and protection of thy people. Let, -then, a solemn betrothal satisfy thee for the present, and at some -future time will the question of thy marriage be considered. Thus -speaks Philip Emathla." - -Coacoochee had loved the sister of his friend longer than he could -remember, and believed that Nita entertained a similar feeling toward -him, though no words of love had ever passed between them. Now they -were to exchange a promise of marriage! The mere thought gave him a -more manly and dignified bearing. And then he was to be immediately -separated from her. How hard it would be to leave her! Doubly hard, -now that she was in sorrow, and suffering the keenest anxiety. Still, -if he could only bring back tidings of the safety of her dear ones, or -perhaps even return them to her, how happy it would make her! How proud -she would be of him! - -To Nita the proposition that she should participate in a ceremony of -betrothal to Coacoochee, which among the Seminoles is even more solemn -and important than that of marriage itself, was startling but not -unwelcome. She loved the handsome youth. In her own mind that had long -ago been settled. Now she was homeless and alone. Where could she find -a braver or more gallant protector than Coacoochee? Besides, was he not -going into danger for her sake, and the sake of those most dear to her? -Yes, she would give him her promise in the presence of all his people -freely and gladly. - -Again the sun was near his setting, and all nature was flooded -with the golden glory that waited on his departure. The cluster of -palmetto-thatched huts nestled beneath tall trees on the shore of -blue Ahpopka Lake wore an expectant air, and their dusky inhabitants, -gathered in little groups, seemed to anticipate some event of -importance. - -At length there came the sound of singing from a leafy bower on the -outskirts of the village, and then appeared a bevy of young girls -wreathed and garlanded with flowers. In their midst walked one whose -face, fairer than theirs, still bore traces of recent suffering. She -was clad in a robe of fawnskin, creamy white and soft as velvet. -Exquisitely embroidered, it was fit for the wear of a princess, and -had indeed been prepared for the gentle Allala, King Philip's only -daughter, shortly before her death. Now, worn for the first time, it -formed the betrothal dress of Nita Pacheco. In the tresses of her -rippling hair was twined a slender spray of snow-white star jasmine. -She wore no other ornament, but none was needed for a beauty so radiant -as hers. - -So, at least, thought Coacoochee, as, escorted by a picked body of -young warriors, gaudy in paint and feathers, he entered the village at -this moment, but from its opposite side, and caught a glimpse of her. - -Both groups advanced to the centre of the village and halted, facing -each other, before the chief's lodge. There for some moments they stood -amid an impressive silence that was only broken by the glad songs of -birds in the leafy coverts above them. At length the curtain screening -the entrance was drawn aside, and Philip Emathla, followed by two of -his most trusted councillors, stepped forth. The head of the aged -chieftain was unadorned save by a single roseate feather plucked from -the wing of a flamingo. This from time immemorial had been the badge of -highest authority among the Indians of Florida, and was adopted as such -by the latest native occupants of the flowery land. The chief's massive -form was set off to fine advantage by a simple tunic and leggings of -buckskin. Depending from his neck by a slender chain was a large gold -medallion of Washington, while across his breast he wore several other -decorations in gold and silver. - -Standing in the presence of his people, and facing the setting sun, the -chieftain called upon the group of flower-decked maidens to deliver up -their sister, and as Nita stepped shyly forth, he took her by the hand. -Next he called upon the group of young warriors to deliver up their -brother, whereupon their ranks opened, and Coacoochee walked proudly to -where his father stood. - -Taking him also by the hand, the old chief asked of his son, in a -voice that all could plainly hear, if he had carefully considered the -obligation he was about to assume. "Do you promise for the sake of this -maiden to strive with all your powers to attain the rank of a warrior? -Do you promise, when that time comes, to take her to your lodge to be -your squaw? to protect her with your life from harm? to hunt game for -her? to see that she suffers not from hunger? to love her and bear with -her until the Great Spirit shall call you to dwell with him in the -Happy Hunting-grounds?" - -"Un-cah (yes)," answered Coacoochee so clearly as to be heard of all. -"I do promise." - -Turning to Nita, the chieftain asked: "My daughter, are you also -willing to make promise to this youth that when the time comes for -him to call thee to his lodge, you will go to him? Are you willing to -promise that from then until the sun shall no longer shine for thee, -till thine eyes are closed in the long sleep, and till the music of -birds no longer fill thy ears, Coacoochee shall be thy man, and thou -shall know no other? Are you willing to promise that from that time his -lodge shall be thy lodge, his friends thy friends, and his enemies thy -enemies? Are you willing to promise that from the day you enter his -lodge you will love him and care for him, make his word thy law, and -follow him even to captivity and death? Consider well, my daughter, -before answering; for thy pledged word may not be lightly broken." - -Lifting her head, and smiling as she looked the old man full in the -face, Nita answered, in low but distinct tones: - -"Un-cah. I am willing to promise." - -With this the chieftain placed the girl's hand in that of Coacoochee, -and turning to the spectators, who stood silent and attentive, said: - -"In thy sight, and in hearing of all men, this my son and this my -daughter have given to each other the promise that may not be broken. -Therefore I, Philip Emathla, make it known that whenever Coacoochee, -after gaining a warrior's rank, shall call this maiden to his lodge, -she shall go to him. From that time forth he shall be her warrior, and -she shall be his squaw. It is spoken; let it be remembered." - -With these words the ceremony of betrothal was concluded, and at -once the spectators broke forth in a tumult of rejoicing. Guns were -discharged, drums were beaten, great fires were lighted, there was -dancing and feasting, and in every way they could devise did these -simple-minded dwellers in the forest express their joy over the event -that promised so much of happiness to the well-loved son of their chief. - -In these rejoicings Coacoochee did not take part, glad as he would -have been to do so. He had a duty to perform that might no longer be -delayed. The fate of his friend, who was now become almost his brother, -must be learned, and it rested with him to discover it. - -So on conclusion of the betrothal ceremony he led Nita into his -father's lodge, bade her a tender farewell, and promising a speedy -return, slipped away almost unobserved. Followed only by Ul-we, the -great staghound, he entered the dark shadows of the forest behind the -village, and was immediately lost to view. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -CRUEL DEATH OF UL-WE THE STAGHOUND - - -When Coacoochee left the Indian village on the night of his betrothal -and set forth on his journey to St. Augustine, he fully realized that -the act marked a crisis in his life, and that from this hour his -irresponsible boyhood was a thing of the past. For a moment he was -staggered by the thought of what he was undertaking, together with an -overpowering sense of his own weakness and lack of worldly knowledge. -How could he, a mere lad, educated in nothing save forest craft, hope -to compete with the strength, wisdom, and subtlety of the all-powerful -white man? His heart sank at the prospect, there came a faltering in -his springy stride, he feared to advance, and dreaded to retreat. - -As he wavered he became conscious of a presence beside him, and to his -ear came the voice of Allala. In tender but reproachful accents it said: - -"My brother, to thee are the eyes of our people turning. Philip Emathla -is chief of a band; through long strife, bitter trial, and deepest -sorrow, Coacoochee shall become leader of a nation. Remember, my -brother, that to strive and succeed is glorious; to strive and yield is -still honorable; but to yield without striving is contemptible." - -The voice ceased, and the young Indian felt that he was again alone, -but he was no longer undecided. His veins thrilled with a new life, -and his heart was filled with a courage ready to dare anything. In an -instant his determination was taken. He would strive for victories, he -would learn to bear defeat, but it should never be said of Coacoochee -that he was contemptible. Filled with such thoughts, the youth sprang -forward and again urged his way along the dim forest trail. - -He had gone but a short distance when he came to a group of dark -figures evidently awaiting him. They were the six warriors chosen by -his father to accompany him on his dangerous mission. As he joined -them, a few words of greeting were exchanged, and one of them handed -him his rifle, powder-horn, and bullet-pouch. Here he took the lead, -with Ul-we close at his heels. The others followed in single file and -with long, gliding strides that maintained with slight apparent effort -yet bore them over the ground with surprising rapidity. - -The night was lighted by a young moon, and such of its rays as were -sifted down through the leafy canopy served to guide their steps as -truly as though it had been day. When the moon set, the little band -halted on the edge of an open glade, and each man cut a few great -leaves of the cabbage palmetto, which he thrust stem first into the -ground to serve as protection against the drenching night dew. Then, -flinging themselves down in the long grass, they almost instantly fell -asleep, leaving only Ul-we to stand guard. - -A brace of wild turkey, shot at daylight a short distance from where -they slept, furnished a breakfast, and at sunrise they were once more -on their way. That morning they crossed the St. John's River in a canoe -that had been skilfully concealed beneath a bank from all but them, and -soon after sunset they made their second camp within a few miles of St. -Augustine. - -Up to this time they had seen no white man, but now they might expect -to see many; for they were near a travelled road recently opened for -the government westward into the far interior, by a man named Bellamy; -thus it was called the "Bellamy Road,"--a name that it bears to this -day. - -Over it Coacoochee, accompanied only by Ul-we, walked boldly the next -morning until he came to the city. He did not carry his rifle with -him, as he knew that Indians off their reservation were apt to have -all firearms seized and taken from them. Moreover, he anticipated -no danger. These were times of peace, in which Indians as well as -whites were protected by treaty. So, cautioning his warriors to remain -concealed until his return, the young leader went in search of the -information he had been detailed to obtain. - -During his journey he had carefully considered the steps to be taken -when he should reach its end. He might easily have slipped into -the town under cover of darkness, and, with little chance of being -observed, communicated with certain negroes of the place, who would -have told him what he desired to know. He might have remained concealed -in the outskirts until some of them passed that way. Several other -plans suggested themselves, but all were rejected in favor of the -one now adopted. Honest and straightforward himself, Coacoochee was -disinclined to use methods that might lie open to suspicion. He knew of -no reason why he, a free man, should not visit any portion of the land -that his people still claimed as their own, and consequently he entered -the town boldly and in broad daylight. - -The sight of an Indian in the streets of St. Augustine was at that time -too common to attract unusual attention. Still, the bearing of the -young chief was so noble, and his appearance so striking, that more -than one person turned to gaze after him as he passed. - -The great dog that followed close at his heels also excited universal -admiration, and several men offered to buy him from the youth as he -passed them. To these he deigned no reply, for it was part of the -Indian policy at that time, as it is now, to feign an ignorance of any -language but their own. - -Within a few hours Coacoochee had learned all that was to be known -concerning the recent expedition of Jeffers and Ruffin. If they were -successful in their undertaking, they were to proceed directly to -Charleston, South Carolina, and there dispose of their captives. As -they had now been absent from St. Augustine for more than a week, this -is what they were supposed to have done. - -Once during his hurried interviews with those who were able to give -him information, but were fearful of being discovered in his company, -the young Indian was vaguely warned that some new laws relating to his -people had just been passed, and that if he were not careful, he might -get into trouble through them. - -Several times during the morning one or more of the street dogs of -the town ran snarling after Ul-we; but, in each case, one of his deep -growls and a display of his formidable teeth caused them to slink away -and leave him unmolested. - -Having finished his business, Coacoochee set out on a return to the -camp where his warriors awaited him. His heart was heavy with the news -that he had just received, and as he walked, he thought bitterly of the -fate of the friend who had been dragged into slavery far beyond his -reach or power of rescue. - -Thus thinking, and paying but slight attention to his surroundings, he -reached the edge of the town. He was passing its last building, a low -groggery, on the porch of which were collected a group of men, most of -them more or less under the influence of liquor. - -One of the group was a swarthy-faced fellow named Salano, who had for -some unknown reason conceived a bitter hatred against all Indians, and -often boasted that he would no more hesitate to shoot one than he would -a wolf or a rattlesnake. Beside this man lay his dog, a mongrel cur -with a sneaking expression, that had gained some notoriety as a fighter. - -As Coacoochee passed this group, though without paying any attention to -them, Salano called out to him in an insulting tone: - -"Hello, Injun! whar did you steal that dog?" - -If the young chief heard this question, he did not indicate by any sign -that he had done so; but continued calmly on his way. - -Again Salano shouted after him. "I say whar did you steal that dog, -Injun?" then, with an oath, he added: "Bring him here; I want to look -at him." - -Still there was no reply. - -In the meantime the cur at Salano's feet was growling and showing his -teeth as he gazed after the retreating form of Ul-we. - -At this juncture his master stopped, and pointing in the direction of -the staghound, said, "Go, bite him, sir!" - -The cur darted forward, and made a vicious snap at Ul-we's hind legs, -inflicting a painful wound. - -The temper of the big dog was tried beyond endurance. He turned, and -with a couple of leaps overtook the cur, already in yelping retreat. -Ul-we seized him by the back in his powerful jaws. There was a wild -yell, a momentary struggle, a crunching of bones, and the cur lay -lifeless in the dust. At the same moment the report of a rifle rang -out, and the superb staghound sank slowly across the body of his late -enemy, shot through the heart. - -All this happened in so short a space of time that the double tragedy -was complete almost before Coacoochee realized what was taking place. - -The moment he did so, he sprang to his faithful companion, and kneeling -in the dust beside him, raised the creature's head in his arms. The -great, loving eyes opened slowly and gazed pleadingly into the face of -the young Indian; with a last effort the dog feebly licked his hand, -and then all was over. Ul-we, the tall one, the noblest dog ever owned -and loved by a Seminole, was dead. - -Over this pathetic scene the group about the groggery made merry with -shouts of laughter and taunting remarks. As Coacoochee, satisfied that -his dog was really dead, slowly rose to his feet, Salano jeeringly -called out, "What'll you take for your pup now, Injun?" - -The next moment the man staggered back with an exclamation of terror -as the young Indian sprang to where he stood, and with a face distorted -by rage hissed between his teeth: - -"From thy body shall thy heart be torn for this act! Coacoochee has -sworn it." - -Even as he spoke, a pistol held in Salano's hand was levelled at his -head, and his face was burned by the explosion that instantly followed, -though the bullet intended for him whistled harmlessly over his head. A -young man who had but that moment appeared on the scene had struck up -the murderer's arm at the instant of pulling the trigger, exclaiming as -he did so: - -"Are you mad, Salano!" - -Then to Coacoochee he said: "Go now before further mischief is done. -The man is crazy with drink, and not responsible for his actions. I -will see that no further harm comes to you." Without a word, but with -one penetrating look at the face of the speaker, as though to fix it -indelibly on his memory, the young Indian turned and walked rapidly -away. - -He had not gone more than a mile from town, and was walking slowly -with downcast head and filled with bitter thoughts, when he was roused -from his unhappy reverie by the sound of galloping hoofs behind him. -Turning, he saw two horsemen rapidly approaching the place where he -stood. At the same time he became aware that two others, who had made -a wide circuit under cover of the dense palmetto scrub on either side -of the road, and thus obtained a position in front of him, were closing -in so as to prevent his escape in that direction. He could have darted -into the scrub, and thus have eluded his pursuers for a few minutes; -and had he been possessed of his trusty rifle, he would certainly have -done so. But unarmed as he was, and as his enemies knew him to be, they -could easily hunt him out and shoot him down without taking any risk -themselves, if they were so inclined. - -So Coacoochee walked steadily forward as though unconscious of being -the object toward which the four horsemen were directing their course. -He wished he were near enough to the hiding-place of his warriors to -call them to him, but they were still a couple of miles away, and even -his voice could not be heard at that distance. So, apparently unaware -of, or indifferent to, the danger closing in on him, the young Indian -resolutely pursued his way until he was almost run down by the horsemen -who were approaching him from behind. As they reined sharply up, one of -them ordered him to halt. - -Coacoochee did as commanded, and turning, found himself again face to -face with Fontaine Salano, the man who but a short time before had -attempted to take his life. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -COACOOCHEE IN THE CLUTCHES OF WHITE RUFFIANS - - -As the young chief, obeying the stern command to halt, faced about, he -found himself covered by a rifle in the hands of his most vindictive -enemy. He knew in a moment that a crisis in their intercourse had -been reached, and almost expected to be shot down where he stood, so -malignant was the expression of the white man's face. Still, with the -wonderful self-control in times of danger that forms part of the Indian -character, he betrayed no emotion nor trace of fear. He only asked: - -"Why should Coacoochee halt at the command of a white man?" - -"Because, Coacoochee, if such is your outlandish name, the white man -chooses to make you do so, and because he wants to see your pass," -replied Salano, sneeringly. - -In the meantime the other riders had come up, and two of them, -dismounting, now stood on either side of the young Indian. In obedience -to an almost imperceptible nod from their leader, these two seized him, -and in a moment had pinioned his arms behind him. Coacoochee could -have flung them from him and made a dash for liberty even now. He did -make one convulsive movement in that direction; but like a flash the -thought came to him that this was precisely what his enemies desired -him to do, that they might thus have an excuse for killing him. So he -remained motionless, and quietly allowed himself to be bound. - -At this a shade of disappointment swept over Salano's face, and he -muttered an oath. The truth was that, terrified by Coacoochee's recent -threat to have his life in exchange for that of Ul-we, which he had so -cruelly taken, the bully had determined to get rid of this dangerous -youth without delay, and had hit upon the present plan for so doing. -He had calculated that his victim would attempt to escape, or at least -offer some resistance. In either case he would have shot him down -without compunction, and afterwards if called to account for the act, -would justify himself on the ground that the Indian was transgressing -a law recently passed by the Legislature of Florida, which he, in his -character of Justice of the Peace, was attempting to enforce. - -Still, his plan had not wholly failed, and he now proceeded to carry it -to an extremity. - -"So you acknowledge that you hain't got no pass, do you, Injun? And are -roaming about the country, threatening white folks' lives, and doing -Lord knows what other deviltry on your own responsibility," he said. -"Now, then, listen to this." Drawing a paper from his pocket as he -spoke, the man read as follows: - -"_An Act to prevent Indians from roaming at large throughout the -Territory_: Be it enacted by the Governor and Legislative Council of -the Territory, that from and after the passing of this act, if any -Indian, of the years of discretion, venture to roam or ramble beyond -the boundary lines of the reservations which have been assigned to -the tribe or nation to which said Indian belongs, it shall and may be -lawful for any person or persons to apprehend, seize, and take said -Indian, and carry him before some Justice of the Peace, who is hereby -authorized, empowered, and required to direct (if said Indian have -not a written permission from the agent to do some specific act) that -there shall be inflicted not exceeding thirty-nine (39) stripes, at -the discretion of the Justice, on the bare back of said Indian, and, -moreover, to cause the gun of said Indian, if he have any, to be taken -away from him and deposited with the colonel of the county or captain -of the district in which said Indian may be taken, subject to the order -of the Superintendent of Indian Affairs." - -"Now, Mr. Injun, what have you got to say to that?" demanded Salano, as -he folded the paper and restored it to his pocket. - -Although Coacoochee had not understood all that had just been read to -him, he comprehended that by a white man's law, an Indian might be -whipped like a slave or a dog, and his blood boiled hotly at the mere -thought of such an outrage. Still he replied to Salano's last question -with dignity and a forced composure. - -"The Iste-chatte has not been told of this law. It is a new one to him, -and he has had no time to learn it. It was not put into the treaty. -Coacoochee is the son of a chief. If you lift a hand against him, you -lift it against the whole Seminole nation. If you strike him, the land -will run red with white men's blood. If you kill him, his spirit will -cry for vengeance, and no place can hide you from the fury of his -warriors. They will not eat nor drink nor sleep till they have found -you out, and torn the cowardly heart from your body." - -"Oh come!" interrupted Salano, with an oath, "that will do. We don't -want to hear any more from you. This Injun is evidently a dangerous -character, gentlemen, and as a Justice of the Peace I shall deal with -him according to the law. We'll whip him first, and if that isn't -enough, we'll hang him afterwards." - -The three men who accompanied Salano were his boon companions, and -were equally ready with himself to perform any deed of cruelty or -wickedness. They regarded an Indian as fair game, to be hunted and -even killed wherever found. Nothing would please them better than a -declaration of war against the Seminoles, and they were determined -to leave nothing undone to hasten so desirable an event. To whip an -Indian under cover of the law was rare sport, and the prospect of -hanging him afterwards filled them with a brutal joy. So they readily -obeyed the commands of their leader, and after fastening their horses -by the roadside, they threw a slip-noose over Coacoochee's head, and -drawing it close about his neck, led him a short distance within a -grove of trees, to one of which they made fast the loose end of the -rope. He was thus allowed to step a couple of paces in each direction. -Ripping his tunic from the neck downward with a knife, they stripped it -from his back, and all was in readiness for their devilish deed. Their -rifles had been left hanging to their saddles, but each man had brought -a raw-hide riding-whip with him, and these they now proposed to apply -to the bare back of their silent and unresisting victim. - -"Ten cuts apiece, gentlemen!" cried Salano, with a ferocious laugh. -"That'll make the thirty-nine allowed by law, and one over for good -measure. I take great credit to myself for the idea of making the -prisoner fast by the neck only, and that with a slip-noose. He's -got plenty of room to dance, and if he looses his footing and hangs -himself, why, that'll be his lookout and not ours. At any rate, it will -be a good riddance of the varmint, and will relieve us from further -responsibility in the matter. I claim the first cut at him; so stand -back and give me room." - -As the others moved back a few paces, the chief ruffian stepped up to -the young Indian, and laying the raw hide across the bared shoulders -as though to measure the width of the blow he was about to inflict, he -lifted it high above his head, saying as he did so: - -"You'll cut my heart out, will you, Injun? We'll see now who is going -to do the cutting." - -Then with a vicious hiss, the raw hide swept down with the full force -of the arm that wielded it. - -There was no outcry and no movement on the part of the Indian, only his -flesh shrunk and quivered beneath the cruel blow, which left a livid -stripe across his shoulders. - -That blow was to be paid for with hundreds of innocent lives, and -millions of dollars. It was to be felt throughout the length and -breadth of the land, and was to be atoned by rivers of blood. In a -single instant its fearful magic transformed the young Indian who -received it, from a quiet, peace-loving youth, with a generous, -affectionate nature, into a savage warrior, relentless and pitiless. It -gave to the Seminoles a leader whose very name should become a terror -to their enemies, and it precipitated one of the cruellest and most -stubbornly contested Indian wars ever waged on American soil. - -Again was the whip uplifted, but before it could descend for a second -blow, the wretch who wielded it was dashed to the ground, and a white -man with blazing eyes stood over his prostrate figure. The newcomer -presented a cocked rifle at the startled spectators of the proceedings, -who had been too intent upon the perpetration of their crime to take -notice of his approach. - -"Cowards!" he cried, in ringing tones. "Does it take four of you -to whip one Indian? Is this the way you continue a private quarrel -and gratify your devilish instincts? Bah! Such wretches as you are -a disgrace to manhood! You make me ashamed of my color, since it is -the same as your own. Did you not hear me give my word to this youth -that he should go in safety? How dared you then even contemplate this -outrage? Perhaps you thought that the word of an Englishman might be -defied with impunity. From this moment you will know better; for if -any one of you ever dares cross my path again, I will shoot him in his -tracks as I would any other noxious beast that curses the earth. Now -get you gone from this spot ere my forbearance is tempted beyond its -strength. Go back to the town, and there proclaim your iniquity, if you -dare. You will find few sympathizers in your attempt to precipitate an -Indian war, and deluge this fair land with blood. Go, and go on foot. -Your horses have already taken the road. Go, and if you even dare to -look back until out of my sight, a bullet from this rifle shall spur -your lagging pace. And you, Fontaine Salano, you brute of brutes, you -pariah dog, do you go with them. Away out of my sight, I say, lest I -cause this Indian to flay your bare back with the lashes you intended -for him." - -[Illustration: THEN WITH A VICIOUS HISS THE RAWHIDE SWEPT DOWN WITH THE -FULL FORCE OF THE ARM THAT WIELDED IT.] - -Whether the four men imagined that they were confronted by one bereft -of his senses, or whether they were indeed the cowards he called them, -it is impossible to say. Certain it is that they received the young -man's scathing words in silence, and, when ordered to leave, they took -their departure with a precipitate haste that would have been comical -under less tragic circumstances. - -The stranger followed them to the edge of the wood, and watched them -until they disappeared in the direction of the town. Then he returned -to where Coacoochee, who had not yet seen the face of his deliverer, -still remained bound to the tree. As with a keen-edged knife he cut -the thongs confining the young Indian's arms, and the rope about his -neck, thus allowing the latter to face him, Coacoochee gave a start of -surprise. His new friend was the same who, but an hour or so before, -had saved him from Fontaine Salano's pistol in the streets of St. -Augustine. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -RALPH BOYD THE ENGLISHMAN - - -The man who had thus so opportunely come to the rescue of Coacoochee -twice in one day was a remarkable character even in that land of -adventurers. Descended from a wealthy English family, well educated and -accomplished, he had sought a life of adventure, and after spending -some years in out-of-the-way corners of the world, had finally settled -down on a large plantation in Florida left to him by an uncle whom he -had never seen. Here he now lived with his only sister Anstice, who had -recently come out to join him. - -Filled with a love for freedom and always ready to quarrel with -injustice in any form, he had, before even seeing his property, freed -his slaves and ordered his attorneys to discharge an oppressive -overseer who had mismanaged the plantation for some years. This man, -whom Ralph Boyd did not even know by sight, was no other than our -slave-catching acquaintance Mr. Troup Jeffers. - -In that slave-holding community a man who chose to work his plantation -with free labor became immediately unpopular, and some of his neighbors -sought quarrels with him, in the hope of driving him from the country. -But they had reckoned without their host. Ralph Boyd was not to be -driven, as the result of several duels into which they forced him -plainly proved. He was a good shot, an expert swordsman, a capital -horseman, and was apparently without fear. Therefore it was quickly -discovered that to meddle with the young Englishman was to meddle -with danger, and that his friendship was infinitely preferable to his -enmity. He was of such a sunny disposition that it was difficult to -rouse him to anger on his own behalf, but he never permitted a wrong to -be perpetrated on the weak or helpless that lay within his powers of -redress. Thus a case of cowardly brutality like the present, and one of -which the possible consequences were so terrible to contemplate, filled -him with a righteous and well-nigh uncontrollable rage. - -The Boyd plantation lay some forty miles from St. Augustine, and Boyd -had ridden into town that day on a matter of business. He had reached -it just in time to witness Salano's shooting of Ul-we. Filled with -indignation at the deed, and admiring the manner with which Coacoochee -confronted his tormentors, Boyd at once took the young Indian's part -and probably saved his life. Then he went about his own business. Some -time afterwards he learned by the merest accident of the departure -of Salano and his evil associates on the track of the young chief. -Fearing that they meditated mischief toward one to whom he had given -the promise of his protection, he procured a fresh horse and started in -hot pursuit. - -Finding the four horses hitched by the roadside, and noting that each -man had left his rifle hanging to the saddle, Boyd took the precaution -of putting these safely out of the way, by the simple expedient of -cutting the horses loose and starting them on the back track before -entering the grove. Then, following the sound of voices, he made -his way noiselessly among the trees to the disgraceful scene of the -whipping. He had not anticipated anything so bad as this, and the sight -filled him with an instant fury. - -Springing forward, rifle in hand, he stretched Salano on the ground -with a single blow, and then confronted the others. They all knew him, -and would rather have encountered any other two men. His very presence, -in moments of wrath, inspired terror, and when he gave them permission -to go, they slunk from him like whipped curs. - -If Coacoochee was startled at sight of his deliverer, Boyd was no less -so at the frightful change in the face of the young Indian. It was no -longer that into which he had gazed an hour before. That was the mobile -face of a youth reflecting each passing emotion, and though it was even -then clouded by sorrow and anger, a little time would have restored its -sunshine. Now its features were rigid, and stamped with a look that -expressed at once intolerable shame and undying hate. The eyes were -those of a wild beast brought to bay and prepared for a death struggle. - -The once fearless gaze now fell before that of the white man. -Coacoochee, proudest of Seminoles, hung his head. This man had -witnessed his shame and had at the same time placed him under an -obligation. The young Indian could not face him, and could not kill -him, so he stood motionless and silent, with his eyes fixed on the -ground. - -Ralph Boyd appreciated the situation, and understood the other's -feelings as though they were his own, as in a way they were. They would -be the feelings of any free-born, high-spirited youth under similar -circumstances. - -"My poor fellow," said Boyd, holding out his hand as he spoke, "I think -I know how you feel, and I sympathize with you from the bottom of my -heart. You will surely allow me to be your friend, though, seeing that -I have just made four enemies on your account. Won't you shake hands -with me in token of friendship?" - -"I cannot," answered Coacoochee, in a choked voice. "You are a white -man. I have been whipped by a white man. Not until the mark of his blow -has been washed away with his blood can I take the hand of any white -man in friendship." - -"Well, I don't know but what I should feel just as you do," replied -Boyd, musingly. "I have never before met any of your people, but have -been told that you were a treacherous race, without any notions of -honor or true bravery. Now it seems to me that your feelings in this -matter are very much what mine would be if I were in your place. Still, -I hope you are not going to lay up any bitterness against me on account -of what was done by another, even though we are, unfortunately, both -of the same color. I am curious to know something of you Indians, and -would much rather have you for a friend than an enemy." - -"Coacoochee will always be your friend," answered the other, earnestly. -"Some day he will shake hands with you. Not now. With his life will he -serve you. A Seminole never forgives an injury, and he never forgets a -kindness. Now I must go." - -"Hold on, Coacoochee; you must not go half naked and with that mark on -your back," exclaimed Boyd. "Here, I have on two shirts, and I insist -that you take one of them. With your permission I will take in exchange -this buckskin affair of yours that those villains cut so recklessly, -and will keep it as a souvenir of this occasion." - -As he spoke, the young Englishman divested himself of his outer -garment, a tastefully made hunting-tunic of dark green cloth, and -handed it to Coacoochee. Without hesitation the Indian accepted this -gift, and put on the garment, which fitted him perfectly. - -Then the two young men left the little grove in which events of such -grave import to both had just taken place, and walked to where Boyd had -left his horse. - -Upon Coacoochee saying that he should go but a little further on the -road, the other declared an intention to accompany him, and so, leading -his horse, walked on beside the shame-faced Indian. - -The more Boyd talked with Coacoochee, the more he was pleased with him. -He found him to be intelligent and modest, but high-spirited and imbued -to an exaggerated degree with savage notions of right and wrong, honor -and dishonor. To avenge a wrong and repay a kindness, to deal honorably -with the honorable and treacherously with the treacherous, to serve -a friend and injure an enemy, was his creed, and by it was his life -moulded. - -At length they came to the place where the young Indian said he must -leave the road. As they paused to exchange farewells, the querulous -note of a hawk sounded from the palmetto scrub close beside them. -Coacoochee raised his hand, and as though by magic six stalwart -warriors leaped into the road and surrounded them. - -Boyd made an instinctive movement toward his rifle, but it was checked -by the sight of a faint smile on his companion's face. At the same time -the latter said quietly: - -"Fear nothing; they are my friends, and my friends are thy friends." - -To the Indians he said in their own tongue, "Note well this man. He is -my friend and that of all Seminoles. From them no harm must ever come -to him." - -Then he waved his hand, and the six warriors disappeared so instantly -and so utterly that the white man rubbed his eyes and looked about him -in amazement. - -Turning, to express his surprise to Coacoochee, he discovered that the -young chief had also disappeared, and that he alone occupied the road. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF A SENTINEL - - -For a full minute Ralph Boyd stood bewildered in the middle of the -road. In vain did he look for some sign and listen for some sound that -would betray the whereabouts of those who, but a moment before, had -stood with him. The tall grasses waved and the flowers nodded before a -gentle breeze, but it was not strong enough to move the stiff leaves -of the palmetto scrub, nor was there any motion that might be traced -to the passing of human beings among their hidden stalks. From the -feathery tips of the cabbage palms came a steady fluttering that rose -or fell with the breathings of the wind, and in far-away thickets could -be heard the cooing of wood doves, and the occasional cheery note of a -quail, but no other sound broke the all-pervading silence. - -All at once from a hammock growing at a considerable distance from -where the young man stood there came to his ears the thrilling sound of -a Seminole war-cry: - -"Yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee-che!" - -It was followed by another and another, until the listener counted -seven of the ominous cries in as many distinct voices, and knew that -they were uttered by the seven Indians who had stood with him in the -road. - -Unaccustomed to the ways of red men, Boyd could not understand how they -had glided so noiselessly and swiftly away from him. - -"It is like magic," he muttered, "and gives one a creepy feeling. What -a terrible thing a war with such as they would be in this country, -where everything is so favorable to them and so unfavorable to the -movements of troops. And yet war is the very thing toward which the -reckless course of politicians, slave-hunters, and land-grabbers -is hurrying the government. Well, I shan't take part in it, that's -certain, though my present duty as a white man is plainly to ride back -to St. Augustine and give the colonel information of this present band -of Indians. I wouldn't think of doing so, only for fear that, smarting -under the insult to that fine young fellow Coacoochee, they will seek -revenge and visit the sins of the guilty upon innocent heads. If -Coacoochee has only followed my advice and gone directly back to the -reservation, and to his own place, there won't be any trouble; but if -he is going to hang around here, trying to lift a few scalps, as I am -afraid he is, he may get himself into a fix from which I can't help -him." - -It must not be supposed that Ralph Boyd had been standing in the middle -of the road all this time. He was in the saddle even before the sound -of the Indian war-cries informed him of the direction they had taken -and where they were. Directly afterwards he put spurs to his horse, and -during the latter part of his soliloquy was galloping rapidly back over -the road he had just come. - -Although Boyd knew Salano to be a bitter and unscrupulous enemy, he had -no hesitation in returning to St. Augustine on his account, or for fear -of the others with whose cruel sport he had so summarily interfered. He -did not believe they would dare publish what they had done, or care to -acknowledge that they had been driven off and compelled to forego their -intentions by a single man. - -To satisfy himself on this point, he made a few inquiries on reaching -the city, and finding that nothing was known of the recent adventure, -he went to the colonel commanding the small garrison stationed in the -city and informed him of the presence near it of an armed band of seven -Indian warriors. He also expressed his fear that they intended mischief -to some of the plantations along the St. John's. - -The colonel listened attentively to all that he had to say and thanked -him for the information. Darkness had fallen by this time, and it was -too late to do anything that night, but the officer promised to send -out a scouting party of twenty troopers at daylight. In the meantime -he begged that Boyd would remain as his guest over night, and in the -morning consent to guide the troops to the place where he had seen -the Indians, which the latter readily agreed to do. He did this the -more willingly because he had learned that the scouting party was to -be commanded by Irwin Douglass, a young lieutenant with whom he had -formed a pleasant acquaintance, and who had already visited him at the -plantation. - -When, after an early and hurried cup of coffee with the colonel and -Douglass the following morning, Boyd joined the soldiers, to whom for -a short distance he was to act as guide, he was amazed to find that -Fontaine Salano had applied for and received permission to accompany -them. He wondered at this as the troop clattered noisily with jingling -sabres and bit-chains out of the quiet old town. Was Salano's hatred of -the young Indian whom he had so cruelly wronged so bitter that he was -determined to seize every opportunity for killing him? Boyd could think -of no other reason why the man, naturally so indolent, should undertake -this forced march with all the discomforts that must necessarily attend -it. - -The spring morning was just cool enough to be exhilarating. The fresh -air was laden with the perfume of orange groves, and from their green -coverts innumerable birds poured forth their choicest melody. The -cavalry horses, in high spirits from long idleness, pranced gaily along -the narrow streets and were with difficulty reined to a decorous trot. - -Once free from the town and out in the broad plain of sand and -chaparral that lay beyond, the pace was quickened, and for several -miles the troop swung cheerily along at a hand gallop, with polished -weapons and accoutrements flashing brightly in the rays of the newly -risen sun. - -A halt was called at the place where Boyd had encountered the Indians, -and scouts were sent in search of signs. These easily found the camp -from which Coacoochee had started on his visit to town the morning -before, and finally discovered a fresh trail leading to the west or -toward the St. John's. - -It was not easy for the troops, inexperienced in Indian warfare, to -follow this on horseback, and they soon lost it completely. This did -not greatly disturb Lieutenant Douglass; for, being satisfied that the -plantations along the river were the objective points of those whom he -was pursuing, he determined to push on toward them without losing any -time in attempting to rediscover the trail. - -That evening they reached the great river and encamped near it without -having discovered any further Indian sign, or finding that the few -widely scattered settlers had been given any cause to suspect the -presence of an enemy. - -During that night, however, two startling incidents occurred. The first -of these was the complete and mysterious disappearance of one of the -sentinels who guarded the camp. He had been stationed not far from the -edge of the forest, but within easy hail of his sleeping comrades. The -sergeant had given him particular cautions regarding the dangers of -his post, and warned him to be keenly alert to every sound, even the -slightest. He had answered with a laugh, that his ears were too long -to permit anything human to get within a rod of him without giving him -warning, and he declared his intention of firing in the direction of -any suspicious sound. - -So they left him, and an hour later the corporal of the guard, visiting -the post, found it vacant. In the darkness it was useless to hunt -for the missing sentry, and so, without giving a general alarm, the -corporal detailed another sentinel to the place of the missing man, and -remained with him on the post until morning. They neither saw nor heard -anything to arouse their suspicions, but as soon as daylight revealed -surrounding objects, they could readily note signs of a struggle at one -end of the beat paced by their unfortunate predecessor. - -There were no traces of blood, nor in the trail of moccasined feet -leading away from the spot could any imprint of the heavy cavalry -boots worn by the missing soldier be found. The trail led to a small -creek that emptied into the river just above the camp, but there it -ended. Both banks of this creek were carefully examined for a mile up -and down, but they revealed no sign to denote that they had ever been -trodden by human feet. - -There was nothing more to be done. The man was reported as missing, -and a riderless horse was led by one of the troopers on that day's -march,--but this mysterious disappearance and unknown fate of their -comrade served to open the eyes of the soldiers to the dreadful -possibilities of Indian warfare. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -FONTAINE SALANO'S TREACHERY AND ITS REWARD - - -Another mysterious happening of that first night out was well -calculated to exercise a depressing effect on the men and to transform -the contempt they had hitherto felt for Indians into a profound respect -not unmixed with fear. Fontaine Salano slept rolled in his blanket not -far from the lieutenant in command of the party, and within the full -light of a camp-fire. Toward morning, however, this fire had burned so -low that it shed but little light, and the place where Salano lay was -buried in shadow. - -When he awoke at the first peep of dawn, he was puzzled by the -appearance of a number of strange objects that rose from the ground -close by his head. He examined them curiously, but his curiosity was -in an instant changed to horror when he discovered them to be seven -blood-stained Indian arrows thrust into the ground, three on each side -of where his head had lain and one at the upper end of his couch. This -one bore impaled on its shaft the bloody heart of a recently killed -deer, the significance of which was so plain that no one could fail to -understand it. - -The mere fact that the Indians had thus been able to penetrate -undetected to the very centre of a guarded camp invested them in the -eyes of the men with supernatural powers. The effect on Salano was -precisely what Coacoochee had intended it should be. To feel that he -had been completely within the power of one who had sworn to have his -life and had only been spared as a cat spares a mouse, that she may -prolong its torture for her own pleasure, filled the wretch with a -terror pitiful to behold. - -He begged Lieutenant Douglass to return at once to St. Augustine or at -least to send him back under escort. The officer politely regretted his -inability to comply with either of these requests, saying that it would -be contrary to his duty to retire from that part of the country until -satisfied that the Indians had left it, and that he dared not weaken -his little force by detailing any men for escort duty. - -The man displayed such abject cowardice that finally, more out of -disgust than pity, Ralph Boyd offered to accompany him back to the -city, and to his surprise, Salano accepted the offer eagerly. As they -were both volunteers, Douglass had no authority for detaining them, -though he protested against the undertaking, and tried to persuade them -of its dangers. Ralph Boyd only laughed, and even Salano intimated -a belief that the Indians would devote themselves to watching the -movements of the scouting party, so that to remain with them would be -to remain in the vicinity of greatest danger. - -The lieutenant said that he should remove his command only a short -distance, to a better and more secure camping-ground that he knew of -not very far from Boyd's plantation, over which he promised to keep -especial watch. He intended to remain at that place until he learned -something definite regarding the movements of the Indians, and there -Boyd promised to rejoin him on the following day. - -Camp was broken, and the clear bugle notes of "boots and saddles" were -ringing on the still morning air as Boyd and Salano rode away from the -camp on the return trail to St. Augustine. They rode in silence; for -one entertained too great a contempt for the other to care to talk with -him, and Salano was perfecting a plan for obtaining one portion of the -revenge upon which his mind was intent. - -They had not proceeded thus more than two miles, when they came to a -narrow gully through which they were obliged to ride in single file, -and here Salano, with an exaggerated show of politeness, dropped -behind, allowing Boyd to take the lead. - -The latter rode unsuspectingly ahead for a few rods, and then, not -hearing the sound of the other's horse behind him, turned to see if he -were not coming. - -The sight that met his eyes was so unexpected and terrible that for -an instant it rendered him incapable of thought or action. Salano, -dismounted from his horse, was slowly raising a rifle and taking -deliberate aim at him. He could see the cruelly triumphant expression -on the swarthy face. In that instant of time he also saw a flashing -figure with uplifted arm leap from the underbrush behind Salano. Then -all became a blank. - -When next Ralph Boyd was able to take an interest in the affairs of -this world, he was lying in the shade of a tree, two horses were -cropping the grass near him, and a strange, wild-looking figure was -dashing water in his face. - -"What does this mean? What has happened?" Boyd inquired faintly. - -"Wal, cap'n," answered the stranger, in unmistakable English, pausing -in his occupation and drawing a long breath. "I'm almighty glad you -ain't dead. The Injun said you warn't, but I wouldn't be sure of it -myself till this very minute. As to what's happened, I'm a leetle mixed -myself, but it's something like this: Some red villians was about to do -for me when you come along and stopped 'em. Then a white villian was -about to do for you, when one of the red villians stopped him, or at -any rate he stopped the worst of it; then the red villian did for the -white villian, and did it almighty thorough too." - -At this juncture Boyd again closed his eyes and seemed about to lapse -once more into unconsciousness, whereupon the stranger began again to -dash water vigorously in his face. - -There was a stinging sensation and a loud buzzing in the young man's -head. Salano's murderous aim had been slightly disconcerted, at the -moment of firing, by a fierce yell in his very ear. At the instant of -pulling the trigger Coacoochee's terrible knife had been buried to the -hilt in his body. The would-be murderer sank dead without a groan, -while his intended victim escaped with a scalp wound which, though not -dangerous, was sufficient to deprive him of his senses for some time. - -When he had sufficiently recovered his strength to be able to sit up, -and after he had listened to these details of his own narrow escape, he -looked curiously at his companion and asked him who he was. It is no -wonder that he did not recognize the strange figure; for though the man -wore a pair of army trousers, he had Indian moccasins on his feet, was -bare-headed, and naked to the waist. Half his face as well as half of -his body was painted red and the other half black. - -In this manner did the Seminoles prepare their bodies for death, and to -those who understood its meaning, this combination of the two colors -had a very grim significance. Fortunately for the man's peace of mind, -he had not understood why this form of decoration was applied to him, -though his fears that his life was in danger had been very fully -aroused. - -In answer to Ralph Boyd's questions, he told his story as follows: -"I'm not surprised that you don't recognize me, cap'n; for I'm not -quite sure that I'd recognize myself. Still, whatever I may be to-day, -yesterday I was private Hugh Belcher of Company B, Second Regiment -United States Dragoons." - -"What!" exclaimed Boyd, "are you the sentry who disappeared last night?" - -"That's who I am, sir," replied the other, "much as my present -appearance would seem to point again its being true. How the Reds crept -upon me without me hearing a sound of their coming is more than I can -tell, for I've always bragged that my ears were as sharp as the next -man's. However, they did it, and the first I knew of their presence was -when a blanket was flung over my head and I was tripped up. I don't -know how many of 'em had me, but there was enough, anyway, to hold me -fast, and tie me and get a gag into my mouth, so that I couldn't make -a sound. Then they pulled off my boots, put moccasins on my feet, and -made me go along with them. - -"After awhile we came to this place, and here, as soon as it got light, -they stripped me and painted me and tied me to a tree, and was just -getting ready to give me a thrashing with a lot of switches they'd cut, -though Lord knows I hadn't done nothing to rile 'em, when all of a -sudden you and Mr. Salano hove in sight. - -"I was faced that way and see Mr. Salano when he dropped off his horse -and drawed a bead on you. I'd a hollered, but the gag was still in my -mouth, so I couldn't. When the head Injun see what was taking place -though, he gave one spring out of the brush, and landed on Mr. Salano's -back like a wildcat. At the same time he let loose a yell fit to raise -the dead. The gun went off just as he yelled, and you tumbled out of -the saddle like you was killed. - -"When the head Injun saw that, he run up to you first and dragged you -to this place. Then he run back to Mr. Salano and stooped over him -like he was feeling of his heart to see if he was dead. When he riz -up again, he fetched another yell and called out something in his own -lingo about Ul-we. Then the rest crowded around him, and he talked to -them for about a minute. - -"After that they come back and cut me loose, and the head Injun, -pointing to you, said in English, 'You are free. Care for him. He is -not dead. Tell him Coacoochee's heart is no longer heavy. He will go -to his own people. If the soldiers want him, let them seek him in -the swamps of the Okeefenokee.' Then, without another word, they all -disappeared, and I set to work to bring you to." - -Thus was the death of Ul-we, the tall one, atoned for in heart's blood, -and thus was the stripe on Coacoochee's back washed out with the blood -of him who had so wantonly inflicted it. Thus, also, did Coacoochee -save the life of his friend and punish the would-be assassin who had -so planned his cowardly revenge upon Ralph Boyd that the act would be -credited to the Indians. - -With the accomplishment of this deed of just retribution, Coacoochee -and his warriors disappeared from that part of the country, nor were -they again seen there for many months. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -THE SEMINOLE MUST GO - - -The Seminoles must be removed. The clamor of the land-speculator, the -slave-hunter, and a host of others interested in driving the Indian -from his home had at length been listened to at Washington, and the -fiat had gone forth. The Seminoles must be removed to the distant -west--peaceably if possible, but forcibly if they will not go otherwise. - -A new treaty had been made by which the Indians agreed to remove to the -new home selected for them, provided a delegation of chiefs appointed -to visit the western land reported favorably concerning it. These went, -saw the place, and upon their return reported it to be a cold country -where Seminoles would be very unhappy. - -Upon hearing this, the Indians said that they would prefer to remain -where they were. Thereupon the United States Government said through -its commissioners that it made no difference whether they wanted to go -or not; they must go. - -In the meantime, outrages of every kind were perpetrated upon the -Indians. The whipping of those discovered off the reservation, that -was begun with Coacoochee, was continued. Several Indians were thus -whipped to death by the white brutes into whose cowardly hands they -fell. The system of withholding annuities and supplies was continued, -and the helpless Indians were recklessly plundered right and left. - -General Andrew Jackson, who was now President, had no love for Indians. -He had in former years wronged them too cruelly for that, while -teaching them lessons of the white man's power. He therefore appointed -General Wiley Thompson of Georgia, as the Seminole agent, and ordered -him to compel their removal to the far west without further delay. He -also sent troops to Florida, and these began to gather at Fort Brooke -and Tampa Bay under command of General Clinch. - -It was evident that the Seminoles must either submit to leave the sunny -land of their birth, their homes, and the graves of their fathers, or -they must fight in its defence, and for their rights as free men. If -they consented to go west to the land that those chiefs who had seen it -described as cold and unproductive, they would find already established -there their old and powerful enemies, the Creeks, who were eagerly -awaiting their coming, with a view to seizing their negro allies and -selling them into slavery. It was evident that a fight for his very -existence was to be forced upon the Seminole in either case, and it -only remained for him to choose whether he would fight in his own -land, of which he knew every swamp, hammock, and glade, and of which -his enemy was ignorant, or whether he should go to a distant country, -of which he knew nothing, and fight against an enemy already well -acquainted with it. - -This was the alternative presented to the warriors of Philip Emathla's -village assembled about their council fire on a summer's evening a few -weeks after that with which this history opens. - -On Coacoochee, now sitting in the place of honor at the right hand of -the chief his father and earnestly regarding the speaker who laid this -state of affairs before them, the weeks just passed had borne with the -weight of so many years. During their short space he had passed from -youth to manhood. Having directed the search for himself that followed -the death of Salano, toward the Okeefenokee, while his village lay in -exactly the opposite direction, he had escaped all intercourse with the -whites from that time to the present. But from that experience he had -returned so much wiser and graver that his advice was now sought by -warriors much older than he, while by those of his own age and younger -he was regarded as a leader. Thus, though still a youth in years, and -though he still reverenced and obeyed his father, he was to all intents -the chief of Philip Emathla's powerful band. - -It was in this capacity that the speaker, to hear whom this council -was gathered, evidently regarded him, and it was to Coacoochee that his -remarks were especially directed. - -This speaker was a member of a band of Seminoles known as the Baton -Rouge or Red Sticks, who occupied a territory at some distance from -that of King Philip. His father, whom he had never known, was a white -man, but his mother was the daughter of a native chieftain, and though -he spoke English fluently, he had passed all of his twenty-eight -years among the Seminoles, and they were his people. Although not a -chief, nor yet regarded as a prominent leader, he was possessed of -such force of character and such a commanding presence that he had -acquired a great influence over all the Indians with whom he was thrown -in contact. His name was Ah-ha-se-ho-la (black drink), generally -pronounced Osceola by the whites, who also called him by his father's -name of Powell. - -This dauntless warrior was bitterly opposed to the emigration of his -tribe, and was anxious to declare war against the whites rather than -submit to it. He believed that the Seminoles, roaming over a vast -extent of territory abounding in natural hiding-places, might defend -themselves against any army of white soldiers that should undertake to -subdue them for at least three years. Could the conflict be sustained -for that length of time without the whites gaining any decided -advantages, he declared they would then give up the struggle and allow -the Indians to retain their present lands unmolested. - -Osceola was now visiting the different bands of the tribe, preaching -this crusade of resistance to tyranny. As he stood before Philip -Emathla and his warriors, with his noble figure and fine face fully -displayed in the bright firelight, they were thrilled by his eloquence. -With bated breath they listened to his summing up of their grievances, -and when he declared that he would rather die fighting for this land -than live in any other, they greeted his words with a murmur of -approving assent. - -Never had Coacoochee been so powerfully affected. The sting of the -white man's whip across his shoulders was still felt, and he was choked -with the sense of outrage and injustice inflicted upon his people. His -fingers clutched nervously at the hilt of his knife and he longed for -the time to come when he might fight madly for all that a man holds -most dear. - -As his gaze wandered for a moment from the face of the speaker, it -fell on a group just visible within the circle of firelight. There sat -the beautiful girl to whom he had so recently plighted his troth, and -beside her Chen-o-wah, the daughter of a Creek chief and his quadroon -squaw. She was the wife of Osceola, and the one being in all the world -whom the fierce forest warrior loved. - -For a moment Coacoochee's determination wavered as he reflected what -these and others equally helpless would suffer in a time of war. There -came a memory of the manner in which Nita's mother and brother had been -consigned to slavery by the white man. No word had come from them, but -he could imagine their fate. Might not the same fate overtake her most -dear to him and hundreds of others with her? Would it not be better for -them to incur the dangers and sufferings of war rather than those of -slavery? Yes, a thousand times yes. - -And then, perhaps the whites were not so very powerful, after all. -Their soldiers, so far as he had seen them, were but few in number, -and moved slowly from place to place. He and his warriors could travel -twenty miles to their five. Besides, there were the vast watery -fastnesses of the Everglades and the Big Cypress in the far south, to -which the Indians could always retreat and into which no white man -would ever dare follow them. Yes, his voice should be raised for war, -no matter how long it might last, nor how bloody it might be, and the -sooner it could be begun, the better. But he must listen, for Philip -Emathla was about to speak. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -CHEN-O-WAH IS STOLEN BY THE SLAVE-CATCHERS - - -The aged chieftain rose slowly and for a moment gazed lovingly and in -silence at those gathered about him; then he said: "My children, we -have listened to the words of Ah-ha-se-ho-la, and we know them to be -true. But he has spoken with the voice of a young man. He sees with -young eyes. My eyes are old, but they can look back over many seasons -that a young man cannot see. They can also look forward further than -his, and see many things. I have seen the great council of the white -man, and his warriors. I have seen his villages. His lodges are more -numerous than the trees of the forest, and his numbers are those of the -leaves of countless trees. To fight with him would be like fighting the -waves of the great salt waters that reach to the sky. If we should kill -one, ten would spring up to take his place. For a hundred who may fall, -a thousand will stand. He is strong, and we are weak. Let us then live -at peace with him while we may. Let us meet him in council and tell him -how little it is that we ask. There is a land beyond Okeechobee, the -great sweet water, that the white man can never want, but where the -red man could dwell in peace and plenty. Let him leave this to us, and -we will ask no more. - -"If he will not do this, then let us fight. Never will Philip Emathla -consent to go to the strange and distant land of the setting sun. If it -is a better land than this, as the white man tells us, why does he not -go there himself and leave us alone? It is a cold country. My people -would die there. It is better to die here and die fighting. - -"The white chief at Fort King calls us together for one more talk with -him. Philip is old. He cannot travel so far, but Coacoochee shall go in -his place. He will speak wisely, and if peace can be had, he will find -it. If there is no peace, if the Seminole must fight, then who will -fight harder or more bravely than Coacoochee? At his name the white -man will tremble, and his squaws will hide their faces in fear. The -enemies of Coacoochee will fall before him as ripe fruit falls before -the breath of Hu-la-lah (the wind). He will kill till he is weary of -killing. His footsteps will be marked with blood. Rivers of blood shall -flow where he passes. I am old and feeble, but Coacoochee is young and -strong. From this day shall he be a war-chief of the Seminoles. Philip -Emathla has spoken." - -At this announcement there came a great shout of rejoicing, and as the -council broke up, the warriors crowded about Coacoochee to tell him -how proud they would be to have him lead them in battle. - -After the tumult had somewhat subsided, Osceola, who had not hitherto -spoken directly to Coacoochee, stepped up to him. The two young men -grasped each other's hands, and gazed earnestly in each other's face. -Finally Osceola, apparently satisfied with what he saw, broke the -silence, and said: - -"We are brothers?" - -"We are brothers," answered the young war-chief, and thus was made a -compact between the two that was only to be broken by death. - -The following morning, Coacoochee, with a small escort of warriors, set -forth, in company with Osceola and Chen-o-wah, to travel to the village -of Micanopy, head chief of the Seminoles, there to hold another council -before going to Fort King for a talk with the agent. - -In Micanopy's village they found assembled a large number of Seminole -warriors, and many of the sub-chiefs of the tribe. This council was -a grave and momentous affair. It was to decide the fate of a nation, -and its deliberations were prolonged over two days. Micanopy, the head -chief, was old, corpulent, and fond of his ease. He loved his land and -hated the thought of war. He was greatly disinclined to remove to the -west, but it was not until urged and almost compelled by the younger -men, especially Coacoochee and Osceola, that he finally declared -positively that he would not do so. - -His utterance decided the majority of the council. They would fight -before submitting to removal, but on one pretext and another they would -gain all possible time in which to prepare for war. - -It was also announced at this council that any Seminole who should -openly advocate removal, and should make preparations for emigrating, -should be put to death. - -In all the council there was but one dissenting voice. It was that of a -sub-chief named Charlo, who had been raised to the head of a small band -by the agent, in place of an able warrior who was an uncompromising -enemy of the whites. This petty chief spoke in favor of removal, -and ridiculed the suggestion that the tribe could hold out for any -length of time against the overwhelming power of the white man. He was -listened to with impatience, and many dark glances were cast at him as -he resumed his seat. - -Three days later some fourteen chiefs, accompanied by a large number -of their people, were encamped near Fort King, and active preparations -were going forward for the great talk that was to be held that -afternoon. - -On the morning of that day, a thick-set, evil-looking man, whom the -reader would at once recognize as his old acquaintance Mr. Troup -Jeffers the slave-trader, sat in the agent's office engaged in earnest -conversation with General Wiley Thompson. - -"Thar ain't no doubt about it, gineral," he was saying. "She's easy -enough identified, and I'll take my affidavy right here that she's the -gal Jess who run away from old Miss Cooke's place two year ago. You've -got a list of all them niggers and their description, as well as the -order from Washington for their capture and deliverin' up. You know -you have, and when I tell you what this gal looks like, you see if she -don't answer the description exactly." - -"Yes, sir, I've no doubt," answered the agent, wearily, for of the -many trials of his difficult position, the importunities of the -slave-hunters who besieged him at all hours were the greatest. "I don't -doubt what you say, and I'll give you an order for the girl which you -can present to the chiefs. If they give her up, well and good; but if -they won't, why they won't, that's all, and matters are too critical -just now for us to attempt to force them." - -"All right, gineral," replied Mr. Jeffers, with a triumphant glitter in -his cruel little eyes. "The order is all I want, and I'll get the gal -without putting you or anybody else to a mite of trouble." - -Thus saying, the trader took the slip of paper handed him by the agent, -and left the office. - -Like a vulture scenting the carnage from afar, the slave-trader hearing -that the Seminoles and their negro allies were about to be removed, -had hastened to the scene of action, determined in some way to secure a -share of the peculiar property in which he dealt, before it should be -placed beyond his reach. - -In the Indian camp he had seen several good-looking young women in -whose veins he was convinced flowed negro blood, and he decided that -his purpose would be served by securing one or more of these. Going to -the agent with the trumped-up story of having thus discovered a runaway -slave girl, he obtained the coveted order for her restoration to her -lawful owner. Armed with this, he proceeded to carry out his wicked -design. - -His plan was very simple, and to put it into operation, he repaired to -the store of the post trader. It was located in a grove of live oaks, -some distance beyond the stockade, and was hidden from view of those in -or near the fort. To it, groups of Indians, men, women, and children, -found their way at all times for the purchase of such supplies as they -needed and could afford. - -Rogers, the storekeeper, whose conscience from a long dealing with -and cheating of Indians was as calloused and hardened as that of Mr. -Jeffers himself, was not above turning what he called an honest penny -by any means that came in his way. Therefore when the slave-trader -explained his business, showed the agent's order, and offered Rogers -ten dollars to assist him in recapturing his alleged property, the -latter readily consented to do so. - -Troup Jeffers was almost certain that one or more of the young women -whom he had noticed in the Indian camp would visit the store at some -time during the day, and so he waited patiently the advent of a victim. - -At length, late in the afternoon, when most of the Indians were -attracted to the scene of the council, then in session, a squaw was -seen to approach the store. She was one of those whom Mr. Jeffers had -selected as suitable for the slave market, and the instant he observed -her he exclaimed to the storekeeper: - -"Here comes the very gal I'm after--old Miss Cooke's Jess. I'll just -step into the back room, and if you can persuade her to come in there -to look at something or other, we'll have her as slick as a whistle." - -"All right," responded Rogers, who a minute later was waiting on his -customer with infinitely more politeness than he usually vouchsafed to -an Indian. - -She desired to purchase some coffee and sugar with which to surprise -and please her husband when he returned to his lodge after the council -should be ended, and the storekeeper easily persuaded her to enter the -other room, where he said his best goods were kept. - -As the unsuspecting woman bent over a sugar barrel, she was seized from -behind, and her head was enveloped in a shawl, by which her cries were -completely stifled. - -A few minutes later, bound and helpless, she was lifted into a light -wagon and driven rapidly away. - -Half an hour afterwards, a boy who worked for the storekeeper remarked -to his employer: - -"I should think you would be afraid of Powell." - -"What for?" asked Rogers. - -"Why, for letting that man carry off his wife," was the reply. - -Thus did the storekeeper receive his first intimation that the alleged -runaway slave girl was Chen-o-wah, the adored wife of Osceola. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -"WILEY THOMPSON, WHERE IS MY WIFE?" - - -While the wife of Osceola was thus being kidnapped and consigned to -slavery, he, ignorant of the blow in store for him, was participating -in a far different scene. Just outside the gateway of the fort, in -an open space of level sward, the great council upon which so much -depended was assembled. At one side of a long table sat General Clinch, -commanding the army in Florida, with the officers of his staff standing -behind him. Beside him sat General Wiley Thompson, the agent, red-faced -and pompous, Lieutenant Harris, the United States disbursing agent, -who was to conduct the Indians to their western homes, and several -commissioners. All the officers were in full uniform, and presented a -brave appearance. Behind them were two companies of infantry, resting -at ease on their loaded muskets, but ready to spring into action at a -moment's notice. Just inside the gateway of the fort the guns of its -light battery were charged to the muzzle with grape and canister, ready -for instant service. This was one side of the picture. - -On the opposite side of the table from the whites sat or stood a group -of Indian chiefs, sullen, determined, and watchful. Too many times -already had the white man cheated them. They would take care that he -should not do so again. They had learned by bitter experience how -lightly he regarded such treaties as conflicted with his interests. -They knew the value of his false promises and fair words. - -A little in front of the others sat Micanopy, head chief of the tribe, -and close behind him, so that they could whisper in his ear, stood -Coacoochee and Osceola. Grouped about them were Otee the Jumper, Tiger -Tail, Allapatta Tustenugge, the Fighting Alligator, Arpeika, or Sam -Jones, Black Dirt, Ya ha Hadjo, the Mad Wolf, Coa Hadjo, Halatoochee, -Abram, the negro chief, Passac Micco, and many others. Behind them -stood one hundred warriors, tall, clean-built fellows, lithe and -sinewy, their bare legs as hard and smooth as those of bronze statues. -Concealed in a hammock, but a short distance away, was another body of -warriors held in reserve by Coacoochee, who had thought it best not to -display the full strength of his force at once. - -The old men, women, and children had been left in camp not far from the -trader's store. Here everything was prepared for instant flight in case -the council should terminate in an outbreak. - -The proceedings were opened by General Thompson, who stated that he had -thus called the Indians together that they might decide upon a day -when they would fulfil their promise contained in the treaty of Payne's -Landing, and set forth for their new home in the west. He had prepared -a paper setting forth the conditions of removal, which he now wished -all the chiefs to sign. - -Then Otee the Jumper, who was one of the most fluent speakers of the -tribe, arose and calmly but firmly stated that his people did not -consider themselves as bound by that treaty to remove from their -country, and had decided in solemn council not to do so. - -At this point the Seminole speaker was rudely interrupted by General -Thompson, who, flushed and furious, sprang to his feet and demanded -by what right the Indians interpreted the treaty differently from -the whites by whom it was drawn up. He accused them of treachery and -double-dealing, and ended by declaring that it made no difference -whether they were willing to remove or not, for they would be made to -go, alive or dead, and he for one did not care which. - -This speech drew forth angry replies from the chiefs, and to these the -agent retorted with such bitterness that General Clinch was finally -obliged to interpose his authority to calm both sides. He told the -Indians how useless it would be for them to struggle against the power -of the United States, and how greatly he would prefer that they should -remove peaceably rather than oblige him to remove them by force. - -At this the Indians smiled grimly and exchanged contemptuous glances. -They knew that there were only seven hundred soldiers in all Florida, -and the idea of compelling them to do anything they did not choose, -with a little army like that, was too absurd. It almost made them -laugh, but their native dignity prevented such a breach of decorum. - -General Clinch talked long and earnestly and was listened to with -respect and close attention. The agent regarded his arguments as so -unanswerable that at their conclusion he called on the chiefs by name -to step forward and sign the paper he had prepared. - -"Micanopy, you are head chief. Come up and sign first at the head of -the list." - -"No, Micanopy will never sign." - -"Then Coacoochee may sign first. He comes, I believe, as representative -of the wise and brave King Philip." - -"No, Coacoochee will not sign either for his father or himself." - -"Jumper, then; and when he signs, I will make him head chief." - -"No." - -"Alligator?" - -"No." - -"Sam Jones?" - -"No." - -"Abram?" - -"By golly. No." - -At these repeated refusals to comply with his request, and the evident -contempt with which his offers of promotion were regarded, the fat -agent became so angry as to entirely lose his self-control. - -"If you will not sign," he shouted, "you are no longer fit to hold -your positions. I therefore declare that Micanopy, Coacoochee, Jumper, -Alligator, Sam Jones, and Abram, shall cease from this minute to be -chiefs of the Seminole nation, and their names shall be struck from the -roll of chiefs." - -At this an angry murmur ran through the ranks of the Indians, who -considered that a grievous insult had thus been offered them. Those -chiefs who had been sitting sprang to their feet and fell back a few -paces. The warriors behind them moved up closer, and Coacoochee, -slipping unnoticed through the throng, hurried back to the hammock to -direct the flight of the women and children, and bring up his reserve -force of warriors. - -In the meantime an Indian who had come from the camp was talking with -low, hurried words to Osceola, who listened to him like one in a dream -or who does not fully comprehend what he hears. - -Suddenly he sprang forward, his face livid with passion, and crying in -a loud voice, "I will sign! I, Osceola the Baton Rouge, will sign -this paper of the white man." - -[Illustration: IT SUNK DEEP INTO THE WOOD OF THE TABLE AND STOOD -QUIVERING AS THOUGH WITH RAGE.] - -Then stepping up to the table, while both whites and Indians watched -him with breathless interest, the fierce warrior plucked the -scalping-knife from his girdle and drove it with furious energy through -the outspread paper. It sunk deep into the wood of the table, and stood -quivering as though with rage. - -"There is my signature, General Wiley Thompson," he cried in a voice -that trembled with the intensity of his emotion. "There is the -signature of Osceola, and I would that it were inscribed on your -cowardly heart. Where is my wife? What have you done with her? Give -her back to me, I say, and as safe as when I left her in yonder grove. -If you do not, I swear by the white man's God, and by the Great Spirit -of my people, that not only your own vile life, but that of every -white man who comes within reach of Osceola's vengeance, shall be -forfeited. As you have shown no mercy, so shall you receive none. The -word shall be unknown to the Seminole tongue. You taunt me with being -a half-blood. I am one; but I am yet a man, and not a slave. With my -white blood I defy you, and with my Indian blood I despise you. Wiley -Thompson, where is my wife?" - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -OSCEOLA SIGNS THE TREATY - - -The group of white men on the opposite side of the table had left their -seats before Osceola stepped toward it. General Clinch exchanged a few -words with the agent and gave an order to the officer in command of the -troops. These were moved forward a few paces, though, blinded by the -intensity of his feelings, the half-breed failed to notice their change -of position. - -Now, in obedience to a signal from the agent, they sprang forward -with fixed bayonets, and in an instant Osceola, cut off from his -friends, was hedged in by a wall of glittering steel. At the same -moment a sharp rattle of drums was heard within the fort, and the light -battery, dashing out from the gateway in a cloud of dust, was wheeled -into position with its murderous muzzles trained full on the startled -Indians. - -With one forward movement the pitiless storm of death would have swept -through their crowded ranks. They knew this and stepped backward -instead. - -Within two minutes after the council was so summarily dissolved, -not an Indian was to be seen. Within five minutes Osceola, heavily -ironed, was thrust into the strongest cell of the guard-house and the -door locked behind him. By this time, also, the troops had retired, -and General Thompson was inquiring in every direction what the crazy -half-breed meant by demanding a wife from him. He knew nothing about -the fellow's wife. Did not even know he had a wife, and was inclined to -think that Osceola was drunk, or else had trumped up this demand for -the purpose of exciting the Indians to resistance. - -Finally, however, through Rogers, the trader, he discovered the real -facts of the case. Then he realized the awkward position in which his -careless giving of an order for the recovery of a runaway slave had -placed not only himself, but all the whites in that part of the country. - -He visited the prisoner in his cell, and tried to quiet him by -explaining that it was all a mistake, and by assuring him that every -effort should be made to recover Chen-o-wah and bring her back; but all -to no purpose. - -Osceola replied that his wife alone had been seized of all those who -visited the trader's store. Moreover, she had been seized upon a -written order from himself, for the paper had been read aloud in the -presence of several persons. No, there was no mistake, and as for the -agent's promise to restore Chen-o-wah to him, he would believe it when -he saw her, but not before. - -For six days the forest warrior who had been struck this deadly blow -paced hopelessly up and down his narrow cell, dragging his clanking -chains behind him. During this time he hardly touched food nor would -he speak to a human being. No one save himself knew the bitterness of -his heart, or the terrible thoughts that seethed in his mind during -those six days. He appeared like one consumed by an inward fire, and it -even seemed as though his haughty spirit was about to escape from the -imprisoned body. - -At length he sent for General Thompson, and expressed a willingness -to sign the paper that should commit him to emigration. "My spirit is -broken," he said; "your irons have entered my soul. I can hold out no -longer. By these chains I am disgraced in the eyes of my people, and my -influence over them is gone. It is better that I should go away and die -in a strange land. Bring me your paper; I will sign it." - -But that was not sufficient. The paper must be signed in the presence -of other Seminoles, that they might be witnesses to the act, and spread -the great news abroad throughout the nation. Even to this humiliation -Osceola consented, and a messenger was despatched to bring in the -first band of Indians he should meet. This messenger was given a token -by Osceola, and thus provided, he had no difficulty in persuading -Coacoochee and some forty warriors, thirty of whom belonged to the -captive's own band, to again visit the fort. - -Although they came to the fort, Coacoochee's caution would not allow -them to pass within its gates, and so the ceremony of signing was of -necessity performed outside. - -General Clinch and his staff had returned to Tampa, but there still -remained enough of officers at Fort King to escort the agent and lend -an imposing effect to the ceremony. - -Osceola was led to the place of signing, under guard and with the irons -still upon his ankles. He approached the table with downcast eyes, -apparently unmindful of the presence of either friends or foes. As he -took the pen preparatory to signing, the agent asked: - -"Powell, do you acknowledge in the presence of these witnesses, that -you are about to sign this paper of your own free will, without fear or -compulsion?" - -The half-breed regarded his questioner with a curious expression for a -moment, and then answered: - -"I have no fear. No one could compel me. I sign because it pleases me -to do so." - -Thus saying, he affixed his signature to the hated paper, with a steady -hand. Immediately afterwards his irons were struck off, and he was once -more a free man. - -The agent now asked Coacoochee if he would not also sign, but that wily -young Indian refused to do so at that time. "When I have spoken with -Ah-ha-se-ho-la, and learned his reasons for signing, perhaps I may also -touch the white man's talking stick," he said. - -When Osceola had retired with his friends to their camp, General -Thompson turned to one of his companions, and rubbing his hands -complacently, remarked: - -"That is a capital stroke of business. I have been all along regretting -the unfortunate affair of that fellow's wife. Now, though, I begin to -think it was one of the best things that could have happened for us. It -has brought him to terms as I don't believe anything else would, and -though he is not a chief, his influence is the most powerful in the -tribe." - -"You may be right," replied Lieutenant Smith, the young army officer -to whom this remark was addressed, "but it was an outrageous thing, -all the same, to steal the poor chap's wife. It makes me feel ashamed -to be mixed up in this wretched business, and if I were not dependent -on my profession for a living, and so forced to obey the orders of my -superiors who have sent me here, I'd have nothing more to do with it. -The idea of stealing a man's wife and selling her into slavery! I don't -wonder it drove him so nearly crazy that he was willing to sign or do -anything else. Under the circumstances I wouldn't give a fig for his -signature." - -"Nonsense!" replied the agent; "you don't know these people as I do. -He is only an Indian in spite of his mixture of white blood, and they -don't feel about such things as we do. I'll guarantee that in less than -a month he will have forgotten all about this wife and will have taken -another or maybe two of them, in her place." - -At this same time Coacoochee and Osceola were walking apart from the -other Indians and talking earnestly. - -"Was there no way for my brother to save his life but by signing the -white man's paper?" inquired the former. - -At this Osceola broke into a hard and bitter laugh. "Does my brother -regard me so meanly as to think that to save my life alone, or to save -a thousand lives such as mine, I would have signed?" he asked. "No. -It was not to save life that Osceola put pen to paper, but to take -it. It was that he might be revenged on those who have wronged him -far deeper than by killing him, that he did it. When his vengeance is -accomplished, then will he gladly die; but he will never go to the -western land." - -"Listen," he continued, noting the other's look of bewilderment at -these words: "once the Indian fought with bows and arrows, while the -white man fought with guns. Did he continue to do this when he found -that his weapons were no match for those of the white man? No; he threw -away his bows and arrows, and got guns in their place. Once Osceola -was honest, his tongue was straight, he would not tell a lie. Are the -white men so? No, their tongues are crooked; they say one thing and -mean another; they have cheated the Indian and lied to him from the -first day that they set foot on his land. They have laughed at his -honesty and said, 'The Indian is a fool who knows no better.' Now -Ah-ha-se-ho-la is fighting them with their own weapons. For them his -tongue is no longer straight. It is as crooked as their own. Does my -brother now understand why I signed?" - -This style of reasoning was new to Coacoochee, and he pondered over it -for a minute before replying. "It is true," he thought, "that the white -man gains many advantages over the Indian by cheating and lying to him. -If they do those things, why should not the Indian do them as well? In -the present instance how could Osceola have gained his liberty by any -other means? Yes, it must be right to fight the white man with his own -weapons." - -So Coacoochee acknowledged that Osceola was justified in the course he -had pursued, and congratulated him on his escape from the white man's -prison. He was also rejoiced to learn that his friend was to remain -and aid them in the coming war rather than to leave them and go to the -far-off western land. - -Thus answered Coacoochee. At the same time deep down in his heart the -young war-chief hoped that he might never find it necessary to fight -any enemy with so dangerous a weapon as a crooked tongue. - -Now the two young men laid their plans for the future. They agreed -that as much time as possible should be gained before open hostilities -were declared, in order that the Indians might make all possible -preparations for war. With this end in view, Osceola was to remain near -the fort, and while still expressing a willingness to emigrate whenever -the others of his tribe should come in, was to procure such supplies as -he could, especially ammunition, that might be stored for the coming -struggle. - -Coacoochee was to visit the scattered bands and induce them to provide -safe hiding-places for their women and children, that the warriors -might be free to fight. - -While confined in the fort, Osceola had learned that the chief Charlo, -who styled himself "Charlo Emathla," was disposing of his cattle -preparatory to emigrating, and now the young men agreed that in his -case it was necessary to show both whites and Indians the earnestness -of their purpose by carrying out the decisions of the chiefs and -putting him to death. - -This, Osceola undertook to do, and Coacoochee was glad to be relieved -of the unpleasant duty. - -Thus matters being arranged, the friends separated; and while -Coacoochee with his ten warriors took their departure, Osceola with -his thirty followers remained near the fort, to carry out his plan for -averting war as long as possible, and to watch for the revenge against -those who had robbed him of his wife, that had now become the object of -his most intense desire. - -Thus matters stood for several months. At the end of that time, the -agent becoming suspicious of the Indians on account of their purchasing -such quantities of powder, peremptorily forbade the further sale of -ammunition to them. Thereupon Osceola sent out runners to carry the -news to every Seminole band from the Okeefenokee to the Everglades, and -from the Atlantic to the Gulf, that the time for action had arrived, -and that the first blow of the war was about to be struck. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -LOUIS PACHECO BIDES HIS TIME - - -Tampa Bay was filled with transports waiting to carry the Seminoles -to New Orleans on their way to the Indian Territory. On shore, the -soldiers' encampment beneath the grand old live-oaks of Fort Brooke -swarmed with troops, newly arrived from the north, and hoping that the -Indians would at least make a show of resistance. Of course, no one -wanted a prolonged war; but a brisk campaign with plenty of fighting, -that would last through the winter, would be a most pleasing diversion -from the ordinary monotony of military life. It was not supposed, -however, that the Seminoles would fight. Major Francis Dade was so -certain of this, that he volunteered to march across the Indian country -with only a corporal's guard at his back. - -Among those who prayed most earnestly for a taste of fighting, in -which they might prove the metal of which they were made, were several -lieutenants recently emancipated from West Point and ordered to duty on -this far southern frontier. - -A few days before Christmas, 1835, a jovial party of three young -officers was assembled in the hospitable house of a planter, a few -miles from Fort Brooke. They were to dine there, and at the dinner -table the sole topic of conversation was the impending war. The Indians -had been given until the end of December to make their preparations -for emigration, and to assemble at the appointed places of rendezvous. -On the first day of January, 1836, their reservation was to be thrown -open to the throngs of speculators already on hand, and with difficulty -restrained from rushing in and seizing the coveted lands without -waiting for the Indians to vacate them. - -General Clinch had decided to send Major Dade, not, indeed, with a -corporal's guard, but with two companies of troops, to reinforce the -garrison at Fort King. From that post, which was well within the -reservation, he was to move against the Indians and compel them to move -promptly on January 1, if they showed a disinclination to do so of -their own accord. - -Several of the young officers assembled about the planter's dinner -table were to accompany this expedition, and their anticipations of the -pleasures of the campaign were only equalled by the regrets of those -who were to be left behind. - -Some one suggested that there might be some fighting before the troops -returned, and that their march might be attended with a certain amount -of danger. - -"Danger?" cried Lieutenant Mudge, the gayest spirit of the party, and -the most popular man at the post. "Let us hope there will be some -danger. What would a soldier's life be without it? A weary round of -drill. Hurrah, then, for danger! say I. Louis, fill the glasses. Now, -gentlemen, I give you the toast of 'A short campaign and a merry one, -with plenty of hard fighting, plenty of danger, and speedy promotion to -all good fellows.'" - -The toast was hailed with acclamation and drunk with a cheer; while -after it the calls for Louis grew louder, more frequent, and more -peremptory than ever. It was "Here, Louis!" "Here, you nigger!" -"Step lively now!" from all sides, and the bewildering orders were -so promptly obeyed by the deft-handed, intelligent-appearing young -mulatto, who answered to the name of Louis, that he was unanimously -declared to be a treasure. Those of the officers who were to remain at -Fort Brooke, envied the planter such a capital servant, and those who -were to accompany the expedition to Fort King, wished they might take -him with them to wait on their mess. - -"Well, I don't know but that can be arranged," remarked the planter, -thoughtfully. "Major Dade was asking me to-day where he could obtain a -reliable guide, and Louis, who overheard him, has since told me that he -is intimately acquainted with the country between here and Fort King. -Isn't that so, boy?" - -"Yes, sir," replied the mulatto; "I was born and brought up in this -country, and I know every foot of the way from here to Fort King like I -know the do-yard of my ole mammy's cabin." - -This answer was delivered so quietly, and with such an apparent air -of indifference, that no one looking at the man would have suspected -the wild tumult of thought seething within his breast at that moment. -For months he had waited, planned, hoped, and endured, for such an -opportunity as this. At last it had come. He was almost unnerved by -conflicting emotions, and to conceal them, he flew about the table more -actively than ever, anticipating every want of his master's guests, and -waiting on them with an assiduity that went far to confirm the good -impression already formed of him. - -Once, Lieutenant Mudge, happening to glance up at an instant when Louis -was intently regarding him, was startled by a fleeting expression that -swept across the man's face. For a second his eyes glared like those -of a famished tiger, and his lips seemed to be slightly drawn back -from the clinched white teeth. Although the devilish look vanished -as quickly as it came, leaving only the respectful expression of a -well-trained servant in its place, it gave the young soldier a shock, -and filled him with a vague uneasiness that he found hard to shake off. -He spoke of it afterwards to his host, but the latter only laughed and -said: - -"Nonsense, my dear boy! It must have been the champagne. I have had -that nigger for nearly a year now, and a more honest, faithful, -intelligent, and thoroughly reliable servant I never owned. If Dade -will pay a fair price for him, I will let him go for a few months, and -thus you will secure a reliable guide and a capital table servant, both -in one." - -In answer to some further inquiries concerning Louis, he said: "I'd no -idea he was born in this part of the country or knew anything about it, -but as he says he does, it must be so, for I have never known him to -tell a lie. He knows it would not be safe to lie to me. I got him from -a trader in Charleston last spring, and only brought him down here a -couple of months ago, when I came to look after this plantation. But -you can depend on Louis. He don't dare deceive me, for he knows if he -did I'd kill him. I make it a rule to have none but thoroughly honest -servants about me, and they all know it." - -The reader has doubtless surmised ere this that the servant whom his -master praised so highly was no other than Louis Pacheco, friend of -Coacoochee, the free dweller beside the Tomoka, whom the slave-catchers -had kidnapped and carried off. - -Inheriting the refinement of his Spanish father, well educated, and -accomplished, Louis would have killed himself rather than submit to -the degradation of the lot imposed upon him, but for one thing--the -same spirit that actuated Osceola during his imprisonment restrained -Louis from any act against his own life. He lived that he might obtain -revenge. So bitter was his hatred of the whole white race, that at -times he could scarcely restrain its open expression. - -He managed, however, to control himself and devoted his entire energies -to winning the confidence, not only of the man who had bought him, but -of all the other whites with whom he was thrown in contact. Thus did -he prepare the more readily to carry out his plans when the time came. -He saw his aged mother die from overwork in the cotton-fields, without -betraying the added bitterness of his feelings, and was even laughingly -chided by his master for not displaying greater filial affection. He -planned a negro insurrection, but could not carry it out. Then he -conceived the project of inducing a great number of negroes to run away -with him, and join his friends the Seminoles, but this scheme also came -to naught. He was planning to escape alone and make his way to Florida, -where he hoped to find some trace of the dearly loved sister from whom -he had been so cruelly separated, when chance favored him, and his -master brought him to the very place where he most desired to be. - -In Tampa, he quickly learned of the condition of affairs between the -Indians and whites, and he looked eagerly about for some means of -aiding his friends in their approaching struggle. - -The proposed expedition of Major Dade, for the relief and reinforcement -of Fort King, was kept a secret so far as possible, for fear lest it -should delay the coming in of numbers of Indians, who were supposed to -be on their way to the several designated points of assembly. It was, -however, freely discussed in the presence of Louis Pacheco, for he was -supposed to be so well content with his present position, and to have -so little knowledge of Indian affairs, that it could make no difference -whether he knew of it or not. - -So Louis listened, and treasured all the stray bits of information thus -obtained, and put them together until he was possessed of a very clear -idea of the existing state of affairs, and of what the whites intended -doing. - -Through the field hands of the plantation he opened communication with -the free negroes who dwelt among the Indians. Thus he soon learned that -his friend Coacoochee was now a war-chief and an influential leader -among the Seminoles. - -Now the hour of his triumph, the time of his revenge, had surely come. -If he could only obtain the position of guide to Major Dade's little -army, what would be easier than to deliver them into the hands of -Coacoochee? What a bitter blow that would be to the whites, and how -it would strengthen the Seminole cause! How far it would go toward -repaying him for the death of his mother, the loss of his beautiful -sister, his own weary slavery, and the destruction of their happy home -on the Tomoka! Yes, it must be done. - -The day after that of the dinner party his master concluded -arrangements with Major Dade, by which Louis was engaged as guide to -the expedition and steward of the officers' mess. So the slave was -ordered to hold himself in readiness to start on Christmas Day. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -OSCEOLA'S REVENGE - - -In the meantime, Osceola had carried out his part of the arrangement -with Coacoochee in regard to the traitor, Charlo Emathla. Although -warned of the fate in store for him in case he persisted in -disregarding the wishes of his people and the commands of the other -chiefs, this Indian, dazzled by sight of the white man's gold, -flattered by his praise, and assured of his protection, persisted in -his course. - -Osceola waited until certain that he had accepted a considerable sum -of money from the agent, and then prepared an ambush beside a trail -along which the doomed man must return to his camp. It was completely -successful; the victim fell at the first fire, and covering his face -with his hands, received the fatal blow without a word. Tied up in his -handkerchief was a quantity of gold and silver. This, Osceola declared -was the price of red men's blood, and, sternly forbidding his followers -to touch it, he flung it broadcast in every direction. - -When news of this summary punishment of a renegade was received at -Fort King, it created a serious feeling of anxiety and alarm for the -future. This was shared by all except the agent, who declared, in his -pompous manner, that he knew the Indians too well to fear them. They -might murder one of their own kind here and there, but they would never -muster up courage to attack a white man. Oh no! the rascals were too -well aware of the consequences of such an act. - -Another report that reached the fort about the same time increased the -uneasiness of its inmates. It was of six Indians who had been brutally -and wantonly set upon by a party of white land-grabbers. The Indians -were in camp, quietly engaged in cooking their supper, when the whites -rode up, made them prisoners, took away their rifles, and examined -their packs, appropriating to their own use whatever they fancied, and -destroying the rest. Then they tied the Indians to trees and began -whipping them. - -While they were thus engaged, four other Indians appeared on the scene -and opened an ineffective fire upon the aggressors. The whites answered -with a volley from their rifles that killed one Indian and wounded -another. Both parties then withdrew from the field, the whites carrying -with them the rifles and baggage that they had stolen. - -This outrage was termed an Indian encroachment, and a company of -militia was at once ordered out to chastise the Indians and protect -citizens. - -By such acts as these the land-grabbers hoped to hasten the movements -of the Seminoles and compel them to evacuate the coveted territory the -more rapidly. - -It was with gloomy forebodings that the little garrison of Fort King, -who, from long experience, had gained some knowledge of the Indian -character, heard of these and similar brutalities. They knew that -such things would drive the savage warriors to acts of retaliation, -and precipitate the crisis that now appeared so imminent. Their fears -were heightened by the fact that early in December the Indians ceased -visiting the fort, and it was reported that all their villages in that -part of the country were abandoned. - -So the month dragged slowly away. Christmas Day was passed quietly -and without the usual festivities of the season. The anxiety of the -garrison would have been still further increased had they known that on -that very day Osceola and a band of picked warriors took up a position -in a dense hammock from which they could watch every movement in and -about the fort. - -Osceola's object was the killing of the agent, whom he believed to be -directly implicated in the abduction of Chen-o-wah. So determined was -he to accomplish this, that he had decided if no better opportunity -offered to venture an attack against the fort itself, desperate as he -knew this measure to be. - -Coacoochee at this time was gathering the warriors of the tribe and -preparing them for battle in the depths of the great Wahoo Swamp, the -hidden mysteries of which no white man had ever explored. It lay a -day's journey from Fort King, and to it were hastening many chiefs with -their followers. - -On the morning of Christmas Day a negro runner, well-nigh exhausted -with the speed at which he had travelled, reached the swamp encampment -and asked to be led at once to Coacoochee, the war-chief. The moment he -had delivered his message the young warrior, trembling with excitement, -sought the other chiefs and made known to them the wonderful news he -had just received. - -"This very day," he said, "the white soldiers have left Tampa to march -through the Seminole country. At the end of four days they hope to -reach Fort King. They are guided by one whom I thought dead, but who -sends word that he is alive. He is my friend and may be trusted. He -will bring them by this road. Shall we allow them to pass by us and -join their friends? Or shall we meet them in battle and prove to them -that our words were not empty boastings, when we said the Seminole -would fight for his land? The white man laughs at us and whips us as -though we were dogs. He takes from us that which pleases him, and gives -us nothing but blows in return. The Indian and the wolf together are -marks for his rifle. Let us show him that we are men and warriors. -Let us strike a blow that he will never forget. It may be that when -he finds the Seminole ready to fight, he will let us alone to dwell -peaceably in our own land. Are the words of Coacoochee good in the ears -of the tribe? Are his warriors glad when they hear them?" - -A long discussion followed; but when it was ended, the counsel of the -young war-chief had been accepted. - -Then through the dim forest aisles echoed the hollow booming of the -kasi-lalki, or great war-drum. Fleet runners were despatched in all -directions, some to hasten the incoming bands, and some to watch the -movements of the advancing troops. One was sent to bear the great news -to Osceola, and bid him hasten if he would take part in the first -battle of the war. - -When this messenger reached those secreted in the hammock near Fort -King, and delivered his tidings, Osceola bade him return and tell -Coacoochee that if at the end of one more day his purpose had not been -accomplished, he would abandon it for the present and hasten to join -him. - -On the following afternoon two figures were seen by the eager watchers -to leave the fort and stroll toward the trader's store a mile away. -Osceola's keen eye was the first to recognize them, and he knew that -the hour of his vengeance had arrived. - -The two who strolled thus carelessly, apparently unconscious of danger, -were the agent, General Wiley Thompson, and his friend, Lieutenant -Constantine Smith. They were smoking their after-dinner cigars and -talking earnestly. Their subject was the rights and wrongs of the -Indian. As they reached the crest of a slight eminence, these words, -uttered in Wiley Thompson's most emphatic tone, reached the ears of -Osceola, who, with flashing eyes and compressed lips, peered at the -speaker from a thicket not ten yards away. - -"I tell you, sir, the Indian is no better than any other savage beast, -and deserves no better treatment at our hands." - -They were the last words he ever spoke; for at that instant there burst -from the thicket a blinding flash and the crashing report of thirty -rifles, discharged simultaneously. Both men were instantly killed, and -with yells of triumph the Indians rushed from their hiding-place, each -intent upon procuring a scalp or some other trophy of the first event -of the contest so long anticipated and now so sadly begun. - -But Osceola's vengeance did not rest here. There were others within -reach who had aided in the stealing of his wife, and he bade his -warriors follow him to the store of the trader. A few minutes later -Rogers and his two clerks had been added to the list of victims. After -helping themselves to all the goods they could carry, the Indians set -fire to the store and started toward the Wahoo Swamp, where they hoped -to join Coacoochee in time to participate in the battle of which he -had sent them notice. - -The little garrison of fifty men at Fort King heard the firing and the -war-cries, and saw the smoke from the blazing store rise above the -hammock. They knew only too well what these things meant; but supposing -the Indians to be in force and about to attack the post, they dared not -venture beyond its limits. They waited anxiously for the coming of the -promised reinforcements from Tampa, but weary days passed, and no word -came from them. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -ON THE VERGE OF THE WAHOO SWAMP - - -On the afternoon of Christmas Day, Major Dade's little command of two -companies of troops, numbering one hundred and ten souls, marched -gaily out from Fort Brooke on Tampa Bay and started for Fort King, -one hundred miles away, near where the city of Ocala now stands. Both -officers and men were in the highest spirits, and regarded their -present expedition as a pleasant relief from the monotony of garrison -life. It was not at all likely they would be called upon to do any -fighting; for, although the Indians had been acting suspiciously for -some time, nobody believed they would dare come into open conflict with -the whites. And what if they did! Was not one white man equal to five -Indians at any time? To be sure, the soldiers were unfamiliar with the -country, but then they had a guide who knew every foot of it. - -Louis Pacheco was one of the most popular members of the expedition. He -was not only a good guide, but he was polite, obliging, and attentive -to the wants of the officers. He certainly was a treasure, and they -were fortunate to have secured his services. So the lieutenants said to -one another. - -For two days the command moved steadily forward, its one piece of light -artillery and its one baggage wagon bumping heavily over the log-like -roots of the saw-palmetto, and threatening to break down with each -mile, but never doing so. They experienced no difficulty in crossing -the dark, forest-shaded Withlacoochee; for Louis led them to the best -ford on the whole river, and the officers agreed that they were making -much better progress than could have been expected. - -On the third night they had skirted the great Wahoo Swamp and were -camped near its northern end. As this place was known to be a favorite -Indian resort, the sentinels of that night were cautioned to be -unusually vigilant. The corporal of the guard was instructed to inspect -every post at least once an hour, and oftener than that towards -morning, when an attack was supposed to be most imminent. As the -officer of the day was equally on the alert, and visited the sentries -many times during the night, the camp was deemed securely guarded. - -All that day Louis, the guide, had been unusually silent. More than -once he was observed to direct long, penetrating glances toward the -dense forest growth of the great swamp, as though it held some peculiar -fascination for him. It seemed as though he were conscious of the keen -eyes, that, peering from its dark depths, watched so exultingly the -march of the troops. It seemed as though he must see the lithe figures -that, gliding silently from thicket to thicket, or from one mossy -covert to another, so easily kept pace with the slow-moving column. - -In waiting on the officers' mess that evening, Louis was so -absent-minded that he made innumerable blunders, and drew forth more -than one angry rebuke from those whom he served. - -At last one of these remarked that, if the nigger was not more -attentive to his duties, he would be apt to make an acquaintance with -the whipping-post before long. - -Then there flashed into the man's face for an instant the same look -that Lieutenant Mudge had detected once before, and from that moment -his demeanor changed. He was no longer absent-minded. He was no longer -undecided. The time of his irresolution was passed. - -That night he slept apart from any other occupant of the camp, beyond -the line of tents and on the side nearest the swamp hammock. For -hours after rolling himself in his blanket the man lay open-eyed and -thinking. This was either the last night of his life or the last of his -slavery, he knew not which. On the morrow he would be either dead or -free. On the morrow, if he lived, he would learn the fate of the dear -sister from whom he had heard no word since that terrible night on the -Tomoka. On the morrow would be struck a blow for liberty that should -be felt throughout the length and breadth of the land, and on the -morrow his score against the white man would be wiped out. The account -would be settled. - -Louis had expected the attack to be made that day, and from each -hammock or clump of timber they passed, had dreaded, and hoped to hear, -the shrill war-whoop mingled with the crack of rifles. Now, he thought -it might be made during the night or just at dawn. At all events, it -must be made, if made at all, before the following sunset, for at that -hour the command expected to reach Fort King. - -As he lay thinking of these things, the querulous cry of a hawk -suddenly broke the stillness of the night. It came from the swamp. -Again it sounded, and this time with a slight difference of tone. The -weary sentinels wondered for a moment at the strangeness of such a cry -at that hour, and then dismissed it from their minds. - -Not so with Louis Pacheco. The second cry had confirmed the suspicion -aroused by the first. It was long since he had heard the signal of -Coacoochee; but he recognized and answered it. The gentle, quavering -cry of a little screech owl, though coming from the camp, alarmed no -one. It went straight to the ears of Coacoochee, however, as he lay -hidden in the saw-palmettoes, only a few rods beyond the tents, and he -was content to wait patiently, knowing that his friend had heard and -understood his signal. - -All the old forest instincts, long suppressed and almost forgotten, -were instantly aroused in Louis. No Indian could have crept more -cautiously or silently toward the line of sentries than he, and none -could have slipped past them more deftly. A few minutes later the owl's -note was sounded at the edge of the hammock and immediately answered -from a spot but a short distance away. Then there came a rustle beside -the motionless figure and a whispered: - -"Louis, my brother?" - -"Coacoochee, is it you?" - -For a few minutes they whispered only of their own affairs, and Louis -learned of Nita's escape from the slave-catchers, of her flight to -Philip Emathla's village, and of her betrothal to Coacoochee, all in -a breath. He longed to fly to her at that very moment; but a weary -journey lay between them, and before he could undertake it a stern and -terrible duty remained to be performed. He must return to the camp of -soldiers and remain with them to the bitter end. Otherwise the plan for -their destruction might yet miscarry. - -Coacoochee told him the reason why the attack had not already been made -was that the Indians had awaited the arrival of Osceola and Micanopy. -The latter had come in that evening, and it was decided to wait no -longer, but to begin the fight at daylight. - -Louis opposed this plan, saying that Major Dade expected an attack to -be made at daylight, if made at all, and would be particularly on guard -at that time. He also seemed to feel that if he were attacked, it would -be from that swamp. Therefore, the mulatto advised that the attack be -made at a point some miles beyond the swamp, where nothing of the kind -would be anticipated. - -Coacoochee acknowledged the soundness of this advice, and agreeing to -follow it, the two separated, one to lead his warriors to the appointed -place and prepare them for battle, the other to work his way with -infinite caution back into the camp of sleeping soldiers. Fortunately -for him the night was intensely dark, and though at one time a sentry -passed so close that he could have touched him, by lying flat and -almost holding his breath he escaped discovery. - -He had barely reached his sleeping-place and rolled himself again -in his blanket, when an officer came along, and stumbling over his -prostrate form, exclaimed: - -"Hello, Louis! Is that you?" - -Upon receiving an affirmative answer, he continued: "Well, I must -confess that it is a great relief to find you. I missed you, and have -been searching for you. I really began to think you had deserted and -left us to find our own way out of this wilderness. Where have you -been?" - -"The major's horse got loose, sir, and came very near stepping on me," -replied Louis. "And I just took him over to the cart, where I tied him -up again. Sorry to have caused you any anxiety, sir." - -"Oh, that's all right," answered the officer. "I'm glad your excuse is -such a good one, for these are times when we can't be too careful, you -know." - -With this he walked away to visit the line of sentries, while Louis, -bathed in a profuse perspiration in spite of the chill of the night, -shuddered as he realized the narrowness of his escape. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -COACOOCHEE'S FIRST BATTLE - - -The next morning's sun ushered in one of the fairest of Floridian days; -the air was clear, cool, and bracing. It was filled with the aromatic -odors of pines and vibrant with the songs of birds. All was life and -activity in the camp of soldiers, who were preparing for an early start -on the long day's march that they hoped would bring them to their -destination that same evening. - -"We are past all the bad places now, boys," cried Major Dade, cheerily, -as he rode to the head of the column. "This swamp is our last danger -point, and beyond this there is nothing to apprehend. The cowardly -redskins have let a good chance slip by, and it will be long before -they will be given another." - -Then the bugles sounded merrily, and with light hearts the command -resumed its march. But the Indians had moved earlier than they. - -At daylight that morning one hundred and eighty warriors glided like -shadows out from the dark recesses of the swamp, and, following the -lead of Coacoochee, advanced some four miles beyond it. Where they -finally halted in the open pine woods there was a thick growth of scrub -or saw-palmetto. - -A pond bounded the road on the east at this point, and the entire body -of Indians took positions on the opposite or western side. Each warrior -selected his own tree or clump of palmetto, and sank out of sight -behind it. Three minutes after their arrival nothing was to be seen nor -heard save the solemn pines and the sighing of the wind through their -branches. - -There was so little to arouse suspicion that a small herd of deer -fleeing before the advancing troops and coming down the wind dashed -in among the Indians before discovering their presence. Even then the -hidden warriors made no sign, and the terrified animals pursued their -flight unmolested. - -Besides Coacoochee, the chiefs in command of the Seminole force were -Micanopy, Jumper, and Alligator. It had been determined that Micanopy, -as head chief, should fire the first shot of the contest, and as -the old man was timid and undecided, Coacoochee stood beside him to -strengthen his courage. - -At length about nine o'clock the troops appeared in view. They marched -easily in open order, the bright sunlight glinted bravely on their -polished weapons, and many were the shouts of light-hearted merriment -that rose from their ranks. Louis, the guide, was not to be seen, as on -some trifling pretext he had dropped behind the column. - -The advanced guard reached the pond and passed it unmolested. It was -not until the main body was directly abreast the Indian centre that -the wild war-whoop of Otee the Jumper rang through the forest. The -next instant Micanopy's trembling fingers, guided by Coacoochee's -unflinching hand, pulled the trigger of the first rifle. With its flash -a great sheet of flame leaped from the roadside, and half of Major -Dade's command lay dead, without having known from where or by whom the -fatal blow was struck. - -The survivors, confused and demoralized by the suddenness and -unexpectedness of this attack from an unseen foe, still made a brave -effort to rally and return the pitiless fire that seemed to leap from -every tree of the forest. Their one field-piece, a six-pounder, was -brought up and discharged several times, but its gunners presented an -attractive target to the hidden riflemen, and it was speedily silenced. - -A small company of soldiers managed to fell a few trees in the form -of a triangular barricade. Behind this they took shelter, and from it -maintained a stout fire for some hours; but early in the afternoon -their last gun was silenced, and only the shadows of death brooded over -the terrible scene. - -During the fight the Indians had kept up an incessant yelling, but -now they appeared stunned at the completeness of their success and -contemplated their victory in silence. - -With Louis Pacheco, who had joined the Indians immediately after -the first fire, Coacoochee walked slowly and thoughtfully over the -battle-field. He sternly forbade his warriors to mutilate or rob -the dead, and speedily withdrew them to their encampment in the -great swamp, from which they had emerged with such mingled hopes and -apprehensions that morning. - -Soon after their departure a band of fifty negroes, who had been -summoned from a distance to take part in the battle, rode up to -the scene of slaughter. Disappointed at having arrived too late to -participate in it, they made an eager search among the heaps of -slain, for any who should still show signs of life. If such were -discovered, they were immediately put to death, while even the dead -bodies were mutilated and stripped. After thus gratifying their -bloodthirsty instincts, these, too, laden with scalps and plunder of -every description, followed their Indian allies to the swamp, and on -the blood-soaked field an awful stillness succeeded the wild tumult of -battle. - -As darkness shrouded the pitiful scene, two human figures, the only -living survivors of "Dade's Massacre," slowly disengaged themselves -from the dead bodies by which they were surrounded. They were wounded, -and faint from the loss of blood, but they dragged themselves painfully -away and were lost in the night shadows of the forest. Five days -later they reached Fort Brooke and there gave the first notice of the -terrible blow by which the despised Seminole had defied the power of -the United States. - -The Indian loss in this battle was three killed and five wounded. - -That same night, Osceola and his warriors, laden with trophies and -plunder, reached the encampment in the Wahoo Swamp. They had much -to tell as well as much to hear, and the whole night was devoted to -feasting, dancing, drinking, and every species of savage rejoicing over -their successes. - -Coacoochee, though filled with a sense of exultation, took no part in -these excesses. He preferred talking with Louis and several of the -graver chiefs regarding the future conduct of the war, and the chances -for its speedy termination. All were agreed that there would be no -further fighting for some time, and as both the young men were most -anxious to visit Philip Emathla's village, they determined to do so at -once. - -At daylight, therefore, they left the swamp and started on their -journey. By noon they were threading an open forest many miles from -their point of departure. They were proceeding in silence, with -Louis following Coacoochee, and stepping exactly in his tracks. This -precaution was taken as a matter of habit, rather than from any idea -that there was an enemy within many miles of them. - -Suddenly Coacoochee stopped, held up his hand in warning, and listened -intently, with his head inclined slightly forward. "Does my brother -hear anything?" he asked. - -No; Louis heard nothing save the sound of wind among the tree-tops. His -ears were not so sharp as those of Coacoochee, nor, for the matter of -that, was any other pair in the whole Seminole nation. So marvellously -keen was the young war-chief's sense of hearing, that his companions -deemed it unsafe to utter a word not intended for his ears within -sight of where he stood. They believed him to be able to hear ordinary -conversation as far as he could see. Although this was undoubtedly an -exaggeration, his powers in this respect were certainly remarkable, and -excited astonishment in all who were acquainted with them. - -Now, after standing and listening for a moment with bent head, he threw -himself to the ground, and placing one ear in direct contact with the -earth, covered the other with his hand. He also closed his eyes, the -better to concentrate all his powers into the one effort of hearing. - -He lay thus for several minutes, and then slowly regained his feet. -There was now an anxious expression on his face. Louis could no longer -restrain his curiosity. "What is it, Coacoochee? What do you think you -hear?" - -The asking of this question would have at once betrayed Louis to be -of other than Indian blood; for no Seminole would have exhibited the -slightest curiosity until the other was ready to disclose his secret of -his own accord. - -So Coacoochee smiled slightly at his comrade's impatience as he -answered: - -"I hear more white men coming from that way"--here he pointed to the -north; "they are many. Some of them are soldiers, and some are not. -They travel slowly, for they have much baggage. They fear no danger and -are careless. They have no cannon, but they have many horses. They know -nothing of yesterday's battle. Let us go and look at them, where my -brother will see that Coacoochee has heard truly." - -Louis gazed at his companion, in amazement. "How is it possible for you -to hear these things when I can hear nothing at all?" he asked. "I am -not deaf. My ears are as good as those of most men, but they detect no -sound. You must be making game of me. Is it not so?" - -For answer Coacoochee persuaded him to lay his ear to the ground and -listen as he had done a moment before. - -When Louis rose, he said: "I do indeed hear something in the ground, -but it is only a confused murmur. I cannot tell what it is or where it -comes from." - -Coacoochee smiled, and said: "My brother's ears are good. He has heard -more than would most men; but Coacoochee's are better. No sound is -withheld from them. He can hear the grass grow and the flowers unfold. -The murmur that my brother hears is the sound of an army marching. -They are white men because they tread so heavily. Some of them are -soldiers because they blow bugles and because they keep step in their -marching. More of them are not, for they walk as they please, and -many of them ride on horses. They have much baggage, for I hear the -sound of many wagons. They fear no danger and are careless, for they -run races with their horses and fire pistols. They have not learned -of yesterday's battle, or they would be sorrowful and quiet. Now they -laugh and are merry." - -Half an hour later, as Coacoochee and Louis occupied positions among -the spreading, moss-enveloped limbs of a large tree, the eyesight of -the latter confirmed all that his comrade's marvellous hearing had -already told them. - -From their perch they could overlook a broad savanna, across which -slowly moved a small army of white men. They counted nearly one -thousand, two hundred of whom were regular troops; the rest were -ununiformed militia, many of them mounted and exhibiting but little -discipline. These rode hither and thither, as they pleased, ran races, -fired their pistols at stray birds, and shouted loudly. They were a -cruel, rough set, and the heart of Coacoochee grew heavy with the -thought of such a powerful and merciless invasion of the Seminole -country. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -RALPH BOYD AND THE SLAVE-CATCHER - - -The army so unexpectedly discovered by Coacoochee was under the -immediate command of General Clinch, and was largely composed of -Florida volunteers. Most of these were land-hunters, slave-hunters, or -other reckless adventurers, who had taken advantage of this opportunity -for gaining a safe entrance into the Indian country and examining its -best lands before it should be thrown open to general occupation. The -majority of them had no idea that the Indians would dare resist this -occupation by the whites, or that they would be called upon to do any -fighting. At the same time they expressed a cheerful willingness to -kill any number of redskins, and loudly declared their belief in the -policy of extermination. - -This motley throng of freebooters, together with four companies of -regular troops, having been collected at Fort Drane, some twenty-five -miles from Fort King, General Clinch decided to march them into and -through the Indian country for the purpose of hastening the movements -of the Seminoles, and show them how powerful a force he could bring -against them. Even he had no idea that any armed resistance would be -offered to his progress. - -While Coacoochee and Louis watched in breathless silence the passing -of this army of invaders, whose openly declared object was to rob them -of their homes, they were startled by the sound of voices immediately -beneath their tree. Looking down, they saw two men who had straggled -from the main body and sought relief from the noontide heat of the sun, -in the tempting shade. - -At first our friends did not recognize the newcomers; but all at once -a familiar tone came to the ears of Louis Pacheco; then he knew that -the man whom he hated most on earth, the man who had sold him and his -mother into slavery, the dealer, Troup Jeffers, had once more crossed -his path. - -The two men had not ridden up to the tree in company, but had -approached it from different divisions of the passing column, though -evidently animated by a common impulse. It was quickly apparent that -they did not even know each other; for Mr. Troup Jeffers, who reached -the tree first, greeted the other with: - -"Good-day, stranger. Light down and enjoy the shade. Hit's powerful -refreshing after the heat out yonder." - -As the other dismounted from his horse, and, still retaining a hold on -the bridle, flung himself at full length on the scanty grass at the -foot of the tree, Jeffers continued: - -"This appears to be a fine bit of country." - -"Yes." - -"But they tell me it ain't a circumstance to the Injun lands on the far -side of the Withlacoochee." - -"No?" - -"No. Them is said to be the best lands in Floridy. I reckin you're -land-hunting. Ain't ye, now?" - -"No." - -"Must be niggers, then?" - -"No sir. I am after neither land nor negroes; I have come merely to see -the country." - -"Wal, that seems kinder curious," remarked Jeffers, reflectively. -"Strange that a man like you should take all this trouble and risk his -life--not that I suppose there's a mite of danger--just to look at a -country that he don't kalkilate to make nothing out of." - -"Yet some people have the poor taste to enjoy travel for travel's -sake," replied the other. "But I suppose you have come on business?" - -"You bet I have," answered Mr. Jeffers. "I've come after niggers, and -I don't care who knows it. Hit's a lawful business, and as good as -another, if I do say it. You see, thar's lots of 'em among the Injuns, -and they're all described and claimed. Now I've bought a lot of these -claims cheap, and the gineral has promised that jest as soon as the -Injuns is corralled for emigration, all the claimed niggers shall be -sorted out, and restored to their lawful owners. Owing to my claims, -I'm the biggest lawful owner there is. So I thought I'd jest come -along with the first crowd, and be on hand early to see that I wasn't -cheated." - -"A most wise precaution," remarked the stranger, sarcastically. - -"Yes," continued Jeffers, unmindful of his companion's tone; "you -see there is niggers and niggers. While some of them is worth their -weight in silver as property, I wouldn't have some of the others as -a gift. There's Injun niggers, for instance--half-bloods, you know; -they're so wild that you have to kill 'em to tame 'em. Why, I lost -more'n a hundred dollars in cash, besides what I reckoned to make, on a -half-blood that I got up to Fort King a few months ago. She was wild as -a hawk, and fretted, and wouldn't eat nothing, and finally died on my -hands afore I got a chance to sell her." - -"Certainly a most inconsiderate thing to do," remarked the stranger. - -"Wasn't it, now? The only kind I want to deal with is the full bloods -or them as is mixed with white. The best haul I ever made from the -Injuns was about a year ago over on the east coast. He was wild and -ugly as they make 'em when I first got him, but I soon tamed him down -and sold him for one thousand dollars. I've heard that he hain't never -showed a mite of spirit since I broke him in, and he makes one of the -best all-round servants you ever see. Louis is his name, and I'd like -to get hold of a dozen more just like him. What! you ain't going to -start along so soon, be ye?" - -From the moment that Louis recognized this man and realized that his -cruellest enemy was at last completely within his power, it had been -difficult to refrain from sending a rifle bullet through the brute's -cowardly heart. It is doubtful if he could have withheld his hand had -it not been for a warning look from Coacoochee and a gentle pressure of -his hand. The young Indian himself was visibly affected as he listened -to the cold-blooded tone with which the ruffian told of the death -of Chen-o-wah, the beautiful wife of Osceola, and his hand twitched -nervously as he fingered the handle of his scalping-knife; but he was -able to restrain his own inclinations, even as he had restrained those -of his companion. He knew that he had a duty to perform vastly more -important than the punishment of the slave-catcher, and that for its -sake even this enemy must be allowed to escape for the present. - -In reply to Mr. Jeffers' exclamation of surprise at his sudden -departure from the cool shade in which they rested, the stranger -answered: - -"Yes, Mr. Slave-catcher, I am going; for I have no desire to cultivate -the further acquaintance of a scoundrel. You are therefore warned -to keep your distance from me so long as we both accompany this -expedition." - -With this, the speaker sprang into his saddle, and as his horse -started, he took off his hat with a profound bow of mock courtesy, -saying: "I am very sorry to have met you, sir, and I hope I may never -have the misfortune to do so again." - -As the young man dashed away, the slave-trader gazed after him in -open-mouthed amazement. Then he muttered, loud enough for Coacoochee to -hear: "Wal, if that don't beat all! You're a nice, respectable, chummy -sort of a chap, ain't you, now? Jest a leetle too nice to live, and -I shouldn't be surprised if you was to get hurt by some one besides -Injuns, if ever we have the luck to get into a scrimmage with the red -cusses." - -These remarks were particularly interesting to Coacoochee; for, as the -stranger removed his hat on riding away, the mystery of his voice, -which had haunted the young chief with a familiar sound, was explained. -The face, as revealed by the lifting of the drooping sombrero, was that -of his acquaintance and preserver, Ralph Boyd the Englishman. - -It is more than likely that Coacoochee would have seized the present -opportunity for rendering Mr. Troup Jeffers forever powerless to injure -any man, white, red, or black, but for an interruption that came just -as he was contemplating a sudden descent from the tree. It appeared in -the form of a lieutenant of regulars, who commanded the rear guard of -the little army, and whose duty it was to drive in all stragglers. - -So Mr. Troup Jeffers rode away, utterly unconscious of the imminent -danger he had just escaped. He was, however, full of an ugly hate -against the man who a few minutes before had treated him with such -scorn, and was determined to discover his identity at the first -opportunity. - -As the rear guard of the army disappeared from the view of the two -watchers, they slipped to the ground from their hiding-place, more than -glad of an opportunity to stretch their cramped limbs. Coacoochee was -the first to speak, and he said: - -"They go to the Withlacoochee, and will seek to cross at Haney's ferry. -They must be delayed until our warriors can be brought to meet them. -We are two. One must return to the Wahoo Swamp, tell Osceola of this -thing, and bid him hasten with all his fighting men to the ford that is -by the Itto micco [magnolia tree]. This shall be your errand, Louis my -brother, and I pray you make what speed you may, for our time is short. -I will hasten to reach the ferry before the soldiers, and in some way -prevent their using the boat. Then must they go to the ford, for there -is no other place to cross." - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -AN ALLIGATOR AND HIS MYSTERIOUS ASSAILANT - - -Late that same evening the watchers of Osceola's camp in the great -swamp were startled by the sudden appearance of a human form almost -within their lines. He was instantly surrounded and led to the -camp-fire in front of the chieftain's lodge, that his character might -be determined. The surprise of the Indians upon discovering him to be -Louis Pacheco, whom they supposed to be a long day's journey from that -place, was forgotten in that caused by his tidings. - -It seemed incredible that, while they had just destroyed one army -of white men, another should already be on the confines of their -country and about to invade it. But Louis had seen and counted them. -Coacoochee's plan was a wise one, and they would follow it. So the -bustle of preparation was immediately begun. The fight of the day -before had nearly exhausted their ammunition. Bullets must be moulded, -and powder-horns refilled from a keg brought from a distant, carefully -hidden magazine, a supply of provisions must be prepared, for on the -war-trail no fires could be lighted and no game could be hunted. - -When all was ready, Osceola caused his men to take a few hours' sleep; -but with the first flush of daylight they were on the march, swiftly -but silently threading the dim and oftentimes submerged pathways of the -swamp. There were two hundred and fifty in all, of whom the greater -number were warriors under Osceola, and the balance were negroes led by -Alligator. - -On the following morning they reached the appointed place, and -concealed themselves in the forest growth lining the bank on the -south side of the ford. As this was the only point along that part of -the river at which it was possible to cross without boats, they were -satisfied that the attempt to enter the Indian country would be made -here, and that here the expected battle must take place. - -Still, the troops should have arrived by this time, and as yet there -was no sign of them. Neither had Coacoochee appeared, though this -was where he had promised to meet them. Osceola had just decided to -send a scouting party to the ferry to make sure that Coacoochee had -completed his self-imposed task, when a remarkable incident arrested -his attention and caused him to withhold the order. - -A green bush was floating slowly down the river toward the ford, and -several of the Indians were commenting on a peculiarity of its motion. -Instead of floating straight down with the current of the stream, it -was unmistakably moving diagonally across the river toward them. When -first noticed it had been in the middle of the channel, but now it was -decidedly nearer their side. - -The Withlacoochee abounded in alligators that grew to immense size, -and just at this time one of the largest of these seemed strangely -attracted toward the floating bush. His black snout, and the protruding -eyes, set back so far from it as to give proof of his great length, -were all that he showed above the surface. These, however, were -observed to be moving cautiously nearer and nearer to the bush, until -finally they almost touched it. - -All at once the monster sprang convulsively forward, throwing half his -length from the water. For a moment his huge tail lashed the waves -into a foam that appeared tinged with red. At the same time, a hideous -bellowing roar of mingled rage and pain woke the forest echoes. Then, -with a sullen plunge, the brute sank and was seen no more. - -The strangest thing of this whole remarkable performance was not the -disappearance of the great reptile, but the sudden appearance close -beside it, at the very height of the flurry, of a round black object -that looked extremely like a human head. - -It was only seen for a second; then the sharp report of a rifle rang -out from across the river, and the object instantly disappeared. With -this, a white man, tall, gaunt, and clad in the uniform of a United -States dragoon, stepped from the thick growth, and scanned intently -the surface of the water as he carefully reloaded his rifle. He stood -thus for several minutes, and then, apparently satisfied that his shot -had been effective, he turned and vanished among the trees. - -It would have been an easy matter for the concealed warriors to kill -him while he stood in plain view, and several guns were raised for the -purpose, but Osceola forbade the firing of a shot. The appearance of -that one soldier satisfied him that the others would soon arrive, and -he did not wish to give them the slightest intimation of his presence -until they should begin crossing the river. - -Suddenly he and those with him were startled by the cry of a hawk twice -repeated in their immediate vicinity. They recognized it as the signal -of Coacoochee; but where was he? As they gazed inquiringly about them, -there was a rustling among the flags and lily-pads growing at the -river's edge. Then, so quickly that he was exposed to view but a single -instant, Coacoochee, naked except for a thong of buckskin about his -waist, sprang from the water to the shelter of the bushes on the bank -and stood among them. - -The young war-chief had taken a long circuit around General Clinch's -army, and reached the ferry toward which they were evidently marching, -well in advance of them, the evening before. He already knew that the -ferryman, alarmed by the impending Indian troubles, had abandoned his -post and removed with his family to a place of safety. - -What he did not know, however, was that the great scow used as a -ferryboat lay high and dry on the bank, where a recent fall in the -waters of the river had left it. He had expected to find it afloat and -to either set it adrift, or sink it in the middle of the stream. - -Now he was at a loss what to do. He could not move the clumsy craft -from its muddy resting-place. His time was limited, and he had no -tools, not even a hatchet, with which to destroy it. There was but -one thing left, and that was fire. As he looked at the massive, -water-soaked timbers of the scow, Coacoochee realized that to destroy -it by fire would be a tedious undertaking. However, he set resolutely -to work, and within an hour flames were leaping merrily about the -stranded boat. He had torn all the dry woodwork that would yield to his -efforts from the ferryman's log cabin which stood at some distance back -from the river. He had gathered a quantity of lightwood from dead pine -trees, and had built three great fires, one at each end of the scow and -one in the middle. - -When all this was accomplished to his satisfaction, the youth became -conscious that he was faint and weak from hunger, as he had eaten -nothing that day. Visiting the ferryman's deserted cabin, he finally -discovered half a barrel of hard bread and a small quantity of -uncooked provisions secreted in a dark corner of the little loft that -had served the family as a storeroom. - -As he was selecting a few articles of food to carry away and eat at his -leisure in some snug hiding-place from which he might also watch the -operations of the expected troops, the young chief was alarmed by the -sound of voices. - -The next moment several soldiers entered the cabin, calling loudly upon -its supposed occupants, of whose recent departure they were evidently -unaware. Receiving no reply to their shouts, they ransacked the two -lower rooms. One even climbed the rude ladder leading to the little -loft and peered curiously about him. Crouched in its darkest corner -and hardly breathing, Coacoochee escaped observation, and the trooper -descended to report that no one was up there. "It's clear enough that -the folks have lit out," he added. - -"There must be somebody around to start that smoke down by the river," -said another voice. - -"Well, I reckon we'd best go and see what's burning as well as who's -there," was the reply. - -With this they left the house, and Coacoochee heard some one order two -of them to stay and look after the horses; while the others went to -ascertain the cause of the fire. - -He determined to make a bold dash for liberty, and risk the shots that -the two men would certainly fire at him; but when he was half-way down -the ladder, the sound of fresh voices caused him hurriedly to regain -his hiding-place. Now there was much talking, and he knew that the main -body of troops had arrived. - -As it was nearly sunset, the soldiers went into camp between the -house and the river, and a number of them took possession of the -house itself. Fortunately the hot, stuffy little loft did not offer -sufficient attractions to tempt any of them to occupy it, though -several peered into its gloom from the ladder. As they did not discern -the crouching form in the corner, the young Indian began to fancy that -he might remain there in safety so long as he chose. - -He was rejoiced to learn, from fragments of conversation that his fires -had rendered the scow useless. He also learned to his dismay that an -old canoe had been discovered, and was even then being patched up so -that it would float. In it the troops would cross the river, a few at a -time, on the following morning. - -Coacoochee passed a weary night, not daring to sleep, lest he should -make some movement that would betray his presence to those in the rooms -below. Occasionally he was forced by the pains in his cramped limbs to -change his position, but he did this as seldom as possible and with the -utmost caution. - -At length, just as daylight was breaking, and certain sounds indicated -that the camp was waking up, one of these cautious movements dislodged -a hard biscuit that lay on the floor beside him. Slipping through a -crevice in the rude flooring, it fell plump on the face of one of the -sleepers below. - -The man thus suddenly wakened sprang up with a cry of alarm. He laughed -when he discovered the cause of his fright, and exclaimed in Ralph -Boyd's well-remembered voice: - -"Hello! There's hard bread up-stairs, boys, and the rats are at work on -it. I'm going to stop their fun, and secure my share." - -With this he started toward the ladder, and Coacoochee nerved himself -for the discovery that he knew was now unavoidable. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -BATTLE OF THE WITHLACOOCHEE - - -The man who had been so rudely roused from his sleep slowly climbed the -ladder leading to the loft, and began cautiously to feel his way across -the uneven flooring. The place in which the Indian crouched and awaited -his coming was still shrouded in utter darkness; but by the uncertain -light coming up from below, the approaching figure was faintly outlined. - -This man had proved himself Coacoochee's friend, and the young chief -had no intention of harming him. Still, he could not allow himself to -be captured, even by Ralph Boyd. He dared not trust himself in the -hands of the whites after what had so recently happened. Besides, -it was now more than ever necessary that he should be at liberty to -communicate with Osceola and inform him of the proposed movements of -the troops. These thoughts flashed through his mind during the few -seconds occupied by Boyd in groping his way toward the dark corner. - -Suddenly from out of it a dim figure sprang upon the white man, with -such irresistible force that he was hurled breathless to the floor. -With one bound it reached the aperture through which the ladder -protruded, and slid to the room below. The half-awakened men who -occupied this, startled by the crash above them, were scrambling to -their feet, and, as Coacoochee dashed through them toward the open -door, several hands were stretched forth to seize him. They failed to -check his progress, and in another moment he was gone. - -With the swiftness of a bird he darted across the open space behind the -house, and disappeared in the forest beyond. So sudden and unexpected -was this entire performance that not a shot was fired after him, and -the young Indian could hardly realize the completeness of his escape as -he found himself unharmed amid the friendly shadows of the trees. - -Had he chosen to continue his flight directly away from the river, it -would have been an easy matter to gain a position of absolute safety, -so far as any pursuit was concerned. But he must reach the ford and -those whom he supposed to be there awaiting him. Therefore, after -making a long detour through the forest, he again approached the -Withlacoochee, at a point several miles above where he had left it. - -In the meantime, the presence of an Indian in the very heart of their -camp had occasioned the greatest excitement throughout General Clinch's -army. He was the first they had encountered, and his boldness, -together with the manner in which he had eluded them, invested him with -an alarming air of mystery. It was the general opinion that there must -be others on that side of the river in the immediate vicinity, and -scouts were sent out in all directions to ascertain their whereabouts. -At the same time the crossing of the Withlacoochee by means of the -single canoe was begun and prosecuted with all possible rapidity. - -Coacoochee was greatly embarrassed in his attempt to gain the ford by -the presence of the scouting parties, and was more than once on the -eve of being discovered by them. Even though he might reach the river -without attracting their notice, he feared they would detect him in the -act of crossing it. - -Finally he hit upon an expedient that he believed might prove -successful. Cautiously gaining the bank at some distance above the -ford, he hastily bound together four bits of dry wood in the form of a -square by means of slender withes of the wild grape. For this purpose -he choose green vines that were covered with leaves. He also cut a -number of leafy twigs, and inserting their ends beneath the lashing -of vines produced a fair imitation of a green bush. The deception was -heightened as he carefully placed his rude structure in the water, -where it floated most naturally. - -Then concealing his rifle and clothing, and thrusting the trusty -knife, which was now to be his only weapon, into the snakeskin sheath -that depended from a buckskin thong about his waist, the youth slipped -gently into the water and sank beneath its surface. When he rose, his -head was inside the little square of sticks and completely screened -from view by its leafy canopy. Thus floating, and paddling gently with -his hands, he caused the mass of foliage to move almost imperceptibly -out from the shore, while at the same time he and it were borne -downward with the sluggish current. - -Coacoochee had no fear of alligators. He had been familiar with them -ever since he could remember anything, and was well acquainted with -their cowardly nature. Thus when he had successfully passed the middle -of the river, and was gently working his way toward its opposite bank, -the near approach of one of these monsters did not cause him any -uneasiness. He knew that he could frighten the great reptile away, -or even kill it, though he feared that by so doing he might expose -himself to a shot from those who still scouted along the bank he had so -recently left. - -Finally the monster approached so close that he was sickened by its -musky breath, and it became evident that he was about to be attacked. -Drawing his long knife, the young Indian allowed himself to sink -without making a sound or a movement. A single stroke carried him -directly beneath the huge beast, and a powerful upward thrust plunged -the keen blade deep into its most vulnerable spot through the soft skin -under one of the fore-shoulders. - -In spite of the danger from the creature's death flurry, Coacoochee was -compelled to rise for breath close beside it. - -This was the moment waited for by a white scout on the further bank, -who had for some time been directing keenly suspicious glances at the -mysterious movements of the floating bush. More than once his rifle had -been raised for the purpose of sending an inquiring leaden messenger -into the centre of that clump of foliage, but each time it had been -lowered as its owner determined to watch and wait a little longer. - -Now the bullet was sped, and only the great commotion of the water -caused it to miss its mark by an inch. As the head at which he had -fired immediately disappeared, and was seen no more, the rifleman -fancied that his shot had taken effect, and that there was one Indian -less to be removed from the country. - -Swimming under water with the desperation of one conscious that his -life depends upon his efforts, Coacoochee did not again come to the -surface until he touched the stems of the great "bonnets," or leaves of -the yellow cow-lily on the further side of the river, and could rise -for a breath of the blessed air beneath their friendly screen. - -Here he lay motionless for several minutes, recovering from his -exhaustion. At length he ventured to give the hawk's call as a warning -to his friends of his presence. Then, gathering all his strength, he -made the quiet rush for safety that carried him among them. - -It did not take many seconds to inform them that the enemy for whom -they were watching so anxiously was even then crossing the river, -unconscious of danger, a mile below that point. - -The report had hardly been made before the eager warriors who crowded -about the speaker were in motion. Coacoochee was quickly provided with -clothing, a rifle, and ammunition, and fifteen minutes later the entire -Indian force was within hearing of the sounds made by the soldiers as -they crossed the river. Here a halt was made while Osceola himself -crept forward with the noiseless movement of a serpent to discover the -enemy's exact location and disposition. - -To his dismay, he found that a force equal in number to his own had -already crossed the river, with others constantly coming. There must -not be a minute's delay if he would fight with the faintest hope of -checking their advance. - -Hastily the forest warriors chose their positions, and a crashing -volley from their rifles was the first announcement given the soldiers -of their presence. Although staggered for a moment, the regulars -quickly recovered, fixed their gleaming bayonets, and with a wild yell -charged into the cloud of smoke. The Indians fell back; but only long -enough to reload their guns, when they advanced in turn, pouring such a -deadly fire into the white ranks that their formation was broken, and -the soldiers were driven back to the river's bank. - -Here they were reformed by the general himself, and led to a second -charge with results similar to the first. This time the Indians did -not give way so readily, nor fall back so far. Under the frenzied -leadership of Alligator and Osceola, who urged them with wild cries and -frantic gestures to stand firm, they contested with knives, hatchets, -and clubbed rifles each step of the way over which they were slowly -forced. - -In order to shelter themselves against the Indian fire, the soldiers -adopted their plan of fighting, and each, selecting a tree, took his -position behind it. Here an exposure of the smallest portion of a body -was certain to draw a shot, and the whites were soon made aware by -their rapidly increasing number of wounded, that at this game they were -no match for the Indian marksmen. - -Coacoochee and half a dozen warriors had concealed themselves on the -river bank above the ferry, so that their rifles commanded it, and -their fire so effectually dampened the ardor of the five hundred -volunteers remaining on the other side that not one of them crossed or -took part in the battle, except by firing a few scattering shots from -their own side of the river. - -For more than an hour the battle raged. Osceola was wounded, and the -Indian ammunition was giving out. They were becoming discouraged and -were about to retire. All at once Coacoochee, who, on hearing of -Osceola's wound, had left his little band of sharpshooters to guard the -crossing, appeared among them. The effect of his presence and inspiring -words was magical. Loud and fierce rang out his battle cry: - -"Yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee-chee!" - -With the last grains of powder in their rifles and led by their -dauntless young chief, the entire body of warriors, yelling like -demons, dashed madly through the forest toward the line of troops. - -"They must have been heavily reinforced," shouted the bewildered -soldiers to each other. "There are thousands of them!" - -From every bunch of palmetto, from every tuft of grass, and from behind -every tree, a yelling, half-naked, and death-dealing Indian seemed to -spring forth. A heavy but ill-aimed fire did not check them in the -slightest. The soldiers began to fall back from one tree to another. -Some of them ran. The wounded were hurriedly removed to the river bank. -Perhaps some were overlooked. There was no time to search for those who -were not in plain view. The dead were left where they had fallen. - -With the first sign of this yielding, the frenzied yelling of the -Indians increased, until the whole forest seemed alive with them. The -retreat of the soldiers became a flight. A scattering volley from -behind hastened their steps. The battle of the Withlacoochee was ended. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -THE YOUNG CHIEF MAKES A TIMELY DISCOVERY - - -Without ammunition the warriors of Coacoochee could not be persuaded to -remain on the field of battle, and the frightened soldiers had hardly -reached the river bank before the Indians were also in full retreat -toward their strongholds in the great swamp. - -Of this the soldiers knew nothing, nor did they stop to inquire why -they were not pursued. They were thankful enough to be allowed to -re-embark, a dozen at a time, in their one canoe and recross the -river without molestation. They imagined the forest behind them to be -swarming with Indians, and they trembled beneath the supposed gaze of -hundreds of gleaming eyes with which their fancy filled every thicket. - -Late that afternoon General Clinch and his terrified army were in -full retreat toward Fort Drane, with their eyes widely opened to the -danger and difficulty of invading an enemy's country, even though that -enemy was but a band of despised Indians. They carried with them fifty -wounded men and left four dead behind them, besides several others -reported as missing. They had killed three of the enemy and wounded -five. When they reached the safe shelter of the fort, they reported -that they had gained an important victory. - -Upon the retreat of the Seminoles, Coacoochee and Louis, who had -rejoined him that day, remained behind to watch the troops and discover -what they might of their plans for the future. They supposed, of -course, that with the cessation of the Indian fire, the soldiers would -again advance, and finding no further opposition offered, would proceed -with their invasion of the country. They could hardly believe their own -eyes, therefore, when they saw that the troops were actually recrossing -the river, as evidently in full retreat as were the Seminole warriors -in the opposite direction at that very moment. - -Upon beholding this marvellous sight, Louis was in favor of hastening -after their friends and bringing them back to follow and harass General -Clinch's retreating army; but Coacoochee said that without ammunition -they could do nothing, and that it was better, under the circumstances, -to let affairs remain as they were. At the same time, he desired Louis -to hasten up to the ford, cross the river at that point, and, coming -cautiously down on the other side, discover if the soldiers were really -in retreat, or if they still had their position near the ferryman's -house. While the mulatto was thus engaged, he himself would remain -where they were, to follow the troops, should they recover from their -panic, and decide, after all, to continue their invasion of the Indian -country. - -After Louis had been despatched on this mission, Coacoochee, satisfied -that the soldiers were too intent upon recrossing the river and gaining -a place of safety to disturb him, ventured to revisit the battle-field, -in the hope of finding a stray powder-flask or pouch of bullets. - -So successful was his search, that he not only found a number of these, -but several rifles that had been flung away by the soldiers in their -hurried flight. - -While busy collecting these prizes, the young chief was startled by -hearing a faint groan. He looked about him. There was nobody in sight; -but again he heard a groan. This time he located it as proceeding from -a clump of palmettoes a few paces distant. - -Approaching these, and cautiously parting their broad leaves, he -discovered the body of a white man lying face downward. The man was -evidently severely wounded, for he lay motionless in a pool of blood, -but that he was also alive was shown by his occasional feeble groans. - -Coacoochee's first impulse was to leave him where he lay. He would soon -die there. At any rate, the wolves would make short work of him that -night. It was contrary to the policy of the Indians to take prisoners, -and he certainly could not be burdened with one,--a wounded one, at -that. - -His second impulse, which was urged by pity, of which even an Indian's -breast is not wholly void, was to put the wretch out of his misery by -means of a mercifully aimed bullet. He knew that his savage companions -would ridicule such an act. They would either leave the man to his -fate, after making sure that he could not possibly recover, or they -would revive him sufficiently to comprehend their purpose and then kill -him. They would never be so weak as to kill an unconscious man merely -to save him from suffering. Still this was what Coacoochee was about to -do, and he felt a kindly warming of the heart, as one does who is about -to perform a generous deed. - -Slowly he raised his rifle and took a careful aim at the head of the -motionless figure before him. His finger was on the trigger. An instant -more and the deed would have been accomplished. - -But there is no report. The brown rifle is slowly lowered, and the -young Indian's gaze rests as though fascinated upon something that -caught his eye as it sighted along the deadly tube. - -It is only a peculiar seam in the white man's buckskin hunting-tunic, -but it runs down the middle of the back from collar to the bottom -of the shirt. There are other noticeable features about that -hunting-shirt. The little bunches of fringe at the shoulders are of a -peculiar cut, and all of its stitching is in yellow silk. - -With a low cry of mingled horror and anticipation, Coacoochee dropped -his rifle, and springing forward, turned the unconscious man over so -that his face was exposed. It was that of Ralph Boyd, the man who -had twice saved his life; the man to whose noble scorn of one of the -cruellest enemies of an oppressed race he had listened with such -pleasure only two days before. - -Indian and stern warrior though he was, Coacoochee turned faint at -the thought of how nearly he had taken this precious life, for the -saving of which he would willingly risk his own. The hunting-shirt -worn by Boyd was the very one in which Coacoochee had paid his last -memorable visit to St. Augustine. It was the one that had been slit -from top to bottom by Fontaine Salano's knife, and stripped from him, -in preparation for the whipping the brute proposed to administer. The -thought of that shameful moment caused Coacoochee's blood to boil again -with rage. At the same time the sight of this noble-hearted stranger -who had saved him from that bitter indignity moved him to greatest pity. - -Kneeling beside the unconscious man, the young Indian sought to -discover the nature of his wound. To his amazement, it was caused by a -bullet that had been fired from _behind_. How could such a thing be? -None but white men were behind Boyd during the battle. Suddenly the -muttered words of Troup Jeffers flashed into his mind. Now all was -clear. To gratify his own petty revenge the slave-catcher had committed -this cowardly act. - -The young chief was busily engaged in stanching the flow of blood, and -binding a poultice of healing leaves, mixed with the glutinous juice of -a cabbage palm, on the wound, when Louis returned and stood beside him. - -The whites were in full retreat from the scene of their recent -discomfiture, and Louis had returned in the very canoe they had used -and abandoned. Now he and Coacoochee bore the wounded man tenderly to -it, crossed the river, and carried him to the ferryman's cabin, where -both he and the young chief had passed the previous night, unconscious -of each other's presence. Here they made him as comfortable as -possible, and here for awhile we must leave them. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -SHAKESPEARE IN THE FOREST - - -Like a fire sped by strong winds across a prairie of brown and -sun-dried grasses, so did the flames of war sweep across the entire -breadth of Florida. For a year had the Indians been preparing for it. -Now they were ready to gather in numbers, and fight armies, or scatter -in small bands, to spread death and destruction in every direction. The -Seminole was about to make a desperate defence of his country, and to -teach its invaders that they might not steal it from him with impunity. - -Express riders carried news of the war in every direction. Everywhere -cabins, farms, and plantations were abandoned, while their owners -flocked into forts and settlements for mutual protection and safety. - -One day, some two weeks after the events narrated in the preceding -chapter, a novel procession was to be seen wending its slow, dusty way -along one of the few roads of those times that led from the St. John's -River to St. Augustine. The procession presented a confused medley of -horsemen, pedestrians, wheeled vehicles, and cattle, and might have -reminded one of the migration of a band of Asiatic nomads. - -It was indeed a migration, though one directed rather by force of -circumstances than by choice. It was a white household, with its -servants, cattle, and readily portable effects, fleeing from an -abandoned plantation towards St. Augustine for safety against the -Indians. None of the party had seen an Indian as yet, but they were -reported to be ravaging both banks of the river from Mandarin to -Picolata. - -At first the young mistress of this particular estate had discredited -the reports, for it was only rumored as yet that the Seminoles had -really declared war. Her brother being absent from home, she for some -time resolutely declined to abandon the house in which he had left her. -The neighboring places on either side had been deserted for several -days, and their occupants had entreated her to fly with them, but -without avail. - -"No," she replied; "here Ralph left me, and here I shall stay until he -comes again, or until I am driven away by something more real than mere -rumors." - -At length that "something" came. All night the southern sky was -reddened by a dull glow occasionally heightened by jets of flame and -columns of sparks. - -At daylight a frightened negro brought word that the Indians were but -a few miles away, and had burned the deserted buildings on three -plantations during the night. - -Now was indeed time to seek safety in flight, and "Missy" Anstice, -as the servants called her, ordered a hurried departure. Her own -preparations were very simple. A small trunk of clothing and a few -precious souvenirs were all that she proposed to take. With only -herself, Letty her maid, and these few things in the carriage that old -Primus would drive, and the servants in carts or on muleback, they -ought to travel so speedily as to reach St. Augustine some time that -same night. - -But while Anstice was quite ready to start, she found to her dismay -that no one else was. Confusion reigned in the quarters; there was -a wild running hither and thither, a piling on the carts of rickety -household furniture, bedding, and goods of every description; a loud -squawking of fowls tied by the legs, and hung in mournful festoons from -every projecting point, and a confused lowing, bleating, and grunting -from flocks and herds. - -In vain did the young mistress command and plead. All the servants -on that plantation were free. Many of them owned the carts they -were loading, and nothing short of the appearance of Indians on the -spot could have induced them to relinquish their precious household -treasures. "Lor, Missy Anstice!" one would say reproachfully, "yo -wouldn' tink ob astin' a ole ooman to leab behine de onliest fedder bed -she done got?" - -"But I am going to leave all mine, aunty." - -"Yah, honey; but yo'se got a heap ob 'em, while I've ony got jes' dis -one." - -And so it went. Useless articles taken from overloaded carts, at -Anstice's earnest solicitation, were slyly added to others when she was -not looking. Her brother acted as his own overseer, so there were no -whites on the plantation to aid her. She alone must order this exodus, -and beneath its responsibilities she found herself well-nigh helpless. - -At length, in despair, and having wasted most of the morning in useless -expostulations, she entered the heavy, old-fashioned coach, with Letty -the maid, and gave Primus the order to set forth. - -As the carriage passed the quarters, there was a great cry of: - -"Don' yo leab us, Missy Anstice! Don' yo gway an' leab us to de Injins! -We'se a comin'." - -So Primus was ordered to drive slowly, and under other circumstances -the English girl would have been vastly amused at the motley procession -that began to straggle along behind her; but the danger was too -imminent and too great to admit of any thoughts save those of anxiety -and fear. - -[Illustration: "TO LEAB BEHINE DE ONLIEST FEDDER BED SHE DONE GOT."] - -An hour or more passed without incident. The sun beat down fiercely -from an unclouded sky, and the shadows of the tall pines seemed -to nestle close to the brown trunks in an effort to escape his -scorching rays. A sound of locusts filled the air. The grateful -sea-breeze that would steal inland an hour later was still afar off, -and but for the urgency of their flight, the slow-moving cavalcade -would have rested until it came. The tongues of the cattle hung from -their mouths, and a cloud of dust enveloped them. The heads of horses -and mules were stretched straight out, and their ears drooped. Old -Primus nodded on the carriage seat. Letty was fast asleep, and even her -young mistress started from an occasional doze. - -Unobserved by a single eye in all that weary throng, another cloud of -dust, similar to that hanging above and about them, rose in their rear. -It approached rapidly, until it was so close that the clouds mingled. -Then from out the gray canopy burst a whirlwind of yells, shots, -galloping horses, and human forms with wildly waving arms. - -In an instant the fugitives were roused from their drowsiness to a -state of bewildered terror. Men shouted and beat their animals, women -screamed, horses plunged, mules kicked, and carts were upset. - -The first intimation of this onset that reached the occupants of the -carriage, was in the form of madly galloping cattle that, with loud -bellowings, wild eyes, and streaming tails, began to dash past on -either side. Then their own horses took fright, and urged on by old -Primus, tore away down the road. - -All at once the terrified occupants of the flying vehicle looked up at -the sound of a triumphant yell, only to behold fierce eyes glaring at -them from hideously painted faces at either door. The muzzle of a rifle -was thrust in at one of the open windows, and at sight of it Anstice -Boyd hid her face in her hands, believing that her last moment had come. - -When she recovered from her terror sufficiently to look about her once -more, Letty was sobbing hysterically on the floor, but there was no -motion to the carriage, and all was silent around them. Primus was no -longer on the box, and the carriage was not in the road. - -Determined to discover their exact situation, Anstice opened one of -the doors, with a view to stepping out. At that moment a loud and -significant "ugh!" coming from beneath the carriage, caused her to -change her mind and hastily reclose the door, as though it were in some -way a protection. - -A few moments later two mounted Indians rode up to the carriage, and -each leading one of its horses, it began to move slowly through the -trackless pine forest. As it started, the Indian who had been left to -guard it sprang to the seat lately occupied by old Primus. - -For hours the strange journey was continued, and it was after sunset -when it finally ended near the great river at a place some miles below -the plantation they had left that morning. Now the wearied prisoners -were allowed to leave their carriage, and were led to where several -negro women were cooking supper over a small fire. - -Anstice was provided with food, but she could not eat. Terror and -anxiety had robbed her of all appetite, and she could only sit and -gaze at the strange scene about her, as it was disclosed by the fitful -firelight. - -Piles of plunder were scattered on all sides. A lowing of cattle, -grunting of hogs, cackling and crowing of fowls, the spoils of many a -ravaged barnyard, rose on the night air. There was much laughing and -talking, both in a strange Indian language that still seemed to contain -a number of English words, and in the homely negro dialect. - -As the bewildered girl crouched at the foot of a tree, and recalling -tale after tale of savage atrocities, trembled at the fate she believed -to be in store for her, she started at the sound of a heavy footfall -close at hand. - -"Bress yo heart, honey! hit's ony me!" exclaimed the well-known voice -of old Primus, who, after a long search, had just discovered his young -mistress. "Hyar's a jug o' milk an' a hot pone, an' I'se come to -'splain dere hain't no reason fo' being scairt ob dese yeah red Injuns. -Ole Primus done fix it so's dey hain't gwine hut yo. Dey's mighty -frienly to de cullud folks, and say ef we gwine long wif 'em, we stay -free same like we allers bin; but ef we go ter Augustine, de white -folks cotch us an' sell us fo pay in de oxpenses ob de wah. - -"Same time I bin makin' 'rangement wif 'em dat ef we'se gwine long er -dem, dey is boun ter let yo go safe to Augustine, whar Marse Boyd'll be -looking fer yo. Yes'm, I'se bin councillin' wif 'em an' settle all dat -ar." - -"But, Primus, I thought you were scared to death of the Indians, and -didn't understand a word of their language," interrupted Anstice. - -"Who? me! Sho, Missy Anstice, yo suttenly don't reckin I was scairt. -No'm, I hain't scairt ob no red Injin, now dat I onerstan'in deir -langwidge an' deir 'tenshuns. Why, missy, deir talk's mighty nigh de -same as ourn when yo gits de hang ob hit. So, honey, yo want to chirk -up and quit yo mo'nin', an' eat a bit, and den come to de theayter, foh -it sholy will be fine." - -"What do you mean by the theatre?" asked the bewildered girl; whereupon -Primus explained that at one of the plantations raided by the Indians -a company of actors on their way to St. Augustine had been discovered, -captured, and brought along with all their properties. These people -were at first informed that they were to be burned to death at the -stake. Afterwards it was decided that they should be given their lives -and freedom if they would entertain their captors with an exhibition -of their art that very evening. This contract stipulated that the -performance should be as complete and detailed as though given before a -white audience, and that any member of the company failing to act his -part in a satisfactory manner would render himself liable to become a -target for bullets and arrows. - -Under the circumstances it is doubtful if a play was ever presented -under more extraordinary conditions, greater difficulties, or by actors -more anxious to perform creditably their respective parts, than was -this one given in the depths of a Florida wilderness. The stage was an -open space, roofed by arching trees, and lighted by great fires of pine -knots constantly replenished. The wings were two wagons drawn up on -either side. - -The play selected for this important occasion was Hamlet, and for -awhile everything proceeded smoothly. Then the audience began to grow -impatient of the long soliloquies, and to the intense surprise of the -captives, a gruff voice called out: - -"Oh, cut it short an' git to fightin'!" - -"No, give us a dance," shouted another, "an' hyar's a chune to dance -by." - -With this a pistol shot rang out, and a ball struck the ground close to -Horatio's feet. The frightened actor bounded into the air, and as he -alighted, another shot, coupled with a fierce order to _dance_, assured -him that his tormentors were in deadly earnest. So he danced, and the -others were compelled to join him. To an accompaniment of roars of -laughter from the delighted savages, the terrified actors, clad in all -the bravery of tinsel armor and nodding plumes, were thus compelled to -cut capers and perform strange antics until some of them fell to the -ground from sheer exhaustion. - -The humor of the savages now took another turn, and with fierce oaths, -mingled with threats of instant death if the players were ever seen in -that country again, they drove them from camp and bade them make their -way to St. Augustine. - -As these fugitives disappeared in the surrounding darkness, a big, -hideously painted savage who wore on his face the uncommon adornment of -a bristling beard, advanced to Anstice Boyd, and in a jargon of broken -English bade her follow them if she valued her life. - -As the frightened girl started to obey this mandate, old Primus -interfered and began to remonstrate with the savage, whereupon he was -struck to the ground with so cruel a blow that blood gushed from his -mouth. Filled with horror at these happenings, and believing her life -to be in peril if she lingered another minute, the fair English girl -sprang away, and was quickly lost to sight in the black forest shadows. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -BOGUS INDIANS AND THE REAL ARTICLE - - -As Anstice Boyd fled blindly from the presence of the savage who had -just struck down her faithful servant, she had no idea of the direction -she was taking, nor of what haven she might hope to reach. She knew -only that she was once more free to make her way to friends, if she -could, and her greatest present fear was that the savages might repent -their generosity, and seek to recapture her. So, as she ran, she -listened fearfully for sounds of pursuit, and several times fancied -that she heard soft footfalls close at hand, though hasty glances over -her shoulder disclosed no cause for apprehension. - -At length, she came to the end of her strength, and sank wearily to the -ground at the foot of a giant magnolia. Almost as she did so, a low cry -of despair came from her lips, for with noiseless step the slender form -of a young Indian stood like an apparition beside her. She had not then -escaped, after all, but was still at the mercy of the savages whose -cruelty she had so recently witnessed. This one had doubtless been sent -to kill her. Thus thinking, the trembling girl covered her face with -her hands, and, praying that the fatal blow might be swift and sure, -dumbly awaited its delivery. Seconds passed, and it did not fall. The -agony of suspense was intolerable. She was about to spring up as though -in an effort to escape, and thus precipitate her fate, when, to her -amazement, she became aware that the Indian was speaking in a low tone, -and in her own tongue. - -"My white sister must not be afraid," he said. "Coacoochee has come -far to find her and take her to a place of safety. Ralph Boyd is his -friend, his only friend among all the millions of white men. He is -wounded, and lies in a Seminole lodge. After a little we will go to -him. There is no time now to tell more. I have that to do which must -be done quickly. Let my sister rest here, and in one hour I will come -again." - -As he concluded these words, which had been uttered hurriedly, and in -a voice but little above a whisper, the Indian turned and disappeared -as noiselessly as he had come, seeming to melt away among the woodland -shadows. - -The bewildered girl, thus again left alone, tried to collect her dazed -senses and fix upon some plan of action. Should she still attempt to -escape, or should she trust the youth who had just announced himself to -be Coacoochee, the friend of her brother? Of course, he must belong to -the band that had recently held her captive, though she had not seen -him among them. What should she do? Which way should she turn? - -In her terror, Anstice was unconsciously asking these questions -aloud, though her only answers were the night sounds of the forest. -Suddenly there came to her ears the crash of rifles, accompanied by the -blood-chilling Seminole war-cry, and followed by fierce yells, shrieks -of mortal agony, and the other horrid sounds of a death-struggle -between man and man, that was evidently taking place but a short -distance from her. - -The girl sprang to her feet, but, bound to the spot by the horror of -those sounds, she listened breathlessly and with strained ears. Had the -savages been attacked by a party of whites? It might be. She knew that -troops of both regulars and militia were abroad in every direction. -Had not she and her brother entertained one of these small war-parties -hastening from St. Augustine to join the western army only a short -time before? It had been commanded by their friend, Lieutenant Irwin -Douglass, who had easily persuaded Ralph Boyd to accompany him as far -as Fort King, that he might learn for himself the true state of affairs -in the Indian country. Might it not be that one of these detachments, -even, possibly, that of Douglass himself, had tracked this band of -savages to their hiding-place, and were visiting upon them a terrible -but well-merited punishment? In that case, to fly would be folly; for, -with the Indians defeated, as of course they must be, she would find -safety among the victors. - -Thus thinking, and filled with an eager desire to learn more of the -tragedy being enacted so near her, the girl began to advance, fearfully -and cautiously, in the direction of those appalling sounds. As she -approached the scene of conflict, its noise gradually died away, until -an occasional shout and a confused murmur of voices were borne to her -on the night air. The short battle was ended, and one side or the other -was victorious; which one, she must discover at all hazards. A gleam of -firelight directed her steps, and she continued her cautious advance -to a point of river bank, from which, though still concealed by dark -shadows, she could command a full view of the beach below. There, by -the light of the rising moon, aided by that of the fires, she beheld a -scene so strange that for some minutes she could make nothing of it. - -Two large flat-boats, such as were used by planters along the river -for the transportation of produce to waiting vessels at its mouth, lay -moored to the bank. One of them seemed to be piled high with plunder, -while the other was filled with a dark mass of humanity, from which -came a medley of voices speaking with the unmistakable accent of -negroes. Anstice could see that these had been captives, as, two at a -time, they stepped ashore, where the ropes confining them were severed -by flashing knives in the hands of dusky figures, apparently Indians. -A number of motionless forms lay on the beach, and some of the others -seemed to be examining these, going from one to another, and spending -but a few moments with each one. - -The girl gazed anxiously, but full of bewilderment and with a heavy -heart, at these things. Where were the whites she had so confidently -expected to see? She could not discover one. All of those on the beach, -dead as well as living, appeared to be either Indians or negroes. What -could it mean? Did Indian fight with Indian? She had never heard of -such a thing in Florida. - -As she looked and wondered with ever-sinking heart, and filled with -despairing thoughts, she was attracted by the voice of an Indian who, -near one of the fires, was evidently issuing an order to the others. -She imagined him to be the one who had appeared to her a short time -before, and called himself "Coacoochee," but she could not be certain. -In striving to obtain a better view of his face, she incautiously -stepped forward to a projecting point of the bank. In another moment -the treacherous soil had loosened beneath her weight, and with frantic -but ineffective efforts to save herself, she slid down the sandy face -of the bluff to its bottom. - -At her first appearance, the startled savages seized their guns, and -nerved themselves for an attack; but, on discovering how little cause -there was for alarm, they remained motionless, though staring with -amazement at the unexpected intruder. - -Poor Anstice was not only filled with fresh terrors, but was covered -with confusion at the absurdity of her situation. Ere she could regain -her feet, the Indian who seemed to be in command sprang forward and -assisted her to rise. - -"My white sister came too quickly," he said gravely; "she should -have stayed in the shadow of the itto micco [magnolia] till the time -for coming. It is not good for her to see such things." Here the -speaker swept his arm over the battle-ground. "Since she has come," he -continued, "Coacoochee will deliver the words of Ralph Boyd--" - -At this moment he was interrupted by a joyful cry, a rush of footsteps, -and Letty, the maid, sobbing and laughing in a breath, came flying -up the beach, to fling her arms about the neck of her beloved young -mistress. She was followed by old Primus, hobbling stiffly, and -uttering pious ejaculations of thankfulness. Behind him crowded the -entire force of the plantation, men, women, and children, all shouting -with joy at the sight of "Missy Anstice." - -The stern-faced warriors watched this scene with indulgent smiles, -for they knew that the sunny-haired girl, looking all the fairer in -contrast with the sable-hued throng about her, was the sister of the -white man who had so befriended their young war-chief. - -"What does it all mean?" cried Anstice, at length disengaging herself -from Letty's hysterical embrace. "What was the cause of the firing I -heard but a short while since? Who are those yonder?" Here she pointed -with a shudder at the motionless forms lying prone on the sands. -"Surely they must be Indians, and yet, I knew not that the hand of the -red man was lifted against his fellows." - -"They are not of the Iste-chatte [red man], but belong to the -Iste-hatke [white man]," answered Coacoochee, gravely. - -"Dey's white debbils painted wif blackness," muttered old Primus. - -"They are white men, Miss Anstice, disguised like Injuns," explained -Letty, whose style of conversation, from long service as lady's maid, -was superior to her station. "And oh, Miss Anstice! they were going to -take us down the river to sell us into slavery. We wouldn't believe -they could be white men, but the paint has been washed from the faces -of some of them, and now we know it is so." - -Gradually, by listening to one and another who volunteered information, -Anstice Boyd learned that the supposed savages, whose prisoner she -had been, were indeed a party of white slave-catchers, disguised in -paint and feathers, so that their deeds of rascality might be laid -to the Seminoles. Coacoochee, to relieve the anxiety of Ralph Boyd, -who lay wounded and helpless in an Indian village, had set forth with -a small band of warriors to escort his friend's sister to a place of -safety, among people of her own race. He found the plantation deserted, -and, coming across the trail of the marauders who had captured its -occupants, quickly discovered their true character by many unmistakable -signs. - -When they encamped for the night, the vengeful eyes of his warriors -were upon them; and when, for their own safety, they freed their white -prisoners and drove them away to spread the report of this fresh -_Indian_ outrage, these were allowed to pass through the Seminole line -without molestation. Coacoochee alone followed Anstice Boyd beyond -ear-shot of the camp, to assure her of friendly aid and safety; then -he returned to deal out to the white ruffians their well-deserved -punishment. - -He would not fire on them while they and the blacks whom they proposed -to turn into property were mingled together; but when the latter were -bound and driven into the boats, he gave the terrible signal. More than -half the painted band fell at the first fire; the remainder, with the -exception of the leader and two others, who escaped in a canoe, were -quickly despatched, and the deed of vengeance was completed. - -In view of these occurrences, and with the certainty that troops -would be sent in pursuit of Coacoochee's band, to which all the recent -aggressions would of course be credited, the young chief no longer -deemed it prudent to attempt to escort his friend's sister to the -vicinity of any white settlement. He proposed instead to carry her to -her brother. - -The girl accepted this plan, provided she might be accompanied by her -maid Letty, a condition to which the young Indian readily agreed. - -During the few hours that remained of the night, Anstice and her maid -slept the sleep of utter weariness in the carriage that had brought -them to that place, and with the earliest dawn were prepared to start -toward the Seminole stronghold, deep hidden among Withlacoochee swamps. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV - -A SWAMP STRONGHOLD OF THE SEMINOLES - - -On the morning following that midnight tragedy of the wilderness, the -Indians made haste to retreat to that portion of the country which they -still called their own. The flat-boats were used to carry themselves, -their negro allies, and such of the plunder as could be readily -transported to the opposite side of the river; the cattle and horses -were made to swim across. Such of the plunder collected by the white -renegades as must be left behind was burned. Among all the property -thus acquired by the Indians, none was more highly prized than the -gorgeous costumes of the theatrical company. The unfortunate actors -had been forced to abandon these in their hurried flight, and now -Coacoochee's grim-faced warriors wore them with startling effect. - -Anstice Boyd could not help smiling at the fantastic appearance -thus presented by her escort, though feeling that the circumstances -in which she was placed warranted anything rather than smiles or -light-heartedness. Was her brother really wounded, and was she being -taken to him, or were those only plausible tales to lure her away -beyond chance of rescue? - -"Can we trust him, Letty? Has he told us the truth?" she asked of her -maid, indicating Coacoochee with a slight nod. - -"Law, yes, Miss Anstice! You can always trust an Injun to tell you the -truth, for they hasn't learned how to lie; that is, them as has kept -away from white folks hasn't. As for that young man, he has an honest -face, and I believe every word he says. He'll take us straight to Marse -Ralph, I know he will." - -Comforted by this assurance, Anstice crossed the river with a lighter -heart than she had known for days. When, on the other side, and mounted -on a spirited pony she was allowed to dash on in advance of the strange -cavalcade that followed her, she began to experience an hitherto -unknown thrill of delight in the wild freedom of the forest life -unfolding before her. - -Soon after leaving the river, the Indians began to divide into small -parties, each of which took a different direction, thus making a number -of divergent trails well calculated to baffle pursuit. The negroes -also separated into little companies, all of which were to be guided -to a common rendezvous, where, under the leadership of old Primus, -they promised to remain until "Marse" Boyd should again return to the -plantation and send for them. - -Thus Anstice and her maid finally found themselves escorted only by -Coacoochee and two other warriors. Pushing forward with all speed, this -little party reached, at noon of the second day, the bank of a dark -stream that flowed sluggishly through an almost impenetrable cypress -swamp. One of the Indians remained here with the horses, while the rest -of the party embarked in one of several canoes that had been carefully -hidden at this point. - -Urged on by the lusty paddles of Coacoochee and his companion, this -craft proceeded swiftly for nearly a mile up the shadowy stream. -Not even the noonday sun could penetrate the dense foliage that -arched above them. Festoons of vines depended like huge serpents -from interlacing branches, and funereal streamers of gray moss hung -motionless in the stagnant air. The black waters swarmed with great -alligators, that showed little fear of the canoe, and gave it reluctant -passage. Strange birds, water-turkeys with snake-like necks, red-billed -cormorants, purple galinules, and long-legged herons, startled from -their meditations by the dip of paddles, flapped heavily up stream in -advance of the oncoming craft, with discordant cries. - -Upon such slender threads hang the fate of nations and communities as -well as that of individuals, that, but for these brainless water-fowl, -flying stupidly up the quiet river and spreading with harsh voices -the news that something had frightened them, the whole course of the -Seminole war might have been changed. As it was, a single Indian, who -was cautiously making his way down stream in a small canoe, hugging the -darkest shadows, and casting furtive glances on all sides, was quick to -make use of the information thus furnished. - -As the squawking birds redoubled their cries at sight of him, he turned -his canoe quickly and drove it deep in among the cypresses at one side, -so that it was completely hidden from the view of any who might pass up -or down the river. - -This Indian, who was known as Chitta-lustee (the black snake), had -hardly gained the hiding-place from which he peered out with eager -eyes, before the craft containing Coacoochee and his little party swept -into view around a bend, and slipped swiftly past him. The keen eye -of the young war-chief did not fail to note the floating bubbles left -by the paddle of the spy, but attributed them to an alligator, or to -some of the innumerable turtles that were constantly plumping into the -water from half-submerged logs as the canoe approached. So he paid no -attention to them, but a minute later guided his slender craft across -the river, and into an opening so concealed by low-hanging branches, -that one unfamiliar with its location might have searched for it in -vain. - -This was what Chitta-lustee had been doing, and for the discovery, made -now by accident, he had been promised a fabulous reward in _whiskey_. -There were renegades among the Seminoles as well as among the whites, -and of these the Black Snake was one. Seduced from his allegiance to -those of his own blood by an unquenchable thirst for the white man's -fire-water, he had sold himself, body and soul, to the enemies of his -race. - -General Scott, who had succeeded to the command of the army in Florida, -was bending all his energies toward breaking up the Indian strongholds -amid the swampy labyrinths of the Withlacoochee. Of these, the most -important was that of Osceola. No white man had ever seen it, and but -few Seminoles outside of the band occupying it had penetrated its -mysteries. Therefore the entire force of renegades, _friendly Indians_ -the whites called them, some seventy in number, drawn from the band of -that traitor chief who had been bribed to agree to removal, were now -engaged in a search for these secluded camps, while liberal rewards had -been promised for the discovery of any one of them. Goods to the amount -of one hundred dollars, and one of the chiefships from which General -Wiley Thompson had deposed the rightful holders, would be given to him -who should lead the troops to the stronghold of Osceola. Chitta-lustee -cared little for the honor of chiefship, but dazzled by a vision of one -hundred dollars' worth of fire-water, which was the only class of white -man's goods for which he longed, he made up his mind to discover the -hidden retreat of the Baton Rouge, or perish in the attempt. - -For many days had he skulked in the swamps, repeatedly passing the -concealed entrance to which Coacoochee had now unwittingly guided -him, without seeing it. As he noted the marks by which it might be -identified, he gloated over the prize that seemed at length within his -grasp and awaited impatiently the evening shadows that should enable -him to make further explorations. - -In the meantime, the canoe from which Anstice Boyd was casting -shuddering glances at the sombre scenes about her, continued for a -short distance up a serpentine creek, so narrow as to barely afford it -passage, and was finally halted beside a huge, moss-grown log. This, -half-buried in the ooze of the swamp, afforded a landing-place, at -which the party disembarked. As they did so, Coacoochee turned to the -English girl, and said: - -"The eye of the Iste-hatke has never looked upon this place. Ralph -Boyd knows it not, for he was brought here in darkness. Will my sister -keep its secret hidden deep in her own bosom, where no enemy of the -Iste-chatte shall ever find it?" - -To this query Anstice replied: "Coacoochee, as you deal with me, so -will I deal by you. Take me in safety to my brother, and your secret -shall be safe with me forever." - -"Un-cah! It is good," replied the young Indian. "Now let us go. Step -only where I step, and let the black girl step only where you step, for -the trail is narrow." - -And narrow it proved. Other logs, felled at right angles to the first, -and sunk so deep in treacherous mud that their upper surface was often -under water, formed a precarious pathway to a strip of firmer land. -This natural causeway, to step from which was to be plunged in mud -as black and soft as tar, besides being almost as tenacious, led for -nearly half a mile to an island that rose abruptly from the surrounding -swamp. - -This island was apparently completely covered with an impenetrable -growth of timber and underbrush laced together by a myriad of thorny -vines. The only trail by which the formidable barricade might be -penetrated was not opposite the end of the causeway, but lay at some -distance, to one side, where it was carefully concealed from all but -those who would die rather than reveal its secret. Even when it was -once entered, its windings were not easy to trace. But its perplexities -were short, and after a few rods the pathway ended abruptly in a scene -so foreign to that from which it started, that it seemed to belong -to another world. Instead of the funereal gloom, the slime, the rank -growth, and crowding horrors of the great swamp, here was a cleared -space, acres in extent, bathed in sunlight, and alive with cheerful -human activity. - -On the highest point of land, beneath a clump of stately trees, stood a -cluster of palmetto-thatched huts, some open on all sides, and others -enclosed; but all raised a foot or two from the ground, so as to allow -of a free circulation of air beneath them. In and about these swarmed -a happy, busy population. Warriors, whose naked limbs exhibited the -firm outlines of bronze statues, cleaned or mended their weapons. -Groups of laughing women, cleanly in person, attractive to look upon, -and modestly clad, prepared food or engaged in other domestic duties; -while rollicking bands of chubby children shouted shrilly over games -that differed little from those of other children all over the world. -Stretching away from the village were broad fields of corn and cane, -amid which yams, pumpkins, and melons grew with wonderful luxuriance. -These fields were cared for by negroes, who dwelt in their own -quarters, and worked the productive land on shares, that frequently -brought larger returns to them than to the red-skinned proprietors of -the soil. - -This was the swamp stronghold of Osceola, to which Coacoochee and Louis -had retreated after the battle of the Withlacoochee, bringing with -them the unconscious form of Ralph Boyd, the Englishman friend of the -enslaved and champion of the oppressed. - -In common with most of the whites, this young man had underrated both -the numbers and courage of the Seminoles, and had not believed they -would dare fight, even for their homes, against United States troops. -It was only upon penetrating their country with General Clinch's army -that Ralph Boyd realized how bitter was to be the struggle and that it -was already begun. He had been shot down quite early in the battle at -the river-crossing and lay on the field unnoticed until found by the -one Indian who was inclined to save his life rather than take it. - -When the wounded man next opened his eyes, he found himself lying on -a couch of softest skins, amid surroundings so foreign to anything he -had ever known that for awhile he was confident he was dreaming. Then -as the well-remembered form of Coacoochee bent anxiously over him, a -memory of recent events flashed into his mind. He realized that an -Indian war with all its attendant horrors was sweeping over the land, -and recalled the fact that his sister Anstice was alone and unprotected -on the plantation by the St. John's. Weakly he strove to rise, but fell -back with a groan. - -"My brother must rest," said Coacoochee, chidingly. "He is among -friends, and there is no cause for uneasiness. Here there is no white -man to shoot him from behind." - -"I care not for myself," murmured the sufferer. "It is my sister, left -without one to protect her or guide her to a place of safety. I must go -to her." - -Again he attempted to rise, but was gently restrained by the young -Indian, who said: - -"Let not my brother be troubled. Coacoochee will go in his place and -guide the white maiden to a safe shelter." - -"Will you, Coacoochee? Will you do this thing for me?" exclaimed Boyd, -a faint color flushing his pale cheeks. - -"Un-cah," answered the young war-chief. "This very hour will I go, and -when I come again I will bring a token from the white maiden who dwells -by the great river." - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI - -TWO SPIES AND THEIR FATE - - -Coacoochee had fulfilled his promise, and conducted the sister of his -friend to a place of safety. As he entered the village followed closely -by the first white girl that many of its inmates had ever seen, they -gazed wonderingly and in silence at the unaccustomed spectacle. Even -the voices of the children were so suddenly hushed that Ralph Boyd, -tossing wearily on his narrow couch in one of the enclosed huts, noted -the quick cessation of sounds to which he had become wonted, and -awaited its explanation with nervous impatience. The old Indian woman -who acted as his nurse stepped outside, and for the moment he was -alone. Filled with an intense desire to know what was taking place, -the wounded man strove to rise, with the intention of crawling to the -door of the hut; but ere he could carry out his design, the curtain of -deerskins that closed it was thrust aside, and Coacoochee stood before -him. - -With a feeble shout of joy at sight of his friend, the sufferer -exclaimed tremulously: "Is she safe? Have you brought a token from -her?" - -"The white maiden is safe, and I have brought a token," answered the -young Indian, proudly. - -As he spoke, he moved aside, and in another moment Anstice Boyd, -sobbing for joy, was kneeling beside her brother, with her arms about -his neck. - -From that moment Ralph Boyd's recovery was sure and rapid, for there -are no more certain cures for any wound than careful nursing and a -relief from anxiety. Within a week he was not only able to sit up, but -to take short walks about the village, the strange life of which he -studied with never-failing interest. So well ordered and peaceful was -it, so filled with cheerful industry, that it was difficult to believe -it a dwelling-place of those who were even then engaged in fighting -for their homes and rights. But evidences that such was the case were -visible on all sides. War-parties were constantly going and coming. -Osceola, now head chief of this particular band, and one of the leading -spirits of the war, was away most of the time, hovering about the -flanks of some army, cutting off their supplies, killing, burning, and -destroying; here to-day, and far away to-morrow, spreading everywhere -the terror of his name. - -Coacoochee would fain have been engaged in similar service; but his own -band of warriors under the temporary leadership of Louis Pacheco, was -operating far to the eastward, between the St. John's and the coast, -while he felt pledged to remain with his white friends until Ralph -Boyd could be removed to a place of greater safety. He feared to leave -them; for among the inmates of the camp were certain vindictive spirits -who so hungered for white scalps that they made frequent threats of -what would happen to the brother and sister, whom they regarded as -captives, in case they had their way with them. So the young war-chief -restrained his longings for more active service, and devoted himself to -collecting great quantities of corn and other supplies, which he stored -in this swamp stronghold for future use. - -When not waiting on her brother, Anstice amused herself by observing -the domestic life of the village and in cultivating an acquaintance -among its women and children. The former were so shy that she made but -little headway with them. In fact, her maid Letty was far more popular -among the Indian women than she. With the children, however, Anstice -became an object for adoration almost from the moment of her appearance -among them. So devoted were they to her that she could not walk abroad -without an attendant throng of sturdy urchins or naked toddlers. - -One drowsy afternoon, leaving her brother asleep in a hammock woven -of tough swamp grasses, Anstice, accompanied by her usual escort of -children and with a slim little maiden clinging to each hand, visited -a dense thicket near the pathway leading out to the great swamp, in -search of bead-like palmetto berries, which she proposed to string -into necklaces. Seating herself on the edge of the forest growth, she -despatched several of the children in search of the coveted berries. -Diving under the bushes and threading their tangled mazes like so many -quail, these quickly disappeared from view, though shouts of laughter -plainly indicated their movements. - -Suddenly a scream of childish terror was uttered close at hand, and a -little lad, trembling with fright, came running back to where Anstice -was sitting. Filled with a dread of wild beasts or deadly serpents, the -girl sprang to her feet, and making use of the few Seminole words she -had acquired while in the village, called loudly: - -"At-tess-cha, che-paw-ne! At-tess-cha, mas-tchay!" (Come here, boys! -come here quickly!) - -The quality of terror in her voice rather than the words themselves -must have attracted attention, for while there came no answer, the -children's shouts were suddenly hushed. Each embryo warrior dropped to -the ground where he was, and like hunted rabbits, lay motionless, but -keenly alert, until they should learn from which direction danger might -be expected. Those who had remained with Anstice clung to her skirts, -and the urchin who had given the alarm glanced fearfully behind him. - -As the girl stood irresolute, there came a movement in the bushes -close at hand. Then to her amazement, her name was called softly, but -in a voice whose accents she would have recognized anywhere and under -all circumstances. It needed not the parting of the leafy screen and a -glimpse of the anxious face behind it, to tell her that Irwin Douglass, -the lieutenant of dragoons, who had so often shared the hospitality -of her brother's table, had, by some inconceivable means, penetrated -the secrets of this Indian stronghold and ventured within its deadly -confines. - -"Oh, Mr. Douglass!" she cried, in a voice trembling with apprehension. -"How came you here? Do you not realize your awful peril? You will be -killed if you stay a minute longer! Fly, then! Fly, I beg of you, while -there is yet time." - -"But, Miss Boyd! Anstice! Why are you here instead of safe in Augustine -as we thought? Are you not in equal, or even in greater, peril? Come -with me, and I will gladly beat a retreat, but I cannot leave you to -the mercy of the savages. This place is infested by an overwhelming -force of troops, who only await my return to make an attack. The -Indians will surely kill you rather than allow you to be rescued." - -"No! No! I am in no peril!" replied the agitated girl. "I am here of my -own free will, and shall be safe in any event. But you! If you value -your life! If you love--" - -Just then two grim warriors appeared as though they had dropped from -the sky, one on either side of Douglass, and in spite of a mighty -struggle for freedom, made him their prisoner. One of the children had -sped to the village. Coacoochee, with several followers, had taken the -trail, and closed in from two sides on Anstice and the lieutenant, -while they were too full of amazement at each other's presence in that -place to note the stealthy approach. - -As two of the Indians seized the young officer, the others sprang after -a retreating form they had just discovered skulking through the forest. -It was that of Chitta-lustee, the spy, who had carried the news of his -finding of this stronghold to Fort King. From there he had guided a -body of troops back to the log landing, whence he had been sent, in -company with Lieutenant Douglass, to note the exact state of affairs in -the village before an attack should be ordered. Together they had crept -undetected to a place from which they could command a fair view of the -village, and estimate the force of its defenders, which at that moment -did not number more than a dozen warriors. - -The spies were about to retire from their dangerous position when -prevented by the approach of Anstice and her retinue of children. -One of these had chanced upon their hiding-place, and while Douglass -pleaded with the English girl to seize this opportunity for escape from -what he imagined to be a terrible captivity, his companion was trying -to secure his own safety by slowly and noiselessly creeping away. He -had gained a fair distance, and was beginning to move more rapidly, -when discovered by Coacoochee, who, followed by the other warriors, -immediately sprang in pursuit. - -Down to the edge of the swamp and out on the narrow causeway fled the -spy, and after him, like hound in full view of his quarry, leaped the -avenger. It was a terrible race along that slender path, slippery with -slime and water. Chitta-lustee flung away his rifle, and, with breath -coming in panting gasps, ran for his life. A few rods more, and he -would be safe. - -Coacoochee, reckless of consequences, and filled with a fierce -determination to destroy, at all hazards, this most dangerous enemy of -his people, only clenched his teeth more tightly, and leaped forward -with an increase of speed, as he detected a glint of weapons directly -ahead, and realized that the farther end of the causeway was already -occupied by troops. He bore only a light spear that he had snatched up -at the first alarm, and, with all his skill, he must be at least within -twenty yards of a mark ere he could hurl it effectively. - -He was still one hundred yards away, and now he could distinguish the -uniforms of those who were advancing to meet the panting fugitive. -Those who followed the young chief were halting doubtfully. To them -it seemed that he was rushing toward certain destruction. They could -not restrain him. To follow his example and throw their lives away -uselessly would be worse than folly. So they stayed their steps, and -watched the fearful race with fascinated gaze. - -Only for a moment, and then all was over. Chitta-lustee slipped and -stumbled on one of the water-soaked logs at the end of the causeway. -As he recovered himself, there came a flash of darting steel, and the -keen blade of a hurtling spear, flung with the utmost of Coacoochee's -nervous strength, sunk deep between his shoulders. With a choking cry, -and out-flung arms, the traitor pitched headlong into the black waters, -and disappeared forever, while cries of horror came from the advancing -soldiers whose protection he had so nearly gained. - -Even as the young war-chief delivered his deadly blow, and without -waiting to note its effect, he turned and fled toward his own people. A -dozen angry rifles rang out behind him, and the whole swamp echoed with -fierce yells from the enraged soldiers, but no bullet struck him, and -no taunt served to stay his steps. - -The three Indians fled swiftly as hunted deer, back along the -treacherous trail, while the troops followed with what speed they -might. It was so difficult a path, and so dangerous, and the -heavy-booted soldiers slipped from its narrow verge so often, that -those whom they pursued reached the island and disappeared among its -thickets ere they had more than started. Then back through the heavy -air came mockingly and defiantly the Seminole war-cry: - -"Yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee-chee!" - -Thus they knew that a surprise of the stronghold they had so labored to -gain was no longer possible. - -Still with a courage worthy of a nobler cause the troops pushed -forward, unguided save by instinct and a burning desire to avenge the -death of their well-loved lieutenant, whom they supposed the savages -had already killed. With all their efforts it was a full half-hour -ere the advance drew near to the wooded island that rose silent and -mysterious before them, and they began to feel firmer ground beneath -their feet. - -Before they reached its encircling forest wall, flashes of flame began -to leap from the dark thickets, and before the deadly fire of an unseen -foe the advance was staggered and halted. It was only for a moment, and -then they sprang forward with a cheer to charge the fatal barricade. - -A dozen troopers had fallen ere the Indian fire was silenced, and -as yet the soldiers had not caught a glimpse of their foe. In the -thick-set undergrowth they were tripped and flung to the ground by -snake-like roots, encircled and held fast by tough vines, clutched and -drawn backward by stout thorns curved and sharp as a tiger's claws. -No human being save a naked Indian could thread that forest maze, and -as the soldiers could discover no opening through it, they decided to -make one. Swords, axes, and knives were called into requisition. Every -now and then a rifle shot from the unseen foe proved the Indians to be -still watchful and defiant. - -It was not until another half-hour had been expended in this exhausting -effort at road-cutting that the trail lying well to one side was -discovered. - -Wearied by their futile efforts, made furious by opposition, and galled -by the fire from unseen rifles that had been steadily thinning their -numbers ever since they reached the island, the troops rushed with -fierce shouts to the opening, streamed through it, and gained the -central, cleared space in which stood the Seminole village. Here, for a -moment, the tumultuous advance was checked, and each man clutched his -weapon with a closer grip, in expectation of an attack. - -But none was made. The peaceful village, all aglow with the light of a -setting sun, was silent and deserted. No voices came from it, nor from -the broad fields that lay clothed in luxuriant verdure beyond. There -was no sound of busy workers, no laughter of children. A raven with -glossy plumage, iridescent in the sunlight, croaked a hoarse challenge -from a lofty tree-top, and a solitary buzzard circled overhead on -motionless pinions, but no other signs of life were to be detected. - -After a minute of irresolution Captain Chase, the officer in command of -the expedition, deployed his men as skirmishers, and was about to give -the order "Forward!" when this strange thing happened: - -From one of the thatched huts of the village three human beings -emerged and advanced slowly toward the motionless line of soldiers. -Two were men, evidently white men, and one of these wore a uniform. -Between them walked a young girl whose shapely head was crowned with -a mass of gold-red hair. As she drew near, a murmur of admiration at -her beauty passed along the stern line of blue-coated troops. Then an -irrepressible tumult of cheers rent the air, for in one of the girl's -companions the soldiers recognized their own beloved lieutenant, Irwin -Douglass. But curiosity got the better of enthusiasm, and as the noise -subsided, each trooper waited in breathless silence for an explanation -of this strange encounter. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII - -ANSTICE BOYD SAVES THE LIFE OF A CAPTIVE - - -While Coacoochee was engaged in his fierce pursuit of the traitor -Seminole across the black causeway, Irwin Douglass was led to the -village, where he was securely bound to one of the great trees by which -it was shaded. Here his captors left him, and seizing their rifles -hastened back to the edge of the swamp. - -The moment Anstice realized that the young soldier, though a captive, -was not doomed to instant death, she flew back to the hut occupied by -her brother, whom she found still quietly sleeping in his grass-woven -hammock. Roused into a startled wakefulness by her abrupt entrance, the -convalescent was for some moments at a loss to comprehend what she was -saying or what had caused her excitement. - -"Who do you say is captured? and what has happened, dear, to frighten -you?" he asked, in a bewildered tone. - -"Irwin Douglass, and they are going to kill him, and the village -is about to be attacked, and we shall all be murdered!" cried the -terrified girl. - -"Douglass captured and about to be killed? Impossible!" exclaimed -Boyd, rising and starting toward the doorway. "But I will go and see. -Surely Coacoochee would never murder a prisoner in cold blood. As for -ourselves, you know we are safe so long as we are his guests. Wait -here, sister, and I will bring Douglass back with me, if, as you say, -he is in the village." - -But the frightened girl clung to him and would not be left. So they -set forth together, and had hardly gained the outer air before a sound -of firing from the causeway warned them that fighting of some sort was -begun. The same sounds created vast excitement among the inmates of the -village, and the crowd of negroes, who, at the first note of alarm, -had come swarming up from the fields. These so occupied the entire -foreground that the brother and sister could get no sight of him whom -they sought. Neither was their friend the young war-chief to be seen. -They attempted to make way through the throng, but were impatiently -pushed back, the crowd scowling and muttering at them angrily. - -One huge, coal-black negro even advanced upon them with a drawn knife -and so ugly an expression, that Ralph Boyd instinctively thrust his -sister behind him, and nerved himself to receive an attack. Unarmed and -weakened by illness as he was, the outcome of such a struggle could -readily be foreseen, and the white man cast a despairing glance about -him in search of some weapon. There was none, and the gleaming knife -was already uplifted for a deadly stroke, when, with a shrill cry, a -black woman sprang betwixt the two, snatched the knife from the negro's -hand, and flourishing it in his face, poured out such a furious torrent -of angry, scornful, and threatening words, that the brute slunk away -from her, completely cowed. - -Now, turning and almost pushing Boyd and his sister before her, -Letty--for the black Amazon was no other than Anstice's own -maid--succeeded in getting them back inside the hut before their -assailant had time to rally from his discomfiture. Then, still -clutching the knife she had so adroitly captured, the black girl stood -guard before the entrance, deaf alike to those of her own color, who -taunted her with being a traitor to her race, and to the entreaties of -her young mistress, that she should attempt a rescue of the prisoner -about whom the crowd of Indian women and negroes still swarmed. - -"Cayn't do it, Miss Anstice," replied the black girl, firmly, but -without turning her head. "I'se powerful sorry for Marse Douglass, but -when it's him or you, I know which one I'se bound to look after." - -"But, Letty, they will murder him!" - -"No, Miss Anstice, not till Coacoochee says so. They das'n't kill him, -not till the chief gives the word." - -"But supposing Coacoochee does not come? He may be killed or captured -himself, you know." - -"There ain't no use speculating on that, Miss Anstice, because he's -come already. I can see him out there now, talking to the crowd. Looks -like he's in a powerful hurry, too, and I spec's the end of time has -come for poor Marse Douglass. Oh Lord, Miss Anstice! Stop up your ears, -quick!" - -At these ominous words, the brave English girl, instead of complying, -darted from the hut so swiftly, that ere Letty could interfere to -prevent her, she had gained the centre of the village. There she came -upon a scene well calculated to freeze the blood in her veins. Irwin -Douglass, bound to a tree, with his pale, resolute face turned toward -the setting sun, gazed with unflinching calmness into the black muzzles -of four levelled rifles, that in another moment would pour their deadly -contents into his body. The pitiless warriors who held them, and only -awaited a signal from their young chief to press the fatal triggers, -scanned the face of their victim in vain for the faintest trace of -fear. There was none; and they were filled with regrets that so brave -a man could not be reserved for a more lingering and trying form of -death. But there was no time to spare. The soldiers were even now upon -them, and whatever was to be done must be done quickly. Already murmurs -of impatience could be heard among the spectators. - -As Coacoochee was about to give the dread command, there came a quick -rush, and the girlish figure of Anstice Boyd stood full in front of the -cruel rifles, between them and their human mark. Her wonderful hair, -half loosed from its coil, glinted like spun gold in the red sunlight. -Her eyes were big with terror, and her face was bloodless, but her -voice rang out clear and strong, as she cried: - -"Coacoochee, you must not do this thing! You dare not!" - -"He is an enemy," answered the young chief, calmly; and without -betraying his annoyance at this interruption. "If we should not kill -him, he would kill us." - -"He might in battle or in fair fight, but he would never shoot down a -helpless prisoner," replied the girl, in scornful tones. "Set him free, -place a weapon in his hands, and fight him man to man, if you dare." - -"Gladly would I," answered the young Seminole, "if there was time, but -there is not. Thy people have hunted us like wolves to our den, and -even now are upon us. In another minute must we fly for our lives. Our -friends we can leave to their friends. Our captive we cannot take, and -dare not release. He is a spy. The white man puts a spy to death; why -should not the Indian? Coacoochee has spoken. The spy must die. Let my -white sister stand aside." - -Very stern was the young war-chief, and very determined. A murmur of -approbation rose from the dusky throng about him as his words fell upon -their ears. - -A wave of despair surged over Anstice Boyd. Her face flushed, then -became deadly pale. Her voice was well-nigh choked as she answered: - -"Then, oh, Coacoochee, if you will not yield to the dictates of -humanity, still listen to me. In the name of Allala, thy spirit sister, -in the name of her who still lives, and is most dear to thee, in the -name of Ralph Boyd, who, by his deeds, has proved himself thy friend, I -plead for this man's life. If this is not enough, I demand it for yet -another reason." Here, with face crimsoned like the rising sun, the -girl stepped close to the young chief, and spoke a few words in a tone -so low that none but he could catch their import. - -His stern face softened, and for a moment he looked curiously at her. -Then drawing his own silver-mounted knife from its sheath, he handed it -to her, saying: - -"The words of the white maiden have sunk deep into the heart of -Coacoochee. Let her lead him whom she has saved to the lodge of her -brother. Keep him there, close hidden from my people, so long as a -voice is heard in this place. Then, and not till then, will it be safe -for the Iste-hatke to venture forth. Farewell, my sister! Thank not -the wild cat that his claws are sheathed. Thank rather Allala, Nita, -and Ralph Boyd. _Hi-e-pas! Hi-e-pas!_" - -[Illustration: THE GIRL STEPPED CLOSE TO THE YOUNG CHIEF AND SPOKE A -FEW WORDS.] - -The last two words were uttered in ringing tones of command to his own -people, and, supplemented as they were by a crashing volley of musketry -from the edge of the swamp, they produced an instant effect. - -Although many glances of hate were flashed at the white girl and -the prisoner, whom she freed from his bonds with two strokes of -Coacoochee's keen knife, they were allowed to pass unharmed to the hut -occupied by Ralph Boyd. He walked with them; for, without his sister's -knowledge, he had stood close by her side while she pleaded for the -life of Irwin Douglass, ready to strike a blow in her defence, or to -share her fate. - -The three entered the hut together, and as its curtain of deerskin was -drawn so as to exclude all prying eyes, the overwrought girl fell into -her brother's arms, weeping hysterically. The young soldier, who but -a moment before stood within the shadow of death, gazed curiously and -awkwardly for a second on this scene, and then turning away, sat down -with his face buried in his hands. - -Ralph Boyd sought to calm his brave sister with loving words. So filled -was each of the three with crowding emotions that they took no note -of time nor of outside sounds, until at length the girl ceased her -sobbing and gazed with a smile into her brother's face. Then, with a -weight lifted from his heart, he began to talk to her in a cheerful -strain. - -"It was nobly done, sister mine," he said, "and as a special pleader I -will name you before any barrister in the land. What argument, though, -was it you used at the last? I failed to catch the words, but they must -have been of powerful force." - -Again a tide of crimson mantled the girl's fair cheeks, as she replied: -"Coacoochee knows, and I know; but let it suffice you, brother, that -they were effective; for more than that I can never tell." - -At this juncture, the young soldier, looking as guilty as though he -had been caught at eavesdropping, rose, drew aside the curtain at the -entrance, and stepped outside. As he did so, he uttered an exclamation -that quickly brought the others to his side. - -The village, recently so populous and filled with busy life, was -deserted. Not a soul was to be seen. Even the pigs and chickens had -disappeared. An unbroken silence, as of an impending doom, brooded over -the place, and, as the three who were now its sole occupants walked -among the vacant habitations, they felt impelled to lower their voices, -as though in presence of the dead. They had gone but a short distance -when their attention was attracted by the sound of many voices and the -tramp of armed men. Turning in that direction, they beheld a body of -troops pouring from the pathway leading to the swamp, and toward these -they at once directed their steps. - -As the three whose recent experiences had been so thrilling walked -slowly down the grassy slope, Douglass strove to find words with -which to thank Anstice Boyd for the gift of his life; but the girl -interrupted him at the outset, and begged him never to mention the -subject again. - -"Very well," he replied, "since that is your desire, I will strive -to obey. I do so the more readily that mere words fail to express my -feelings; but I shall live in hope of the time when by some service I -may be able to indicate my gratitude." - -Whatever else the grateful young soldier might have said was -interrupted by cheers from the troops, who at that moment recognized -the comrade whom they had mourned as lost to them forever. As quiet was -restored, his brother officers crowded about him with a hearty welcome -and an avalanche of questions. - -"That will do for the present, gentlemen," interposed Captain Chase. -"Excuse a soldier's abruptness, madam," he added, bowing to Anstice, -"but in this stern business of war, duty must precede even the ordinary -courtesies of life. Now, Mr. Douglass, since you are so happily -restored to us, please tell me what to expect in yonder den of swamp -devils? Are we to be attacked? Shall we charge. What force opposes us? -What is the meaning of this ominous silence?" - -"I hardly know how to answer you, sir," replied the lieutenant, "for I -am as ignorant concerning the enemy's movements as yourself. So far as -I know, there is not a soul in yonder village, though but a few minutes -ago it was swarming with life." - -"What has become of them, then?" demanded the officer, impatiently. - -"I do not know, sir." - -"You can at least tell in which direction they went." - -"No, sir, I cannot even do that; for I did not see them go, nor do I -know when they departed." - -"Upon my soul, this is a most extraordinary state of affairs!" -exclaimed the officer, flushing angrily. "I must confess that I had not -heretofore credited you with blindness. Perhaps, sir, you can give us -the desired information?" he added, turning to Ralph Boyd. - -Upon the young Englishman claiming an equal ignorance with the -lieutenant, the irate captain said in a tone of suppressed anger: "This -matter shall be investigated at a more convenient time, but at present -it seems that we must make discoveries for ourselves. To your places, -gentlemen. Forward! Double quick! March!" - -With this the line of blue-coated troops advanced swiftly up the slope -and charged the empty huts of the deserted village. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII - -THE MARK OF THE WILDCAT - - -In vain did the soldiers ransack the empty huts of the village, and -scour the island from end to end. Not a single human being or evidence -of life did they discover, nor were they fired upon from the belt of -timber surrounding the cleared fields. The hundreds of men, women, and -children, Indians and negroes, who had been at home in this place less -than an hour before, had vanished as mysteriously and completely as -though the earth had opened and swallowed them. Even the secret place -of exit through the swamp, provided for just such an emergency as -the present, had not been discovered when darkness put an end to the -search, and the troops camped in and about the Indian village for the -night. - -The officer commanding the expedition was furious. He had expected -to destroy or capture the entire force of the enemy gathered at this -point. Instead of so doing, he had not only failed to capture a single -prisoner, but could not discover that his fire had resulted in the -killing or even wounding of a single warrior. On the other hand, the -dead of his own command numbered seven, while a score of others were -more or less severely wounded. His anger was in nowise diminished -by what he was pleased to term the culpable ignorance of Lieutenant -Douglass concerning the strength and movements of the Indians. - -When questioned on these points, the young officer, with a delicacy -that forbade the part taken by Anstice Boyd in his rescue becoming -common talk of the camp, would only say that, having been confined in -a closed hut, he had no opportunity of knowing what was taking place -outside. - -"Were you bound, blind-folded, or in any other way deprived of the use -of your faculties?" demanded the commander. - -"No, sir, I was not." - -"In that case it is incredible that you could not have found some -opportunity for making observations of what was taking place about -you; and that you failed to do so, must be regarded as a grave neglect -of duty. The very fact that the savages, having you in their power, -presented you with both life and liberty, would seem to argue a closer -sympathy between you and them than is permissible between an officer of -the United States army and the enemies of his Government. Therefore, -sir, I shall take it upon myself to suspend you from duty, and shall -prefer charges against you which you will be allowed to meet before a -court martial. That is all, sir. You may go." - -"Very good, sir," replied the younger officer, bowing, and retiring -with a pale face, and a mind filled with bitter thoughts. - -That night the island seemed a very abode of malicious spirits. -Low-hanging clouds covered it with a veil of darkness so intense as to -be oppressive. A strong wind moaned among the forest trees, and borne -on it from the surrounding swamp came blood-chilling shrieks and yells, -weird and foreboding, but whether produced by wild beasts or wild men, -the shuddering listeners, gathered closely about flaring camp-fires, -could not determine. So terrible were some of these wind-borne -cries, that certain among those who listened declared them to be the -despairing accents of lost souls; for which sentiment they were derided -by the bolder of their comrades. But when the midnight relief went its -round of the outposts, and found four of them guarded only by corpses, -even the scoffers were willing to admit that in the rush of the night -wind they had heard the wings of the angel of death. - -As, one after another, the dead sentinels were brought in to the -firelight, they were found to be without wounds, unless a scratch of -five fine lines on each pallid forehead could be called such. In each -case the cause of death was a broken neck. From this and the scratches, -that looked as though they might have been made by the brushing of a -mighty paw, it was at first thought that the unfortunate soldiers -might have been done to death by one of the more powerful beasts of the -forest. - -This belief was, however, quickly upset by an old frontiersman who -accompanied the troops as a scout. Pointing out that all the scratches -were located in the same place, and all had been made with equal -lightness of touch, he declared them to be the mark of Coacoochee the -Wildcat. - -Already the terror of this name had spread so far, that when Ralph Boyd -asserted that Coacoochee was indeed leader of the band just driven from -that stronghold, a great fear fell upon the soldiers, and to a man they -refused to perform outpost duty beyond the limit of firelight. - -To enlarge this lighted circle, one hut after another was set on -fire, until the whole village, including the great storehouses full -of provisions and the granaries of corn, was one roaring, leaping -mass of flame. The leafy crowns of the giant oaks that had shaded it, -shrivelled, crackled, and burst into a myriad tongues of fire; while to -render the destruction of the forest monarchs more certain, some of the -soldiers seized axes and girdled their trunks. - -So bright was the circle of light in which the troops foolishly sought -for safety, that had Coacoochee been leader of one hundred warriors at -that moment, he could have wiped out the entire force of invaders; but -he was alone, and from the black recesses of a thicket he gazed upon -the scene of destruction in impotent wrath. - -Having seen the band intrusted to his care safely across the great -swamp, and well on their way to another place of refuge, he had -returned alone to watch the invasion of Osceola's stronghold. With the -noiseless movements of a gliding shadow he had skirted the camp of the -soldiers, and four times had he left silent but terrible witnesses of -his presence. With a heavy heart he now watched the burning of the -great stores of food that he had gathered for the support of his people -during months of fighting; for he knew that with this destruction a -heavy blow had been dealt against the Seminole cause. - -With the earliest coming of daylight, the troops, impatient to finish -their task and leave that place of terror, began to destroy the growing -crops beyond the village. Safe hidden among the spreading branches -of a live-oak, where he was screened by great clusters of pale-green -mistletoe, Coacoochee watched them tear up acres of tasselled corn, and -laden vines, cut down scores of trees heavy with ripening fruit, and -burn broad areas of waving cane. - -At length, the work of destruction was completed, all stragglers were -called in by a blast of bugles, a parting volley was fired over the -single long grave, in which a dozen dead soldiers lay buried; and, -taking their wounded with them, the blue-coated column marched gladly -away from the place they had so little reason to love. - -Descending from his post of observation, the young Indian followed -them, until he had seen the last trooper disappear along the narrow -causeway, amid the sombre cypresses of the Great Swamp. Then slowly and -thoughtfully he retraced his steps, walking now in the full glare of -sunlight, until he stood again beneath the clump of dying trees that, -but a few hours before, had shaded the peaceful village. As he gazed -about him on charred embers, and smoking ruins, deserted fields, and -prostrate orchards, the bold heart of the young war-chief sank like a -leaden weight within him. - -"Thus must it be to the end," he said half aloud, as though his -brimming thoughts were struggling for expression. "Ruin and destruction -follow ever the tread of the Iste-hatke. He is strong, and we are weak. -He is many, and we are few. We may kill his hundreds, and he brings -thousands to devour us. We may plant, but he will gather the fruit. The -Seminole may starve, and at the cry of his children for food the white -man will make merry. My father was right when he said that to fight -the white man was like fighting the waves of the great salt waters. -What now shall be done? Shall we continue to fight, and die fighting -in our own land, or shall we again trust to the lying tongue of the -Iste-hatke, and go to the place in which he says we may dwell at peace -with him? Oh, Allala! my sister, hear me, and come to me with thy words -of wisdom." - -At that moment, as though in answer to his prayer, Coacoochee caught -sight of a figure advancing hesitatingly towards where he stood. It was -that of a warrior, whom he recognized even at a distance as belonging -to his own band. The newcomer cast troubled glances over the pitiful -scene of ruin outspread on all sides. Until now he had not noted the -presence of his chief; but, when the latter uttered the cry of a hawk, -which was the familiar signal of his band, the warrior quickened his -steps, and came to where the young man stood. - -He proved to be a runner, sent out by Louis Pacheco, to notify -Coacoochee that Philip Emathla with all the people of his village had -been captured and conveyed to St. Augustine, whence it was proposed -to remove them to the unknown land of the far west. The old chief had -begged so earnestly for an interview with his eldest son, that the -general in command had sent out a written safe-conduct for the latter -to come and go again in safety. This the runner now delivered to -Coacoochee, assuring him at the same time that Louis Pacheco had looked -at it and pronounced it good. - -The young chief took the paper, regarded it curiously, and thrust it -into his girdle, then without delay, he set forth on his long journey -to the eastern coast. The runner was able to inform him of the present -location of Osceola, and accordingly he first directed his steps to the -camp of that fiery young chieftain to apprise him of the destruction of -his swamp stronghold. - -Here he found a delegation of Cherokees, bearing an address from John -Ross, their head chief, to Coacoochee and Osceola, who were regarded as -the most important leaders of the Florida Indians. This address prayed -the Seminoles to end their fruitless struggle against the all-powerful -whites. It assured them that should they consent to removal, the -promises made by the latter would be kept, and that the Cherokees, as -their nearest neighbors in the western land, would ever be their firm -allies in resistance to further oppression. - -The conference was long and earnest. Osceola, discouraged by the -loss of his stronghold, and by the destruction of its great store of -provisions, which he foresaw would entail much suffering among his -people during the coming winter, was inclined to make peace, though -still resolutely opposed to removal. - -Coacoochee, filled with thoughts of his aged father and Nita Pacheco -held captives by the whites, was even more anxious to make an honorable -peace than was his brother chieftain. So it was finally decided that -he should take advantage of his safe-conduct, to visit St. Augustine, -advise with Philip Emathla, talk with the general in command, so as to -ascertain the exact views of the whites, and return to Osceola with -his report. - -Thus, three days later the young war-chief, clad as befitted his rank, -and bearing a superb calumet as a present from Osceola, presented -himself boldly before the gates of St. Augustine, exhibited his -safe-conduct, and demanded to be taken to the general. - -The manly beauty of his features, his haughty bearing, and gorgeous -costume attracted universal admiration, as he strode proudly through -the narrow streets of the quaint old city. Before he reached the house -in which the commandant was lodged, he was surrounded by a curious -throng of citizens, through which the corporal's guard escorting him -found some difficulty in clearing a passage. - -The general greeted the son of Philip Emathla with honeyed words, -and caused him to be treated with the consideration due his rank and -importance. His father was brought to welcome him, and the two were -allowed to depart together to the encampment of the captives, which was -in the plaza, or central square of the city, where it was surrounded -by a cordon of soldiers. Here, after a separation of many months, the -young chief met her to whom he had plighted his troth by the blue -Ahpopka Lake. In his eyes she appeared more lovely than ever, and he -longed ardently for the time of peace that should enable him to make -for her a home in which they might dwell together in safety. - -So much was there to tell and to hear, and so many grave questions to -be discussed, that the night was spent in talking, and the dawn of -another day found them still seated about the cold embers of a small -fire in front of King Philip's lodge. - -The old man advised earnestly for peace, even at the cost of removal, -though at the same time declaring that with leaving his own land his -heart would break, so that he should never live to reach the strange -place set apart for his people. - -Nita, happily content to sit close beside her lover, only leaving him -now and then to replenish the fire, refill the pipes, or to bring from -the lodge some dainty morsel of food, had little to say; but such words -as she uttered were in favor of peace. - -Thus was the mind of Coacoochee the Wildcat turned from thoughts -of fighting and vengeance, to those of peace and happiness for his -loved ones, his oppressed people, and himself. So convinced was he -that the war must be ended, that he readily consented to go again to -Osceola, and persuade him to come in, with such other chiefs as could -be gathered, to attend a solemn council, with a view to the speedy -settlement of all existing troubles. On leaving the city, he was laden -with presents, both for himself and Osceola, and promising to return in -ten days, he set forth with a lighter heart than he had known for more -than a year. - -Alas for human nature, that they who trust most should be most often -deceived! By the swift turning of affairs that gave the army in -Florida a new commanding general every few months during the Seminole -War, General Scott had been succeeded by General Jesup. From him the -commandant at St. Augustine had recently received a despatch which, -could Coacoochee have known its contents, would have filled the young -chief's heart with renewed bitterness, and turned his peaceful longings -into a fierce resolve for a fight to the death. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX - -TREACHEROUS CAPTURE OF COACOOCHEE AND OSCEOLA - - -To the great satisfaction of the general of militia commanding at St. -Augustine, Coacoochee, unsuspicious of evil, and intent only upon -carrying out his avowed purpose of arranging for a new treaty of peace, -returned to the city on the exact date he had named. With an honest -pride at the success of his negotiations he announced that Osceola, -Coa Hadjo, Talmus Hadjo, and others would come in on the following -day, and, camping a short distance outside the city, would there await -the white commissioners. He also brought information that the Cherokee -peace delegation had gone to the westward for a conference with -Micanopy and other chiefs. - -The general, still treating the young chief with a lofty consideration, -thanked him profusely for his services, and asked as a favor that he -would guide a wagon-load of provisions, intended as a present for -Osceola and his people, to the place selected for their encampment. -This, he said, was a small portion of the supply he was collecting for -his Indian friends; and, when he went to meet them on the morrow, he -should take with him several other wagons laden with provisions, that -they might have plenty to eat in case the negotiations were extended -over a number of days. - -Much pleased by this proof of the white man's thoughtful kindness, -Coacoochee willingly consented to act as guide to the first wagon, and -then asked that he might visit Philip Emathla's camp while it was being -got ready,--a request that was granted, though with evident reluctance. - -As the young Indian turned away from the general's quarters, he almost -ran into the arms of Ralph Boyd, who had come to St. Augustine with his -sister but two days before, intending to remain there until the end of -the war should render it safe for them to return to their plantation. -While Coacoochee was delighted to thus encounter the only white man -whom he could call friend, the young Englishman was more than amazed to -meet him amid such surroundings. - -"Coacoochee!" he exclaimed. "How is this? why are you here? Is it as a -prisoner? Or have you decided to join the winning side, and become an -ally of the Americans?" - -"I am here neither as a prisoner or a traitor," answered the other, -proudly, "but to help in making a peace for my people while they are -yet strong enough to insist upon honorable terms." - -"And do you trust the man whom you have just left?" asked Boyd, -indicating by a gesture the quarters of the general. - -"Yes," replied Coacoochee, slowly. "I trust him, for I must trust him. -Without trust on both sides there could be no treaty. Without a treaty -the Seminole must be wiped out. My father and others of my people are -even now held here as captives, and only through a treaty can their -liberty be restored. I go now to see them. Will my white brother go -with me?" - -"With pleasure. I knew there were Indian prisoners here, but had no -idea that your father was among them, or I would have visited him ere -this, to congratulate him on having so fine a son. Ah! here is their -camp now; but I say, Coacoochee, who is that white girl sitting among -the Indian women? By Jove! she is the most beautiful creature I ever -saw." - -"Her name is Nita Pacheco," answered the young chief, gazing fondly at -the girl, who, intent on a bit of sewing, was as yet unaware of his -presence. - -"Not your Nita! Not the one that you-- Why, confound it, man! You never -told me she was white. You said she was a--" - -"So she is," admitted Coacoochee, very quietly. "She is one of the -Iste-lustee, as you were about to say. Her mother was an octoroon, -and of every sixteen drops in Nita's veins, one is black. Although -she was born free as you or I, she has been claimed as a slave; and -Philip Emathla was obliged to pay a large sum of money to establish her -freedom. With the ending of this war she will become my chee-hi-wah, or -what you would call wife." - -"In which case I don't wonder that you are so keen for peace. If I were -in your place, I would have it at any price, and I only hope I may -speedily have the pleasure of dancing at your wedding. Won't Anstice be -pleased, though? Ever since she discovered that you had a sweetheart, -she has wished to meet her." - -"Would the white maiden take the hand of her who is of the -Iste-lustee?" asked Coacoochee, abruptly. - -"Oh bother your Iste-lustees! of course she would," cried Boyd. "Not -only that, but she would love her dearly. Why, the girl is as white as -Anstice herself, and even if she were not, do you suppose that would -make any difference? Don't you know that any one precious to you must -also be dear to us, who owe you everything, including our lives. Don't -you know the meaning of the word 'gratitude'? And don't you suppose we -know it, too, you confoundedly proud Seminole, you?" - -Ere he finished this speech the Englishman was left alone; for, at -the sound of his raised voice, Nita looked up, and flushed so rosily -at sight of her lover, that he was drawn to her side as irresistibly -as needle to magnet. Then, forgetful of all save each other, they -strolled among the lodges of the little encampment. - -Suddenly while they walked, Coacoochee started as though he had -been shot. In a whisper he bade the girl at his side return to -her companions, and as without comment she obeyed him, he stood -motionless, his face black with rage, and his whole frame quivering -with excitement. The cause of this emotion was a voice coming from the -opposite side of a tent that had been appropriated to the especial use -of Philip Emathla. The voice was saying: - -"They tell me, old man, that you don't savey American; but I reckin you -can understand enough to know what I mean when I say that if you've -got any niggers to sell, I'm the man that'll buy them of you, of co'se -at a reasonable figger. As things stand now, your travelling expenses -are likely to be heavy, and there's two or three wenches in your camp -that I'd be willing to stake you something handsome for. There ain't no -drop of Injun blood in ary one of them, and they are certain to be took -from you, anyway. So you, might as well make something out of 'em while -you've got the chance. One of 'em, that Pacheco gal, is mine by rights, -anyhow; but if--" - -At this point the speaker uttered a yell of terror, and instinctively -reached for his pistol, as with a bound like that of a panther and -blazing eyes, Coacoochee leaped upon him. Mr. Troup Jeffers was -hurled, to the ground with such force that for a moment he lay stunned -and motionless. As the Wildcat glared about him for some weapon with -which to complete his task, two of the guards rushed in and dragged -the slave-trader beyond the lines of the camp. At the same time, Boyd, -who had witnessed the scene from a distance, came hurrying up from an -opposite direction. - -"For Heaven's sake Coacoochee! What does this mean?" he cried; "you'll -have a war on your hands right here if you don't look out." - -Without answering him, the young Indian turned to Philip Emathla, who -was sitting before the tent, and uttered a few hurried words in his own -tongue, the purport of which was, "Look well on this man, my father; -for he is my friend, whom you can trust as you would me. If he comes to -thee for Nita, let her go with him." - -Then he and Ralph Boyd hurried away in the direction from which they -had come. As they passed the group of women, Coacoochee stopped to -whisper in the ear of Nita Pacheco, who was also bidden to trust the -white man now before her, and then they passed on. - -"That dog, whom I would I had killed," said the young Indian, when -they were safely beyond the camp, "is a catcher of slaves, who seeks -to steal my promised wife. For this night, I cannot protect her, for -I must meet Ah-ha-se-ho-la. If I do not, he will not stay, and there -will be no peace. Before the setting of to-morrow's sun Coacoochee will -be free to protect his own. For this night, then, I would have you and -the white maiden, thy sister, give to Nita the shelter of thy lodge; -or, if that be not possible, watch over her and see that she is not -stolen away." - -"Certainly, my dear fellow! Of course we will look out for her as long -as you like, and glad of the chance to thus repay some portion of -our indebtedness," interrupted Ralph Boyd, heartily. "But who is the -rascally beggar?" - -"His name I know not," replied the other; "but certain things -concerning him I do know. He, more than any other, caused this war -between the Iste-chatte and the white man. He broke up the home of the -Pachecos and sold the mother and brother of Nita into slavery, as he -would now sell her. He stole and sold into slavery the wife of Osceola." - -"The scoundrel!" exclaimed Boyd. - -"When my white brother was shot down at the battle of the -Withlacoochee, the bullet came from behind, and from the rifle of this -man." - -"What!" - -"When the home of my white brother was attacked by white men, painted -to look like the Iste-chatte, this man was leader of the band. He it -was who took the white maiden, thy sister, captive and left her to -perish in the forest." - -"Good Heavens, man! Do you know what you are talking about? Can all -this be true?" - -"The tongue of Coacoochee is straight. He would not lie to his white -brother." - -"Yes, but may you not be mistaken? I did not know I had an enemy in the -world, who would thus injure me. Who can it be?" - -"What I have said is true. Does my brother remember talking with a man -under a tree the day before the white soldiers reached the ferry of the -Withlacoochee, and speaking scornful words to him?" - -"Yes, though I don't see how you could know of that. I inquired about -him and found out his name, which proved to be the same as that of the -last overseer on my plantation. I had heard bad accounts of the man, -and had him discharged before taking possession." - -"This man is the same who talked with my brother under the tree." - -"Well, whoever he is, you may be very certain that I shall look into -this thing thoroughly, and if I find him to be guilty of half of these -things, I will make him suffer sweetly. Meantime, my lad, do you rest -easy about your sweetheart. Anstice shall go to her, and for your sake, -if not for her own, her safety shall be guarded with our lives." - -By this time they had reached again the general's quarters, and the -wagon that Coacoochee was to guide stood in readiness. So, with a warm -handclasp, the friends parted, one to go on a mission that he fondly -hoped would bring a lasting peace to his people, and the other to take -measures for the safety of Nita Pacheco. - -According to promise Osceola, escorted by some seventy warriors, -all mounted, and preceded by a white flag, in token of the peaceful -nature of their mission, arrived promptly at the appointed place of -encampment. There they were met by Coacoochee with a welcome supply of -provisions. - -Long and earnestly did the two young chieftains talk together that -night, in planning for the morrow, on which they believed the fate of -their nation would be decided. On one point they were fully agreed. The -negro allies, who had fought so bravely with them, and who were as free -as themselves, must be considered as equal with them, and must, in any -negotiations, be granted the same terms as themselves. If this should -not be allowed, they would refuse to make peace, and would return under -protection of their white flag, whence they came. - -At ten o'clock on the following morning a blare of trumpets announced -the coming of the general. He was accompanied by a staff of uncommon -gorgeousness, and escorted by one hundred mounted militiamen, all -armed to the teeth. Behind these rumbled several large, covered wagons -similar in appearance to the one that had brought provisions the -evening before. These were halted a short distance away, where they -were partially hidden in the palmetto scrub. - -Coacoochee, Osceola, Coa Hadjo, and Talmus, arrayed in such finery as -befitted the occasion, stood forth to meet the newcomers, while their -handful of warriors clustered close behind them. Above their heads -fluttered the white flag of truce. - -Approaching to within a few yards of them, and utterly ignoring the -formalities usual at such a time, and so dear to the heart of an -Indian, the general began abruptly to read a list of questions from a -paper that he held in his hand. The first of these struck like a blow: - -"Are you prepared to deliver up at once all negroes taken from citizens? - -"Why have you not done this already? - -"Where are the other chiefs, and why have they not surrendered?" - -There were other questions of a similar nature, and realizing from -these, as well as from the tone of the speaker's voice, that the whites -had not come there with any thought of discussing a treaty, Osceola, -with a quick glance about him, like a stag brought to bay, attempted to -speak, but his voice choked and failed him. He looked appealingly at -Coacoochee, as though requesting him to frame an answer; but the son of -Philip Emathla stood like one who is stunned. - -"You, Powell," continued the general, harshly, "having signed the -treaty of Fort King, shall be made to abide by it. - -"As for you, Wildcat, I have learned of your recent outrages in the -Withlacoochee Swamp. Never again shall you have a chance to murder -white men, like the cowardly beast whose name you bear." - -Thus saying, the speaker waved his arm, a loud command rang out, there -came a rush through the palmettoes, a clash of weapons, and the too -trusting Seminoles found themselves hemmed in on all sides by a hedge -of glittering bayonets. - -A strong body of infantry, brought in the supposed provision wagons, -had gathered in a circle about the unsuspecting Indians. Thus, within -ten minutes after the arrival of the troops, under the very shadow of a -truce flag, was this most shameful deed of treachery accomplished. - -Disarmed and bound like so many slaves, and guarded by double ranks of -soldiers, the forest warriors were driven, like sheep, to the city and -through the massive gateway of its frowning fortress. Here Coacoochee -was separated forever from Osceola, who was soon afterwards taken to -Fort Moultrie in Charleston harbor. There, a few weeks later, he died -of a broken heart, far away from his friends and from the dear land for -which he had fought so bravely. - -With only Talmus Hadjo for a companion, the Wildcat was roughly thrust -into one of those narrow dungeons from the deadly gloom of which he had -shrunk with such horror on the occasion of his long-ago visit to the -fort in company with Louis Pacheco. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX - -IN THE DUNGEONS OF THE ANCIENT FORTRESS - - -The capture of Coacoochee and Osceola created an extraordinary degree -of excitement in St. Augustine, where the news of this most important -event was hailed with extravagant joy and openly expressed sorrow. -Those who rejoiced were of that class who wanted the war ended, and the -Seminoles removed by any means, fair or foul, they cared not which. -To such persons an Indian was only a species of noxious animal, for -the trapping of which any deception was justifiable. On the other hand -were many honorable men and women whose indignation, at the deed of -treachery by which the fair name of the Government had been smirched, -knew no bounds. Of all these, none was so filled with righteous wrath -as were Ralph and Anstice Boyd. - -"I was not wholly unprepared for some such rascality," said the former, -"and I tried to convey my suspicions to Coacoochee yesterday; though, -knowing nothing definite, I dared not speak plainly. He, poor fellow, -is so entirely honest and incapable of such a cowardly act himself, -that he failed to comprehend what I was driving at. To his simple -mind, a great chief must be an honorable man; otherwise he would not -be a great chief, or, indeed, a chief of any degree. Rather different -from the idea prevailing in most white communities, is it not?" - -"I should say so, judging from what we have seen lately," cried -Anstice. "But I am too furious to talk about it. I am almost ashamed of -being white. I only wish I were a man!" - -"What would you do in that case?" inquired her brother curiously. - -"Do? I would fight, and devote my life to fighting just such outrageous -wrongs as this. That's what I would do." - -"I don't doubt you would, you precious little spitfire, and a mighty -plucky fight you'd put up. You'd lose, though, every time; for, besides -pluck and pugnacity, it takes coolness and infinite patience to fight -the battle of right against might. But, to return to practical matters, -what is to become of our guest, now that Coacoochee is no longer in a -position to elope with her, or afford her other protection than that of -his prayers?" - -"She is to stay with us, of course, for just as long as we can keep -her. In the meantime, we must manage in some way to get him out of that -terrible prison. Poor fellow! How he must be suffering at this minute. -I only hope he remembers that he still has some friends, and that there -are still a few faint sparks of honor and gratitude glowing in the -bosoms of the 'Iste-hatke,' as he calls us. We must get Irwin Douglass -to help us, and I only hope he will call to-day, so that we can begin -to plan at once." - -"Hold hard, sister! Remember that the awkward situation Douglass is -already in is largely owing to us. If you take my advice, you will not -mention to him our desire that Coacoochee should escape, or disclose -to him the identity of our guest. I agree with you, that we are bound -to do whatever we can to aid our Indian friend, and that the forest -maiden shall make her home with us so long as she chooses to do so; -but, for the present, I beg that no one else, not even Irwin Douglass, -be admitted to our secret." - -"Very well, Mr. wise man, I will let you have your own way for a time; -but don't try my patience too far, lest I do something desperate. -Red-headed girls aren't expected to be cool-headed as well, you know, -and so when I have once set my heart on having a thing done, I want it -done without delay." - -Thus it happened that, when Lieutenant Douglass called on the Boyds -that evening, and was formally presented to a Miss Annette Felipe, -he did not, for a moment, doubt that she belonged to one of the old -Spanish-American families of the Territory. She had a darkly beautiful -face, was quietly but stylishly dressed, and was demurely silent. -That she spoke so little was explained by Anstice on the ground that -Spanish was her native tongue, and that she was visiting her in order -to improve her English. - -As the lieutenant did not speak nor understand Spanish, he was more -than content to devote himself to Miss Anstice, leaving the stranger to -be entertained by Ralph Boyd. Douglass and the English girl discussed -his present prospects, and wondered how long he would be obliged to -wait in idleness before a court-martial could be convened to hear his -case, and of course dismiss the absurd charges preferred against him. -They talked of their recent exciting experiences, and finally Anstice -said: - -"By the way, Mr. Douglass, I wish you would take us to visit the -prisoners in the old fort. I am so anxious to see that splendid -Osceola. Besides, we want to do everything we can to make Annette's -visit pleasant, and there is so little to amuse one in this stupid -place. I am sure she would be so interested in those Indians. Won't you -please arrange it, like a dear man?" - -"Certainly, I will if I can," replied the young officer. "At the same -time, I am not at all sure that the general will regard with favor an -application for a permit from one in my peculiar position." - -"Oh, I fancy he will. At any rate, you manage it for us somehow, and -make as early a date as possible; for Annette may be compelled to leave -us at any time, and I wouldn't have her miss seeing the interior of the -fort. She has never seen anything like it, you know. We are going to -take a walk to-morrow morning just to show her the outside of it, and -you may come with us if you choose." - -So Douglass promised to do what he could, and when he joined the -walking party on the morrow, he announced that he had thought of a plan -which he believed would work. "You see," he said, "Mrs. Canby, wife -of Canby of the Rifles, has just arrived from the North, and as she -has never seen any Indians, of course she will be anxious to visit the -fort. So I will get Canby to secure the permit, and invite us all to -join his party." - -While discussing this plan and deciding that it would be the very -thing, they reached the ancient fortress, and as they skirted its -frowning walls, Miss Felipe, who had hardly spoken since starting, and -then only to Anstice, became so visibly affected, that the English -girl threw an arm protectingly about her, exclaiming, "Annette is so -tender-hearted that she can't bear the thought of captives being shut -up in that gloomy place." - -"It is tough luck," agreed the young officer. "And there is not the -slightest chance of their escaping either, for the only openings into -the cells are those small embrasures through which even a boy would -find it difficult to squeeze. They are some eighteen feet above the -floor, too, so that it would be impossible to reach them without a -ladder." - -A few days later, a permit for a party of six to visit the fort having -been secured, Mrs. Canby, the Boyds, their guest, and Douglass set -forth, Mr. Canby being detained by urgent duty, and excusing himself -at the last moment. After passing the strong guard stationed at the -gateway, the sightseers found themselves in a large, open space, where -many of the captives were lounging or walking about. In these, the -Spanish girl showed not the slightest interest, but seemed inclined -to hasten on. She carried a light shawl thrown over her arm, of which -slight burden Douglass had politely but in vain attempted to relieve -her. - -"Your friend seems very odd, and not at all like other girls," he -confided to Anstice Boyd. - -"Yes. Isn't she?" replied the English girl, readily. "But then you must -remember her bringing up. I wonder if Osceola is among these Indians?" - -"Oh no, miss," answered the sergeant who had been detailed to act as -guide. "The chiefs are only allowed out, one at a time, under guard, -after the others have gone in. They are in their cells now." - -"Well, take us to them, then," said Anstice, "for they are the ones we -care most to see. Don't you think so, Mrs. Canby?" - -"Yes, indeed," agreed that lady; "only I hope they will prove better -looking and more interesting than these creatures out here." - -So the party was guided to the cell occupied by Osceola, in front of -which paced a sentry, and its massive door was swung back on creaking -hinges. The haughty chieftain, still clad in his most splendid -costume, was seated on a stool, gazing blankly at the opposite wall. He -roused slightly as the sergeant said: - -"Here's some ladies come to visit you, Powell," and when Mrs. Canby and -Anstice expressed a wish to shake hands with him, he extended his hand -to them mechanically. When, however, the lieutenant also offered to -shake hands, a fierce flash of anger leaped into the eyes of the forest -warrior, and he drew back haughtily, exclaiming as he did so: - -"No, sir! Never again shall the hand of Ah-ha-se-ho-la meet in -friendship that of one wearing the disgraced livery of a United States -officer." - -"Horrid thing!" cried Mrs. Canby, as the party hurriedly withdrew from -the cell. "The idea of a mere savage daring to speak so to an army -officer! You did well, Miss Felipe, not to go near the wretch, and I -only wish I hadn't. I certainly don't want to see any more of them." - -As the speaker absolutely refused to visit the remaining prisoners, -which the others were still desirous of doing, Douglass remained with -her, leaving but three of the party to inspect the cell occupied by -Coacoochee and Talmus Hadjo. It, like the other, was guarded by a -sentry, with whom the guide, after throwing open the door, stepped -aside to speak. - -Although the Spanish girl had remained outside the other cell, she -pushed eagerly forward into this one, while Anstice and her brother -stood in the doorway. Talmus Hadjo lay on a pile of forage-bags that -served as a bed, while Coacoochee, the very picture of despair, stood -leaning, with folded arms, against one of the walls. He hardly noticed -his visitor, until in a low, thrilling tone she pronounced his name. -Then, as though moved by an electric shock, he sprang forward, gasped -the single word "Nita!" and clasped the girl to his breast. - -A few murmured words passed between the two; then he released her, -and, stooping, she slipped something from her shawl beneath one of the -forage-bags lying on the floor. - -When the sergeant reappeared at the doorway a second later, the -Spanish girl, looking perfectly composed, was standing quietly at -one side, Talmus Hadjo was regarding her with undisguised amazement, -while Coacoochee, with a new light shining in his face, was silently -exchanging hand-clasps with Ralph and Anstice Boyd. - -"Rather a more decent and civil sort of a chap than the other," -remarked the sergeant as he again locked the door, and the visitors -turned away. "Now there's only one more cell, and--" - -"I don't think we care to inspect any more cells to-day," interposed -Anstice, hastily; and so a few minutes later the reunited party were -breathing once more the outer air of freedom, while Mrs. Canby -expressed very freely her opinion of Indians in general and of those -whom they had just seen in particular. - -While the transformation of Philip Emathla's adopted daughter into -Miss Annette Felipe, clad in the costume of civilization, and guest of -Anstice Boyd, may appear as surprising to the reader as it did to the -captive war-chief whom she had just left filled with a new hope, it was -all brought about very simply. On the evening that Coacoochee confided -her to the protection of Ralph Boyd, that gentleman, accompanied by his -sister, strolled down to the Indian encampment. First they received -permission to speak with the aged chieftain, who was summoned to the -lines for that purpose. A few minutes later their strolling carried -them past the darkest corner of the camp, where they were joined by a -slender figure that had slipped through the lines without attracting -the attention of a guard. Over this figure Anstice threw a long cloak -that she had carried on her arm, and thus disguised, Nita Pacheco -accompanied her new friends to their home. Her absence from the Indian -camp was not discovered until two days later, when Mr. Troup Jeffers, -claiming her as his escaped slave, and armed with an authority from the -general for her recapture, visited the Indian camp in search of her. - -The slave-catcher made a great outcry when he found that his prey had -again eluded him, but he was speedily silenced by a very unexpected -meeting with Ralph Boyd, who had been watching for the man who should -make that very claim. - -At sight of him whom he had every reason to believe was long since -dead, the scoundrel's face turned livid, and he staggered back like one -who has received a knife-thrust. - -"Drop this business, and leave town inside of an hour if you value your -wretched life!" hissed Boyd in his ear, and an hour later St. Augustine -was well rid of Mr. Troup Jeffers. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI - -A DARING ESCAPE - - -Not until his prison door was again closed, and the footsteps of his -visitors had died away in the distance, did Coacoochee turn from -listening, and stoop to see what it was that Nita had brought him. From -under the forage-bag he first drew a Spanish hunting-knife, beautifully -balanced, and with the keen edge of a razor. It was of dull blue Toledo -steel, and its shapely haft was exquisitely silver-mounted. At sight -of it the young Indian uttered an exclamation of joy, for it was his -own well-tried weapon, endeared by long association, and his unfailing -friend in many a combat with man and beast. It had been his father's -before him, and with it Anstice Boyd had severed the bonds confining -Irwin Douglass, when his life hung by a thread, in the swamp stronghold -of Osceola. She had kept it ever since, awaiting an opportunity to -restore it to its owner, and had now done so, by the hand of Nita -Pacheco. - -While Coacoochee gloated over this treasure, his comrade in captivity -pulled aside the bag beneath which it had been concealed, and disclosed -another object of equal value with the precious knife. It was a coil -of rope, slender and finely twisted, but of a proved strength, capable -of supporting the weight of two men. - -"Now, Talmeco," cried Coacoochee, in the Indian tongue, "we have -something to live for. Already do I breathe again the free air of the -forest, for want of which I had died ere many days. Now will we show -these dogs of the Iste-hatke that their cunning is no match for that of -the Wildcat. Again shall the war-cry of Coacoochee ring through hammock -and swamp, glade and savanna, and the Iste-hatke shall tremble at its -sound." - -"But," said Talmus, "was it not one of the Iste-hatke who brought us -these things? Has my brother won the heart of a pale-faced maiden?" - -"Ho, ho!" laughed the young chief. "Are the eyes of Talmeco grown so -dim from long gazing at stone walls that he did not see, through the -dress of the white squaw, the form of Nita Pacheco, daughter of Philip -Emathla, and the beloved of Coacoochee? She it was, and no other, who -found a way to this hole of rats, and brought the means of escape. Let -us hasten, then, to make use of them, that she may not be disappointed." - -"How can we?" queried Talmus. "There is but one opening, and it is too -small for the passage of a warrior. A boy could hardly make his way -through it. Besides, it is too high for us to reach, and, even if we -got outside, would we not fall again into the hands of the soldiers?" - -"Ho-le-wau-gus, Talmeco!" exclaimed the other. "Is thy man's heart -turned by thy captivity into that of Cho-fee [the rabbit], and art thou -become one who trembles at the sight of his own shadow? Listen, that -thy heart may again become strong. The Wildcat will climb to yonder -opening, and show his brother the way. It is small, but we will make -ourselves smaller. We will go when the Great Spirit has drawn his -blanket over the face of the sky, so that no light may shine from it, -and no man can see us. Is it well?" - -"It is well, my brother. Let Coacoochee lead, and Talmus Hadjo will -follow in his steps." - -For long hours during the weary days of captivity, had the young chief -lain on his bed of bags, and gazed hopelessly at the single narrow -opening in the wall far above him. He had believed that, if he could -only reach it, he could so reduce his body as to pass through the -aperture. Now he saw a way to reach it. Standing on his comrade's -shoulders, and using his knife, he soon worked its point into a little -crevice between the stones, just above his head. As Talmus could not -support his weight very long at a time, and as there came days of such -frequent interruptions that they dared not work, it was several weeks -before the crevice was so enlarged that it would receive the knife up -to its hilt. Then, by drawing himself up on it, Coacoochee found to -his delight that he could gain the narrow slit piercing the thick wall. -To his dismay, it was barely wide enough to permit his head to pass -through, but not his body. - -The prisoners at once decided to starve themselves, and reduce their -flesh by taking medicine. This they did, until they became mere -skeletons, and their keeper began to fear that they would die on his -hands. - -In the meantime they cut up many of the bags on which they slept, into -short lengths, which they bound closely, at intervals, about their -slender rope, so as to afford a grasp for their hands. When all was in -readiness, they were obliged to wait many days longer for a cloudless -and moonless night. - -At length it came as dark as Erebus, with squalls of rain, and a -fierce wind that howled mournfully about the bastions and through the -embrasures of the old fort. Much to the disgust of the captives, one of -the prison keepers was in an unusually sociable mood that night, and -made repeated visits to their cell, talking and singing, until they -feared they would be compelled to kill him, in order to get rid of his -presence. Finally they pretended to be asleep when he entered, and upon -this he left them for good. - -The time for action had arrived; and, taking one end of the rope with -him, Coacoochee, stripped to the skin, save for a breech-cloth, -mounted on his comrade's shoulders, felt for the deeply cut crevice, -thrust his knife into it, and, in another minute, had gained the -embrasure. Here, after first regaining and securing his precious knife, -he made the rope fast, by passing a loop about a projecting ledge, and -leaving only enough inside for his comrade to climb up by, he passed -the remainder through the opening, and let it drop, hoping that it -might be long enough to reach ground at the bottom of the moat. - -With great difficulty, the young Indian thrust his head through the -narrow slit. Then, with the sharp stones tearing the skin from his -breast and back, he slowly and painfully forced his body through, being -obliged to go down the rope head foremost, until his feet were clear -of the opening. With each minute of this desperate struggle, it seemed -as though his weakened powers of endurance must yield to the terrible -strain, and that his grasp on the slender rope must relax; in which -case he would have pitched headlong into the yawning depths below. -But the indomitable will that had already aided him so often finally -triumphed over physical weakness, and after a half-hour of struggle, -the young war-chief slid in safety down the line that led to freedom, -and lay panting on the ground, twenty-five feet below the aperture that -had so nearly proved fatal. - -Fortunately he lay in the deep angle of a bastion, where the shadows -were blackest, for just then two men, evidently officers, passed close -to him engaged in earnest conversation. He overheard one of them say -that arrangements were perfected for removing all the prisoners on the -morrow to Charleston, South Carolina, where they would be beyond a -possibility of rescue or escape. - -So overjoyed was Coacoochee at thus learning of the timeliness of his -venture for liberty that he became filled with fresh vigor, and feeling -a movement of the rope, that he still held in one hand, he instantly -gave the signal that all was well, and the way clear for his comrade to -descend. As he waited in breathless anxiety, he could plainly hear the -struggle that was taking place far above him. At length it ceased, and -in a low, despairing voice Talmus informed him that having forced his -head through the embrasure, he could get no further, nor could he even -draw it back. - -"Throw out thy breath, Talmeco, and try again! Throw out thy heart -and soul, if needs be, and tear the flesh from thy body," urged the -young chief, in a voice little above a whisper, but thrilling in its -intensity. - -Thus adjured, Talmus Hadjo made one last desperate effort, with such -success that he not only forced his bleeding body through the aperture, -but lost his hold of the rope and came tumbling down the whole -distance. - -[Illustration: HADJO LOST HIS HOLD OF THE ROPE AND CAME TUMBLING DOWN -THE WHOLE DISTANCE.] - -With a smothered cry of horror, Coacoochee sprang to his side, and, -feeling a faint heart-beat in the stunned and motionless form, dragged -it to a near-by pool of water. This he dashed over the injured man with -such effect that, in a few minutes, his consciousness returned. He was, -however, so injured by his fall as to be unable to walk, and feebly -begged Coacoochee to save himself and leave him to his fate. For answer -the young chief, with an astonishing display of strength, considering -his condition, picked up his helpless friend, slung him across his -back, and thus bore him nearly half a mile, to where the palmetto scrub -afforded temporary concealment. - -Daylight was now breaking, and some means must be devised for moving -rapidly. So, depositing his burden on the ground, Coacoochee turned -back to an open field in which he had seen several mules. Hastily -twisting some shredded palmetto leaves into a rude bridle, he had the -good fortune to capture one of the animals, on which he mounted both -himself and his comrade. - -For several hours they rode through the trackless pine forest, and at -length reached a travelled road, which it was necessary they should -cross. Before doing so Coacoochee slipped from the mule to assure -himself that no enemy was in sight. He had gone but a few paces, when -the animal, with a loud bray, dashed into the open, and galloped madly -towards a small party of mounted volunteers, who happened to be making -their way towards the city. - -The sight of a single naked Indian dashing toward them was too great -a temptation to be resisted. A dozen rifles poured forth their deadly -contents, both the mule and his helpless rider pitched headlong, and -in the death struggle of the animal, the dead face of Talmus Hadjo was -crushed beyond recognition. One of the white men, coolly and as neatly -as though well accustomed to the operation, took the scalp of the -fallen warrior. Then the party rode merrily forward, exchanging coarse -jests concerning the handsome manner in which the redskin had been -potted. - -Filled with rage and grief at this loss of his companion, Coacoochee -also hastened from the scene, plunging deep into the recesses of a -near-by hammock and vowing a future but terrible vengeance upon the -cowardly perpetrators of this cold-blooded murder. Living on berries, -roots, and the succulent buds of cabbage palmettoes, sleeping naked on -the bare ground, and slinking from hammock to hammock like a wild beast -who is hunted, the fugitive worked his way southward for three days. - -On the evening of the third day he walked into the camp of his own -band on the headwaters of the Tomoka River. By Louis Pacheco and his -warriors the young chief was greeted as one raised from the dead. When, -after they had fed and clothed him, they listened to his wonderful -tale of treacherous capture, long imprisonment, timely escape, and -the cruel death of Talmus Hadjo, they vowed themselves to a fiercer -resistance than ever of the white oppressors. - -Within an hour runners were despatched to several bands who were known -to be contemplating surrender, urging them to abandon their intention -and continue the fight to its bitter end. Thus was the conflict which -General Jesup had just declared ended, renewed with a greater fury than -ever, and Coacoochee the Wildcat became the acknowledged leader of his -people. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII - -NITA HEARS THAT COACOOCHEE IS DEAD - - -Long and anxiously had the friends of Coacoochee in St. Augustine -awaited the result of their effort to aid him in regaining his freedom. -They dared not attempt to visit him again, lest by so doing they should -arouse suspicion and injure his cause; for the two principal chiefs -were so closely guarded that visitors were only admitted to them at -long intervals and as a great favor. So Nita was forced to endure a -weary period of suspense and feverish anxiety, that caused her to droop -like a transplanted forest lily. - -Although Ralph Boyd sought daily for information concerning the -prisoners, he could gain little, save that of a depressing nature, much -of which he and Anstice dared not share with their guest. He heard -that Coacoochee's strength was so weakened on confinement that it was -believed he could not live much longer, and there was a rumor that he -and Osceola were to be hanged for their perversity in continuing the -war. - -In the meantime, the number of Indians held captive in St. Augustine -had been greatly increased by the bands of Micanopy, Cloud, Tuskogee, -and Nocoosee, all of whom, urged to do so by the Cherokee delegation, -had accepted General Jesup's invitation to meet him for a peace talk. -Again was the flag of truce violated, again was treachery substituted -for honest fighting, and again were the too trusting savages seized, -disarmed, and sent to St. Augustine as prisoners of war. - -So many captives were now crowded into the ancient city, that, in order -to secure them beyond all hope of escape, as well as to make room for -others who, it was hoped, might be enticed to _make peace_ in a similar -manner, it was deemed advisable to transfer them to Charleston. There -they could be detained in safety until the time came for their final -removal to the west. Preparations for this movement were made with -great secrecy, that the Indians might not learn of it until the last -moment. Transports were secured, and finally it was made known to the -officers of the post only that an embarkation would be effected on the -following day. - -Rumors of the contemplated removal had reached the Boyds, and had, of -course, been communicated to Nita. She declared that, if Coacoochee -did not succeed in escaping before it took place, she should resume -her position as the adopted daughter of Philip Emathla, and so follow -her lover into exile. In this determination, Anstice warmly upheld -her friend, but begged her to wait until the latest possible moment, -before exchanging her present security for the uncertain fate of a -captive. - -One evening, Lieutenant Douglass, who, having safely passed the ordeal -of a court-martial, and, honorably acquitted, had been restored to -duty, called on the Boyds. In course of conversation with Anstice he -casually remarked, that the morrow would probably offer the last chance -they would ever have of seeing their friend Coacoochee. - -"What do you mean?" asked the startled girl. - -"I mean that the Indians in St. Augustine are to be embarked for -Charleston to-morrow morning; and Coacoochee, poor fellow, is reported -to be in such wretched health that it is not probable he can live long, -especially in a climate so much colder than this." - -Nita, who sat in another part of the room, listlessly engaged in a bit -of fancy-work, glanced up quickly as she caught the name of her captive -lover. She did not hear what else the young officer said, and waited -eagerly for his going, that she might question her friend. Anstice, on -her part, was so impatient to communicate to Nita the news she had just -learned, and became so absent-minded in her conversation with Douglass, -that he suspected something had gone wrong, and so took his departure -earlier than usual. - -Long and earnestly did the two girls, who had grown to love each other -like sisters, talk together that night. Very early the next morning, -escorted by Ralph Boyd, they left the house and turned in the direction -of Philip Emathla's encampment. Nita had resumed her Indian dress, but -over it she wore the same long cloak that had served to disguise her on -a former occasion. Its hood was drawn over her head and about her face, -so that but little of her features could be distinguished. - -As they hastened through the narrow streets of the quaintly built city, -their attention was attracted by a clatter of iron-shod hoofs, and a -mounted officer in service uniform came dashing toward them. It was -Irwin Douglass, and he reined up sharply at sight of his friends. As he -lifted his cap to the ladies, he exclaimed: - -"Well, you are early birds this morning! I suppose you have heard the -great news and are come out to verify it?" - -"No, we haven't heard any news; what is it?" asked Boyd. - -"Coacoochee has escaped from the fort! got out somehow during the storm -last night, and made off. The general is in a terrible temper over it. -I am ordered out with a scouting party to see if we can pick up the -trail. So I must hurry on. Good-bye." - -In another minute the bearer of this startling bit of news was -clattering away down the street, while the three who were left stood -staring blankly at one another. - -Nita was saying over and over to herself, "Coacoochee has escaped, has -escaped, and is free. Oh! how happy I am! And that soldier is going to -try and recapture him. Oh, how I hate him! But he cannot. Coacoochee is -free, and will never let them take him again. Oh, how happy I am!" - -As Anstice Boyd reflected upon the full meaning of what she had just -heard, her heart was crying out: "Coacoochee has escaped, and I aided -him. Now Irwin has gone to find him. They will meet and kill each -other. I know they will! Oh! why did I do it? Why did I do it?" - -Ralph Boyd expressed his feelings aloud by exclaiming: "That is one -of the best bits of news I have heard in many a day. It will continue -the war, no doubt, but I don't care if it does. Serve the sneaks right -who thought to end it by treachery. They will get some greatly needed -lessons in honest fighting now." - -"You don't mean Mr. Douglass, brother?" - -"Douglass? No! Bless his honest soul! He's no sneak, but only an -unfortunate victim of circumstances. But never you fear, sister. -Douglass won't catch Coacoochee, even if he has to ride half around -the territory to avoid him. He is too honorable a fellow to do a mean -thing, or forget a debt of gratitude. If Douglass is the only one sent -after him, Coacoochee is all right. I am afraid, though, there are -others. I'll find out as soon as I get you two back to the house. -What! Not going back?" - -"Not just yet, brother. Nita wants to be the first to tell the great -news to Coacoochee's father, so as to give the old man courage to bear -his exile and his sad journey. She wants to bid him good-bye too, for -of course she will not go with him now." - -"Of course not, and I suppose we must let her do as she wishes," agreed -Boyd, reluctantly. "I hope, though, she will be very careful not to be -recognized." - -"I will see that she is careful, brother." - -So the three continued their way to the Indian camp, which they found -in a state of dire confusion on account of the order for removal just -received. There were already many white persons in the camp; soldiers -who were hastening the preparations, and mere curiosity-seekers who -were retarding them by their useless presence. All of these, as well -as the Indians themselves, gazed curiously at the two ladies and the -stalwart young Englishman, who walked directly to the tent of Philip -Emathla. The old man, who was sitting in a sort of a daze just outside, -recognized Ralph Boyd at once, and when Nita stooped and whispered -in his ear, he immediately rose and followed her inside the canvas -shelter. Anstice also went inside, and the flap curtaining the entrance -was dropped, leaving Boyd outside on guard. - -As he gazed curiously on the novel scene about him, and even walked a -few steps to one side the better to observe it, a white man of sinister -aspect passed him twice, each time regarding him furtively but keenly. -Suddenly he darted to the tent, pulled aside the flap, and thrust his -head inside. - -A startled cry from the interior attracted Boyd's attention, and, ere -the man had time for more than a glimpse, he was seized by the collar, -and jerked violently backward. - -"What do you mean, scoundrel! by your rascally intrusion into other -folk's privacy?" demanded the young Englishman, hotly. "I've a mind to -give you the kicking you deserve." - -"I didn't mean nothin', cap'n," whined the man, squirming in the -other's fierce clutch. "I didn't know thar was any privacy in thar. I'm -thought 'twas only Injuns; and I'm got orders to take that tent down -immejiate." - -"Well, you won't take it down, not yet awhile; and you'll vanish from -here as quick as possible. So get!" - -With the utterance of this expressive Americanism the speaker released -the man, and at the same time administered a hearty kick that caused -its recipient to howl with anguish. Ere he disappeared he turned a look -of venomous hate at his assailant and muttered: - -"I'll git even with you for this, curse you! Anyway, I saw what I -wanted to see, and I know whar the gal's to be found." - -He was Ross Ruffin, Mr. Troup Jeffers' human jackal, who, at the -bidding of his master, had been hanging about the Indian camp for -weeks, watching for the reappearance of Nita Pacheco. His suspicions -had just been aroused by the disappearance, into Philip Emathla's tent, -of two ladies, and in the single glimpse caught by his bold manoeuvre -they had been confirmed. He had seen Nita, whose cloak having fallen -to the ground, was fully revealed in her Indian costume, standing with -her hands on the old chieftain's shoulders and imparting to him the -glorious news of Coacoochee's escape from captivity. Now all that he -had to do was to discover whether the girl accompanied the Indians to -Charleston or remained behind, and this information he had acquired ere -nightfall. - -Nita had not seen him, and it was Anstice who uttered the cry that -attracted her brother's attention. Of course neither of them recognized -the man, nor when, a little later, they returned to the house that Nita -had believed on leaving she should never see again, did they notice -that he was stealthily following them at a distance. After that he -watched the embarkation of the captives, to assure himself that Nita -Pacheco did not accompany them. As the transports sailed, Ross Ruffin -also left the city, and that night he held a conference with Mr. Troup -Jeffers. - -The inmates of the Boyd house experienced mingled feelings of -satisfaction at Coacoochee's escape, apprehension lest he should be -recaptured, and anxiety in behalf of their friend Douglass. Only Nita -was confident and light hearted. - -"He will not be caught," she said, "nor will he harm your friend; we -shall hear from him very soon by some means." - -She was right; they did hear very soon, and when the news came, it was -of such a terrible nature that the others would gladly have kept it -from her. Lieutenant Douglass, returning at nightfall from his scout, -went directly to the Boyds' house; and, in answer to the eager queries -that greeted his entrance, said: - -"Yes; I found him, poor fellow! About a dozen miles from the city we -met a squad of volunteer cavalry. In reply to my question if they had -seen any sign of Coacoochee, who had just escaped from the fort, one of -them said: 'You bet we have, cap'n, and here's his scalp.' With that--" - -Here the speaker was interrupted by a stifled cry and a heavy fall. -Nita Pacheco lay unconscious on the floor. The two men bore her to -a bed in an adjoining room, where they left her to the gentle care -of Anstice. When they returned to the outer room, Douglass asked -curiously: - -"What does it mean, Boyd? What possible interest can your guest have in -Coacoochee?" - -"My dear fellow, I see now that we ought to have told you sooner, and -so saved her this cruel blow. She is Nita Pacheco, Spanish by descent, -but Indian by association and bringing up. She is the adopted daughter -of Philip Emathla, and the betrothed of Coacoochee." - -"Good Heavens!" cried Douglass. "No wonder she fell when struck such a -blow. What a brute she must think me." - -"Don't blame yourself, old man," said Boyd, soothingly; "the fault lies -entirely with us. But are you certain that Coacoochee is dead?" - -"The man who scalped him said he knew him well, and could swear to his -identity. We went on to examine and bury the body, and it answered -fully the description of Coacoochee. Oh yes, there is no doubt that -he is dead, though his companion has thus far eluded all search. In -one way, I suppose his death will be a good thing for the country; but -I must confess, that for the sake of that poor girl, I would gladly -restore him to life if I could, and take the consequences. Well, good -night. Make the best apologies you can for me to Miss Anstice." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII - -TOLD BY THE MAGNOLIA SPRING - - -The reported death of Coacoochee, which was generally believed, gave -great satisfaction to the people of Florida, and to the troops who had -been for so long engaged in the thankless task of trying to subdue the -Seminoles. With many of their leading chiefs removed beyond hope of -return, and with their most daring spirit dead, the Indians must, of -course, relinquish all hopes of successfully continuing the struggle. -So the war was supposed to be ended, and many families of refugees now -returned to their abandoned homes. - -Among these were the Boyds, who had no longer any reason for remaining -in St. Augustine, and who were particularly anxious to remove Nita -from the sorrowful associations surrounding her there. She was slow to -recover from the shock caused by the news of her lover's death, but as -soon as she was able to bear the journey, they took her with them to -the plantation, which they begged her to consider her own home. - -Ralph Boyd began at once the energetic restoration of his property. A -few of the old servants had already found their way back, and others, -tired of dwelling amid the constant alarms of Indian camps, began -to arrive in small bands, as soon as they heard that the proprietor -had returned, until nearly the whole of the original force of the -plantation was restored to it. Aided by these free and willing workmen, -the young planter repaired the great house and numerous outbuildings, -cleared and replanted the weed-grown fields, trimmed the luxuriant -growth of climbing vines and shrubbery, and, within a few months, could -gaze with honest pride over an estate unexcelled for beauty by any in -Florida. - -In these undertakings Nita tried, for the sake of her friends, to -exhibit an interest, and in their presence to appear cheerfully -content. With all her efforts, however, she could not conceal the fact -that she was pining for her old forest life, and would gladly exchange -the luxuries of civilization for the rude camp of her warrior lover, -could he but be restored to her. She spent much time, clad in her -Indian costume, and roaming the wilder portions of the plantation, -mounted on one of those fleet-footed ponies for which Florida was -famous, and which were descendants of the old Andalusian stock brought -over by De Soto. One of the girl's favorite haunts was the bank of -a spring that boiled from a bed of snow-white sand, amid a clump of -stately magnolias, about a mile from the great house. Here she would -sit for hours, plaiting sweet-scented grasses into graceful shapes, -as she had learned to do among the maidens of King Philip's village; -but always thinking such sad thoughts that her work was often wet with -scalding tears. At such times Ko-ee, as she called her pony, circled -about her in unrestrained liberty, nibbling at grasses or leaves, here -and there, but always quick to come at her call, and behaving much like -a well-trained watch-dog, fully aware of the responsibility of his -position. - -One mild and hazy afternoon early in the new year, when the weather -was of that degree of perfection that it so often attains just before -the coming of a "Norther," Nita sat by her favorite spring, and Ko-ee -browsed near at hand. All at once the pony uttered a snort, pricked up -his delicate ears, and began to move uneasily toward his mistress. As -she glanced up from her work, she was filled with terror at the sight -of a man standing but a few paces away, and regarding her earnestly. -Her first impulse was to fly, and her next was to fling herself into -his arms; for in that instant she recognized the brother whom she had -not seen since that night of cruel separation nearly four years before. - -"Louis!" she cried. "Louis, my brother! Is it you? Are you really -alive? I thought you were dead, together with all whom I have ever -loved. I knew you had escaped and joined our friends in fighting for -their rights and our rights; but they told me you were killed, and I -thought I was alone in the world." - -[Illustration: NITA SAT BY HER FAVORITE SPRING.] - -"Even if I had been killed, dear, you would not be alone, so long as -Coacoochee is left; for he--" - -"Louis! How dare you? He is dead!" - -"Dead, sister! Coacoochee dead, when he but now sent me here to find -you; when but four days ago I fought by his side in the fiercest and -most splendid battle of this war? He was wounded, to be sure, though -not seriously; but as for his being dead, he is no more dead than you -or I. What could have put such a belief into your mind?" - -For a moment the girl stared at her brother with unbelieving eyes and -colorless face. "Is it true?" she whispered at length. "Can it be true? -Tell me, Louis, that you are not saying this thing to tease me, as you -used when we were children. Tell me quick, brother, for I can bear the -suspense no longer." - -As Louis assured her that he had spoken only the truth, and that her -lover still lived, the girl's over-strained feelings gave way, and she -sank to the ground, sobbing, and panting for breath. - -Louis Pacheco, clad in the costume of a Seminole warrior, battle worn, -and travel stained, sat by his sister's side and soothed her into -quietness. Then he told her the story of the great fight on the shore -of Lake Okeechobee. He told how Coacoochee and three other chiefs, -with less than five hundred warriors, fought for three hours in the -saw-grass and tangled hammock growth, against eleven hundred white -troops under General Zachary Taylor, and finally retired for want of -ammunition, taking with them their thirteen dead and nineteen wounded. -"The white soldiers were killed until they lay on the ground in heaps, -and their wounded could not be counted. If we had only had plenty of -powder, and as good guns as they, we would not have left one of them -alive," concluded the narrator, fiercely. - -"Oh, Louis, it is awful!" cried the girl, with a shudder. - -"What is awful? That we left so many of them alive? Yes; so it is, -but--" - -"I do not mean that. I mean this terrible fighting." - -"Yes, sister, the fighting is terrible, and so is the suffering; but -neither is so terrible as tamely submitting to slavery, and injustice, -and oppression, and the loss of everything you hold most dear on earth. -Those are the terrible things that the whites are trying to force upon -us. But we will never submit. We will fight, and cheerfully die, if -needs be, as free men, rather than live as slaves. As for the white -man's word, I will never trust it. Coacoochee trusted it, and it led -him to a prison. Osceola trusted it, and it led him to death. Micanopy -trusted it, and it led him into exile." - -"But, Louis, some of the whites are honorable. The Boyds have treated -me like an own sister, and, but for them, Coacoochee would not now be -free." - -"Yes," admitted Louis, with softened voice. "Coacoochee has told me of -them, and with my life would I repay their kindness to you and to him. -With them you are safe, and with them will I gladly leave my sister -until such time as I can make a free home for her." - -"Oh, Louis! Haven't you come for me? Can't I go with you?" - -"Not now, Ista-chee [little one]. Here is greatest safety for you; -for to all the Iste-chatte has word been sent that none may harm this -place, nor come near it. The suffering of the women and children with -us is very great, and I would not have you share it. Now I must go; -for I am sent to notify the northern bands of our victory, and bid -them follow it up with fierce blows from all sides. In two days will -I come to this place again, when, if you have any token or message -for Coacoochee, I will take it to him. Soon he hopes to come for you -himself, and until that time you must wait patiently." - -So saying, and after one more fond embrace of his sister, Louis -disappeared in the undergrowth, leaving Nita radiant and filled with a -new life. Her brother had bound her to secrecy concerning his visit, -at least until he had come and gone again, but she could not restrain -the unwonted ring of happiness in her voice, nor banish the light from -her face. Both of these things were noted by Anstice, as she met the -girl on her return to the house. - -"Why, Nita! What has happened?" she exclaimed. "Never have I seen you -look so happy. One would think you had heard some glorious news. What -is it, dear?" - -"Please, Anstice, don't ask me; for, much as I am longing to tell you, -I can't; that is, not for a few days. Then I will tell you everything. -But I am happy. Oh, I am so happy!" - -With this, the girl darted away to her own room, leaving Anstice in a -state of bewilderment not unmixed with vexation. - -"I'm sure she might have told me," she said to herself. "It can't be -anything so very important, for there is no possible way of receiving -news at this out-of-the-world place, unless it is brought by special -messenger, and none could arrive without my knowledge. I do believe, -though, that one is coming now." - -Anstice was standing on the broad front verandah, over which was -trained a superb Lamarque rose, so as to form a complete screen from -the evening sun. Her ear had caught the sound of hoof-beats, and, as -she parted the vines before her, she saw two horsemen coming up the -long oleander avenue. Both were in uniform, and it needed but a glance -for the blushing girl to discover the identity of the foremost rider. -It was Irwin Douglass, hot, dusty, and weary with long travel. He -dismounted, tossed his bridle to the orderly, who rode back toward the -stables with both horses, and slowly ascended the steps. - -As he gained the verandah, his bronzed face flushed with pleasure -at sight of the daintily clad girl who was stepping forward with -outstretched hand to greet him. - -"Oh, Miss Anstice! If you could only realize how like a bit of heaven -this seems!" he exclaimed. - -"You must indeed have undergone hardships to find your ideal of heaven -in this stupid place," laughed the girl, at the same time gently -disengaging her hand, which the young man seemed inclined to hold. -"Now sit down, and don't speak another word until I have ordered some -refreshments, for you look too utterly weary to talk." - -"But I have so much to tell, and so short a time to tell it in," -remonstrated the lieutenant. "I must be off again in an hour." - -"Never mind; I won't listen to such a woe-begone individual. Besides, -Ralph will want to hear your news as well." - -With this, Anstice disappeared in the house, and Douglass sank wearily -into a great easy-chair. - -Directly afterward Ralph Boyd appeared with a hearty greeting, and -a demand to hear all the news at once. Before his desire could be -gratified, his sister returned with a basket of oranges, and followed -by a maid bearing a tray of decanters, glasses, and a jug of cool -spring water. - -"These will save you from immediate collapse," said the fair hostess, -"and something more substantial will follow very shortly. Now, sir, -unfold your budget of news, for I am dying to hear it." - -"Well," began Douglass, "there has been the biggest fight of the war, -away down south on the shore of Lake Okeechobee, and I was in it." - -"Oh!" exclaimed Anstice. - -"That, of course, is nothing wonderful," continued the young soldier, -"but it is surprising that I came out of it without a scratch, for -there were plenty who did not. On our side we left twenty-six dead on -the field, and brought away one hundred and twenty severely wounded, -besides a few score more suffering from minor injuries." - -"Whew!" ejaculated Ralph Boyd. "Who was in command?" - -"General Taylor, on our side. And now for my most surprising bit of -news." Here the speaker hesitated and looked carefully about him. -"I want to be cautious this time," he said. "But it was confidently -asserted by scouts and prisoners that the Indian commander was no other -than our late lamented friend, the Wildcat." - -"Coacoochee! So that was Nita's secret!" cried Anstice. "I might have -known that nothing else would make her look so radiant. Oh! I am so -glad!" - -"What do you mean?" demanded the astonished lieutenant. "How could she -have heard anything about the battle, when I have just come from the -field with despatches for St. Augustine, and have ridden almost without -stopping?" - -"I don't know, for she wouldn't tell me; but I am certain she did hear -some time this afternoon. But oh! Mr. Douglass, we are so thankful -that you escaped so splendidly. It must have been awful. Of course you -gained the victory, though?" - -"I don't quite know about that," replied the lieutenant, doubtfully. -"We silenced their fire, and drove them from the field after a -three-hours fight; but it is said that they had less than half our -number of men, and we are in full retreat. Officially, of course, we -have won a victory; but it wouldn't take more than two or three such -victories to use up the whole Florida army." - -They discussed the exciting event for an hour longer, and then Douglass -was reluctantly forced to continue his journey. When he left, he -promised to be back in three days' time, as his orders were to proceed -from St. Augustine to Tampa. - -This promise was fulfilled; but when the lieutenant again drew rein -before the hospitable plantation house, that seemed so much like a -home to him, he found its inmates filled with anxiety and alarm. Nita -Pacheco had disappeared under very mysterious circumstances the evening -before, and no trace of her whereabouts or fate could be discovered. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV - -FOLLOWING A MYSTERIOUS TRAIL - - -Nita had not appeared during the lieutenant's former brief visit to the -plantation, and when, on his departure, Anstice sought her to charge -her with having already learned that Coacoochee still lived, the happy -girl made no denial of her knowledge. At the same time she would not -reveal the source of her information, though when Anstice declared her -belief that Nita had seen the young chief himself, the latter denied -that such was the case. "He is wounded," she added, "and could not -come. Besides," she continued proudly, "he is now head chief of the -Seminole nation, and has much to think of. But he remembered me, and -sent me a message." - -"Remembered you, indeed!" cried Anstice. "I should think he ought to; -but I am sorry to hear that he is wounded, for he is a splendid fellow. -Isn't it wonderful, though, that Lieutenant Douglass went through that -same awful battle, and came out without injury. I can't understand it." - -"In a battle where Coacoochee commands, no friend of Ralph Boyd can be -struck, save by accident," replied Nita, simply. - -"Do you believe that? If I thought it were true, I should love your -Indian hero almost as much as you do, dear. I wonder, though, if that -can be the secret of Irwin's escape?" - -So the two girls talked and became drawn more closely to each other -with their exchange of innocent confidences. - -On the following day, Nita rode Ko-ee as usual, though not in the -direction of the magnolia spring; but on the one after, she haunted its -banks for hours. She went to it in the morning, reluctantly returning -to the house for lunch and to have Ko-ee fed at noon, and made her way -back to the place appointed for meeting her brother, as soon afterwards -as she could frame a decent excuse for so doing. - -She was in the gayest of spirits as she rode away, and she laughingly -called back to Anstice, "To-morrow, dear, I am going to spend the whole -day with you." - -"Isn't it a pleasure to see her so happy?" asked Anstice of her -brother, as they watched the girl ride away. "And did you ever see -such a change in so short a time? A few days ago she was listless and -apparently indifferent whether she lived or not. Now she is full of -life, and interested in everything. Then, I did not consider her even -good-looking; while at this minute, she seems to me one of the most -beautiful girls I ever saw." - -"Yes," replied Boyd, "I have noticed the change; but I wish, Anstice, -you would persuade her to give up these lonely rambles; though she has -promised me not to go beyond the limits of the plantation, I can't help -feeling uneasy. If I weren't so awfully busy, I would ride with her -myself, since she insists on riding." - -"No you wouldn't, brother," laughed Anstice. "I couldn't afford to -have the jealousy of the savage lover aroused in that way. Besides, -it is absurd to regard Nita as though she were a daughter of -civilization, needing to have every step carefully guarded. In spite -of her sweetness, and the readiness with which she has fallen into our -ways, she is still so much of an Indian as to be more at home in the -trackless forest, than in the _chaco_ of the _Iste-hatke_, as she is -pleased to term the house of the white man. So let her alone, brother; -for, if she is to be the wife of an Indian, the more she retains of her -Indian habits, the better it will be for her." - -Thus Nita was allowed to go her own way. And when, at sunset, she had -not returned, but little uneasiness was felt in the great house on her -account, though Anstice did sit with her gaze fixed on the long avenue -up which she expected each moment to see the truant appear. - -A few minutes later her uneasiness was exchanged for alarm, as one of -the stable boys came running to the house to report that Ko-ee, the -pony, had shortly before appeared at the stables, riderless and alone, -though still saddled and bridled, and that Miss Nita was nowhere to be -seen. - -Filled with dismay at this report, Ralph Boyd and his sister hastened -to the stables, and there were greeted by the further news that four -of the best horses belonging to the plantation were missing. This had -only been discovered when one of the stable boys went to the field into -which all the horses not in use were turned during the daytime, to -drive them up for the night. - -By this time a group of excited negroes was collected, and it seemed as -though it had only needed the starting of disquieting reports to cause -others to come pouring in. It now appeared that saddles and bridles -had been stolen, that provisions had disappeared, that a boat was -missing from the river bank, that unaccountable noises had been heard, -and mysterious forms had been seen at night, in various parts of the -plantation. - -When Boyd sternly demanded why he had not been informed of these things -before, the negroes replied that they had not dared offend their Indian -friends, whom they believed to be at the bottom of all the trouble. - -"If Indians are prowling about here, the sooner we locate them and -discover their intentions, the better," announced the proprietor, "and -if Miss Nita has come to any grief from which we can extricate her, the -sooner we do that, the better also." - -With this, he armed himself and a dozen or so of the more trusted -negroes, provided a dozen more with torches, for the night had not -grown very dark, let loose all the dogs of the place, wondering at the -time why they had not given an alarm long before, and thus accompanied -made a thorough examination of all Nita's known haunts within the -limits of the plantation. Midnight had passed ere the fruitless search -was ended, and the young man returned wearily to the great house. - -"It is my honest conviction," he declared to Anstice, as she hovered -about him with things to eat and to drink, "that Nita has met some band -of Indians and gone off with them. I shouldn't be surprised to learn -that Coacoochee had sent for her, or even come for her himself." - -"I don't believe any such thing," said Anstice, decidedly. "She would -never have gone off without bidding us good-bye. Nor do I believe -that Coacoochee would take, or allow to be taken, one pin's worth of -property belonging to you. Whatever has happened to Nita, and I am -afraid it is something dreadful, she has not left us in this state of -suspense of her own free will." - -"Well," replied the other, "I am too tired to discuss the question -further to-night, and perhaps daylight will aid us in solving it." - -Soon after sunrise the next morning, according to his promise of -returning on the third day, Lieutenant Douglass, heading an escort -of troopers, and accompanied by one of the most experienced scouts in -Florida, reached the plantation. While at breakfast he gathered all the -known details of what had happened on the previous evening. Then he -asked which of Nita's usual haunts she would have been most likely to -visit the afternoon before. - -"The magnolia spring," replied Anstice, without hesitation. "She was -going in that direction when last seen." - -"Let us take a look at the magnolia spring, then, and see if Redmond, -my scout, can discover any signs of her having been there." - -So they four, the Boyds, Douglass, and the scout, visited the bubbling -spring beside which Nita was known to have passed so much of her time. -Within two minutes the scout pointed out a place in a thicket but a -short distance from the spring, where a struggle had taken place, and -from which a plainly marked trail led through the undergrowth toward -the river. - -"There were only two men," he said, "and they warn't Injuns, for no -redskin ever left such a trail as that. Besides, Injuns don't wear -boots, which them as was here yesterday did. It's my belief that -them men has made off with the girl. Leastways, one of 'em carried -something heavy; but they've been mighty careful not to let her make -any footprints." - -The trail was followed to a place on the riverbank where a boat had -been concealed, and from signs undistinguishable to untrained eyes, the -scout described the craft so minutely, that Ralph Boyd knew it to be -the one missing from his own little fleet. - -"But what have white men got to do with this business?" the latter -asked, in perplexity, and unwilling to drop his Indian theory. - -"Dunno, cap'n," replied the scout; "but you can take my word for it, -that white men have been, and Injuns hasn't. Yes, they have too!" he -cried, as at that instant his eye lighted on another, almost illegible -print, near where the boat had grounded. "Here's a moccasin track, and -it ain't that of any woman either. What I want now is to have a look on -the other side." - -In compliance with this desire, a boat was procured, and the whole -party crossed the river. Then a short search located the point where -the other boat had landed. It also disclosed a most puzzling trail, for -here were the prints of _four_ pairs of booted feet instead of two, -while no trace of moccasins was to be found. The trail led from the -water's edge to a grove in which four horses had been tied to trees, -and from there it bore away to the southwest. - -"They're headed for the Tampa road," remarked the scout; "and I reckon -Tampa's where they're bound for." - -"Then we'll have a chance to find out something more about them," -said Douglass; "for I must be a long way toward Tampa before another -nightfall." - -"By Jove, old man! I'm going with you," declared Ralph Boyd; "I want to -know something more of this affair myself." - -"If you go, Ralph, I shall go too," announced Anstice, firmly. "I'm not -going to be left here alone again. Besides, I am as anxious to find out -what has become of poor Nita as you are, and I have always wanted to -visit Tampa." - -As Douglass assured his friends that nothing would afford him greater -pleasure than to have them accompany him, and joined with Anstice in -her plea, Ralph Boyd reluctantly gave consent for his sister to form -one of the party. Thus, before they regained their own side of the -river, all details of the proposed trip were arranged. - -While Anstice was making her preparations for departure, her brother -summoned the entire working force of the plantation, and telling them -that he had reason to believe the recent thefts to have been committed -by white men, asked if any of them could remember having seen any -strange white man about the place within a week. - -All denied having done so, save one of the old field hands, who -hesitatingly admitted that he had seen the ghost of a white man, on the -night of the "Norther." - -"Where did you see it?" demanded Boyd. - -"At de do' ob de chickun house." - -"What were you doing there?" - -"Jes' projeckin' roun'." - -"How do you know it was a ghost, and not a live man?" - -"Kase I seen him by de light ob de moon, an kase I uster know him when -he war alive." - -"Whose ghost do you think it was?" - -"Marse Troup Jeffers, de ole oberseer." - -"The very man I ought to have thought of at first!" exclaimed the -proprietor, turning to Douglass. "He is not only so familiar with -the place that he knows where to lay his hands on such things as he -needs, and is friendly with the dogs, but he is so bitter against me -for turning him off, that he has already attempted to take my life, -as well as that of Anstice. He is now a slave-trader, and, in company -with other ruffians like himself, disguised as Indians, he very -nearly succeeded in running off all the hands on the plantation. He -has already made several attempts to capture Nita, for the purpose of -selling her into slavery, and now I fear he has succeeded. I swear, -Douglass, if I ever get within striking distance of that scoundrel -again, his death or mine will follow inside of two seconds. Now, let us -hasten to pick up the trail, and may God help Nita Pacheco, if she has -fallen into the clutches of that human devil." - -The plantation being left in charge of old Primus, the travellers set -forth, and, a number of boats having been provided, they were speedily -ferried across the river, towing their swimming horses behind them. -On the farther side they resaddled and mounted, Anstice riding Nita's -fleet-footed Ko-ee. - -By hard riding they struck the Tampa road before noon, and Redmond -immediately pointed out the trail of four shod horses, which he -affirmed had been ridden at full speed, late the evening before. Soon -afterward, the scout discovered the place where the outlaws had camped. -He declared that they had reached it long after dark, and had left it -before sunrise that morning. - -"Mighty little hope of our overtaking them this side of Tampa, then," -growled Douglass. - -For two days longer did the pursuing party follow that trail. They -found two other camping-places; but study the signs as they would, they -could discover nothing to indicate the presence of a woman, nor of any -save booted white men. "Which is what beats me more than anything ever -I run up against," remarked the puzzled scout. - -On the third day, by nightfall of which they expected to reach Fort -Brooke on Tampa Bay, the plainly marked trail came to a sudden ending, -amid a confusion of signs that Redmond quickly interpreted. - -"They were jumped here by a war-party of Reds," he said, "were -captured without making a show of fight, and have been toted off to -the northward. Would you mind, sir, if I followed this new trail a few -miles, not to exceed five? I might learn something of importance from -it." - -"No," replied Douglass. "We can afford to rest the horses here for an -hour or two, and I will go with you." - -"So will I, if you have no objection," said Boyd. - -The three went on foot swiftly and in silence for about three miles, -then the guide suddenly stopped and held up his hand for caution. -Creeping noiselessly to his side, the others peered in the direction he -was pointing, and there beheld a scene of horror that neither of them -forgot so long as he lived. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV - -FATE OF THE SLAVE-CATCHERS - - -For some time, Boyd, Douglass, and the scout had been aware of an odor, -pungent and sickening; but neither of the two former had been able to -determine its character. Now, as they gazed into an opening in the pine -forest, beside a small pond, its hideous cause was instantly apparent. -Although there was no sign of human life, there was ample evidence that -human beings, engaged in the perpetration of an awful tragedy, had -occupied the place but a few hours before. Chiefest of this evidence -were the charred remains of two human bodies, fastened and supported by -chains to the blackened trunks of two young pine trees. At the foot of -each tree a heap of ashes, and a few embers that still smouldered, told -their story in language so plain that even the civilian and the soldier -had no need of the scout's interpretation to enable them to comprehend -instantly what had taken place. - -For a few minutes they remained in hiding while he cautiously circled -about the recent encampment to discover if any of the Indians still -lurked in its vicinity. At length he reappeared on the opposite side -of the opening, and entering it disturbed a number of buzzards that -were only awaiting the cooling of the embers to begin their horrid -feast. These rose on heavy wings, and lighting on neighboring branches, -watched the intruders with dull eyes. - -"The Injuns have gone," said the scout as he met his companions in the -middle of the opening, "and taken the four horses with them. It was a -small war-party, all on foot and without women or children; but what -beats me is that there ain't no tracks of white men along with theirs. -Here are two accounted for, but what has become of the other two? They -might have rid horseback, it's true; but then, it ain't Injun way to -let prisoners ride when they are afoot themselves." - -"Is there any way of finding out who these poor devils were?" asked -Douglass, indicating the pitiful remnants of humanity before them. - -"No, sir, I can't say as there is," replied the scout, doubtfully. "All -I know for certain is that they was human, most likely men, and more -than likely white men. They must have done something to make the Reds -uncommon mad, too; for even Injuns don't burn prisoners without some -special reason, and never, in my experience of 'em, have I run across a -case where they did it in such a hurry. Generally when they've laid out -to have a burning, they save it till they get back to their village, so -as to let all hands share in the festivities. No, sir; this case is -peculiar, and you can bet there was some mighty good reason for it." - -As it would have been useless to follow the Indian trail any further, -the scouting party turned back from this point. - -"If I could only be sure that one of those wretches was Jeffers," said -Boyd to Douglass as they made their way among the solemn pines, "I -should feel that he had met with his just deserts. Certainly no man -ever earned a punishment of that kind more thoroughly than he. As the -matter stands, I fear it will be long before this mystery is cleared, -if, indeed, it ever is. Under the circumstances, don't you think it -will be just as well not to tell Anstice what we have seen?" - -"Certainly," replied Douglass, "and I will instruct Redmond not to -mention our discovery to any one. Of course, I shall be obliged to -report it to the general, but beyond that it need not be known." - -So Anstice was only told that the scouts had followed the Indian trail -as far as they deemed advisable, without discovering a living being, -and she rode on toward Tampa, happily unconscious of the hideous -forest tragedy that had been enacted so near her. Although she was -still anxious concerning Nita, she was not without hope that the girl -had fallen into friendly hands, who would ultimately restore her to -Coacoochee. - -At Tampa, which presented at that time a scene of the most interesting -activity, the Boyds formed many friends. A large military force was -stationed here in Fort Brooke, a post charmingly located on a point of -land projecting into the bay, and shaded by rows of live-oaks, vast in -size, and draped in the cool green-gray of Spanish moss. Beneath these -were the officers' quarters, and long lines of snowy tents. One of the -married officers, whose wife had gone North, tendered the Boyds the -use of his rudely but comfortably furnished cottage until they should -find an opportunity for returning safely to their own home. They gladly -accepted this offer, and their cottage quickly became a centre of all -the gayety and fun of the fort. - -Just back of the post was a large encampment of Indians, who had -surrendered or been made prisoners at different points, and were now -collected for shipment to New Orleans, on their way to the distant west. - -Although Anstice, in her pity for these unfortunates about to be torn -from the land of their birth, often visited them, and made friends with -the mothers through the children, she did not realize their sorrow so -keenly as she would had any of her own friends or acquaintances been -among them. - -On the day before that fixed for their embarkation, Colonel Worth, of -the 8th Infantry, came in from a long and finally successful scout -after Halec Tustenugge's band of Indians. Although the leader of -this band, together with a few of his warriors, succeeded in eluding -capture, a large number, including many women and children, had been -brought in. These it was decided to start for New Orleans in the -morning with the captives already on hand. - -The colonel who had just concluded this arduous campaign was a fine -specimen of the American soldier, as honest as he was brave; and a -cordial friendship already existed between him and the Boyds. As was -natural, therefore, the morning following his arrival at Fort Brooke -saw him seated at their cheerful breakfast table, where, of course, the -conversation turned upon the existing war. - -"There is just one man in Florida to-day, with whom I wish I had a -personal acquaintance," remarked the colonel. "He alone could put a -stop to this infernal business of hiding and sneaking and destroying -cornfields, and running down women and children, if he only would. His -name is Coacoochee." - -"Yes, I know him well, and believe what you say of him is true," -responded Boyd. - -"You know him! Then you are just the man to aid me in meeting him. I am -to be sent into his country in a few days, and am extremely anxious to -have a talk with him. Will you go with me, and exert your influence to -induce him to come in?" - -"I am afraid my influence would prove of small avail, colonel. You see, -Coacoochee has been already caught by chaff and made to suffer dearly -for his credulity." - -"Yes, I know, and it was one of the most outrageous--But I have no -business criticising my superior officers, so I can only say that--" - -Just here came an interruption in shape of a lieutenant, who wished -the colonel's instructions concerning an awkward situation. "You see, -sir," he began, "we had just got the prisoners, whom you brought in -yesterday, nicely started for the boats, when one of them, and a mighty -good-looking one for a squaw, darted out from among the rest and ran -like a deer towards the woods. Two of the guards started after her, -and several men ran so as to head her off. At this, and seeing no -other chance of escape, she sprang to a small tree and climbed it like -a kitten. Once up, she drew a knife from some part of her clothing -and declared in excellent English that she would kill any man who -dared come after her and then kill herself. I have been talking to -her and trying to persuade her of her foolishness. She only answers -that she will never be taken from Florida, and will do exactly what -she threatens, in case we attempt her capture. She is terribly in -earnest about it, and I am afraid means just what she says. Now all the -boats have left, save one that is only waiting for her, and I am in a -quandary. I dare not order any man to go up after her. I can't have her -shot. I can't shake her down, nor can I persuade her to come down, and -the transports will have sailed long before she is weary or starved -into submission." - -"It certainly is a most embarrassing situation," laughed the colonel, -rising from the table as he spoke, "and one that would seem to demand -my official presence. Will you come with us, Boyd?" - -"Can't I go too, colonel?" broke in Anstice. "Perhaps I can persuade -the poor thing to come down after all you men have failed." - -"Certainly, Miss Anstice; we shall be delighted to have both your -company and assistance." - -They found the situation to be precisely as described, except that, by -this time, quite a crowd of soldiers, all laughing and shouting at the -Indian girl, were collected about the tree. These were silenced by the -coming of their officers, and drew aside to make way for them. - -"This is a decidedly novel experience," began the colonel, as he caught -sight of a slender figure perched up in the tree, and staring down with -great, frightened eyes. - -At that moment, Anstice Boyd, who had just caught a glimpse of the -girl's face, sprang forward with a little scream of recognition. - -"It is Nita! my own darling Nita!" she cried. "Colonel, order these -horrid men to go away at once, and you and the others please go away, -too. She is my friend, and will come to me as soon as you are all out -of sight. I will be responsible for her, and shall take her directly to -the house, where you can see her after awhile, if you choose." - -Two minutes later the men had disappeared, and the poor, brave girl, -who had determined to die rather than leave the land in which her lover -still fought for liberty, was sobbing as though her heart would break -in Anstice Boyd's arms. The latter soothed and petted her as though -she had been a little lost child, and finally led her away to her own -temporary home. Here she clad her in one of the two extra gowns she -had managed to bring from the plantation, and so transformed her in -appearance, that when, an hour later, the colonel called to inquire -after his captive, he was more amazed than ever in his eventful career, -to find her a very beautiful, shy, and stylishly dressed young lady, to -whom it was necessary that he be formally presented. - -He had, in the meantime, learned her history from Boyd; and, when made -aware of the tender ties existing between her and the redoubtable young -war-chief of the Seminoles, had exclaimed: - -"Ralph Boyd, your coming here with your sister was a special leading -of Divine Providence, as was the act of that brave girl in refusing to -embark for New Orleans this morning. Now, with her aid, we will end -this bloody war." - -Proceeding to headquarters, he briefly explained the situation to -General Armistead, who had just succeeded General Taylor in command of -the army in Florida, and obtained his permission for the transports to -depart, leaving Nita Pacheco behind. - -Upon meeting Nita in Anstice Boyd's tiny sitting-room, the colonel -chided her gently for not making herself known to him at the time of -her capture with the others of Halec Tustenugge's village. - -To this she replied that she and her people had suffered so much at the -hands of white men, and been so often deceived, that they no longer -dared trust them. - -"That is so sadly true, my dear girl, that it seems incredible that -a Seminole should ever trust one of us again. Still, I am going to -ask you to do that very thing. I am going to ask you to trust me, and -believe in the truth of every word I say to you as you would in that of -Coacoochee himself. If I deceive you in one word or in any particular, -may that God who is ruler of us all repay me a thousand fold for my -infamy." - -Here followed a long conversation, in which the colonel outlined his -plan for obtaining an interview with Coacoochee, through the influence -of Nita, who he proposed should accompany his forthcoming expedition -to the southern interior. At its conclusion, Nita gave him a searching -look that seemed to read his very soul. Then, placing a small hand in -his, she said: - -"I will go with you, I will do what I can, and I will trust you." - -"Spoken like a brave girl, and one well worthy the bravest lover in all -Florida!" cried the colonel. "Now can I see the end of this war. Boyd, -I of course count on you to go with us?" - -"And me?" interposed Anstice. "Don't you count on me too, colonel? -Because if you don't, neither of these people shall stir a single step -with your old expedition." - -"My dear young lady," rejoined the colonel, gallantly, "the entire fate -of the proposed expedition rests with you, and I made so certain that -you would accompany us, that I have selected as my adjutant Lieutenant -Irwin--" - -"That will do, sir. Not another word," interrupted the blushing girl. -"If you get into the habit of talking such nonsense I, for one, will -never believe a word you say. I don't care, though, so long as it is -settled that I am to go. Now I want you both to listen while I tell you -what Nita has just told me of all that has happened to her since she -disappeared so mysteriously from the plantation. Nita dear, I am sure -you don't want to hear it, so run up to my room, and have a good rest. -I will come just as soon as I have got rid of these men." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI - -PEACE IS AGAIN PROPOSED - - -After Nita had left the room, Anstice began her story as follows: - -"On the afternoon before that cold 'Norther' we had about a month ago, -Nita was sitting, as she often did, by the magnolia spring. You must -remember the place, colonel. There she received a most unexpected visit -from her brother Louis, whom she had not seen for years. He had been -sent by Coacoochee to carry the news of the battle of Okeechobee to the -northern bands, and also to bring a message to Nita. After they had -talked for awhile, he had to go on his way, but promised to be back in -two days' time and take any message or token she might wish to send to -her lover." - -"That's who it was then!" broke in Ralph Boyd. "Well, I am glad to have -that part of the mystery cleared up." - -"Yes," continued Anstice; "and of course, Nita was awfully excited. -When the second day came, she spent nearly the whole of it at the -spring. Finally, late in the afternoon, as before, she heard a voice -calling to her by name, very softly. Thinking, of course, that it -was Louis, who feared, for some reason, to advance into the open, she -followed the direction of the voice unhesitatingly. Then the first -thing she knew, a cloth was flung over her head, she was seized in a -pair of strong arms, and borne struggling away. - -"When, to save her from suffocating, the cloth was removed, she found -herself in a boat, with two white men and her brother Louis. The poor -fellow's head was cut and bleeding, as though from a cruel blow, and he -lay bound in the bottom of the boat. One of the white men was rowing, -and the other sat watching them, with a pistol in his hand." - -"Did she recognize the white men?" inquired Ralph Boyd. - -"Yes, she says they were the very two who stole her mother, and -afterwards stole the wife of Osceola." - -"The scoundrels!" cried Colonel Worth. "In that case they were the -prime instigators of this war, and ought to have been hanged long ago." - -"Yes," answered Boyd, "and one of them stole my sister, colonel, and -turned her adrift in the forest, where but for Coacoochee she must have -perished. The same gentleman also shot me in the back at the battle of -Withlacoochee, and supposed he had killed me." - -"Hanging would be altogether too good for the brute," declared the -colonel, excitedly. "He deserves to be burned at the stake." - -"That is what the Indians thought," replied Boyd, significantly. "But -go on, sister. Did Nita find out the name of the other man?" - -"Yes, she learned while with them that it was Ruffin,--Ross Ruffin." - -"I have heard of him, too, as being as great a scoundrel as Jeffers -himself, only more of a coward," muttered Boyd. - -"They made both Nita and Louis put on boots before leaving the boat," -continued the narrator, "and that accounts for our finding what we -supposed were the footprints of four white men. When they reached the -place where the horses were waiting, both the captives had their wrists -bound together, and a rope was passed from each to the saddle of one of -the white men. So they rode for two days, and Nita says it was simply -awful." - -"I should imagine it might have been," said the colonel. - -"Just at dusk of the second day, a lot of ambushed Indians surprised -and captured them all without firing a shot. Nita says, in spite of -her fright, she thinks that was one of the happiest moments of her -life. The Indians knew Louis, and, of course, released him and her -at once, tying up the white men instead. That night they camped some -miles from the road, and when Louis told who the prisoners were, and of -the many outrages they had committed, especially the stealing of poor -Chen-o-wah, the Indians declared they should live no longer, and began -at once to make preparations for killing them. Nita says she isn't -certain how they were killed, as she made Louis take her a long way -off, where she could neither see nor hear what was going on; but she -thinks they were _burned_ to death." - -"And I know it," said Ralph Boyd, grimly. "Douglass and I saw their -charred remains the next day, and not knowing who they were, I expended -a certain amount of sympathy on them, that I now feel to have been -wholly wasted." - -"Oh brother! and you never told me! I'm glad you didn't, though, for -it is too horrible to even think of. Well, when Nita got to the Indian -village, they treated her just as nicely as they knew how, and promised -to join Coacoochee, of course taking her with them, as soon as their -crops were planted. Then you came along, colonel, and captured poor -Nita with the others, and brought her in here, and the rest you know. -Oh, I forgot! Nita is feeling very badly about her brother Louis, who -was captured with her and brought here. She says he was taken off in -one of the first boats this morning, and she is afraid she will never -see him again." - -"He must have given an assumed name," remarked the colonel, -thoughtfully. "Under the circumstances, though, I am very glad that -he did, and that he is well out of the country. I am afraid if it had -been known a few hours sooner that Major Dade's guide was in the -prisoners' camp, he would never have left it alive. In that case my -course with Coacoochee, which now appears so plain, would have been -beset with serious, if not insurmountable, difficulties. As it is, I -congratulate you, Miss Anstice, on having Nita Pacheco for a friend, -and look forward to the happiest result arising from that friendship. -Within a week we shall be ready to start for the country of Coacoochee, -and I can assure you that I have never anticipated any expedition with -greater pleasure than I do this one." - -The first of March, that loveliest month of the entire Floridian year, -found Colonel Worth's command camped in Fort Gardiner hammock, on the -western bank of the Kissimmee River. Here, they were more than one -hundred miles beyond the nearest white settlers, and in a country so -abounding with game of all kinds, including deer and turkey, besides -fish and turtles in wonderful abundance, that the troops were fed -on these, until they begged for a return to bacon and hardtack as a -pleasing change of diet. The heavily timbered bottom lands were in -their fullest glory of spring green, fragrant with a wealth of yellow -jasmine, and the glowing swamp azalea, as well as vocal with the notes -of innumerable song birds. It was one of the most charming bits of the -beautiful land that the Seminole loved so well and fought so fiercely -to retain. It was a typical home of the Indian, and one from which the -soldiers of the United States had thus far been unable to drive him. - -In the camp a large double tent, pitched next that of the commander, -was set apart for the use of the Boyds and Nita. Here Anstice held -regal court; for she was not only the first white woman to penetrate -that wild region, but the first who had ever accompanied a command -of the Florida army on one of its "swamp campaigns." In her efforts -at entertaining the officers who flocked about her, Anstice was ably -seconded by Nita, who, though demure and shy, was not lacking in quick -wit and a cheery mirth that had been wonderfully developed during this -expedition into the haunts of her lover. - -From its outset she had refused to wear the garb of civilization, and -appeared always dressed in the simple costume of an Indian maiden such -as the young Seminole war-chief might recognize at a glance, and now he -might be expected at any moment. - -The day on which he had promised to come in had arrived, and already -was Ralph Boyd gone forth to meet him. Oh, how slowly the time passed, -and yet again, how swiftly! Finally, unable to conceal her agitation, -Nita returned to the innermost recess of the tent, while Anstice -entertained several officers with gay talk and laughter outside. - -Friendly Indians, sent out long before with a white flag, on which were -painted two clasped hands, in token of friendship, and with numerous -presents, had found Coacoochee, and informed him of Colonel Worth's -desire for a talk; upon which the fierce young chief had laughed them -to scorn. - -"Tell the white chief," he said, "to come alone to the camp of -Coacoochee if he wishes to talk." - -"Thy friend Ralph Boyd is in the camp of the soldiers, and sends word -that the white chief is to be trusted." - -"Tell my friend that I am through with trusting white chiefs. I have -had a sadder experience with them than he." - -"Nita Pacheco is in the camp of the soldiers, and, being restrained -from coming to thee, bids thee come to her. She also sends word that -the white chief is to be trusted even as she is to be trusted." - -For a long time Coacoochee sat silent, while the little smoke clouds -from his calumet floated in blue spirals above his head; then he spoke -again, saying: - -"Tell the white chief that in five days Coacoochee will come to him. -Tell Ralph Boyd that on the fifth day from now, two hours before the -sleeping of the sun, if he comes alone, I will meet him at the palmetto -hammock, one mile this side of the soldiers' camp. If he comes not, -then shall I return to my own people, and the white chief shall never -meet me save in battle. Tell Nita Pacheco that at her bidding only, -of all the world, do I trust myself again within the power of the -Iste-hatke. Now go, and bear to her this token from Coacoochee." - -With this the young chief detached from his turban a superb cluster -of egret plumes fastened with a golden clasp, and handed it to the -messenger. This token had been promptly delivered to Nita, together -with her lover's message, and now she awaited his coming. - -Ralph Boyd, riding out alone to meet his Indian friend, felt almost -depressed at the utter loneliness of his surroundings, in which no -signs of human presence or animal life were to be discovered. He -wondered curiously, as he rode, whether that fair country would ever -be filled with the homes and tilled acres of civilization. As he -approached the cluster of cabbage palms named as the place of meeting, -he scanned it closely, but without detecting aught save an unbroken -solitude. - -Even as he pondered on how long he should wait for Coacoochee to fulfil -his engagement, he was startled by a low laugh, and the young chief, -with outstretched hand, stood by his side. - -Springing from his saddle, the Englishman grasped the hand of his -friend, and after a warm greeting confessed his amazement that any -human being could have approached him so closely without warning. - -"I remembered the magic by which your warriors were made to appear and -disappear on that former occasion long ago," he said, "and have watched -so keenly this time that I did not believe even you could come within -many yards of me without detection. Even now I know not from where you -came." - -For answer Coacoochee uttered his own signal, the cry of a hawk. -Instantly, to Boyd's infinite amazement, the two were surrounded by a -cordon of warriors, all armed with rifles, and the furthest not more -than three rods away. - -Coacoochee smiled at the blank expression on his friend's face, and -said: "From the camp of the soldiers to this place have my braves kept -pace with thee; for, while I trust Ralph Boyd, I was not yet prepared -to fully trust the war-chief of the Iste-hatke nor place myself -entirely in his power. Now am I satisfied, and will go with you." - -Thus saying, Coacoochee waved his hand, and the Indians, who had stood -motionless about them, disappeared within the shadows of the hammock. -At the same moment there came from it seven mounted warriors, one of -whom led a superb horse fully equipped for the road. The young chief -vaulted lightly into the saddle of this steed, and Boyd mounting at -the same time, the two friends, followed by their picturesque escort, -dashed away toward the camp by the Kissimmee. - -A few minutes later a blare of trumpets and a roll of drums heralded -their arrival, and Colonel Worth, escorted by a group of officers in -full uniform, stepped forward to greet the distinguished guest, from -whose coming so much was hoped. As the two war-chiefs of different -races, and yet both natives of one country, held each other's hand, -and gazed into each other's face, each was impressed with the belief -that he had met an honest man, a worthy foe, and one who might become a -stanch friend. - -After the formalities of the occasion had been exchanged, and just as -Coacoochee's eyes were beginning to rove restlessly down the camp, -Anstice Boyd stepped to his side, gave him the greeting of an old -friend, and leading him to her own tent, bade him enter alone. - -Thus there was no witness to the meeting of the forest lovers; but -when, a few minutes later, they came from the tent together, there was -a happiness in their faces that had not been there since that long-ago -evening of betrothal in the village of Philip Emathla. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII - -COACOOCHEE IS AGAIN MADE PRISONER - - -Although the Seminoles had generally been victorious in their battles -with the whites, they were struggling against a power so infinitely -greater than theirs that the four years of war already elapsed had made -very serious inroads upon both their strength and their resources. -Their entire force was in the field, and they had no reserves from -which to draw fresh warriors. They must raise their own food supplies -even while they fought. They could not manufacture powder nor arms, and -could only gain infrequent supplies of these by successful battles or -forays. The fresh, well-armed, and well-fed troops, operating against -them, outnumbered them ten to one. Their entire country was dotted -with stockaded posts, called by courtesy "forts," garrisoned by troops -who were continually driving the Indians from hammock to hammock, -destroying their fields, and burning their villages. - -One line of these posts extended across the Territory, from Fort -Brooke on Tampa Bay to St. Augustine, cutting off the northern bands -from those who had sought refuge amid the vast swamps of the south. -Another line extended down the west coast, and up the Caloosahatchie -to Lake Okeechobee; while a third line commanded the Atlantic coast -from St. Augustine to the mouth of the Miami River, where it empties -into far-distant Biscayne Bay. Of this last chain the principal posts -were Fort Pierce, on the Indian River opposite the inlet, Fort Jupiter -at the mouth of the Locohatchie, Fort Lauderdale on New River, and -Fort Dallas on Biscayne Bay. The last named was most important of all, -because of its size, its strength, nearly all of its buildings being -so solidly constructed of stone that some of them are in a good state -of preservation to this day, and on account of its situation, which -commanded the Everglades and the system of waterways connecting them -with the coast. - -Under these circumstances, it is no wonder that the Indians were weary -of the hopeless struggle against such overwhelming odds, and that -Colonel Worth found Coacoochee willing to talk peace. - -The two war-chiefs seemed drawn to each other, and to understand each -other from the first. During the four days that Coacoochee remained -in the camp of the soldiers, they held many informal talks concerning -the subject of greatest importance to them both. For a long time, -Coacoochee argued stoutly against the removal of his people to a -distant country, and pleaded hard for a reservation in their own land. - -To this Colonel Worth replied that more than half the tribe were -already removed, and could never be brought back. Also that, with -the great tide of white immigration setting steadily southward, no -reservation in Florida, worth the having, could be secured to the -Indians for more than a few years; at the end of which time the -existing troubles would rise again with exaggerated violence. - -These arguments finally prevailed, and with a heavy heart the young -chief admitted the necessity of leaving the land of his birth. He, -however, made one stipulation. - -"There are among us," he said, "those of a darker skin than ours, but -who are yet our brothers. Many of them were born to freedom in the land -of the Iste-chatte. They have fought with us for our liberty, and have -died by our side. They are with us as one people, and where we go they -must also go. If Coacoochee surrenders, and exerts his influence for -the removal of his people, it is only on condition that those of the -Iste-lustee now dwelling with the Seminoles shall go with them, and -that no one of them shall ever be claimed by a white man as his slave. -Are the words of Coacoochee good in the ears of the white war-chief?" - -"They are good," replied Colonel Worth, "and, were I in full command, -your condition should be granted unhesitatingly. But there is another -war-chief more powerful than I, who must be consulted. I believe he -will gladly accept your terms. He is now at Fort Brooke. Will you go -with me and see him? If you will, no matter whether you come to an -agreement or not, I pledge my sacred word, as a man and a soldier, that -you shall return to your own people, free and without harm." - -For some minutes Coacoochee meditated this proposition in silence. Then -he said slowly: - -"Micco-hatke [white chief], in the hope of ending this war, and saving -the lives of my people, I will do what I have said I never would do. I -will trust myself again within the walls of a white man's fort. I will -go with you to talk with this great white chief. First, I must return -to my warriors, and tell them where I am going, that there may be no -fighting while I am gone. I give you these ten sticks. With the rising -of each sun throw one away. When all are gone, Coacoochee will come -again, and go with his white brother to the place of the great white -chief." - -So the Wildcat left the camp of the soldiers as free as he had entered -it, journeyed far among the scattered bands of his people, and in ten -days returned, prepared to accompany his white friends to the place -from which they had set forth in search of him. - -At Tampa, General Armistead expressed himself as greatly impressed with -the manliness and evident sincerity of the young chief. He readily -consented to the condition imposed, and bade him bring in his people -at once, that they might be embarked for emigration. - -To this Coacoochee replied that, while he had become convinced of the -necessity for removal to the west, it would take time to convince his -followers, especially as the soldiers had so driven them that they -were scattered in small bands all over the country. They would not be -gathered together until at their great annual festival or green corn -dance, which would be held in June. Before that time he doubted if he -should be able to accomplish very much. - -Understanding this state of affairs perfectly, General Armistead -still desired Coacoochee to go and collect his people as speedily as -possible, designating Fort Pierce on the Indian River as the place at -which they should assemble. - -So the young war-chief having renewed his confidence in the words of -the white man, departed cheerfully, and filled with a new hope for -the future. He had received every mark of friendship and distinction -from officers and soldiers, and had been given no cause to doubt for a -moment the sincerity of these expressions. - -As Colonel Worth was about to leave for Palatka, and the Boyds were -taking advantage of his escort to return to their own home, Coacoochee -decided to accompany them as far as the plantation on the St. John's, -where Nita was still to be left until his return from the great -enterprise he had now undertaken. - -About this return much was said; for it would mean the beginning of -the young chief's long journey to the west, and of course on that -journey, from which there was to be no return, Nita Pacheco was to -accompany him. Anstice had set her heart on having what she termed -the "royal wedding" take place at the plantation, and had so nearly -gained Coacoochee's consent to being married according to the way of -the Iste-hatke, that she already considered her pet scheme as good as -adopted. - -The only officer accompanying the colonel to Palatka was Lieutenant -Douglass; and, on the evening of their arrival at the plantation, as -he and Anstice sat together on the verandah, while Coacoochee was -strolling with Nita beneath the oaks, and Ralph Boyd was entertaining -Colonel Worth inside the house, he startled the English girl by asking: - -"Wouldn't it be just as easy, Miss Boyd, to have two weddings as one -when Coacoochee returns?" - -"Why, yes. I suppose so. If there was any one else who wanted to get -married just at that time." - -"Well, there is. I do, for one." - -"And who is the other, pray?" - -"Can't you guess, Anstice? Don't you know? Won't you--?" - -Here the young officer caught one of the girl's hands in both of his, -and though he was obliged to release it a moment later, as the other -men appeared on the verandah, the mere fact that she had not snatched -it away filled him with unspeakable joy. It was a sufficient answer to -his question, and he knew as well as though told in words, that he had -won something better and sweeter far than rank, or honors, or position, -or whatever else besides love the world holds most dear. - -During the weeks that followed this happy evening at the plantation, -while Colonel Worth, with Irwin Douglass as his hard-worked adjutant -was always in the field, giving the Indians to understand that the -vigilance of the troops was in no way to be relaxed, by the prospects -of peace, Coacoochee, in the far south, was using every effort to -redeem his pledged word, and persuade his people to come in for -removal. He often visited Fort Pierce, the appointed rendezvous, which -was commanded by Major Chase, the same who as a captain had destroyed -the swamp stronghold of Osceola. This officer had long been conducting -similar operations in the south, despatching small bodies of troops -in all directions from his post, on the soldierly tasks of destroying -fields, capturing women and children, and burning the rude roofs that -had sheltered them. Upon receipt of orders to stay his hand, and hold -his troops in check, that Coacoochee might be given an opportunity -to collect his scattered warriors, Major Chase became impatient at -the loss of his favorite occupation. So he sent word to the general -commanding, that Coacoochee was so dilatory in fulfilling his promises, -that it was believed he meditated treachery. - -At this, General Armistead, who was on the point of being relieved of -his command, and ordered to Washington, consummated his official career -in Florida by an act calculated to bring a blush of shame to the cheek -of every American soldier. It was nothing more nor less than an issue -of instructions to Major Chase to seize Coacoochee, together with any -who might accompany him, the very next time the young chief visited -Fort Pierce, and hold them as prisoners of war. - -Upon the retirement of this general, the man appointed to succeed him -to the command in Florida, was Colonel Worth, then at Palatka, on -the St. John's, which was headquarters of his regiment. The distance -between that point and the Boyds' plantation was so short, that the -colonel, together with his adjutant, was in the habit of frequently -visiting it and sharing its bountiful hospitality. Here were often -held discussions of the war, and of the efforts then being made by -Coacoochee toward securing peace. During these conversations, the -colonel was apt to sigh for an extension of his powers, that he might -be enabled to put some of his pet theories into practice. In these -aspirations the plantation household heartily sympathized. - -It was only natural, then, that, on receiving his unexpected -appointment as commander-in-chief, the honest soldier should hasten -to impart the glad intelligence to his friends and bid them share his -satisfaction. - -Thus it came about that, a few evenings later, Ralph Boyd gave a dinner -in celebration of the event, at which, among other guests present, were -"General" Worth, as he must now be called, and Lieutenant Douglass. - -The occasion was one of unrestrained happiness, for all believed that -the tedious war must now come to a speedy close. Frequent blushes were -brought to the cheeks of both Anstice and Nita, by sly allusions to the -rapid approach of a certain double wedding that now appeared among the -probabilities of the immediate future. - -When the festivities were at their height, and all were in the gayest -of spirits, there came a clatter of horses' hoofs, and a rattle of -arms, from outside. The next moment a travel-stained courier entered, -saluted, and handed the general a despatch marked "urgent." - -The commander tore it open, glanced with paling cheeks at its contents, -and sprang to his feet, exclaiming: - -[Illustration: "ALL IS LOST AND THE WAR IS ABOUT TO BREAK FORTH WITH -GREATER FURY THAN EVER."] - -"My God, gentlemen! all is lost, and the war is about to break forth -with greater fury than ever! In violation of our plighted word, -Coacoochee and fifteen of his followers have been treacherously -seized at Fort Pierce, sent in irons to Tampa, and despatched in -cruel haste to the west. A transport even now bears them toward New -Orleans. In this emergency there is, to my mind, but one thing to be -done. Coacoochee must be brought back. Without his aid to end it, this -wretched war will continue indefinitely. Lieutenant Douglass, within -fifteen minutes I shall want you to start on an overland ride to New -Orleans. Intercept Coacoochee and bring him back to Tampa. For so -doing you shall have my written authority. Boyd, pen and paper, if you -please, and quickly." - -Less than a quarter of an hour later, Douglass, splendidly mounted, -armed with all requisite authority, and followed by but two troopers, -dashed away down the long avenue, fairly started on his momentous -mission. - -As Anstice bade him farewell, she whispered in his ear: "Remember, -Irwin, a double wedding, or none." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVIII - -DOUGLASS FULFILS HIS MISSION - - -In spite of the undisguised treachery by which Coacoochee had been -made a prisoner and hurried from the country, the act was hailed with -joy by unthinking people all over the Territory. These cared not how -their enemy was got rid of, so long as they were at liberty to seize -his lands and enslave the negroes among his followers. There were many -others who were making too good a thing out of the war to care to have -it end. From these classes, therefore, arose a mighty clamor, when it -became known that General Worth was determined to bring back the young -war-chief; and for a time there was no man in the country so bitterly -abused and reviled as he. - -To the fearless soldier, strong in the rectitude of his convictions, -and planning far ahead of the present, this storm of words, prompted -by ignorance, malice, and selfish interests, was but as the idle -whispering of a passing breeze. He cared not for it; and if he had, his -attention was too immediately and fully occupied by matters of pressing -importance to permit him to notice it. - -As the general had foreseen, the outrage perpetrated upon their most -beloved chieftain caused the Seminole warriors to spring to their arms -with redoubled fury. Even as a smouldering brush-heap is fanned into -leaping flames by a sudden fitful gust, so the spirit of revenge, -burning deep in Indian hearts, was now allowed to blaze forth without -restraint. Small war-parties sallied forth from every swamp and -hammock, burning and killing in all directions. Nimbly eluding pursuit, -these could neither be destroyed nor captured; and through their fierce -acts of vengeance, the citizens of Florida were given bitter cause to -regret the taking away of Coacoochee. Such chiefs as remained, bound -themselves by a solemn covenant to hold no further intercourse with the -treacherous white man, but to fight him to the bitter end, and to put -to death any messenger, red, black, or white, whom he might send to -them under pretence of desiring peace. - -It was now summer, the season of heat, rain, fevers, and sickness. -Heretofore, during the summer months, the Indians had rested quietly in -their villages, and cultivated the crops that should furnish food for -the campaign of the succeeding winter. Heretofore, at this season, the -soldiers had been withdrawn from the deadly interior, and allowed to -recuperate in the health-giving sea-breezes of the coast. - -Now all this was changed. While sympathizing with the wronged and -outraged Indians, General Worth's loyalty to his government was too -strong to permit his feelings to interfere in the slightest with the -full performance of his duty. The time for an active summer campaign -had arrived, and the new commander was the very man to conduct such a -one with the utmost vigor. The Indians who had taken to the war-path -quickly found, to their sorrow, that the whites had done the same thing. - -From every post in Florida detachments of troops scoured the -neighboring territory, carrying desolation and dismay into every part -of the country known, or supposed, to be occupied by the enemy. No -hammock was so dense, and no swamp so trackless, that the white soldier -did not penetrate it. During the month of June thirty-two cornfields of -from five to twenty acres each were despoiled of their growing crops, -and as many Indian villages were destroyed. Even the watery fastnesses -of the widespread Everglades were invaded by a boat expedition from -Fort Dallas, which destroyed crops and orchards on many a fertile -island that the Indians had fondly believed no white man would ever -discover. During this same month of June, more than three thousand men, -stricken by fevers and kindred disease encountered in the swamps, were -enrolled on the sick list of General Worth's little army. - -By the end of the month nearly every Indian in Florida had been -driven into the impenetrable recesses of the Big Cypress, a vast swamp -bordering on the southwest coast, and most of the troops were recalled -to their respective posts. - -Now, if Douglass had been successful in his mission, it was time -for Coacoochee to be expected at Tampa, and the commander moved his -headquarters from Palatka to Fort Brooke, that he might be on hand to -receive the exiled chief. With him went the Boyds; for they had become -too deeply interested in this game of war to remain at a distance from -its most important moves. Of course, Nita accompanied them, alternately -hopeful and despairing, longing for news from her lover, and yet -fearing to receive it. Their old cottage being again placed at their -disposal, the Boyds were at once as comfortably established as though -they had never left it. - -On the third of July, a strange sail was reported beating slowly up -the bay, and that same evening Lieutenant Irwin Douglass, in speckless -uniform, walked into the Boyds' cottage, as quietly as though he had -left it but an hour before. As he entered, Anstice was the first to -discover him, and sprang to his side. - -"Irwin Douglass!" she cried. "Have you brought Coacoochee back with -you? Tell me quick!" - -Close behind her stood Nita, silent and motionless, but with shining -eyes that gained the coveted information from the young officer's face -long before he could give it in words. - -"Didn't you say it must be a double wedding or none?" he asked, -laughingly. - -"Yes. Tell us quick!" - -"Well, I didn't know of any one besides yourself who wished to get -married, except Nita." - -"You horrid man! Why don't you tell us?" - -"And as I didn't suppose she would accept any other Indian--" - -"You brought Coacoochee back with you?" - -"I didn't say so." - -"But you have! You know you have; for you would never have dared come -here if you hadn't." - -"Well then, I have, and he is aboard the transport out there in the -bay, alive, hearty, and filled with happiness at once more breathing -his native air." - -"Irwin Douglass, you are a dear fellow, and I love you! which is more -than I ever admitted before, except to Coacoochee," cried Anstice, -throwing her arms about Nita and hugging her in her excitement. "But -why didn't you bring him ashore? Didn't you suppose we wanted to see -him? And didn't you know that poor Nita was wearing her heart out with -suspense?" - -"I feared so, but I couldn't help it. You see, when a man in the -military business runs up against orders, he finds them mighty stubborn -facts, and not lightly to be turned aside. So as I had orders to leave -our friend under guard aboard ship, until he had been visited by the -commanding general, I thought it better to obey them." - -"Never mind, dear," said Anstice, turning consolingly to Nita. "We will -have him ashore to-morrow, and his coming will be a fitting celebration -of the Fourth of July that the Americans make so much fuss over." - -On the morrow, the general, accompanied by his staff, together with -Douglass and Boyd, visited Coacoochee on board the transport. As these -gained the deck, they beheld the distinguished prisoner thin and -haggard, with manacles on both wrists and ankles, but still standing -straight and undaunted, with eyes gazing beyond them and fixed on the -dear land that he had thought never to see again. - -Stepping directly to him, General Worth grasped his hand, saying: - -"Coacoochee, I take you by the hand as a warrior and a brave man, who -has fought long and with a strong heart for his country. You were not -captured and sent away by my orders, but by the orders of the great -chief who was then in command. Now I am in command, and by my order -have you been brought back to your own land that you may give it the -peace you promised me. For nearly five years has there been war between -the white man and the red man. Now that war must end, and you are the -man who must end it. You will not be allowed to go free until your -whole band has come in, ready for removal to the west. You may send a -talk to them by three, or even five, of your young men. You shall state -the number of days required for your people to come in. If they are -all here within the limit of time fixed, you shall be set at liberty, -and allowed to go on shore to them. If they are not here by the last -day appointed, then shall its setting sun see you, and those with you, -hanging from the yards of this vessel with the irons still on your -hands and feet. I do not tell you this to frighten you. You are too -brave a man for that. I say it because I mean it, and shall do as I -say. This war must end, and you must end it." - -For some minutes there was a dead silence, as the company reflected on -the terrible words they had just heard, and Coacoochee's breast heaved -with emotion he struggled to control. At length he said: - -"Micco-hatke, you are a great chief, and I believe you are an honest -man. Other white men have lied to me and cheated me. They could not -overcome Coacoochee in battle, so they captured him by their lying -words. With you it is not so. I will trust you. Let my young men go. If -in thirty days the warriors of Coacoochee have not obeyed his voice and -come to him, then let him die. He will not care longer to live." - -After a conversation with his companions, to whom all this had been -interpreted, Coacoochee selected five of them, and with the earnest -words of one placing his life and honor in their hands, charged them -with a message to his people. - -Then the irons were stricken from the limbs of those five, and they -were allowed to pass over the side of the ship into a waiting boat. -Coacoochee shook hands with each one, and to the last he said: "If thou -meet with her whom I love, tell her--No, tell her naught. Already does -she know the words that the heart of Coacoochee would utter. Give her -this, and bid her wear it until I once more stand beside her or have -gone from her life forever." - -With this he handed the messenger a silken kerchief of creamy white, -that, in honor of the occasion, had been knotted about his head. - -Among those who thronged the shore to witness the return of the boats, -none watched them with such straining eyes and eager impatience as Nita -Pacheco. She stood with Anstice, a little apart from the rest, clad in -the forest costume that she knew would be most pleasing to her lover. - -General Worth had told no one of his plans, and so the girl did not -doubt for a moment that Coacoochee would be allowed to come ashore that -day. She was the first to make certain that one of the boats contained -a number of Indians; and from that moment her eyes did not leave it. - -As it drew near to the shore, the happy light gradually faded from her -face, and in its place there came a look of puzzled anxiety. "He is -not there," she finally said to Anstice, in a tone that betrayed the -keenness of her disappointment. "Let us go; there is nothing now to -stay for." - -"No," objected Anstice, "there must be a message from him. Let us wait -and learn what has happened." - -Boyd and Douglass came directly to where the girls awaited them; but -ere either of them could enter into explanations, Nita darted away -toward the warriors, who had just landed. With these she engaged in -rapid conversation for the next five minutes, during which she learned -of all that had passed aboard the ship, and of her lover's imminent -peril. - -When the girl rejoined her friends, her jetty hair was bound with the -kerchief of creamy silk. She walked with a resolute step, and her eyes -flashed with determination. Speaking to Anstice alone, without regard -to those who stood near her, she said: - -"The Micco-hatke will kill him if every member of his band is not here, -ready to emigrate, within thirty days. The Seminole chiefs have sworn -to receive no proposals for peace. They will even shoot the messengers -of Coacoochee before they can be heard; but they will not kill a -woman. It is for me, therefore, to go with those who bear the talk of -Coacoochee. If, at the end of the allotted time, every member of the -band is not here, then I, too, shall be far away; but, as the sun sinks -into the sea on that day, the spirit of Nita Pacheco will be forever -joined with that of him to whom she plighted her troth. Come, let us go -and make ready." - -No persuasions nor suggestions of danger or hardship could alter the -girl's determination, or cause her to waver from her fixed purpose. -So she was allowed to have her way, and at daylight of the following -morning she set forth, in company with the five warriors, on her -perilous and fateful mission. They were amply provided with horses, -provisions, and everything that could add to the success of their -undertaking, and, as they rode away from the fort, every soul in it, -from the general down, wished them a heart-felt "God speed." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX - -THE BRAVEST GIRL IN FLORIDA - - -During the month that followed Nita's departure there was in Fort -Brooke but one all-absorbing topic of conversation and speculation. -Would the brave girl succeed in saving the life of her lover? or -must he die like a dog, without ever again treading the soil of his -native land? Except for being kept a prisoner, the young war-chief was -treated with distinguished consideration, and every want that he made -known was gratified, so far as was consistent with safety. At the same -time, he was still manacled, and his irons, together with those of his -comrades, were carefully examined by a blacksmith, under supervision -of an officer, every morning and evening. The guard on the transport -was doubled, and at night a chain of sentinels was posted along such -portions of the shore as lay adjacent to the ship. No boats were -allowed to approach or leave the floating prison between sunset and -sunrise, and no other precaution that human ingenuity could devise for -the safe-keeping of the captives was neglected. - -Ralph Boyd, often accompanied by some officer from the post, made -daily visits to cheer Coacoochee with his belief that all was going -well, and to carry him the very latest news. On the occasion of his -first visit he took Anstice, who claimed the privilege of telling the -young chief what his sweetheart had undertaken in his behalf. As the -stern warrior listened to the simple recital, his face became very -tender, and a tear, hastily brushed away, glistened for an instant on -his cheek. Then he said: "Now do I know that all will go well," and -from that moment he was cheerfully confident of the final result. - -No word was received from the messengers for a week, at the end of -which time one of them returned, bringing with him ten warriors and -a number of women and children. The messenger reported that, but for -Nita, their mission, so far at least as this particular band was -concerned, would have been fruitless. Upon their approach, the warriors -had sternly ordered them away, covering them with their rifles, and -threatening to shoot if they dared speak of peace. Upon that, Nita, who -had until then remained in the background, boldly advanced to the very -muzzles of the brown rifles, resolutely pushed them aside, and then -pleaded so effectively with the warriors who held them that, ere she -finished, their hearts were softened, and they announced themselves as -not only ready to surrender, but willing to follow their young chief -wherever he might lead them. - -Coacoochee had given General Worth a bundle of small sticks which, by -their number, represented the entire strength of his band. Upon the -arrival at the fort of these forerunners, the general counted them, and -returned to Coacoochee an equal number of his sticks. From day to day -after this, other small parties of Coacoochee's followers straggled -in, and for every new arrival a stick was sent to the young chief, -who gloated over his increasing pile as a miser over his hoard, or a -politician over the incoming votes that promise to save him from defeat. - -In the meantime Nita, with an incredible exhibition of endurance, was -scouring the distant country lying about the headwaters of the St. -John's and Kissimmee. Here in little groups, the widely scattered -members of Coacoochee's once numerous and formidable band had sought -refuge amid the vast swamps and overflowed lands, which constitute that -portion of Florida. Here, from swamp to swamp, from one tiny wooded -island to another, or from hammock to hammock, the dauntless girl -followed them. Sometimes she was accompanied by a small escort; but -more often she was alone. There were days on which she had food, but -many others on which she went hungry. The howl of the wolf became her -familiar lullaby, while the scaly alligator and venomous water-moccasin -regarded her invasion of their haunts with angry eyes. She travelled -on horseback, by canoe, and on foot, scorched by noontide suns, and -drenched by heavy night-dews that fell like rain, but always the image -of Coacoochee was in her heart, as she bore his _talk_ from band to -band of his scattered followers. - -As fast as they could be persuaded to go, she sent them to the far-away -fort by the salt waters of the west, and bade them hasten or they would -be too late. She, too, knew the number of Coacoochee's warriors, and -kept a close count of those who had gone, as well as of those who still -remained to be persuaded. With jealous care she noted the passage of -each day, and murmured that they should fly the more swiftly as the -fatal date drew near. - -At length the last hiding-place was found, and the last sullen group -of eight warriors, with their women and children, was persuaded to go -in with her who was beloved of their young chief. By hard riding they -could reach the fort on the twenty-ninth day, leaving but one to spare -for safety. The brave girl, who had borne up so wonderfully during this -month of suspense, was filled with joy at the success of her mission. -At the same time, she was so utterly wearied that she often slept, even -as she rode, and but for the quick support of willing hands, would have -fallen from her saddle. But she would not pause. There would be plenty -of time for resting afterwards. Now, they must push on. - -On the evening of the last day but one of the month, the fort was only -a score of miles away. They would keep on and reach it that night. So -said Nita Pacheco. But there were enemies on whom she had not counted. -Halec Tustenugge, with the fourteen Miccosouky warriors who had escaped -with him from their ravaged village, roamed that part of the country -and infested that particular road like ravening beasts. They had sworn -never to surrender themselves, nor allow others to do so if they could -prevent them. Now they confronted the little party from the eastern -swamps, and bade them turn back or suffer the consequences. - -There was a moment of hesitation and consultation. Then Nita Pacheco -sprang to the front. - -"Are the warriors trained by Coacoochee to be told what they shall do, -and what they shall not do, by a pack of Miccosouky dogs?" she cried. -"No! It cannot be! Let them get out of our way, or we will trample them -in the dust! Yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee-chee!" - -As this war-cry of the Wildcat rang out on the evening air, and Nita's -horse sprang from under the stinging lash, in the direction of those -who blocked the road, the warriors of Coacoochee, echoing madly the -cry of their leader, plied whip and spur in an effort to charge by her -side. The Miccosoukies, though numbering nearly two to one, were on -foot, while Nita's followers were mounted. The former fired one point -blank volley, and then fled precipitately from before the on-rushing -horses. - -The battle had been fought and won, and the enemy dispersed in less -than a single minute; but it was the victors who suffered the heaviest -loss. One warrior killed outright, two more wounded, one horse so -severely wounded that he had to be killed; and, what no one noticed at -first, not even Nita herself, a stream of blood spurting from an arm of -the girl who had led the charge. - -So delayed was the little party by this fierce interruption, that the -sun had climbed high above the eastern horizon, on the last day of the -thirty allotted to Coacoochee, ere the last of his followers, travel -worn, staggering from wounds and weariness, but filled with pride at -the feat they had just accomplished, and fully conscious of their own -importance, filed slowly into Fort Brooke. - -For days their coming had been eagerly awaited. For hours they had been -watched for with feverish anxiety. Now the tale of sticks in General -Worth's possession was complete, for Nita had insisted upon the living -warriors bringing in him who was dead, that he might be counted with -them. - -The soldiers of the garrison uttered cheer upon cheer at sight of these -last comers. The friends who had preceded them thronged about them with -eager questions and congratulations; and the news that Coacoochee was -saved, repeated from lip to lip, spread like wildfire throughout the -post. - -Ralph and Anstice Boyd, seated at a late breakfast, heard the glad -shouting, and ran to the porch of their cottage to discover its cause. -They were just in time to greet Nita as she rode up, and to catch her -as she slipped wearily from her saddle. - -Her clothing was torn and stained, and her unbound hair streamed wildly -about her head. Her eyes were bright and shining, but her cheeks were -hollow, and glowed with spots of dull red. Coacoochee's silken kerchief -that had confined her hair, was now bound tightly about her arm, and -its whiteness was changed to the crimson of blood. - -"He still lives? I am in time?" she whispered huskily as Anstice met -her with a mingled cry of joy and terror. - -"Yes, you dear, splendid, brave girl. He still lives, and you are in -plenty of time. But, oh Nita! if you have killed yourself, what will it -all amount to? Ralph, you must carry her in. She isn't able to walk." - -Very tenderly they bore her into the house, and laid her on the tiny -bed in her own room. Then Boyd hastened to find the surgeon, while -Anstice bathed the girl's face with cool water, and talked lovingly to -her. Ere an hour was past, the deadly fever of the swamps, that she had -defied so long and so bravely, held her in its fierce clutches, and the -girl, who by her own exertions had brought the war to a close, lay with -staring eyes, but unconscious of her surroundings. - -To Irwin Douglass was assigned the congenial task of notifying -Coacoochee that he was free, and bringing him ashore. He hastened -to execute it, and, on reaching the ship, at once ordered the hated -irons to be struck from the limbs of the captive leader. As they fell -clanging to the deck, the whole appearance of the young chief changed. -He again lifted his head proudly, his form expanded, and he paced the -deck with the stride of a free man. - -His first query was for Nita, and when told of her triumphant return, -leading the last remnant of his band, he smiled proudly, and said -that she was indeed fitted to be the wife of a warrior. At that time -Douglass did not know of the girl's wound, nor of the illness that was -even then developing its true character. Consequently, Coacoochee was -allowed to go ashore filled with happy anticipations of meeting her -whom he loved and to whom he owed so much. - -He arrayed himself in a striking costume for the occasion, and one -that well became his rank. From his turban drooped three black ostrich -plumes. His frock was of scarlet and yellow, exquisitely made. Across -his breast glittered many medals. In his silken sash was thrust the -silver-hilted hunting-knife, by aid of which he had escaped from the -fortress prison of St. Augustine. His leggings were of scarlet cloth, -elaborately fringed, and on his feet he wore beaded moccasins. - -A great throng of people, including every Indian at the post, was -assembled to greet him; and as the boat neared land, these raised -a mighty shout of welcome. As he leaped ashore and trod again his -native sands, the throng drew back. Then with outstretched arms, and -his form extended to its fullest height, Coacoochee gave utterance to -the ringing war-cry that had so often carried dismay to his foes, and -thrilled his warriors to desperate deeds. - -"Yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee-chee yo-ho-ee!" - -It was answered by a sound of hearty cheers from the assembled troops. -Then the throng parted to make way for him, and up the living lane the -young war-chief walked proudly to headquarters, where he exchanged -greetings with General Worth as one with whom he was in every respect -an equal. This formality concluded, he turned to the crowd of Indians -who had followed him, and addressed them briefly, but in ringing tones: - -"Warriors: Coacoochee stands before you a free man. He sent for you, -and you have come. By that coming you have saved his life, and for it, -he thanks you. The Great Spirit has spoken in our councils, and said: -'Let there be no more war between my children.' The hatchet is buried -so that there may be friendship between the Iste-chatte and his white -brother. I have given my word for you that you will not try to escape. -For that I am free. See to it that the word of Coacoochee is kept -strong and true. I have spoken. By our council fire I will say more. -Now, away to your camp." - -As the throng melted away in obedience to this command, Coacoochee -turned to Lieutenant Douglass, and asked to be taken to Nita. - -At the cottage in which she lay, he was met by the Boyds, from whom he -learned what she had undergone on his behalf; of her wound incurred in -fighting his battle, and of her present dangerous illness. He insisted -on seeing her; and, on being led to where she lay tossing and moaning -in the delirium of fever, the proud warrior knelt by her side, and, -hiding his face, wept like a little child. - - - - -CHAPTER XL - -A DOUBLE WEDDING AND THE SETTING SUN - - -For days Nita Pacheco hovered between life and death. During this time, -almost hourly bulletins of her condition were demanded, not only from -the Indian encampment, but from the garrison, every man of which had -been won to admiration of the gentle girl by her recent heroism. As for -Coacoochee, he was as one who is bereft of reason. He would sit for -hours on the porch of the Boyd cottage, heedless of any who might speak -to him, motionless and unconscious of his surroundings. Then he would -spring on his waiting horse and dash away to scour madly through miles -of forest, before his return, which was generally made late at night or -with the dawning of a new day. When food was offered him, he took it -and ate mechanically; when it was withheld, he seemed unconscious of -hunger. - -The mental condition of the young chief so alarmed his friends that, -one morning when he returned from a night spent in the forest, in -a cheerful frame of mind, gentle and perfectly rational, they were -greatly relieved, and welcomed him as one who had come back from a long -journey. - -"Take me to her," he said. "She is watching for me. From this moment -she will get well. I have seen Allala, and she has said it." - -They had not noted any sign of a change for the better in the sick -girl, and so it was with misgivings as to the result that they complied -with his request. - -Nita lay as they had left her; but, upon the entrance of her lover into -the room, her eyes unclosed. She smiled at him, and feebly held his -hand for a single moment. From that hour her improvement was steady and -rapid, and from that time forth Coacoochee was again the leader of his -people, the firm ally of the whites, and unwearying in his efforts to -persuade those of the Seminoles who still remained out, to come in and -submit to removal. - -During the two following months he spent his time as Nita had done, in -visiting distant bands of Indians and explaining to them the folly of a -further resistance. He possessed two great advantages over all others -who had labored in the same direction. He had fought by their side, no -one more bravely, and they trusted him. He had also crossed the salt -waters and returned again in safety, so that, of his own experience, -he could refute the assertion made by their prophet, that every Indian -taken to sea by the whites was thrown overboard and drowned. - -In this service the young chief often found himself in desperate -situations, and he made frequent hair-breadth escapes from death at -the hands of those Indians who were either jealous of his power or -distrustful for his honesty of purpose. In spite of discouragements and -dangers, he persisted, and as the result of his convincing talks beside -the red council fires of many a wild swamp retreat, band after band -under well-known leaders and renowned fighters came into Fort Brooke, -until only a scanty remnant still defied pursuit amid the impenetrable -labyrinths of the Big Cypress. - -The Indian encampment at Tampa occupied a space two miles square, -and the task of guarding this large area was so great that, early in -October, General Worth concluded to embark those already collected -before they should become dissatisfied or rebellious and without -waiting for more to come in. Accordingly the transports were made ready -and the day for departure was fixed. - -Now ensued most active preparations. For three days and nights the -monotonous sound of the great wooden pestles cracking corn for the -journey was heard from all parts of the camp. Vast quantities of fat -pine knots were collected by the women, for they had heard that the -country in which they were to live was destitute of wood. The entire -area of the camp was illuminated at night by huge fires, so that there -might be no cessation of the work. - -The crowning event of all, or, as the general termed it, "the peace -contract that ended the Seminole War," was the double wedding that -took place in the open air, under the great live-oaks in front of -headquarters, on the evening before the day of sailing. The scene was -as remarkable as it was picturesque. On one side were gathered the -hundreds of forest dwellers who acknowledged one of the bridegrooms as -their leader. Among these were proud chiefs, conspicuous in feathers -and gaudy finery, stern warriors who had never known defeat in battle, -plump matrons wearing many rows of beads and silver ornaments, slender -maidens, and chubby children. - -On the other side were ranks of troops as motionless as though on -parade, and groups of officers in glittering uniforms. A superb -military band rendered its choicest selections of music, and the simple -ceremony was performed by the post chaplain. - -Nita, fully recovered from her illness, and having emerged from it more -lovely than ever, like gold that is purified by fire, was clad in the -fawnskin dress of a forest maid, though about her neck lay a chain of -great pearls, presented by the commander and his officers in token of -their devoted admiration of her who had ended the war. - -Beside her stood the young war-chief who had fought so bravely, and -accepted defeat so manfully, and with whose fate hers had been so -closely entwined during all the long years of fighting. - -These two were married first, and after them came the beautiful English -girl, whose heart had passed into keeping of the dashing American -trooper, standing so proudly beside her. - -Ralph Boyd, after giving away both brides, declared that he could now -appreciate the feelings of a parent bereft of his children. - -The moment the double ceremony was concluded, the band played its most -brilliant march, the troops raised a mighty cheer, there came a salvo -of artillery from a light battery stationed on the parade-ground, and -the assembled Indians gazed on the whole affair with curious interest. -All that evening there was music and feasting and dancing; but on the -morrow came the sorrowful partings, and, for hundreds of those about to -become exiles forever, the heart-breaking departure from their native -land. - -As Coacoochee and Nita stood together on the after-deck of the steamer -that was bearing them down the bay, straining their eyes for a last -glimpse of the stately pines that they loved so dearly, she murmured in -his ear: - -"Without your brave presence, my warrior, I could not bear it." And he -answered: "Without you, Ista-chee, I would never have come." - -Across the blue Mexican Gulf they steamed, and for one hundred miles up -the tawny flood of the great river to New Orleans. There the followers -of Coacoochee were so impressed by the numbers and evident strength of -the white man, that they were filled with pride at having successfully -resisted his soldiers so long as they had. - -At New Orleans the exiles were transferred to one of the great river -packets, that, with its glowing furnaces, and the hoarse coughing of -its high-pressure exhaust, seemed to them by far the most wonderful -creation of the all-powerful Iste-hatke. - -Being embarked in this mighty Pith-lo-loot-ka (boat of fire), no stop -was made until they came within a few miles of Baton Rouge, where, -by special request of Coacoochee, the packet was swung in toward the -eastern bank. Guided by one familiar with that country, the entire body -of Indians followed Coacoochee to the land. He bore a great basket, -very heavy, and covered with palmetto leaves. None save himself knew -what it contained. - -A few rods from the shore the guide halted, and pointed to a lowly -mound that was evidently a grave. Standing silently beside this, and -waiting until all his people were gathered about him, the young chief -said, with a voice that trembled, but so clearly that all might hear: - -"Under this grass lies a great chief of the Seminole nation; one whom -you knew and loved. He was an old man when the soldiers tore him from -his home. His heart broke with its weight of sorrow, and he died on -his way to that new land to which we are now going. He lies cold in -this strange earth; but I have brought that which will warm him. With -this soil from the land of his fathers, I now cover the grave of Philip -Emathla." Thus saying, Coacoochee emptied the contents of his basket -over the mound at his feet. - -At mention of Philip Emathla's name, a great cry of grief and loving -reverence went up from the dusky throng, and they pressed tumultuously -forward. They struggled to see, to feel, and even to taste the earth -that now covered his grave. It was only coarse gray sand; but it was -sand from Florida, from the dear land they would never more see. -Through the magic of its shining particles they could hear again the -whispering pines, the rustling palms, and the singing birds of Florida. -They could see its shadowy woodlands and white beaches. Its myriad -lakes and tortuous waterways lay outspread before them. The fragrance -of its jasmine and palmetto was wafted to them. Its glinting clouds -of white-winged ibis circled before their eyes. The countless details -mirrored indelibly on their hearts rose before them in all their -alluring beauty. The warriors stood stern and silent; but the women -tore their hair, with piteous cries. - -After a while Coacoochee succeeded in restoring quiet, and, with many -a backward, lingering glance at the lonely grave of Philip Emathla, -the company was re-embarked, and the steamer continued on its way up -the mighty river. Turning from it into the Arkansas, they continued -up the muddy volume of that great tributary, across the whole State -to which it gives a name, and on into that territory that the United -States Government had recently set apart for the occupation of its -Indian wards. Here, at Fort Gibson, the journey by water ended, though -they had still to traverse the country of their old-time neighbors and -enemies, the Creeks, ere they could reach the narrow tract reserved for -them, in which they were to make their new homes. - -At Fort Gibson a joyful surprise awaited Nita and Coacoochee; for Louis -Pacheco, long since established in the west, and previously notified -of their coming, had travelled that far to meet them. For them he had -brought saddle-horses, while for the others a long train of wagons had -been provided. - -It was late on the day after their arrival before all was in readiness -for the last stage of their journey; but they were now so anxious -to press forward that Coacoochee gave the order for a start. Then, -vaulting into his own saddle, and with Nita and Louis riding beside -him, the young war-chief dashed away in the direction of the setting -sun. As they gained a crest of the rolling prairie, he waved his rifle -toward the infinite glories of the western sky, and, turning his face -to those who followed him, thrilled their hearts with the ringing -war-cry that had so often led the Seminole to victory: - -"Yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee-chee!" - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Through Swamp and Glade, by Kirk Munroe - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THROUGH SWAMP AND GLADE *** - -***** This file should be named 55021-8.txt or 55021-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/5/0/2/55021/ - -Produced by Graeme Mackreth and The Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: Through Swamp and Glade - A Tale of the Seminole War - -Author: Kirk Munroe - -Illustrator: Victor Perard - -Release Date: July 1, 2017 [EBook #55021] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THROUGH SWAMP AND GLADE *** - - - - -Produced by Graeme Mackreth and The Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - -</pre> - - - - - - -<p class="ph2">THROUGH SWAMP AND GLADE</p> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus01.jpg" alt="flame" /> -<a id="illus01" name="illus01"></a> -</p> - -<p class="caption"> A GREAT SHEET OF FLAME LEAPED FROM THE ROADSIDE.</p> - -<p class="ph1">THROUGH<br /> -SWAMP AND GLADE</p> - -<p class="ph3"><i>A TALE OF<br /> -THE SEMINOLE WAR</i></p> - -<p class="ph5" style="margin-top: 5em;">BY</p> - -<p class="ph3">KIRK MUNROE</p> - -<p class="ph4">AUTHOR OF "THE WHITE CONQUERORS," "AT WAR WITH<br /> -PONTIAC," ETC., ETC.</p> - -<p class="ph5" style="margin-top: 5em;"><i>ILLUSTRATED BY VICTOR PERARD</i></p> - -<p class="ph6" style="margin-top: 5em;">NEW YORK<br /> - -CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS<br /> -1896 -</p> - - - - - -<p class="ph6" style="margin-top: 10em;">COPYRIGHT, 1896, BY<br /> -CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS -</p> - - -<p class="ph6" style="margin-top: 5em;"> -Norwood Press<br /> -J.S. Cushing & Co.—Berwick & Smith.<br /> -Norwood Mass. U.S.A. -</p> - - - - - - - - - -<p class="ph2" style="margin-top: 5em;">TO MY READERS</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> principal incidents in the story of Coacoochee, as related in -the following pages, are historically true. The Seminole War, the -most protracted struggle with Indians in which the United States ever -engaged, lasted from 1835 to 1842. At its conclusion, though most of -the tribe had been removed to the Indian Territory in the far west, -there still remained three hundred and one souls uncaptured and -unsubdued. This remnant had fled to the almost inaccessible islands -of the Big Cypress Swamp, in the extreme southern part of Florida. -Rather than undertake the task of hunting them out, General Worth made -a <i>verbal</i> treaty with them, by which it was agreed that they should -retain that section of country unmolested, so long as they committed no -aggressions. From that time they have kept their part of that agreement -to the letter, living industrious, peaceful lives, and avoiding all -unnecessary contact with the whites. They now number something over -five hundred souls, but the tide of white immigration is already -lapping over the ill-defined boundaries of their reservation, while -white land-grabbers, penetrating the swamps, are seizing their fertile -islands and bidding them begone. They stand aghast at this brutal -order. Where can they go? What is to become of them? Is there nothing -left but to fight and die? It would seem not.</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 60%;">KIRK MUNROE.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 10%;"><span class="smcap">Biscayne Bay, Florida, 1896.</span></span><br /> -</p> - - - - -<p class="ph2" style="margin-top: 5em;">TABLE OF CONTENTS</p> - - -<table summary="toc" width="60%" cellpadding="10"> -<tr> -<td align="right"><small>CHAPTER</small> -</td> -<td> -</td> -<td align="right"><small>PAGE</small> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">I. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap" > <a href="#CHAPTER_I">Bit of the Florida Wilderness</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">1 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">II. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">Mr. Troup Jeffers plots Mischief</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">9 -</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right">III. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">The Slave-Catchers at Work</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">17 -</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right">IV. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">Capture and Escape of Nita Pacheco</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">26 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">V. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">A Forest Betrothal</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">34 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">VI. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">Cruel Death of Ul-we, the Staghound</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">43</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">VII. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">Coacoochee in the Clutches of White Ruffians</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">52 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">VIII. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">Ralph Boyd the Englishman</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">60 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">IX. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">Mysterious Disappearance of a Sentinel</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">67 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">X. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">Fontaine Salano's Treachery and its Reward</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">74 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XI. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">The Seminole must go</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">82 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XII. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">Chen-o-wah is Stolen by the Slave-Catchers</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">88 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XIII. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">Wiley Thompson, where is my Wife?</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">96 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XIV. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">Osceola signs the Treaty</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">102 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XV. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">Louis Pacheco bides his Time</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">111 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XVI. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">Osceola's Revenge</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">119 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XVII. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">On the Verge of the Wahoo Swamp</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">126 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XVIII. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">Coacoochee's First Battle</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">133 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XIX. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">Ralph Boyd and the Slave-Catcher</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">141 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XX. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">An Alligator and his Mysterious Assailant</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">148 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXI. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">Battle of the Withlacoochee</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">156 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXII. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">The Young Chief makes a Timely Discovery</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">165 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXIII. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">Shakespeare in the Forest</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">171 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXIV. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">Bogus Indians and the Real Article</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">181 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXV. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">A Swamp Stronghold of the Seminoles</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">190 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXVI. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">Two Spies and their Fate</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">200 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXVII. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">Anstice saves the Life of a Captive</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">211 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXVIII. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">The Mark of the Wildcat</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">222 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXIX. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">Treacherous Capture of Coacoochee and Osceola</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">233 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXX. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">In the Dungeons of the Ancient Fortress</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">245 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXXI. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">A Daring Escape</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">255 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXXII. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">Nita hears that Coacoochee is Dead</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">264 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXXIII. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">Told by the Magnolia Spring</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">274 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXXIV. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">Following a Mysterious Trai</a>l</span> -</td> -<td align="right">285 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXXV. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXV">Fate of the Slave-Catchers</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">296 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXXVI. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVI">Peace is again Proposed</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">306 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXXVII. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVII">Coacoochee is again made Prisoner</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">316 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXXVIII. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVIII">Douglass fulfils his Mission</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">326 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXXIX. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIX">The Bravest Girl in Florida</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">336 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XL. -</td> -<td><span class="smcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XL">A Double Wedding and the Setting Sun</a></span> -</td> -<td align="right">346 -</td> -</tr> -</table> - - - - -<p class="ph2"><a name="LIST_OF_ILLUSTRATIONS" id="LIST_OF_ILLUSTRATIONS">LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</a></p> - - -<p> - -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap"><a href="#illus01">A great sheet of flame leaped from the roadside</a></span></span><br /> - -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap"><a href="#illus02">Then with a vicious hiss the raw-hide swept down with the full force of the arm that wielded it</a></span></span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap"><a href="#illus03">It sunk deep into the wood of the table and stood quivering as though with rage</a></span></span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"<span class="smcap"><a href="#illus04">To leab behine de onliest fedderbed she done got</a></span>"</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap"><a href="#illus05">The girl stepped close to the young chief and spoke a few words</a> - </span></span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap"><a href="#illus06">Hadjo lost his hold of the rope and came tumbling down the whole distance</a></span></span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap"><a href="#illus07">Nita sat by her favorite spring</a></span></span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"<span class="smcap"><a href="#illus08">All is lost and the war is about to break forth with greater fury than ever</a></span>"</span><br /> -</p> - - - - -<p class="ph2" style="margin-top: 5em;">THROUGH SWAMP AND GLADE</p> - - - - -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I</a></p> - -<p class="center">A BIT OF THE FLORIDA WILDERNESS</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> scene is laid in Florida, that beautiful land of the far south, in -which Ponce de Leon located the fabled Spring of Eternal Youth. It is a -land of song and story, of poetry and romance; but one also of bitter -memories and shameful deeds. Its very attractiveness has proved its -greatest curse, and for weary years its native dwellers, who loved its -soil as dearly as they loved their own lives, fought desperately to -repel the invaders who sought to drive them from its sunny shores.</p> - -<p>Although winter is hardly known in Florida, still there, as elsewhere, -spring is the fairest and most joyous season of the year, and it is -with the evening of a perfect April day that this story opens.</p> - -<p>The warm air was pleasantly stirred by a breeze that whispered of the -boundless sea, and the glowing sun would shortly sink to rest in the -placid bosom of the Mexican Gulf. From the forest came sweet scents -of yellow jasmine, wild grape, and flowering plumes of the palmetto -mingled with richer perfumes from orange blossoms, magnolias, and -sweet bays. Gorgeous butterflies hovered on the edge of the hammock -and sought resting-places for the night amid the orange leaves. -Humming-birds, like living jewels, darted from flower to flower; -bees golden with pollen and freighted with honey winged their flight -to distant combs. From a ti-ti thicket came the joyous notes of a -mocking-bird, who thus unwittingly disclosed the secret of his hidden -nest. A bevy of parakeets in green and gold flashed from branch to -branch and chattered of their own affairs; while far overhead, flocks -of snowy ibis and white curlew streamed along like fleecy clouds from -feeding-grounds on the salt marshes of the distant coast to rookeries -in the cypress swamps of the crooked Ocklawaha. Some of these drifting -bird-clouds were tinted or edged with an exquisite pink, denoting the -presence of roseate spoonbills, and the effect of their rapid movement -against the deep blue of the heavens, in the flash of the setting sun -was indescribably beautiful.</p> - -<p>Amid this lavish display of nature's daintiest handiwork and in all -the widespread landscape of hammock and savanna, trackless pine forest -that had never known the woodman's axe, and dimpled lakes of which a -score might be counted from a slight elevation, but one human being was -visible. A youth just emerged from boyhood stood alone on the edge of -a forest where the ground sloped abruptly down to a lakelet of crystal -water. He was clad in a loose-fitting tunic or hunting-frock of doeskin -girded about the waist by a sash of crimson silk. In this was thrust a -knife with a silver-mounted buckhorn handle and encased in a sheath of -snakeskin. His hair, black and glossy as the wing of a raven, was bound -by a silken kerchief of the same rich color as his sash. The snow-white -plume of an egret twined in his hair denoted him to be of rank among -his own people. He wore fringed leggings of smoke-tanned deerskin, -and moccasins of the same material. The lad's features were handsome -and clear cut, but his expression was gentle and thoughtful as might -become a student rather than a mere forest rover. And so the lad was a -student, though of nature, and a dreamer not yet awakened to the stern -realities of life; but that the mysteries of books were unknown to him -might be inferred from a glance at his skin. It was of a clear copper -color, resembling new bronze; for Coacoochee (little wild cat) belonged -to the most southern tribe of North American Indians, the Seminoles of -Florida. Indian though he was, he was of noble birth and descended from -a long line of chieftains; for he was the eldest son of Philip Emathla -(Philip the leader), or "King Philip," as the whites termed him, and -would some day be a leader of his tribe.</p> - -<p>Now, as the lad stood leaning on a light rifle and gazing abstractedly -at the glistening clouds of home-returning birds that flecked the -glowing sky, his face bore a far-away look as though his thoughts -had outstripped his vision. This was not surprising; for to all men -Coacoochee was known as a dreamer who beguiled the hours of many an -evening by the camp-fire with the telling of his dreams or of the -folklore tales of his people. Not only was he a dreamer of dreams and -a narrator of strange tales; but he was a seer of visions, as had been -proved very recently when death robbed him of his dearly loved twin -sister Allala.</p> - - - -<p>At the time Coacoochee was many miles away from his father's village, -on a hunting-trip with his younger brother Otulke. One night as they -slept the elder brother started from his bed of palmetto leaves with -the voice of Allala ringing in his ears. All was silent about him, and -Otulke lay undisturbed by his side. As the lad wondered and was about -to again lie down, his own name was uttered softly but plainly, and -in the voice of Allala, while at the same moment her actual presence -seemed to be beside him.</p> - -<p>It was a summons that he dared not disobey; so, without rousing Otulke, -the young hunter sprang on the back of his pony and sped away through -the moonlight. At sunrise he stood beside the dead form of the dear -sister whose fleeting spirit had called him.</p> - -<p>Since then he had often heard Allala's voice in the winds whispering -through tall grasses of the glades, or among nodding flags on the river -banks; in waters that sang and rippled on the lake shore; from shadowy -depths of the hammocks, and amid the soft sighings of cypress swamps. -Fus-chatte the red-bird sang of her, and pet-che the wood dove mourned -that she was gone. To Coacoochee, she seemed ever near him, and he -longed for the time when he might join her. But he knew that he must -be patient and await the presence of the Great Spirit, for he believed -that the hour of his own death had been named at that of his birth. He -also knew that until the appointed time he would escape all dangers -unharmed. He felt certain that Allala watched over him and would warn -him of either death or great danger. Being thus convinced, the lad was -absolutely without fear of dangers visible or unseen; and, dreamer that -he was, often amazed his companions by deeds of what seemed to them the -most reckless daring.</p> - -<p>At the moment of his introduction to the reader Coacoochee, bathed -in the full glory of the setting sun, wondered if the place to which -Allala had gone could be fairer or more beautiful than that in which he -lingered.</p> - -<p>Although he was without human companionship he was not alone; for -beside him lay Ul-we (the tall one), a great shaggy staghound that -the young Indian had rescued three years before from the wreck of an -English ship that was cast away on the lonely coast more than one -hundred miles from the nearest settlement. Coacoochee with several -companions was searching for turtle-eggs on the beach, and when they -boarded the stranded vessel, a wretched puppy very nearly dead from -starvation was the only living creature they found. The Indian boy took -the little animal for his own, restored it to life through persistent -effort, nursed it through the ills of puppyhood, and was finally -rewarded by having the waif thus rescued develop into the superb hound -that now lay beside him, and whose equal for strength and intelligence -had never been known in Florida. The love of the great dog for his -young master was touching to behold, while the affection of Coacoochee -for him was only excelled by that felt for his dearest human friend.</p> - -<p>This friend was a lad of his own age named Louis Pacheco, who was -neither an Indian nor wholly a paleface. He was the son of a Spanish -indigo planter and a beautiful octoroon who had been given her freedom -before the birth of her boy. The Seņor Pacheco, whose plantation -lay near the village of King Philip, had always maintained the most -friendly relations with his Indian neighbors; and, Louis having one -sister, as had Coacoochee, these four were united in closest intimacy -from their childhood.</p> - -<p>At the death of the indigo planter his family removed to a small estate -owned by the mother, on the Tomoka River, some fifty miles from their -old home; but this removal in nowise weakened their friendship with -the red-skinned dwellers by the lake. Frequent visits were exchanged -between the younger members of the two families, and when Allala -was taken to the spirit land, none mourned her loss longer or more -sincerely than Louis and Nita Pacheco.</p> - -<p>Louis, being well educated by his father, taught Coacoochee to speak -fluently both English and Spanish in exchange for lessons in forest -lore and woodcraft. The young Creole was as proud of his lineage as was -the son of Philip Emathla, and bore himself as became one born to a -position of freedom and independence.</p> - - - -<p>It was some months since he and Coacoochee had last met, and at the -moment of his introduction to us the latter was thinking of his friend -and meditating a visit to him. It would seem as though these thoughts -must have been induced by some subtle indication of a near-by presence; -for the youth was hardly conscious of them ere Ul-we sprang to his feet -with an ominous growl and dashed into the thicket behind them. At the -same moment the young Indian heard his own name pronounced in a faint -voice, and wheeling quickly, caught sight of a white, wild-eyed face -that he instantly recognized. Ul-we had but time to utter one joyful -bark before his young master stood beside him and was supporting the -fainting form of Nita Pacheco in his arms.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II</a></p> - -<p class="center">MR. TROUP JEFFERS PLOTS MISCHIEF</p> - - -<p ><span class="smcap">For</span> a full understanding of this startling interruption of the young -Indian's meditations it is necessary to make a brief excursion among -the dark shadows of a history which, though now ancient and well-nigh -forgotten, was then fresh and of vital interest to those whose fortunes -we are about to follow.</p> - - - -<p>Florida had only recently been purchased by the United States from -Spain for five millions of dollars, and its vast territory thrown open -to settlement. Being the most nearly tropical of our possessions, -it offered possibilities found in no other part of the country, and -settlers flocked to it from all directions. As the Spaniards had only -occupied a few places near the coast, the interior had been left to the -undisturbed possession of the Seminoles and their negro allies. The -ancestors of these negroes escaping from slavery had sought and found -a safe refuge in this beautiful wilderness. By Spanish law they became -free at the moment of crossing the frontier boundary line, and here -their descendants dwelt for generations in peace and happiness.</p> - -<p>With the change of owners came a sad change of fortunes to the native -inhabitants of this sunny land. The swarming settlers cast envious -glances at the fertile fields of the Seminoles, and determined to -possess them. They longed also to enslave the negro friends and allies -of the Indians, whom they discovered to be enjoying a degree of freedom -and prosperity entirely contrary to their notions of what was right and -fitting. Slavery was a legally recognized institution of the country. -The incoming settlers had been taught and believed that men of black -skins were created to be slaves and laborers for the benefit of the -whites. Therefore to see these little communities of black men dwelling -in a state of freedom and working only for themselves, their wives, -and children was intolerable. Slaves were wanted to clear forests and -cultivate fields, and here were hundreds, possibly thousands, of them -to be had for the taking. The villages of these negroes and those of -their Indian allies were also affording places of refuge for other -blacks who were constantly escaping from the plantations of neighboring -states, and seeking that liberty guaranteed by the Constitution of -the United States to all men. This condition of affairs could not be -borne. Both the Indians and the free negroes of Florida must be taught -a lesson.</p> - -<p>General Andrew Jackson was the man chosen to teach this lesson, and he -entered upon the congenial task with a hearty relish. Marching an army -into Florida, he killed all the Indians whom he encountered, killed or -captured all the negroes whom he could find, burned villages, destroyed -crops, and finally retired from the devastated country with a vast -quantity of plunder, consisting principally of slaves and cattle.</p> - -<p>To impress this lesson more fully upon the Indians, General Jackson -compelled an American vessel lying in Appalachicola Bay to hoist -British colors in the hope of enticing some of them on board. Two -Seminole chiefs, deceived by this cowardly ruse, did venture to -visit the supposed British ship. When they were safely on board, his -Majesty's ensign was hauled down, that of the United States was run up, -and beneath its folds the too confiding visitors were hanged to the -yard-arms without trial or delay.</p> - -<p>After this General Jackson summoned the Indians to come in and make -a treaty; but they were fearful of further treachery, and hesitated. -Finally some thirty warriors out of the entire tribe were bribed to lay -aside their fears and meet the Commissioners. These signed a treaty by -which the Seminoles were required to abandon their homes, villages, -fields, and hunting-grounds, in the northern part of the territory, -and retire to the distant southern wilderness, where they would be at -liberty to clear new lands and make new homes. The tribe was also bound -by the treaty to prevent the passage, through their country, of any -fugitive slave, and to deliver all such seeking refuge among them to -any persons claiming to be their owners.</p> - -<p>The United States on its part promised to compensate the Indians for -such improvements as they were compelled to abandon, to allow them five -thousand dollars annually in goods and money for twenty years, to feed -them for one year, and to furnish them with schools.</p> - -<p>With the signing of this alleged treaty the trials and sufferings of -the Seminoles began in earnest. They were literally driven from their -old homes, so eager were the whites to possess their fertile lands. -Most of their promised rations of food was withheld, that they might -be induced by starvation the more speedily to clear and cultivate new -fields in the south. The goods issued to them were of such wretched -quality that they were contemptuously rejected or thrown away; and -on one pretext or another nearly the whole of their cash annuity was -declared forfeited. The most common excuse for thus defrauding the -Indians was that they did not display sufficient activity in capturing -the negroes who had sought refuge in their country.</p> - -<p>Any white man desirous of procuring a slave had but to describe some -negro whom he knew to be living among the Seminoles and file a claim -to him with the Indian agent. The latter then notified the Indians -that they were expected to capture and deliver up the person thus -described, or else forfeit his value from their annuity. Thus these -liberty-loving savages soon discovered that, under the white man's -interpretation of their treaty, they had bound themselves to deliver -into slavery every man, woman, and child found within their territory, -in whose veins flowed one drop of negro blood, including in some cases -their own wives and children, which crime they very naturally refused -to commit.</p> - -<p>Although Philip Emathla had thus far avoided an open rupture with the -whites, an event of recent occurrence caused him grave anxiety. On -the occasion of his last expedition to St. Augustine to receive that -portion of the annuity due his band he had been persuaded by Coacoochee -and Louis Pacheco, who happened to be visiting his friend at that time, -to allow them to accompany him. The Indians camped at some distance -from the town, but were permitted to wander freely about its streets -during the daytime—a permission of which the two lads took fullest -advantage. Thus on the very day of their arrival they set forth on -their exploration of the ancient city, and Louis, who had been there -before with his father, kindly explained its many wonders to his less -travelled companion.</p> - -<p>The massive gray walls of Fort San Marco, with their lofty watch -towers, and black cannon grinning from the deep embrasures, possessed a -peculiar fascination for Coacoochee, and it seemed as though he would -never tire of gazing on them. From the gloomy interior, however, -he shrank with horror, refusing even to glance into the cells and -dungeons, to which Louis desired to direct his attention.</p> - -<p>"No," he cried. "In these I could not breathe. They hold the air of a -prison, and to a son of the forest that is the air of death. Let us -then hasten from this place of ill omen, lest they close the gates, and -we be forced to leap from the walls for our freedom."</p> - -<p>So the Wildcat hastily dragged his friend from that grim place, nor -did he draw a full breath until they were once more in the sunny -fields outside. He was infinitely more pleased with the interior of -the equally ancient cathedral, and lingered long before the mystic -paintings of its decoration. Its music and the glowing candles of its -richly decked altar affected him so strangely, that even after they had -emerged from the building and stood in the open plaza, listening to its -chiming bells, he was for a long time silent.</p> - -<p>Louis, too, was occupied with his own thoughts; and as the lads stood -thus, they failed to notice the curiosity with which they were regarded -by two men who passed and repassed them several times. One of these -men, Troup Jeffers by name, was a slave-trader, who was keenly alive to -the possibility of making a good thing out of the present embarrassment -of the Seminoles. The other man, who was known as Ross Ruffin, though -that was not supposed to be his real name, was one of those depraved -characters found on every frontier, who are always ready to perform a -dirty job for pay, and who so closely resembled the filthiest beasts of -prey that they are generally spoken of as "human jackals." With this -particular jackal Mr. Troup Jeffers had already dealt on more than one -occasion, and found him peculiarly well adapted to the requirements of -his despicable trade.</p> - -<p>"Likely looking youngsters," remarked the slave-dealer, nodding towards -the two lads upon first noticing them. "Pity they're Injuns. More -pity that Injuns don't come under the head of property. Can't see any -difference myself between them and niggers. Now them two in the right -market ought to fetch—"</p> - -<p>Here the trader paused to inspect the lads more closely that he might -make a careful estimate of their probable money value.</p> - -<p>"By Gad!" he exclaimed under his breath, "I'm dashed if I believe one -of 'em is an Injun!"</p> - -<p>"No," replied his companion; "one of 'em is a nigger. Leastways, his -mother is."</p> - -<p>"You don't say so?" remarked Mr. Troup Jeffers, his eye lighting with -the gleam of a man-hunter on catching sight of his prey. "Who owns him?"</p> - -<p>"No one just now. Leastways, he claims to be free. He lives with his -mother and sister in the Injun country. I've been calculating chances -on 'em myself for some time."</p> - -<p>"Tell me all you know about 'em," commanded the trader, in a voice -husky with excitement, while the evil gleam in his eyes grew more -pronounced.</p> - -<p>When Ross Ruffin had related the history and present circumstances of -the Pachecos to the best of his knowledge, the other exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"I'll go yer! and we couldn't want a better thing. Agent's in town now. -I'll make out a description and file a claim this very evening. We'll -claim all three. Jump this young buck before he has a chance to get -away. It'll make the other job more simple too. Get all three up the -coast, easy as rolling off a log. 'Quick sales and big profits'—that's -my motto. I'll divvy with you. On the square. Is it a go? Shake."</p> - -<p>Thus within five minutes, and while the unsuspecting lads still -listened in silence to the tinkling chimes of the old cathedral bells, -there was hatched against them a plot more villainous than either of -them had ever conceived possible. Not only that, but the first link was -forged of a chain of circumstances that was to alter the whole course -of their lives and entwine them in its cruel coils for many bitter -years to come.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III</a></p> - -<p class="center">THE SLAVE-CATCHERS AT WORK</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> following day was also passed by Coacoochee and Louis in pleasant -wanderings about the quaint little city whose every sight and sound -was to them so full of novel interest. At length in the early dusk -of evening they set forth on their return to Philip Emathla's camp, -conversing eagerly as they walked concerning what they had seen. So -occupied were they that they paid little heed to their immediate -surroundings, and as they gained the outskirts of the town were -startled at being commanded to halt by a man who had approached them -unobserved. It was Troup Jeffers, the slave-catcher, who had been -watching the lads for some time and awaiting just such an opportunity -as the present for carrying out his evil designs.</p> - -<p>"What's your name?" he demanded, placing himself squarely in front of -the young Creole.</p> - -<p>"Louis Pacheco."</p> - -<p>"Just so. Son of old Pacheco and a nigger woman. Nigger yourself. My -nigger, sold to me by your dad just afore he died. Hain't wanted you up -to this time. Now want you to come along with me."</p> - -<p>"I'll do nothing of the kind!" cried the lad, hotly. "When you say that -I am your slave, or the slave of any one else, <i>you lie</i>. My mother was -a free woman, and I was born free. To that I can take my oath, and so -can my friend here. So stand aside, sir, and let me pass."</p> - -<p>"Ho, ho! my black fighting cock," answered the trader, savagely; -"you'll pay sweetly for those words afore I'm through with ye. And -you'll set up a nigger's oath and an Injun's oath agin that of a white -man, will ye? Why, you crumbly piece of yellar gingerbread, don't you -know that when a white man swears to a thing, his word will be taken -agin that of all the niggers and Injuns in the country? Cattle of that -kind can't testify in United States courts, as you'll find out in a -hurry if you ever try it on. Now you're my property, and the sooner you -realize it, the better it will be for you. I've filed my sworn claim -with the agent, and it's been allowed. Here's his order for the Injuns -to deliver you up. So I'd advise you to go along peaceably with me if -you don't want to get yourself into a heap of trouble. Grab him, Ross!"</p> - -<p>Mr. Troup Jeffers had only talked to detain the lads until the arrival -of his burly confederate, who was following at a short distance behind -him. As the moment for action arrived, he seized Louis by one arm, -while Ross Ruffin grasped the other.</p> - -<p>Coacoochee, knowing little of the ways of the whites, had not realized -what was taking place until this moment; but with the seizure of his -friend the horrid truth was made clear to him. He was called a dreamer, -but no one witnessing the promptness of his action at this crisis would -have supposed him to be such. Ross Ruffin was nearest him, and at the -very moment of his laying hands on Louis there came a flash of steel. -The next instant Coacoochee's keen-bladed hunting-knife was sunk deep -into the man's arm just below the shoulder.</p> - -<p>With a yell of pain and terror, the "jackal" let go his hold. Louis -tore himself free from the grasp of his other assailant, and in a -twinkling the two lads were running with the speed of startled deer in -the direction of their own camp, while an ineffective pistol shot rang -out spitefully behind them.</p> - -<p>A few minutes later they had gained the camp, secured their rifles, -told King Philip of what had just taken place, crossed the San -Sebastian, and were lost to sight in the dark shadows of the forest on -its further side.</p> - -<p>They had hardly disappeared before St. Augustine was in an uproar. An -Indian had dared draw his knife on a white man who was only exercising -his legal rights and claiming his lawful property. An Indian had -actually aided in the escape of a slave, when by solemn treaty he was -bound to use every effort to deliver such persons to their masters. -The act was an intolerable outrage and must be promptly punished.</p> - -<p>Within an hour, therefore, an angry mob of armed citizens headed by -Troup Jeffers had surrounded Philip Emathla's encampment. They were -confronted by his handful of sturdy warriors, ready to fight with the -fury of tigers brought to bay, and but for the determined interference -of the Indian agent, who had hastened to the scene of disturbance, a -bloody battle would have ensued then and there. This officer begged the -whites to leave the affair with him, assuring them that the Indians -should be made to afford ample satisfaction for the outrage, and taught -a lesson that would prevent its repetition. At first the citizens would -not listen to him; but the cupidity of the slave-catcher being aroused -by the promise of a handsome pecuniary compensation for his loss, -he joined his voice to that of the agent, and finally succeeded in -persuading the mob to retire.</p> - -<p>Two thousand dollars of government money due King Philip's band was -in that agent's hands and should have been paid over on the following -day. Now that official gave the aged chieftain his choice of delivering -Coacoochee up for punishment, and Louis Pacheco to the man who claimed -him as his property, or of relinquishing this money and signing for it -a receipt in full.</p> - -<p>The alternative thus presented was a bitter one. The loss of their -money would involve Philip Emathla and his band in new difficulties -with the whites, to whom they were in debt for goods that were to be -paid for on the receipt of their annuity. The old man knew that his -creditors would have no mercy upon him, but would seize whatever of -his possessions they could attach. Nor could mercy be expected for his -son and Louis Pacheco should they be delivered into the hands of their -enemies.</p> - -<p>Long did the perplexed chieftain sit silent and with bowed head, -considering the situation. His warriors, grouped at a short distance, -watched him with respectful curiosity. At length he submitted the case -to them and asked their advice.</p> - -<p>With one accord, and without hesitation, they answered: "Let the -Iste-hatke (white man) keep his money. We can live without it; but if -one hair of Coacoochee's head should be harmed, our hearts would be -heavy with a sadness that could never be lifted."</p> - -<p>So Philip Emathla affixed his mark to the paper that the agent had -prepared for him, and was allowed to depart in peace the next day. Of -the money thus obtained from the Indians two hundred dollars served to -salve the wound in Ross Ruffin's arm, and eight hundred satisfied for -the time being the claim of Mr. Troup Jeffers, the slave-trader. What -became of the balance is unknown, for the agent's books contain no -record of the transaction.</p> - -<p>Coacoochee and Louis had halted within friendly shadows on the edge -of the forest, and there held themselves in readiness to fly to the -assistance of their friends, should sounds of strife proclaim an attack -upon the encampment. Here they remained during the night, and only -rejoined Philip Emathla on his homeward march the following day. When -they learned from him the particulars of the transaction by which their -liberty had been assured, both of them were bitterly indignant at the -injustice thus perpetrated.</p> - -<p>The indignation of the young creole was supplemented by a profound -gratitude, and he swore that if the time ever came when it should lie -in his power to repay the debt thus incurred, he would do so with -interest many times compounded. Now, feeling secure in the freedom -for which so great a price had been paid, he returned to his home on -the Tomoka, where for several months he devoted himself assiduously -to labor on the little plantation that afforded the sole support of -his mother, his sister, and himself. During this time of diligent -toil, though he found no opportunity for communicating with his Indian -friends of the lake region, they were often in his thoughts, and his -heart warmed toward them with an ever-increasing gratitude as he -reflected upon the awful fate from which they had saved him.</p> - -<p>While the busy home life of the family on the Tomoka flowed on thus -peacefully and happily, there came one evening a timid knock at -the closed door of their house, and a weak voice, speaking in negro -dialect, begged for admittance.</p> - -<p>Louis, holding a candle, opened the door, and as he did so, was struck -a blow on the head that stretched him senseless across the threshold. -As Nita, who was the only other occupant of the house at that moment, -witnessed this dastardly act, she uttered a piercing scream and was -about to fling herself on her brother's body, but was roughly pushed -back by two white men, who entered the room, and dragging Louis back -from the door, closed it behind them.</p> - -<p>One of the men, who were those precious villains Troup Jeffers and Ross -Ruffin, bound the wrists of the unconscious youth behind him, while the -other ordered Nita to bring them food, threatening to kill her brother -before her eyes in case she refused. The terrified girl hastened to -obey; but, as with trembling hands she prepared the table with all -that the house afforded in the way of provisions, her mind was filled -with wild schemes of escape and rescue. Her mother was absent, having -gone to sit with the dying child of their only near neighbors, a negro -family living a short distance down the river.</p> - -<p>While the girl thus planned, and strove to conceal her agony of thought -beneath an appearance of bustling activity, the slave-catchers dashed -water in her brother's face and used other means to restore him to -consciousness. In this they were finally successful.</p> - -<p>The moment that he was sufficiently recovered to realize his situation -and recognize the men who had treated him so shamefully, he demanded to -be set at liberty, claiming that he was free by birth, and that even if -he were not, the price of his freedom had been paid several times over -by the annuity that Philip Emathla had relinquished on his account.</p> - -<p>"Oh no, you're not free, my lad, as you'll soon discover," replied Mr. -Troup Jeffers, with a grin. "You're property, you are. You was born -property, and you'll always be property. Just now you're my property, -and will be till I can get you to a market where your value will be -appreciated. As for the cash handed over by that old fool of an Injun, -it warn't more than enough to pay for the cut that young catamount give -my friend here, and for my injured feelings. It warn't never intended -to pay for you. So shut your mouth and come along quietly with us, or -we'll make it mighty oncomfortable for ye. D'ye hear?"</p> - -<p>"But my father was a white man, my mother was a free woman, and I was -born—"</p> - -<p>"Shut up! I tell ye!" shouted the trader, angrily.</p> - -<p>Determined to be heard, the youth again opened his mouth to speak, -when, with a snarl of rage, the brute sprang forward and dealt him -several savage kicks with a heavy cowhide boot that proved effective -in procuring the required silence.</p> - -<p>While the attention of both men was thus engaged, Nita managed to slip -unobserved from a back door of the house. With the swiftness of despair -she fled along the shadowy forest trail that led to the neighbor's -cabin, a quarter of a mile away. There she hoped to obtain help for her -brother's rescue. When she reached it, she found to her dismay that -it was dark and empty. Its door stood wide open, and the poor girl -received no answer to her terrified callings.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV</a></p> - -<p class="center">CAPTURE AND ESCAPE OF NITA PACHECO</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">For</span> a minute Nita, trembling with excitement and terror, stood -irresolute. Then, noticing that a few embers still smouldered on the -hearth, she found a sliver of fat pine and thrust it among them. As it -flared up with a bright blaze, its light disclosed a scene that filled -the girl with despair and told the whole sad story—the child with whom -her mother was to watch that night lay dead on the only bed in the -room. The rest of the scanty furniture was overturned and broken; while -the whole appearance of the place denoted that it had been the scene of -a fierce struggle.</p> - -<p>In vain did Nita seek for any trace of her mother. It was only too -evident that the slave-catchers had been here, made captives of all -the living inmates, and removed them to a place of safe keeping before -visiting the Pacheco house. Sick at heart and undecided as to her -course of action, the poor girl left the cabin. As she emerged from its -shattered doorway, she was rudely clasped in a pair of strong arms, and -with a hoarse chuckle of satisfaction a voice, that she recognized as -belonging to one of the men she had left with Louis, exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"So, gal, ye thought ye was gwine to give us the slip, eh? and maybe -bring help to your brother? We uns is up to them games though, and -ye've got to be oncommon spry to git ahead of us. I suspicioned whar -ye'd gone the minit I found ye'd lit out without so much as saying by -your leave, and I was on to yer trail in less'n no time. Now ye might -as well give in and go along quiet with us. We'll find ye a nice easy -place whar ye won't hev much to do, and whar ye kin live happier than -ye ever could in this here forsaken wilderness."</p> - -<p>While thus talking, the man, with a firm grasp of the girl's arm, was -leading her back along the trail they had come. She had not spoken -since uttering a cry of terror when he first seized her, and she now -walked beside him so quietly and unresistingly that he imagined her -spirit to be broken beyond further thought of escape.</p> - -<p>The darkness of the hammock was intense, and being unaccustomed to the -narrow path, Ruffin found difficulty in following it. All at once, as -he swerved slightly from the trail, his foot caught in a loose root, -and he pitched headlong to the ground, releasing the girl's arm as -he fell. In an instant she was gone. Her light footfall gave back no -sound to indicate the direction she had taken, and only the mocking -forest echoes answered the man's bitter curses which were coupled with -commands that she return to him.</p> - -<p>Time was precious with the slave-catchers, and to pursue the girl would -be a hopeless task. Ross Ruffin realized this, and so, baffled and -raging, he made his way to that point on the river where, in a small -boat, with Louis still bound and helpless, Troup Jeffers impatiently -awaited his coming. The latter upbraided his confederate in unmeasured -terms for allowing the girl to escape, and so fierce was their quarrel -that it seemed about to result in bloodshed. Finally their interests, -rather than their inclinations, led them to control their anger and to -reflect that with the captives already secured, including Louis, his -mother, and the family of their negro neighbors, the venture promised -to be very profitable, after all. So they pulled down the dark river -and out to a small schooner that, in charge of two other white men, lay -off its mouth, awaiting them.</p> - -<p>Louis had listened eagerly to Ruffin's report of his sister's flight, -and thus assured of her escape, he became more reconciled to the fate -in store for himself. As the boat in which he lay glided from the -river's mouth, there came to him the sound of a dear voice that in -all probability he would never hear again. It was a passionate cry -of farewell from the sister whom he loved better than all the world -beside. With a mighty effort the captive raised himself to a sitting -posture.</p> - -<p>"Good-bye, Nita!" he shouted; "God bless—"</p> - -<p>Then he was silenced and struck down by a blow in the face. At the same -instant a flash of fire leaped from the boat, and a rifle bullet sped -angrily through the forest in the direction from which Nita's voice had -come. It did not harm her, but she dared not call again. Nor did she -dare remain longer in that vicinity.</p> - -<p>Returning to her deserted home, the poor girl hastily gathered a -slender store of provisions and then set forth, fearfully and with -a breaking heart, to thread the shadowy trails leading to the only -place of refuge that she knew,—the village of Philip Emathla the -Seminole. For two days she travelled, guided by instinct rather than -by a knowledge of the way, and at the end of the second she came to -the place where Coacoochee was standing. As her presence was betrayed -by Ul-we, and the young Indian sprang to her side, the girl sank into -his arms, faint and speechless from exhaustion. Her dress hung in -rags, her feet were bare and bleeding, and her tender skin was torn by -innumerable thorns.</p> - -<p>Filled with wonder and a premonition of evil tidings by this appearance -of his friend's sister so far from her home and in so sad a plight, -Coacoochee bore her to the open space in which he had stood, and laid -her gently down at the base of a great oak. Then, realizing that all -his strength would not suffice to carry her over the mile or more -lying between that place and his father's village, he bade the great -staghound stand guard over the fainting girl, and started off at a -speed that he alone of all his tribe possessed, to seek assistance.</p> - -<p>The peaceful village was startled by his appearance as he dashed -breathlessly into it a few minutes later, and some of the men -instinctively grasped their weapons. With a few words, Coacoochee -assured them that there was no immediate cause for alarm, and then -ordering three stalwart young warriors to follow him, he again entered -the forest and hastened back to where he had left the exhausted girl.</p> - -<p>A little later Nita Pacheco was borne into the village and given over -to the skilful ministrations of the women belonging to King Philip's -household. Under their kindly care the strength of the fugitive was so -restored that within an hour after her arrival she was able to relate -her sad story to the aged chief, who bent over her and listened to her -words with breathless attention.</p> - -<p>When she finished, and Philip Emathla was possessed of all the facts -she had to communicate, he drew himself to his full height and stood -for a moment silent, while his whole frame trembled with anger.</p> - -<p>At length he said: "It is well, my daughter. I have heard thy words, -and they have caused my heart to bleed. From this hour thou shalt be -to Philip Emathla as the child of his old age, and thy sorrows shall -be his. Sleep now and regain thy strength while he takes counsel -concerning this matter with his wise men, and in the morning he will -speak further with thee."</p> - -<p>When the old chief repeated Nita Pacheco's story to his warriors -assembled about the council fire that night, his words were received in -silence, but with fierce scowls; clinched hands, and twitching fingers. -At its conclusion the silence was only broken by angry mutterings, but -none knew what to advise. At length King Philip addressed Coacoochee, -who, youngest of all present, had been allowed a seat at this council -for the first time. Calling him by name, the old chief said:</p> - -<p>"My son, on account of thy friendship with Louis Pacheco, thy interest -in this matter is greater than that of any other among my councillors. -What, then, is thy opinion concerning this tale of wrong and outrage?"</p> - -<p>Standing bravely forth in the full glow of firelight, with his athletic -form and proud profile clearly outlined against it, the lad spoke -vehemently and from a full heart as he replied:</p> - -<p>"The words of my father have made the hearts of his children heavy. -They tell us of the wickedness of the white man. That is nothing new. -We have heard of it many times before. So many that we are weary with -listening. But now this wickedness has fallen on those who have the -right to call upon us for vengeance. They are not of our blood, but -they lived among us and trusted us to protect them. Louis Pacheco is -my friend and brother. This maiden is as a daughter to my father. They -were not born slaves. The Great Spirit created them free as the birds -of the air or the deer of the forest. Of this freedom, the gift of the -Great Spirit, the white man seeks to rob them. Are we dogs that we -should suffer this thing? No; the Seminoles are men and warriors. Let -the chief send a message to the white man, demanding that these our -friends be set free and restored to us. Let him also send out those who -will discover whither they have been taken. If they be dead or carried -away so far that he cannot find them, then let him lead his warriors -to battle with the pale-faced dogs, that the fate of our friends may -be avenged. Coacoochee has spoken, and to Philip Emathla has he made -answer."</p> - -<p>This brave speech, delivered with all the fire and enthusiasm of youth -as well as with the eloquent gestures that Coacoochee knew so well -how to use, was received with murmurs of satisfaction by the younger -warriors, whose eyes gleamed with a fierce joy at the thought of -battle. The breast of the young orator swelled with pride as, reseating -himself in his appointed place, he glanced about him and noted the -effect of his maiden effort at public speech-making. His whole soul was -enlisted in the cause of those oppressed ones for whom he had just -pleaded so earnestly, and he longed with the earnestness of honorable, -high-strung, and fearless youth to strike a telling blow in their -behalf.</p> - -<p>While he with the younger members of the band were thus animated by -a spirit of resistance to injustice at any cost, the older warriors -shook their heads. They could not but reflect upon their own weakness -when they considered the power of the white man and the number of his -soldiers.</p> - -<p>The old chief who had called forth this manifestation of feeling noted -shrewdly the varied expressions of those about him and then dismissed -the council, saying that after sleeping he would announce his decision.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V</a></p> - -<p class="center">A FOREST BETROTHAL</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Philip Emathla</span> was an old man and a wise one. He had visited the great -white Father at Washington, and had thus gained a very different idea -of the power and number of the palefaces from that generally held by -his tribe. He loved his land and his people. He was determined not to -submit to injustice if he could help it, but he shrank from plunging -the Seminoles into a war with the powerful and arrogant invaders of -their country. He knew that such a war could only result in the utter -defeat of the red man, no matter how long or how bravely he might -fight. Thus Coacoochee's fiery speech at the council was a source of -great anxiety to the old man and caused him to pass a sleepless night. -By morning, however, he had decided upon a course of action, and again -summoning his councillors, he unfolded it to them.</p> - -<p>As the money value of Louis Pacheco and his mother had already been -doubly paid by the Indians through the relinquishment of their annuity, -Philip Emathla would himself go to the agent at Fort King, claim them -as his slaves, and demand their return to him as such. At the same -time he would send scouts to St. Augustine to discover if the captives -were in that city and what chance there was of rescuing them in case -the agent should refuse to recognize his claim. Until these things -were done there must be no thought or mention of war. It could only be -considered after all else had failed.</p> - -<p>As Coacoochee listened to these words, his face assumed a look of -resolve, and he eagerly awaited an opportunity to speak. He was no -longer content to be considered a dreamer, but was anxious to prove -himself the worthy son of a great chief and entitled to the proud rank -of warrior. When, therefore, his father finished what he had to say and -signified that any who chose might speak, the lad, after waiting for -a few minutes out of deference to his elders, rose with a modest but -manly bearing and requested that two favors might be granted him. One -was that he might be allowed to go alone on the scout to St. Augustine -and there learn the fate of his friend. The other, asked with that -confusion of manner which all youths, savage as well as civilized, -manifest on such occasions, was that he might have his father's -permission to make Nita Pacheco a daughter of the tribe, in fact as -well as in name, by taking her to be his wife.</p> - -<p>After regarding the lad fixedly and in silence for nearly a minute, the -old chief made reply as follows:</p> - -<p>"My son, although thou hast attained the stature of a man, and it has -been permitted thee to speak in council, thou art still but a boy in -knowledge as well as in years. That thou may speedily prove thyself -worthy the name of warrior is my hope and desire. Therefore that thou -may not lack opportunity for gaining distinction, I hereby grant the -first of thy requests on condition that six of my well-tried braves -shall go with thee. They may be left in concealment outside the city, -and thou may enter it alone; but it is well to have friends at hand in -case of need. It is also well that a young warrior should be guided by -the counsel of those who are older and wiser.</p> - -<p>"Thy second request will I also grant upon conditions. Gladly will I -accept the maiden whom thou hast named, as a daughter in truth as well -as in name; but it seems to have escaped thy mind that no son of the -Seminoles may take to himself a wife until he has won the title of -warrior and proved himself capable of her support. Again, there is but -one time for the taking of wives, which may only be done at the great -green corn dance of thy people. If it pleases the maiden to plight thee -her troth, to that I will give consent, provided the ceremony shall -take place ere the setting of this day's sun. Then when thou art gone -on thy mission to discover the fate of her mother and her brother, she -will be doubly entitled to the love and protection of thy people. Let, -then, a solemn betrothal satisfy thee for the present, and at some -future time will the question of thy marriage be considered. Thus -speaks Philip Emathla."</p> - -<p>Coacoochee had loved the sister of his friend longer than he could -remember, and believed that Nita entertained a similar feeling toward -him, though no words of love had ever passed between them. Now they -were to exchange a promise of marriage! The mere thought gave him a -more manly and dignified bearing. And then he was to be immediately -separated from her. How hard it would be to leave her! Doubly hard, -now that she was in sorrow, and suffering the keenest anxiety. Still, -if he could only bring back tidings of the safety of her dear ones, or -perhaps even return them to her, how happy it would make her! How proud -she would be of him!</p> - -<p>To Nita the proposition that she should participate in a ceremony of -betrothal to Coacoochee, which among the Seminoles is even more solemn -and important than that of marriage itself, was startling but not -unwelcome. She loved the handsome youth. In her own mind that had long -ago been settled. Now she was homeless and alone. Where could she find -a braver or more gallant protector than Coacoochee? Besides, was he not -going into danger for her sake, and the sake of those most dear to her? -Yes, she would give him her promise in the presence of all his people -freely and gladly.</p> - -<p>Again the sun was near his setting, and all nature was flooded -with the golden glory that waited on his departure. The cluster of -palmetto-thatched huts nestled beneath tall trees on the shore of -blue Ahpopka Lake wore an expectant air, and their dusky inhabitants, -gathered in little groups, seemed to anticipate some event of -importance.</p> - -<p>At length there came the sound of singing from a leafy bower on the -outskirts of the village, and then appeared a bevy of young girls -wreathed and garlanded with flowers. In their midst walked one whose -face, fairer than theirs, still bore traces of recent suffering. She -was clad in a robe of fawnskin, creamy white and soft as velvet. -Exquisitely embroidered, it was fit for the wear of a princess, and -had indeed been prepared for the gentle Allala, King Philip's only -daughter, shortly before her death. Now, worn for the first time, it -formed the betrothal dress of Nita Pacheco. In the tresses of her -rippling hair was twined a slender spray of snow-white star jasmine. -She wore no other ornament, but none was needed for a beauty so radiant -as hers.</p> - -<p>So, at least, thought Coacoochee, as, escorted by a picked body of -young warriors, gaudy in paint and feathers, he entered the village at -this moment, but from its opposite side, and caught a glimpse of her.</p> - -<p>Both groups advanced to the centre of the village and halted, facing -each other, before the chief's lodge. There for some moments they stood -amid an impressive silence that was only broken by the glad songs of -birds in the leafy coverts above them. At length the curtain screening -the entrance was drawn aside, and Philip Emathla, followed by two of -his most trusted councillors, stepped forth. The head of the aged -chieftain was unadorned save by a single roseate feather plucked from -the wing of a flamingo. This from time immemorial had been the badge of -highest authority among the Indians of Florida, and was adopted as such -by the latest native occupants of the flowery land. The chief's massive -form was set off to fine advantage by a simple tunic and leggings of -buckskin. Depending from his neck by a slender chain was a large gold -medallion of Washington, while across his breast he wore several other -decorations in gold and silver.</p> - - - -<p>Standing in the presence of his people, and facing the setting sun, the -chieftain called upon the group of flower-decked maidens to deliver up -their sister, and as Nita stepped shyly forth, he took her by the hand. -Next he called upon the group of young warriors to deliver up their -brother, whereupon their ranks opened, and Coacoochee walked proudly to -where his father stood.</p> - -<p>Taking him also by the hand, the old chief asked of his son, in a -voice that all could plainly hear, if he had carefully considered the -obligation he was about to assume. "Do you promise for the sake of this -maiden to strive with all your powers to attain the rank of a warrior? -Do you promise, when that time comes, to take her to your lodge to be -your squaw? to protect her with your life from harm? to hunt game for -her? to see that she suffers not from hunger? to love her and bear with -her until the Great Spirit shall call you to dwell with him in the -Happy Hunting-grounds?"</p> - -<p>"Un-cah (yes)," answered Coacoochee so clearly as to be heard of all. "I -do promise."</p> - -<p>Turning to Nita, the chieftain asked: "My daughter, are you also -willing to make promise to this youth that when the time comes for -him to call thee to his lodge, you will go to him? Are you willing to -promise that from then until the sun shall no longer shine for thee, -till thine eyes are closed in the long sleep, and till the music of -birds no longer fill thy ears, Coacoochee shall be thy man, and thou -shall know no other? Are you willing to promise that from that time his -lodge shall be thy lodge, his friends thy friends, and his enemies thy -enemies? Are you willing to promise that from the day you enter his -lodge you will love him and care for him, make his word thy law, and -follow him even to captivity and death? Consider well, my daughter, -before answering; for thy pledged word may not be lightly broken."</p> - -<p>Lifting her head, and smiling as she looked the old man full in the -face, Nita answered, in low but distinct tones:</p> - -<p>"Un-cah. I am willing to promise."</p> - -<p>With this the chieftain placed the girl's hand in that of Coacoochee, -and turning to the spectators, who stood silent and attentive, said:</p> - -<p>"In thy sight, and in hearing of all men, this my son and this my -daughter have given to each other the promise that may not be broken. -Therefore I, Philip Emathla, make it known that whenever Coacoochee, -after gaining a warrior's rank, shall call this maiden to his lodge, -she shall go to him. From that time forth he shall be her warrior, and -she shall be his squaw. It is spoken; let it be remembered."</p> - -<p>With these words the ceremony of betrothal was concluded, and at -once the spectators broke forth in a tumult of rejoicing. Guns were -discharged, drums were beaten, great fires were lighted, there was -dancing and feasting, and in every way they could devise did these -simple-minded dwellers in the forest express their joy over the event -that promised so much of happiness to the well-loved son of their chief.</p> - -<p>In these rejoicings Coacoochee did not take part, glad as he would -have been to do so. He had a duty to perform that might no longer be -delayed. The fate of his friend, who was now become almost his brother, -must be learned, and it rested with him to discover it.</p> - -<p>So on conclusion of the betrothal ceremony he led Nita into his -father's lodge, bade her a tender farewell, and promising a speedy -return, slipped away almost unobserved. Followed only by Ul-we, the -great staghound, he entered the dark shadows of the forest behind the -village, and was immediately lost to view.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI</a></p> - -<p class="center">CRUEL DEATH OF UL-WE THE STAGHOUND</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> Coacoochee left the Indian village on the night of his betrothal -and set forth on his journey to St. Augustine, he fully realized that -the act marked a crisis in his life, and that from this hour his -irresponsible boyhood was a thing of the past. For a moment he was -staggered by the thought of what he was undertaking, together with an -overpowering sense of his own weakness and lack of worldly knowledge. -How could he, a mere lad, educated in nothing save forest craft, hope -to compete with the strength, wisdom, and subtlety of the all-powerful -white man? His heart sank at the prospect, there came a faltering in -his springy stride, he feared to advance, and dreaded to retreat.</p> - -<p>As he wavered he became conscious of a presence beside him, and to his -ear came the voice of Allala. In tender but reproachful accents it said:</p> - -<p>"My brother, to thee are the eyes of our people turning. Philip Emathla -is chief of a band; through long strife, bitter trial, and deepest -sorrow, Coacoochee shall become leader of a nation. Remember, my -brother, that to strive and succeed is glorious; to strive and yield is -still honorable; but to yield without striving is contemptible."</p> - -<p>The voice ceased, and the young Indian felt that he was again alone, -but he was no longer undecided. His veins thrilled with a new life, -and his heart was filled with a courage ready to dare anything. In an -instant his determination was taken. He would strive for victories, he -would learn to bear defeat, but it should never be said of Coacoochee -that he was contemptible. Filled with such thoughts, the youth sprang -forward and again urged his way along the dim forest trail.</p> - -<p>He had gone but a short distance when he came to a group of dark -figures evidently awaiting him. They were the six warriors chosen by -his father to accompany him on his dangerous mission. As he joined -them, a few words of greeting were exchanged, and one of them handed -him his rifle, powder-horn, and bullet-pouch. Here he took the lead, -with Ul-we close at his heels. The others followed in single file and -with long, gliding strides that maintained with slight apparent effort -yet bore them over the ground with surprising rapidity.</p> - -<p>The night was lighted by a young moon, and such of its rays as were -sifted down through the leafy canopy served to guide their steps as -truly as though it had been day. When the moon set, the little band -halted on the edge of an open glade, and each man cut a few great -leaves of the cabbage palmetto, which he thrust stem first into the -ground to serve as protection against the drenching night dew. Then, -flinging themselves down in the long grass, they almost instantly fell -asleep, leaving only Ul-we to stand guard.</p> - -<p>A brace of wild turkey, shot at daylight a short distance from where -they slept, furnished a breakfast, and at sunrise they were once more -on their way. That morning they crossed the St. John's River in a canoe -that had been skilfully concealed beneath a bank from all but them, and -soon after sunset they made their second camp within a few miles of St. -Augustine.</p> - -<p>Up to this time they had seen no white man, but now they might expect -to see many; for they were near a travelled road recently opened for -the government westward into the far interior, by a man named Bellamy; -thus it was called the "Bellamy Road,"—a name that it bears to this -day.</p> - -<p>Over it Coacoochee, accompanied only by Ul-we, walked boldly the next -morning until he came to the city. He did not carry his rifle with -him, as he knew that Indians off their reservation were apt to have -all firearms seized and taken from them. Moreover, he anticipated -no danger. These were times of peace, in which Indians as well as -whites were protected by treaty. So, cautioning his warriors to remain -concealed until his return, the young leader went in search of the -information he had been detailed to obtain.</p> - -<p>During his journey he had carefully considered the steps to be taken -when he should reach its end. He might easily have slipped into -the town under cover of darkness, and, with little chance of being -observed, communicated with certain negroes of the place, who would -have told him what he desired to know. He might have remained concealed -in the outskirts until some of them passed that way. Several other -plans suggested themselves, but all were rejected in favor of the -one now adopted. Honest and straightforward himself, Coacoochee was -disinclined to use methods that might lie open to suspicion. He knew of -no reason why he, a free man, should not visit any portion of the land -that his people still claimed as their own, and consequently he entered -the town boldly and in broad daylight.</p> - -<p>The sight of an Indian in the streets of St. Augustine was at that time -too common to attract unusual attention. Still, the bearing of the -young chief was so noble, and his appearance so striking, that more -than one person turned to gaze after him as he passed.</p> - -<p>The great dog that followed close at his heels also excited universal -admiration, and several men offered to buy him from the youth as he -passed them. To these he deigned no reply, for it was part of the -Indian policy at that time, as it is now, to feign an ignorance of any -language but their own.</p> - -<p>Within a few hours Coacoochee had learned all that was to be known -concerning the recent expedition of Jeffers and Ruffin. If they were -successful in their undertaking, they were to proceed directly to -Charleston, South Carolina, and there dispose of their captives. As -they had now been absent from St. Augustine for more than a week, this -is what they were supposed to have done.</p> - -<p>Once during his hurried interviews with those who were able to give -him information, but were fearful of being discovered in his company, -the young Indian was vaguely warned that some new laws relating to his -people had just been passed, and that if he were not careful, he might -get into trouble through them.</p> - -<p>Several times during the morning one or more of the street dogs of -the town ran snarling after Ul-we; but, in each case, one of his deep -growls and a display of his formidable teeth caused them to slink away -and leave him unmolested.</p> - -<p>Having finished his business, Coacoochee set out on a return to the -camp where his warriors awaited him. His heart was heavy with the news -that he had just received, and as he walked, he thought bitterly of the -fate of the friend who had been dragged into slavery far beyond his -reach or power of rescue.</p> - -<p>Thus thinking, and paying but slight attention to his surroundings, he -reached the edge of the town. He was passing its last building, a low -groggery, on the porch of which were collected a group of men, most of -them more or less under the influence of liquor.</p> - -<p>One of the group was a swarthy-faced fellow named Salano, who had for -some unknown reason conceived a bitter hatred against all Indians, and -often boasted that he would no more hesitate to shoot one than he would -a wolf or a rattlesnake. Beside this man lay his dog, a mongrel cur -with a sneaking expression, that had gained some notoriety as a fighter.</p> - -<p>As Coacoochee passed this group, though without paying any attention to -them, Salano called out to him in an insulting tone:</p> - -<p>"Hello, Injun! whar did you steal that dog?"</p> - -<p>If the young chief heard this question, he did not indicate by any sign -that he had done so; but continued calmly on his way.</p> - -<p>Again Salano shouted after him. "I say whar did you steal that dog, -Injun?" then, with an oath, he added: "Bring him here; I want to look -at him."</p> - -<p>Still there was no reply.</p> - -<p>In the meantime the cur at Salano's feet was growling and showing his -teeth as he gazed after the retreating form of Ul-we.</p> - -<p>At this juncture his master stopped, and pointing in the direction of -the staghound, said, "Go, bite him, sir!"</p> - -<p>The cur darted forward, and made a vicious snap at Ul-we's hind legs, -inflicting a painful wound.</p> - -<p>The temper of the big dog was tried beyond endurance. He turned, and -with a couple of leaps overtook the cur, already in yelping retreat. -Ul-we seized him by the back in his powerful jaws. There was a wild -yell, a momentary struggle, a crunching of bones, and the cur lay -lifeless in the dust. At the same moment the report of a rifle rang -out, and the superb staghound sank slowly across the body of his late -enemy, shot through the heart.</p> - -<p>All this happened in so short a space of time that the double tragedy -was complete almost before Coacoochee realized what was taking place.</p> - -<p>The moment he did so, he sprang to his faithful companion, and kneeling -in the dust beside him, raised the creature's head in his arms. The -great, loving eyes opened slowly and gazed pleadingly into the face of -the young Indian; with a last effort the dog feebly licked his hand, -and then all was over. Ul-we, the tall one, the noblest dog ever owned -and loved by a Seminole, was dead.</p> - -<p>Over this pathetic scene the group about the groggery made merry with -shouts of laughter and taunting remarks. As Coacoochee, satisfied that -his dog was really dead, slowly rose to his feet, Salano jeeringly -called out, "What'll you take for your pup now, Injun?"</p> - -<p>The next moment the man staggered back with an exclamation of terror -as the young Indian sprang to where he stood, and with a face distorted -by rage hissed between his teeth:</p> - -<p>"From thy body shall thy heart be torn for this act! Coacoochee has -sworn it."</p> - -<p>Even as he spoke, a pistol held in Salano's hand was levelled at his -head, and his face was burned by the explosion that instantly followed, -though the bullet intended for him whistled harmlessly over his head. A -young man who had but that moment appeared on the scene had struck up -the murderer's arm at the instant of pulling the trigger, exclaiming as -he did so:</p> - -<p>"Are you mad, Salano!"</p> - -<p>Then to Coacoochee he said: "Go now before further mischief is done. -The man is crazy with drink, and not responsible for his actions. I -will see that no further harm comes to you." Without a word, but with -one penetrating look at the face of the speaker, as though to fix it -indelibly on his memory, the young Indian turned and walked rapidly -away.</p> - -<p>He had not gone more than a mile from town, and was walking slowly -with downcast head and filled with bitter thoughts, when he was roused -from his unhappy reverie by the sound of galloping hoofs behind him. -Turning, he saw two horsemen rapidly approaching the place where he -stood. At the same time he became aware that two others, who had made -a wide circuit under cover of the dense palmetto scrub on either side -of the road, and thus obtained a position in front of him, were closing -in so as to prevent his escape in that direction. He could have darted -into the scrub, and thus have eluded his pursuers for a few minutes; -and had he been possessed of his trusty rifle, he would certainly have -done so. But unarmed as he was, and as his enemies knew him to be, they -could easily hunt him out and shoot him down without taking any risk -themselves, if they were so inclined.</p> - -<p>So Coacoochee walked steadily forward as though unconscious of being -the object toward which the four horsemen were directing their course. -He wished he were near enough to the hiding-place of his warriors to -call them to him, but they were still a couple of miles away, and even -his voice could not be heard at that distance. So, apparently unaware -of, or indifferent to, the danger closing in on him, the young Indian -resolutely pursued his way until he was almost run down by the horsemen -who were approaching him from behind. As they reined sharply up, one of -them ordered him to halt.</p> - -<p>Coacoochee did as commanded, and turning, found himself again face to -face with Fontaine Salano, the man who but a short time before had -attempted to take his life.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII</a></p> - -<p class="center">COACOOCHEE IN THE CLUTCHES OF WHITE RUFFIANS</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> the young chief, obeying the stern command to halt, faced about, he -found himself covered by a rifle in the hands of his most vindictive -enemy. He knew in a moment that a crisis in their intercourse had -been reached, and almost expected to be shot down where he stood, so -malignant was the expression of the white man's face. Still, with the -wonderful self-control in times of danger that forms part of the Indian -character, he betrayed no emotion nor trace of fear. He only asked:</p> - -<p>"Why should Coacoochee halt at the command of a white man?"</p> - -<p>"Because, Coacoochee, if such is your outlandish name, the white man -chooses to make you do so, and because he wants to see your pass," -replied Salano, sneeringly.</p> - -<p>In the meantime the other riders had come up, and two of them, -dismounting, now stood on either side of the young Indian. In obedience -to an almost imperceptible nod from their leader, these two seized him, -and in a moment had pinioned his arms behind him. Coacoochee could -have flung them from him and made a dash for liberty even now. He did -make one convulsive movement in that direction; but like a flash the -thought came to him that this was precisely what his enemies desired -him to do, that they might thus have an excuse for killing him. So he -remained motionless, and quietly allowed himself to be bound.</p> - -<p>At this a shade of disappointment swept over Salano's face, and he -muttered an oath. The truth was that, terrified by Coacoochee's recent -threat to have his life in exchange for that of Ul-we, which he had so -cruelly taken, the bully had determined to get rid of this dangerous -youth without delay, and had hit upon the present plan for so doing. -He had calculated that his victim would attempt to escape, or at least -offer some resistance. In either case he would have shot him down -without compunction, and afterwards if called to account for the act, -would justify himself on the ground that the Indian was transgressing -a law recently passed by the Legislature of Florida, which he, in his -character of Justice of the Peace, was attempting to enforce.</p> - -<p>Still, his plan had not wholly failed, and he now proceeded to carry it -to an extremity.</p> - -<p>"So you acknowledge that you hain't got no pass, do you, Injun? And are -roaming about the country, threatening white folks' lives, and doing -Lord knows what other deviltry on your own responsibility," he said. -"Now, then, listen to this." Drawing a paper from his pocket as he -spoke, the man read as follows:</p> - -<p>"<i>An Act to prevent Indians from roaming at large throughout the -Territory</i>: Be it enacted by the Governor and Legislative Council of -the Territory, that from and after the passing of this act, if any -Indian, of the years of discretion, venture to roam or ramble beyond -the boundary lines of the reservations which have been assigned to -the tribe or nation to which said Indian belongs, it shall and may be -lawful for any person or persons to apprehend, seize, and take said -Indian, and carry him before some Justice of the Peace, who is hereby -authorized, empowered, and required to direct (if said Indian have -not a written permission from the agent to do some specific act) that -there shall be inflicted not exceeding thirty-nine (39) stripes, at -the discretion of the Justice, on the bare back of said Indian, and, -moreover, to cause the gun of said Indian, if he have any, to be taken -away from him and deposited with the colonel of the county or captain -of the district in which said Indian may be taken, subject to the order -of the Superintendent of Indian Affairs."</p> - -<p>"Now, Mr. Injun, what have you got to say to that?" demanded Salano, as -he folded the paper and restored it to his pocket.</p> - -<p>Although Coacoochee had not understood all that had just been read to -him, he comprehended that by a white man's law, an Indian might be -whipped like a slave or a dog, and his blood boiled hotly at the mere -thought of such an outrage. Still he replied to Salano's last question -with dignity and a forced composure.</p> - -<p>"The Iste-chatte has not been told of this law. It is a new one to him, -and he has had no time to learn it. It was not put into the treaty. -Coacoochee is the son of a chief. If you lift a hand against him, you -lift it against the whole Seminole nation. If you strike him, the land -will run red with white men's blood. If you kill him, his spirit will -cry for vengeance, and no place can hide you from the fury of his -warriors. They will not eat nor drink nor sleep till they have found -you out, and torn the cowardly heart from your body."</p> - -<p>"Oh come!" interrupted Salano, with an oath, "that will do. We don't -want to hear any more from you. This Injun is evidently a dangerous -character, gentlemen, and as a Justice of the Peace I shall deal with -him according to the law. We'll whip him first, and if that isn't -enough, we'll hang him afterwards."</p> - -<p>The three men who accompanied Salano were his boon companions, and -were equally ready with himself to perform any deed of cruelty or -wickedness. They regarded an Indian as fair game, to be hunted and -even killed wherever found. Nothing would please them better than a -declaration of war against the Seminoles, and they were determined -to leave nothing undone to hasten so desirable an event. To whip an -Indian under cover of the law was rare sport, and the prospect of -hanging him afterwards filled them with a brutal joy. So they readily -obeyed the commands of their leader, and after fastening their horses -by the roadside, they threw a slip-noose over Coacoochee's head, and -drawing it close about his neck, led him a short distance within a -grove of trees, to one of which they made fast the loose end of the -rope. He was thus allowed to step a couple of paces in each direction. -Ripping his tunic from the neck downward with a knife, they stripped it -from his back, and all was in readiness for their devilish deed. Their -rifles had been left hanging to their saddles, but each man had brought -a raw-hide riding-whip with him, and these they now proposed to apply -to the bare back of their silent and unresisting victim.</p> - -<p>"Ten cuts apiece, gentlemen!" cried Salano, with a ferocious laugh. -"That'll make the thirty-nine allowed by law, and one over for good -measure. I take great credit to myself for the idea of making the -prisoner fast by the neck only, and that with a slip-noose. He's -got plenty of room to dance, and if he looses his footing and hangs -himself, why, that'll be his lookout and not ours. At any rate, it will -be a good riddance of the varmint, and will relieve us from further -responsibility in the matter. I claim the first cut at him; so stand -back and give me room."</p> - -<p>As the others moved back a few paces, the chief ruffian stepped up to -the young Indian, and laying the raw hide across the bared shoulders -as though to measure the width of the blow he was about to inflict, he -lifted it high above his head, saying as he did so:</p> - -<p>"You'll cut my heart out, will you, Injun? We'll see now who is going -to do the cutting."</p> - -<p>Then with a vicious hiss, the raw hide swept down with the full force -of the arm that wielded it.</p> - -<p>There was no outcry and no movement on the part of the Indian, only his -flesh shrunk and quivered beneath the cruel blow, which left a livid -stripe across his shoulders.</p> - -<p>That blow was to be paid for with hundreds of innocent lives, and -millions of dollars. It was to be felt throughout the length and -breadth of the land, and was to be atoned by rivers of blood. In a -single instant its fearful magic transformed the young Indian who -received it, from a quiet, peace-loving youth, with a generous, -affectionate nature, into a savage warrior, relentless and pitiless. It -gave to the Seminoles a leader whose very name should become a terror -to their enemies, and it precipitated one of the cruellest and most -stubbornly contested Indian wars ever waged on American soil.</p> - -<p>Again was the whip uplifted, but before it could descend for a second -blow, the wretch who wielded it was dashed to the ground, and a white -man with blazing eyes stood over his prostrate figure. The newcomer -presented a cocked rifle at the startled spectators of the proceedings, -who had been too intent upon the perpetration of their crime to take -notice of his approach.</p> - -<p>"Cowards!" he cried, in ringing tones. "Does it take four of you -to whip one Indian? Is this the way you continue a private quarrel -and gratify your devilish instincts? Bah! Such wretches as you are -a disgrace to manhood! You make me ashamed of my color, since it is -the same as your own. Did you not hear me give my word to this youth -that he should go in safety? How dared you then even contemplate this -outrage? Perhaps you thought that the word of an Englishman might be -defied with impunity. From this moment you will know better; for if -any one of you ever dares cross my path again, I will shoot him in his -tracks as I would any other noxious beast that curses the earth. Now -get you gone from this spot ere my forbearance is tempted beyond its -strength. Go back to the town, and there proclaim your iniquity, if you -dare. You will find few sympathizers in your attempt to precipitate an -Indian war, and deluge this fair land with blood. Go, and go on foot. -Your horses have already taken the road. Go, and if you even dare to -look back until out of my sight, a bullet from this rifle shall spur -your lagging pace. And you, Fontaine Salano, you brute of brutes, you -pariah dog, do you go with them. Away out of my sight, I say, lest I -cause this Indian to flay your bare back with the lashes you intended -for him."</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus02.jpg" alt="whip" /> -<a id="illus02" name="illus02"></a> -</p> -<p class="caption">THEN WITH A VICIOUS HISS THE RAWHIDE SWEPT DOWN WITH THE -FULL FORCE OF THE ARM THAT WIELDED IT.</p> - -<p>Whether the four men imagined that they were confronted by one bereft -of his senses, or whether they were indeed the cowards he called them, -it is impossible to say. Certain it is that they received the young -man's scathing words in silence, and, when ordered to leave, they took -their departure with a precipitate haste that would have been comical -under less tragic circumstances.</p> - -<p>The stranger followed them to the edge of the wood, and watched them -until they disappeared in the direction of the town. Then he returned -to where Coacoochee, who had not yet seen the face of his deliverer, -still remained bound to the tree. As with a keen-edged knife he cut -the thongs confining the young Indian's arms, and the rope about his -neck, thus allowing the latter to face him, Coacoochee gave a start of -surprise. His new friend was the same who, but an hour or so before, -had saved him from Fontaine Salano's pistol in the streets of St. -Augustine.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII</a></p> - -<p class="center">RALPH BOYD THE ENGLISHMAN</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> man who had thus so opportunely come to the rescue of Coacoochee -twice in one day was a remarkable character even in that land of -adventurers. Descended from a wealthy English family, well educated and -accomplished, he had sought a life of adventure, and after spending -some years in out-of-the-way corners of the world, had finally settled -down on a large plantation in Florida left to him by an uncle whom he -had never seen. Here he now lived with his only sister Anstice, who had -recently come out to join him.</p> - -<p>Filled with a love for freedom and always ready to quarrel with -injustice in any form, he had, before even seeing his property, freed -his slaves and ordered his attorneys to discharge an oppressive -overseer who had mismanaged the plantation for some years. This man, -whom Ralph Boyd did not even know by sight, was no other than our -slave-catching acquaintance Mr. Troup Jeffers.</p> - -<p>In that slave-holding community a man who chose to work his plantation -with free labor became immediately unpopular, and some of his neighbors -sought quarrels with him, in the hope of driving him from the country. -But they had reckoned without their host. Ralph Boyd was not to be -driven, as the result of several duels into which they forced him -plainly proved. He was a good shot, an expert swordsman, a capital -horseman, and was apparently without fear. Therefore it was quickly -discovered that to meddle with the young Englishman was to meddle -with danger, and that his friendship was infinitely preferable to his -enmity. He was of such a sunny disposition that it was difficult to -rouse him to anger on his own behalf, but he never permitted a wrong to -be perpetrated on the weak or helpless that lay within his powers of -redress. Thus a case of cowardly brutality like the present, and one of -which the possible consequences were so terrible to contemplate, filled -him with a righteous and well-nigh uncontrollable rage.</p> - -<p>The Boyd plantation lay some forty miles from St. Augustine, and Boyd -had ridden into town that day on a matter of business. He had reached -it just in time to witness Salano's shooting of Ul-we. Filled with -indignation at the deed, and admiring the manner with which Coacoochee -confronted his tormentors, Boyd at once took the young Indian's part -and probably saved his life. Then he went about his own business. Some -time afterwards he learned by the merest accident of the departure -of Salano and his evil associates on the track of the young chief. -Fearing that they meditated mischief toward one to whom he had given -the promise of his protection, he procured a fresh horse and started in -hot pursuit.</p> - -<p>Finding the four horses hitched by the roadside, and noting that each -man had left his rifle hanging to the saddle, Boyd took the precaution -of putting these safely out of the way, by the simple expedient of -cutting the horses loose and starting them on the back track before -entering the grove. Then, following the sound of voices, he made -his way noiselessly among the trees to the disgraceful scene of the -whipping. He had not anticipated anything so bad as this, and the sight -filled him with an instant fury.</p> - -<p>Springing forward, rifle in hand, he stretched Salano on the ground -with a single blow, and then confronted the others. They all knew him, -and would rather have encountered any other two men. His very presence, -in moments of wrath, inspired terror, and when he gave them permission -to go, they slunk from him like whipped curs.</p> - -<p>If Coacoochee was startled at sight of his deliverer, Boyd was no less -so at the frightful change in the face of the young Indian. It was no -longer that into which he had gazed an hour before. That was the mobile -face of a youth reflecting each passing emotion, and though it was even -then clouded by sorrow and anger, a little time would have restored its -sunshine. Now its features were rigid, and stamped with a look that -expressed at once intolerable shame and undying hate. The eyes were -those of a wild beast brought to bay and prepared for a death struggle.</p> - -<p>The once fearless gaze now fell before that of the white man. -Coacoochee, proudest of Seminoles, hung his head. This man had -witnessed his shame and had at the same time placed him under an -obligation. The young Indian could not face him, and could not kill -him, so he stood motionless and silent, with his eyes fixed on the -ground.</p> - -<p>Ralph Boyd appreciated the situation, and understood the other's -feelings as though they were his own, as in a way they were. They would -be the feelings of any free-born, high-spirited youth under similar -circumstances.</p> - -<p>"My poor fellow," said Boyd, holding out his hand as he spoke, "I think -I know how you feel, and I sympathize with you from the bottom of my -heart. You will surely allow me to be your friend, though, seeing that -I have just made four enemies on your account. Won't you shake hands -with me in token of friendship?"</p> - -<p>"I cannot," answered Coacoochee, in a choked voice. "You are a white -man. I have been whipped by a white man. Not until the mark of his blow -has been washed away with his blood can I take the hand of any white -man in friendship."</p> - -<p>"Well, I don't know but what I should feel just as you do," replied -Boyd, musingly. "I have never before met any of your people, but have -been told that you were a treacherous race, without any notions of -honor or true bravery. Now it seems to me that your feelings in this -matter are very much what mine would be if I were in your place. Still, -I hope you are not going to lay up any bitterness against me on account -of what was done by another, even though we are, unfortunately, both -of the same color. I am curious to know something of you Indians, and -would much rather have you for a friend than an enemy."</p> - -<p>"Coacoochee will always be your friend," answered the other, earnestly. -"Some day he will shake hands with you. Not now. With his life will he -serve you. A Seminole never forgives an injury, and he never forgets a -kindness. Now I must go."</p> - -<p>"Hold on, Coacoochee; you must not go half naked and with that mark on -your back," exclaimed Boyd. "Here, I have on two shirts, and I insist -that you take one of them. With your permission I will take in exchange -this buckskin affair of yours that those villains cut so recklessly, -and will keep it as a souvenir of this occasion."</p> - -<p>As he spoke, the young Englishman divested himself of his outer -garment, a tastefully made hunting-tunic of dark green cloth, and -handed it to Coacoochee. Without hesitation the Indian accepted this -gift, and put on the garment, which fitted him perfectly.</p> - -<p>Then the two young men left the little grove in which events of such -grave import to both had just taken place, and walked to where Boyd had -left his horse.</p> - -<p>Upon Coacoochee saying that he should go but a little further on the -road, the other declared an intention to accompany him, and so, leading -his horse, walked on beside the shame-faced Indian.</p> - -<p>The more Boyd talked with Coacoochee, the more he was pleased with him. -He found him to be intelligent and modest, but high-spirited and imbued -to an exaggerated degree with savage notions of right and wrong, honor -and dishonor. To avenge a wrong and repay a kindness, to deal honorably -with the honorable and treacherously with the treacherous, to serve -a friend and injure an enemy, was his creed, and by it was his life -moulded.</p> - -<p>At length they came to the place where the young Indian said he must -leave the road. As they paused to exchange farewells, the querulous -note of a hawk sounded from the palmetto scrub close beside them. -Coacoochee raised his hand, and as though by magic six stalwart -warriors leaped into the road and surrounded them.</p> - -<p>Boyd made an instinctive movement toward his rifle, but it was checked -by the sight of a faint smile on his companion's face. At the same time -the latter said quietly:</p> - -<p>"Fear nothing; they are my friends, and my friends are thy friends."</p> - -<p>To the Indians he said in their own tongue, "Note well this man. He is -my friend and that of all Seminoles. From them no harm must ever come -to him."</p> - -<p>Then he waved his hand, and the six warriors disappeared so instantly -and so utterly that the white man rubbed his eyes and looked about him -in amazement.</p> - -<p>Turning, to express his surprise to Coacoochee, he discovered that the -young chief had also disappeared, and that he alone occupied the road.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX</a></p> - -<p class="center">MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF A SENTINEL</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">For</span> a full minute Ralph Boyd stood bewildered in the middle of the -road. In vain did he look for some sign and listen for some sound that -would betray the whereabouts of those who, but a moment before, had -stood with him. The tall grasses waved and the flowers nodded before a -gentle breeze, but it was not strong enough to move the stiff leaves -of the palmetto scrub, nor was there any motion that might be traced -to the passing of human beings among their hidden stalks. From the -feathery tips of the cabbage palms came a steady fluttering that rose -or fell with the breathings of the wind, and in far-away thickets could -be heard the cooing of wood doves, and the occasional cheery note of a -quail, but no other sound broke the all-pervading silence.</p> - -<p>All at once from a hammock growing at a considerable distance from -where the young man stood there came to his ears the thrilling sound of -a Seminole war-cry:</p> - -<p>"Yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee-che!"</p> - -<p>It was followed by another and another, until the listener counted -seven of the ominous cries in as many distinct voices, and knew that -they were uttered by the seven Indians who had stood with him in the -road.</p> - -<p>Unaccustomed to the ways of red men, Boyd could not understand how they -had glided so noiselessly and swiftly away from him.</p> - -<p>"It is like magic," he muttered, "and gives one a creepy feeling. What -a terrible thing a war with such as they would be in this country, -where everything is so favorable to them and so unfavorable to the -movements of troops. And yet war is the very thing toward which the -reckless course of politicians, slave-hunters, and land-grabbers -is hurrying the government. Well, I shan't take part in it, that's -certain, though my present duty as a white man is plainly to ride back -to St. Augustine and give the colonel information of this present band -of Indians. I wouldn't think of doing so, only for fear that, smarting -under the insult to that fine young fellow Coacoochee, they will seek -revenge and visit the sins of the guilty upon innocent heads. If -Coacoochee has only followed my advice and gone directly back to the -reservation, and to his own place, there won't be any trouble; but if -he is going to hang around here, trying to lift a few scalps, as I am -afraid he is, he may get himself into a fix from which I can't help -him."</p> - -<p>It must not be supposed that Ralph Boyd had been standing in the middle -of the road all this time. He was in the saddle even before the sound -of the Indian war-cries informed him of the direction they had taken -and where they were. Directly afterwards he put spurs to his horse, and -during the latter part of his soliloquy was galloping rapidly back over -the road he had just come.</p> - -<p>Although Boyd knew Salano to be a bitter and unscrupulous enemy, he had -no hesitation in returning to St. Augustine on his account, or for fear -of the others with whose cruel sport he had so summarily interfered. He -did not believe they would dare publish what they had done, or care to -acknowledge that they had been driven off and compelled to forego their -intentions by a single man.</p> - -<p>To satisfy himself on this point, he made a few inquiries on reaching -the city, and finding that nothing was known of the recent adventure, -he went to the colonel commanding the small garrison stationed in the -city and informed him of the presence near it of an armed band of seven -Indian warriors. He also expressed his fear that they intended mischief -to some of the plantations along the St. John's.</p> - -<p>The colonel listened attentively to all that he had to say and thanked -him for the information. Darkness had fallen by this time, and it was -too late to do anything that night, but the officer promised to send -out a scouting party of twenty troopers at daylight. In the meantime -he begged that Boyd would remain as his guest over night, and in the -morning consent to guide the troops to the place where he had seen -the Indians, which the latter readily agreed to do. He did this the -more willingly because he had learned that the scouting party was to -be commanded by Irwin Douglass, a young lieutenant with whom he had -formed a pleasant acquaintance, and who had already visited him at the -plantation.</p> - -<p>When, after an early and hurried cup of coffee with the colonel and -Douglass the following morning, Boyd joined the soldiers, to whom for -a short distance he was to act as guide, he was amazed to find that -Fontaine Salano had applied for and received permission to accompany -them. He wondered at this as the troop clattered noisily with jingling -sabres and bit-chains out of the quiet old town. Was Salano's hatred of -the young Indian whom he had so cruelly wronged so bitter that he was -determined to seize every opportunity for killing him? Boyd could think -of no other reason why the man, naturally so indolent, should undertake -this forced march with all the discomforts that must necessarily attend -it.</p> - -<p>The spring morning was just cool enough to be exhilarating. The fresh -air was laden with the perfume of orange groves, and from their green -coverts innumerable birds poured forth their choicest melody. The -cavalry horses, in high spirits from long idleness, pranced gaily along -the narrow streets and were with difficulty reined to a decorous trot.</p> - -<p>Once free from the town and out in the broad plain of sand and -chaparral that lay beyond, the pace was quickened, and for several -miles the troop swung cheerily along at a hand gallop, with polished -weapons and accoutrements flashing brightly in the rays of the newly -risen sun.</p> - -<p>A halt was called at the place where Boyd had encountered the Indians, -and scouts were sent in search of signs. These easily found the camp -from which Coacoochee had started on his visit to town the morning -before, and finally discovered a fresh trail leading to the west or -toward the St. John's.</p> - -<p>It was not easy for the troops, inexperienced in Indian warfare, to -follow this on horseback, and they soon lost it completely. This did -not greatly disturb Lieutenant Douglass; for, being satisfied that the -plantations along the river were the objective points of those whom he -was pursuing, he determined to push on toward them without losing any -time in attempting to rediscover the trail.</p> - -<p>That evening they reached the great river and encamped near it without -having discovered any further Indian sign, or finding that the few -widely scattered settlers had been given any cause to suspect the -presence of an enemy.</p> - -<p>During that night, however, two startling incidents occurred. The first -of these was the complete and mysterious disappearance of one of the -sentinels who guarded the camp. He had been stationed not far from the -edge of the forest, but within easy hail of his sleeping comrades. The -sergeant had given him particular cautions regarding the dangers of -his post, and warned him to be keenly alert to every sound, even the -slightest. He had answered with a laugh, that his ears were too long -to permit anything human to get within a rod of him without giving him -warning, and he declared his intention of firing in the direction of -any suspicious sound.</p> - -<p>So they left him, and an hour later the corporal of the guard, visiting -the post, found it vacant. In the darkness it was useless to hunt -for the missing sentry, and so, without giving a general alarm, the -corporal detailed another sentinel to the place of the missing man, and -remained with him on the post until morning. They neither saw nor heard -anything to arouse their suspicions, but as soon as daylight revealed -surrounding objects, they could readily note signs of a struggle at one -end of the beat paced by their unfortunate predecessor.</p> - -<p>There were no traces of blood, nor in the trail of moccasined feet -leading away from the spot could any imprint of the heavy cavalry -boots worn by the missing soldier be found. The trail led to a small -creek that emptied into the river just above the camp, but there it -ended. Both banks of this creek were carefully examined for a mile up -and down, but they revealed no sign to denote that they had ever been -trodden by human feet.</p> - -<p>There was nothing more to be done. The man was reported as missing, -and a riderless horse was led by one of the troopers on that day's -march,—but this mysterious disappearance and unknown fate of their -comrade served to open the eyes of the soldiers to the dreadful -possibilities of Indian warfare.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X</a></p> - -<p class="center">FONTAINE SALANO'S TREACHERY AND ITS REWARD</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Another</span> mysterious happening of that first night out was well -calculated to exercise a depressing effect on the men and to transform -the contempt they had hitherto felt for Indians into a profound respect -not unmixed with fear. Fontaine Salano slept rolled in his blanket not -far from the lieutenant in command of the party, and within the full -light of a camp-fire. Toward morning, however, this fire had burned so -low that it shed but little light, and the place where Salano lay was -buried in shadow.</p> - -<p>When he awoke at the first peep of dawn, he was puzzled by the -appearance of a number of strange objects that rose from the ground -close by his head. He examined them curiously, but his curiosity was -in an instant changed to horror when he discovered them to be seven -blood-stained Indian arrows thrust into the ground, three on each side -of where his head had lain and one at the upper end of his couch. This -one bore impaled on its shaft the bloody heart of a recently killed -deer, the significance of which was so plain that no one could fail to -understand it.</p> - -<p>The mere fact that the Indians had thus been able to penetrate -undetected to the very centre of a guarded camp invested them in the -eyes of the men with supernatural powers. The effect on Salano was -precisely what Coacoochee had intended it should be. To feel that he -had been completely within the power of one who had sworn to have his -life and had only been spared as a cat spares a mouse, that she may -prolong its torture for her own pleasure, filled the wretch with a -terror pitiful to behold.</p> - -<p>He begged Lieutenant Douglass to return at once to St. Augustine or at -least to send him back under escort. The officer politely regretted his -inability to comply with either of these requests, saying that it would -be contrary to his duty to retire from that part of the country until -satisfied that the Indians had left it, and that he dared not weaken -his little force by detailing any men for escort duty.</p> - -<p>The man displayed such abject cowardice that finally, more out of -disgust than pity, Ralph Boyd offered to accompany him back to the -city, and to his surprise, Salano accepted the offer eagerly. As they -were both volunteers, Douglass had no authority for detaining them, -though he protested against the undertaking, and tried to persuade them -of its dangers. Ralph Boyd only laughed, and even Salano intimated -a belief that the Indians would devote themselves to watching the -movements of the scouting party, so that to remain with them would be -to remain in the vicinity of greatest danger.</p> - -<p>The lieutenant said that he should remove his command only a short -distance, to a better and more secure camping-ground that he knew of -not very far from Boyd's plantation, over which he promised to keep -especial watch. He intended to remain at that place until he learned -something definite regarding the movements of the Indians, and there -Boyd promised to rejoin him on the following day.</p> - -<p>Camp was broken, and the clear bugle notes of "boots and saddles" were -ringing on the still morning air as Boyd and Salano rode away from the -camp on the return trail to St. Augustine. They rode in silence; for -one entertained too great a contempt for the other to care to talk with -him, and Salano was perfecting a plan for obtaining one portion of the -revenge upon which his mind was intent.</p> - -<p>They had not proceeded thus more than two miles, when they came to a -narrow gully through which they were obliged to ride in single file, -and here Salano, with an exaggerated show of politeness, dropped -behind, allowing Boyd to take the lead.</p> - -<p>The latter rode unsuspectingly ahead for a few rods, and then, not -hearing the sound of the other's horse behind him, turned to see if he -were not coming.</p> - -<p>The sight that met his eyes was so unexpected and terrible that for -an instant it rendered him incapable of thought or action. Salano, -dismounted from his horse, was slowly raising a rifle and taking -deliberate aim at him. He could see the cruelly triumphant expression -on the swarthy face. In that instant of time he also saw a flashing -figure with uplifted arm leap from the underbrush behind Salano. Then -all became a blank.</p> - -<p>When next Ralph Boyd was able to take an interest in the affairs of -this world, he was lying in the shade of a tree, two horses were -cropping the grass near him, and a strange, wild-looking figure was -dashing water in his face.</p> - -<p>"What does this mean? What has happened?" Boyd inquired faintly.</p> - -<p>"Wal, cap'n," answered the stranger, in unmistakable English, pausing -in his occupation and drawing a long breath. "I'm almighty glad you -ain't dead. The Injun said you warn't, but I wouldn't be sure of it -myself till this very minute. As to what's happened, I'm a leetle mixed -myself, but it's something like this: Some red villians was about to do -for me when you come along and stopped 'em. Then a white villian was -about to do for you, when one of the red villians stopped him, or at -any rate he stopped the worst of it; then the red villian did for the -white villian, and did it almighty thorough too."</p> - -<p>At this juncture Boyd again closed his eyes and seemed about to lapse -once more into unconsciousness, whereupon the stranger began again to -dash water vigorously in his face.</p> - -<p>There was a stinging sensation and a loud buzzing in the young man's -head. Salano's murderous aim had been slightly disconcerted, at the -moment of firing, by a fierce yell in his very ear. At the instant of -pulling the trigger Coacoochee's terrible knife had been buried to the -hilt in his body. The would-be murderer sank dead without a groan, -while his intended victim escaped with a scalp wound which, though not -dangerous, was sufficient to deprive him of his senses for some time.</p> - -<p>When he had sufficiently recovered his strength to be able to sit up, -and after he had listened to these details of his own narrow escape, he -looked curiously at his companion and asked him who he was. It is no -wonder that he did not recognize the strange figure; for though the man -wore a pair of army trousers, he had Indian moccasins on his feet, was -bare-headed, and naked to the waist. Half his face as well as half of -his body was painted red and the other half black.</p> - -<p>In this manner did the Seminoles prepare their bodies for death, and to -those who understood its meaning, this combination of the two colors -had a very grim significance. Fortunately for the man's peace of mind, -he had not understood why this form of decoration was applied to him, -though his fears that his life was in danger had been very fully -aroused.</p> - -<p>In answer to Ralph Boyd's questions, he told his story as follows: -"I'm not surprised that you don't recognize me, cap'n; for I'm not -quite sure that I'd recognize myself. Still, whatever I may be to-day, -yesterday I was private Hugh Belcher of Company B, Second Regiment -United States Dragoons."</p> - -<p>"What!" exclaimed Boyd, "are you the sentry who disappeared last night?"</p> - -<p>"That's who I am, sir," replied the other, "much as my present -appearance would seem to point again its being true. How the Reds crept -upon me without me hearing a sound of their coming is more than I can -tell, for I've always bragged that my ears were as sharp as the next -man's. However, they did it, and the first I knew of their presence was -when a blanket was flung over my head and I was tripped up. I don't -know how many of 'em had me, but there was enough, anyway, to hold me -fast, and tie me and get a gag into my mouth, so that I couldn't make -a sound. Then they pulled off my boots, put moccasins on my feet, and -made me go along with them.</p> - -<p>"After awhile we came to this place, and here, as soon as it got light, -they stripped me and painted me and tied me to a tree, and was just -getting ready to give me a thrashing with a lot of switches they'd cut, -though Lord knows I hadn't done nothing to rile 'em, when all of a -sudden you and Mr. Salano hove in sight.</p> - -<p>"I was faced that way and see Mr. Salano when he dropped off his horse -and drawed a bead on you. I'd a hollered, but the gag was still in my -mouth, so I couldn't. When the head Injun see what was taking place -though, he gave one spring out of the brush, and landed on Mr. Salano's -back like a wildcat. At the same time he let loose a yell fit to raise -the dead. The gun went off just as he yelled, and you tumbled out of -the saddle like you was killed.</p> - -<p>"When the head Injun saw that, he run up to you first and dragged you -to this place. Then he run back to Mr. Salano and stooped over him -like he was feeling of his heart to see if he was dead. When he riz -up again, he fetched another yell and called out something in his own -lingo about Ul-we. Then the rest crowded around him, and he talked to -them for about a minute.</p> - -<p>"After that they come back and cut me loose, and the head Injun, -pointing to you, said in English, 'You are free. Care for him. He is -not dead. Tell him Coacoochee's heart is no longer heavy. He will go -to his own people. If the soldiers want him, let them seek him in -the swamps of the Okeefenokee.' Then, without another word, they all -disappeared, and I set to work to bring you to."</p> - -<p>Thus was the death of Ul-we, the tall one, atoned for in heart's blood, -and thus was the stripe on Coacoochee's back washed out with the blood -of him who had so wantonly inflicted it. Thus, also, did Coacoochee -save the life of his friend and punish the would-be assassin who had -so planned his cowardly revenge upon Ralph Boyd that the act would be -credited to the Indians.</p> - -<p>With the accomplishment of this deed of just retribution, Coacoochee -and his warriors disappeared from that part of the country, nor were -they again seen there for many months.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI</a></p> - -<p class="center">THE SEMINOLE MUST GO</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Seminoles must be removed. The clamor of the land-speculator, the -slave-hunter, and a host of others interested in driving the Indian -from his home had at length been listened to at Washington, and the -fiat had gone forth. The Seminoles must be removed to the distant -west—peaceably if possible, but forcibly if they will not go otherwise.</p> - -<p>A new treaty had been made by which the Indians agreed to remove to the -new home selected for them, provided a delegation of chiefs appointed -to visit the western land reported favorably concerning it. These went, -saw the place, and upon their return reported it to be a cold country -where Seminoles would be very unhappy.</p> - -<p>Upon hearing this, the Indians said that they would prefer to remain -where they were. Thereupon the United States Government said through -its commissioners that it made no difference whether they wanted to go -or not; they must go.</p> - -<p>In the meantime, outrages of every kind were perpetrated upon the -Indians. The whipping of those discovered off the reservation, that -was begun with Coacoochee, was continued. Several Indians were thus -whipped to death by the white brutes into whose cowardly hands they -fell. The system of withholding annuities and supplies was continued, -and the helpless Indians were recklessly plundered right and left.</p> - -<p>General Andrew Jackson, who was now President, had no love for Indians. -He had in former years wronged them too cruelly for that, while -teaching them lessons of the white man's power. He therefore appointed -General Wiley Thompson of Georgia, as the Seminole agent, and ordered -him to compel their removal to the far west without further delay. He -also sent troops to Florida, and these began to gather at Fort Brooke -and Tampa Bay under command of General Clinch.</p> - -<p>It was evident that the Seminoles must either submit to leave the sunny -land of their birth, their homes, and the graves of their fathers, or -they must fight in its defence, and for their rights as free men. If -they consented to go west to the land that those chiefs who had seen it -described as cold and unproductive, they would find already established -there their old and powerful enemies, the Creeks, who were eagerly -awaiting their coming, with a view to seizing their negro allies and -selling them into slavery. It was evident that a fight for his very -existence was to be forced upon the Seminole in either case, and it -only remained for him to choose whether he would fight in his own -land, of which he knew every swamp, hammock, and glade, and of which -his enemy was ignorant, or whether he should go to a distant country, -of which he knew nothing, and fight against an enemy already well -acquainted with it.</p> - -<p>This was the alternative presented to the warriors of Philip Emathla's -village assembled about their council fire on a summer's evening a few -weeks after that with which this history opens.</p> - -<p>On Coacoochee, now sitting in the place of honor at the right hand of -the chief his father and earnestly regarding the speaker who laid this -state of affairs before them, the weeks just passed had borne with the -weight of so many years. During their short space he had passed from -youth to manhood. Having directed the search for himself that followed -the death of Salano, toward the Okeefenokee, while his village lay in -exactly the opposite direction, he had escaped all intercourse with the -whites from that time to the present. But from that experience he had -returned so much wiser and graver that his advice was now sought by -warriors much older than he, while by those of his own age and younger -he was regarded as a leader. Thus, though still a youth in years, and -though he still reverenced and obeyed his father, he was to all intents -the chief of Philip Emathla's powerful band.</p> - -<p>It was in this capacity that the speaker, to hear whom this council -was gathered, evidently regarded him, and it was to Coacoochee that his -remarks were especially directed.</p> - -<p>This speaker was a member of a band of Seminoles known as the Baton -Rouge or Red Sticks, who occupied a territory at some distance from -that of King Philip. His father, whom he had never known, was a white -man, but his mother was the daughter of a native chieftain, and though -he spoke English fluently, he had passed all of his twenty-eight -years among the Seminoles, and they were his people. Although not a -chief, nor yet regarded as a prominent leader, he was possessed of -such force of character and such a commanding presence that he had -acquired a great influence over all the Indians with whom he was thrown -in contact. His name was Ah-ha-se-ho-la (black drink), generally -pronounced Osceola by the whites, who also called him by his father's -name of Powell.</p> - -<p>This dauntless warrior was bitterly opposed to the emigration of his -tribe, and was anxious to declare war against the whites rather than -submit to it. He believed that the Seminoles, roaming over a vast -extent of territory abounding in natural hiding-places, might defend -themselves against any army of white soldiers that should undertake to -subdue them for at least three years. Could the conflict be sustained -for that length of time without the whites gaining any decided -advantages, he declared they would then give up the struggle and allow -the Indians to retain their present lands unmolested.</p> - -<p>Osceola was now visiting the different bands of the tribe, preaching -this crusade of resistance to tyranny. As he stood before Philip -Emathla and his warriors, with his noble figure and fine face fully -displayed in the bright firelight, they were thrilled by his eloquence. -With bated breath they listened to his summing up of their grievances, -and when he declared that he would rather die fighting for this land -than live in any other, they greeted his words with a murmur of -approving assent.</p> - -<p>Never had Coacoochee been so powerfully affected. The sting of the -white man's whip across his shoulders was still felt, and he was choked -with the sense of outrage and injustice inflicted upon his people. His -fingers clutched nervously at the hilt of his knife and he longed for -the time to come when he might fight madly for all that a man holds -most dear.</p> - -<p>As his gaze wandered for a moment from the face of the speaker, it -fell on a group just visible within the circle of firelight. There sat -the beautiful girl to whom he had so recently plighted his troth, and -beside her Chen-o-wah, the daughter of a Creek chief and his quadroon -squaw. She was the wife of Osceola, and the one being in all the world -whom the fierce forest warrior loved.</p> - -<p>For a moment Coacoochee's determination wavered as he reflected what -these and others equally helpless would suffer in a time of war. There -came a memory of the manner in which Nita's mother and brother had been -consigned to slavery by the white man. No word had come from them, but -he could imagine their fate. Might not the same fate overtake her most -dear to him and hundreds of others with her? Would it not be better for -them to incur the dangers and sufferings of war rather than those of -slavery? Yes, a thousand times yes.</p> - -<p>And then, perhaps the whites were not so very powerful, after all. -Their soldiers, so far as he had seen them, were but few in number, -and moved slowly from place to place. He and his warriors could travel -twenty miles to their five. Besides, there were the vast watery -fastnesses of the Everglades and the Big Cypress in the far south, to -which the Indians could always retreat and into which no white man -would ever dare follow them. Yes, his voice should be raised for war, -no matter how long it might last, nor how bloody it might be, and the -sooner it could be begun, the better. But he must listen, for Philip -Emathla was about to speak.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII</a></p> - -<p class="center">CHEN-O-WAH IS STOLEN BY THE SLAVE-CATCHERS</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> aged chieftain rose slowly and for a moment gazed lovingly and in -silence at those gathered about him; then he said: "My children, we -have listened to the words of Ah-ha-se-ho-la, and we know them to be -true. But he has spoken with the voice of a young man. He sees with -young eyes. My eyes are old, but they can look back over many seasons -that a young man cannot see. They can also look forward further than -his, and see many things. I have seen the great council of the white -man, and his warriors. I have seen his villages. His lodges are more -numerous than the trees of the forest, and his numbers are those of the -leaves of countless trees. To fight with him would be like fighting the -waves of the great salt waters that reach to the sky. If we should kill -one, ten would spring up to take his place. For a hundred who may fall, -a thousand will stand. He is strong, and we are weak. Let us then live -at peace with him while we may. Let us meet him in council and tell him -how little it is that we ask. There is a land beyond Okeechobee, the -great sweet water, that the white man can never want, but where the -red man could dwell in peace and plenty. Let him leave this to us, and -we will ask no more.</p> - -<p>"If he will not do this, then let us fight. Never will Philip Emathla -consent to go to the strange and distant land of the setting sun. If it -is a better land than this, as the white man tells us, why does he not -go there himself and leave us alone? It is a cold country. My people -would die there. It is better to die here and die fighting.</p> - -<p>"The white chief at Fort King calls us together for one more talk with -him. Philip is old. He cannot travel so far, but Coacoochee shall go in -his place. He will speak wisely, and if peace can be had, he will find -it. If there is no peace, if the Seminole must fight, then who will -fight harder or more bravely than Coacoochee? At his name the white -man will tremble, and his squaws will hide their faces in fear. The -enemies of Coacoochee will fall before him as ripe fruit falls before -the breath of Hu-la-lah (the wind). He will kill till he is weary of -killing. His footsteps will be marked with blood. Rivers of blood shall -flow where he passes. I am old and feeble, but Coacoochee is young and -strong. From this day shall he be a war-chief of the Seminoles. Philip -Emathla has spoken."</p> - -<p>At this announcement there came a great shout of rejoicing, and as the -council broke up, the warriors crowded about Coacoochee to tell him -how proud they would be to have him lead them in battle.</p> - -<p>After the tumult had somewhat subsided, Osceola, who had not hitherto -spoken directly to Coacoochee, stepped up to him. The two young men -grasped each other's hands, and gazed earnestly in each other's face. -Finally Osceola, apparently satisfied with what he saw, broke the -silence, and said:</p> - -<p>"We are brothers?"</p> - -<p>"We are brothers," answered the young war-chief, and thus was made a -compact between the two that was only to be broken by death.</p> - -<p>The following morning, Coacoochee, with a small escort of warriors, set -forth, in company with Osceola and Chen-o-wah, to travel to the village -of Micanopy, head chief of the Seminoles, there to hold another council -before going to Fort King for a talk with the agent.</p> - -<p>In Micanopy's village they found assembled a large number of Seminole -warriors, and many of the sub-chiefs of the tribe. This council was -a grave and momentous affair. It was to decide the fate of a nation, -and its deliberations were prolonged over two days. Micanopy, the head -chief, was old, corpulent, and fond of his ease. He loved his land and -hated the thought of war. He was greatly disinclined to remove to the -west, but it was not until urged and almost compelled by the younger -men, especially Coacoochee and Osceola, that he finally declared -positively that he would not do so.</p> - -<p>His utterance decided the majority of the council. They would fight -before submitting to removal, but on one pretext and another they would -gain all possible time in which to prepare for war.</p> - -<p>It was also announced at this council that any Seminole who should -openly advocate removal, and should make preparations for emigrating, -should be put to death.</p> - -<p>In all the council there was but one dissenting voice. It was that of a -sub-chief named Charlo, who had been raised to the head of a small band -by the agent, in place of an able warrior who was an uncompromising -enemy of the whites. This petty chief spoke in favor of removal, -and ridiculed the suggestion that the tribe could hold out for any -length of time against the overwhelming power of the white man. He was -listened to with impatience, and many dark glances were cast at him as -he resumed his seat.</p> - -<p>Three days later some fourteen chiefs, accompanied by a large number -of their people, were encamped near Fort King, and active preparations -were going forward for the great talk that was to be held that -afternoon.</p> - -<p>On the morning of that day, a thick-set, evil-looking man, whom the -reader would at once recognize as his old acquaintance Mr. Troup -Jeffers the slave-trader, sat in the agent's office engaged in earnest -conversation with General Wiley Thompson.</p> - -<p>"Thar ain't no doubt about it, gineral," he was saying. "She's easy -enough identified, and I'll take my affidavy right here that she's the -gal Jess who run away from old Miss Cooke's place two year ago. You've -got a list of all them niggers and their description, as well as the -order from Washington for their capture and deliverin' up. You know -you have, and when I tell you what this gal looks like, you see if she -don't answer the description exactly."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, I've no doubt," answered the agent, wearily, for of the -many trials of his difficult position, the importunities of the -slave-hunters who besieged him at all hours were the greatest. "I don't -doubt what you say, and I'll give you an order for the girl which you -can present to the chiefs. If they give her up, well and good; but if -they won't, why they won't, that's all, and matters are too critical -just now for us to attempt to force them."</p> - -<p>"All right, gineral," replied Mr. Jeffers, with a triumphant glitter in -his cruel little eyes. "The order is all I want, and I'll get the gal -without putting you or anybody else to a mite of trouble."</p> - -<p>Thus saying, the trader took the slip of paper handed him by the agent, -and left the office.</p> - -<p>Like a vulture scenting the carnage from afar, the slave-trader hearing -that the Seminoles and their negro allies were about to be removed, -had hastened to the scene of action, determined in some way to secure a -share of the peculiar property in which he dealt, before it should be -placed beyond his reach.</p> - -<p>In the Indian camp he had seen several good-looking young women in -whose veins he was convinced flowed negro blood, and he decided that -his purpose would be served by securing one or more of these. Going to -the agent with the trumped-up story of having thus discovered a runaway -slave girl, he obtained the coveted order for her restoration to her -lawful owner. Armed with this, he proceeded to carry out his wicked -design.</p> - -<p>His plan was very simple, and to put it into operation, he repaired to -the store of the post trader. It was located in a grove of live oaks, -some distance beyond the stockade, and was hidden from view of those in -or near the fort. To it, groups of Indians, men, women, and children, -found their way at all times for the purchase of such supplies as they -needed and could afford.</p> - -<p>Rogers, the storekeeper, whose conscience from a long dealing with -and cheating of Indians was as calloused and hardened as that of Mr. -Jeffers himself, was not above turning what he called an honest penny -by any means that came in his way. Therefore when the slave-trader -explained his business, showed the agent's order, and offered Rogers -ten dollars to assist him in recapturing his alleged property, the -latter readily consented to do so.</p> - -<p>Troup Jeffers was almost certain that one or more of the young women -whom he had noticed in the Indian camp would visit the store at some -time during the day, and so he waited patiently the advent of a victim.</p> - -<p>At length, late in the afternoon, when most of the Indians were -attracted to the scene of the council, then in session, a squaw was -seen to approach the store. She was one of those whom Mr. Jeffers had -selected as suitable for the slave market, and the instant he observed -her he exclaimed to the storekeeper:</p> - -<p>"Here comes the very gal I'm after—old Miss Cooke's Jess. I'll just -step into the back room, and if you can persuade her to come in there -to look at something or other, we'll have her as slick as a whistle."</p> - -<p>"All right," responded Rogers, who a minute later was waiting on his -customer with infinitely more politeness than he usually vouchsafed to -an Indian.</p> - -<p>She desired to purchase some coffee and sugar with which to surprise -and please her husband when he returned to his lodge after the council -should be ended, and the storekeeper easily persuaded her to enter the -other room, where he said his best goods were kept.</p> - -<p>As the unsuspecting woman bent over a sugar barrel, she was seized from -behind, and her head was enveloped in a shawl, by which her cries were -completely stifled.</p> - -<p>A few minutes later, bound and helpless, she was lifted into a light -wagon and driven rapidly away.</p> - - - -<p>Half an hour afterwards, a boy who worked for the storekeeper remarked -to his employer:</p> - -<p>"I should think you would be afraid of Powell."</p> - -<p>"What for?" asked Rogers.</p> - -<p>"Why, for letting that man carry off his wife," was the reply.</p> - -<p>Thus did the storekeeper receive his first intimation that the alleged -runaway slave girl was Chen-o-wah, the adored wife of Osceola.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII</a></p> - -<p class="center">"WILEY THOMPSON, WHERE IS MY WIFE?"</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">While</span> the wife of Osceola was thus being kidnapped and consigned to -slavery, he, ignorant of the blow in store for him, was participating -in a far different scene. Just outside the gateway of the fort, in -an open space of level sward, the great council upon which so much -depended was assembled. At one side of a long table sat General Clinch, -commanding the army in Florida, with the officers of his staff standing -behind him. Beside him sat General Wiley Thompson, the agent, red-faced -and pompous, Lieutenant Harris, the United States disbursing agent, -who was to conduct the Indians to their western homes, and several -commissioners. All the officers were in full uniform, and presented a -brave appearance. Behind them were two companies of infantry, resting -at ease on their loaded muskets, but ready to spring into action at a -moment's notice. Just inside the gateway of the fort the guns of its -light battery were charged to the muzzle with grape and canister, ready -for instant service. This was one side of the picture.</p> - -<p>On the opposite side of the table from the whites sat or stood a group -of Indian chiefs, sullen, determined, and watchful. Too many times -already had the white man cheated them. They would take care that he -should not do so again. They had learned by bitter experience how -lightly he regarded such treaties as conflicted with his interests. -They knew the value of his false promises and fair words.</p> - -<p>A little in front of the others sat Micanopy, head chief of the tribe, -and close behind him, so that they could whisper in his ear, stood -Coacoochee and Osceola. Grouped about them were Otee the Jumper, Tiger -Tail, Allapatta Tustenugge, the Fighting Alligator, Arpeika, or Sam -Jones, Black Dirt, Ya ha Hadjo, the Mad Wolf, Coa Hadjo, Halatoochee, -Abram, the negro chief, Passac Micco, and many others. Behind them -stood one hundred warriors, tall, clean-built fellows, lithe and -sinewy, their bare legs as hard and smooth as those of bronze statues. -Concealed in a hammock, but a short distance away, was another body of -warriors held in reserve by Coacoochee, who had thought it best not to -display the full strength of his force at once.</p> - -<p>The old men, women, and children had been left in camp not far from the -trader's store. Here everything was prepared for instant flight in case -the council should terminate in an outbreak.</p> - -<p>The proceedings were opened by General Thompson, who stated that he had -thus called the Indians together that they might decide upon a day -when they would fulfil their promise contained in the treaty of Payne's -Landing, and set forth for their new home in the west. He had prepared -a paper setting forth the conditions of removal, which he now wished -all the chiefs to sign.</p> - -<p>Then Otee the Jumper, who was one of the most fluent speakers of the -tribe, arose and calmly but firmly stated that his people did not -consider themselves as bound by that treaty to remove from their -country, and had decided in solemn council not to do so.</p> - -<p>At this point the Seminole speaker was rudely interrupted by General -Thompson, who, flushed and furious, sprang to his feet and demanded -by what right the Indians interpreted the treaty differently from -the whites by whom it was drawn up. He accused them of treachery and -double-dealing, and ended by declaring that it made no difference -whether they were willing to remove or not, for they would be made to -go, alive or dead, and he for one did not care which.</p> - -<p>This speech drew forth angry replies from the chiefs, and to these the -agent retorted with such bitterness that General Clinch was finally -obliged to interpose his authority to calm both sides. He told the -Indians how useless it would be for them to struggle against the power -of the United States, and how greatly he would prefer that they should -remove peaceably rather than oblige him to remove them by force.</p> - -<p>At this the Indians smiled grimly and exchanged contemptuous glances. -They knew that there were only seven hundred soldiers in all Florida, -and the idea of compelling them to do anything they did not choose, -with a little army like that, was too absurd. It almost made them -laugh, but their native dignity prevented such a breach of decorum.</p> - -<p>General Clinch talked long and earnestly and was listened to with -respect and close attention. The agent regarded his arguments as so -unanswerable that at their conclusion he called on the chiefs by name -to step forward and sign the paper he had prepared.</p> - -<p>"Micanopy, you are head chief. Come up and sign first at the head of -the list."</p> - -<p>"No, Micanopy will never sign."</p> - -<p>"Then Coacoochee may sign first. He comes, I believe, as representative -of the wise and brave King Philip."</p> - -<p>"No, Coacoochee will not sign either for his father or himself."</p> - -<p>"Jumper, then; and when he signs, I will make him head chief."</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"Alligator?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"Sam Jones?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"Abram?"</p> - -<p>"By golly. No."</p> - -<p>At these repeated refusals to comply with his request, and the evident -contempt with which his offers of promotion were regarded, the fat -agent became so angry as to entirely lose his self-control.</p> - -<p>"If you will not sign," he shouted, "you are no longer fit to hold -your positions. I therefore declare that Micanopy, Coacoochee, Jumper, -Alligator, Sam Jones, and Abram, shall cease from this minute to be -chiefs of the Seminole nation, and their names shall be struck from the -roll of chiefs."</p> - -<p>At this an angry murmur ran through the ranks of the Indians, who -considered that a grievous insult had thus been offered them. Those -chiefs who had been sitting sprang to their feet and fell back a few -paces. The warriors behind them moved up closer, and Coacoochee, -slipping unnoticed through the throng, hurried back to the hammock to -direct the flight of the women and children, and bring up his reserve -force of warriors.</p> - -<p>In the meantime an Indian who had come from the camp was talking with -low, hurried words to Osceola, who listened to him like one in a dream -or who does not fully comprehend what he hears.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he sprang forward, his face livid with passion, and crying in -a loud voice, "I will sign! I, Osceola the Baton Rouge, will sign -this paper of the white man."</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus03.jpg" alt="table" /> -<a id="illus03" name="illus03"></a> -</p> -<p class="caption"> IT SUNK DEEP INTO THE WOOD OF THE TABLE AND STOOD -QUIVERING AS THOUGH WITH RAGE.</p> - -<p>Then stepping up to the table, while both whites and Indians watched -him with breathless interest, the fierce warrior plucked the -scalping-knife from his girdle and drove it with furious energy through -the outspread paper. It sunk deep into the wood of the table, and stood -quivering as though with rage.</p> - -<p>"There is my signature, General Wiley Thompson," he cried in a voice -that trembled with the intensity of his emotion. "There is the -signature of Osceola, and I would that it were inscribed on your -cowardly heart. Where is my wife? What have you done with her? Give -her back to me, I say, and as safe as when I left her in yonder grove. -If you do not, I swear by the white man's God, and by the Great Spirit -of my people, that not only your own vile life, but that of every -white man who comes within reach of Osceola's vengeance, shall be -forfeited. As you have shown no mercy, so shall you receive none. The -word shall be unknown to the Seminole tongue. You taunt me with being -a half-blood. I am one; but I am yet a man, and not a slave. With my -white blood I defy you, and with my Indian blood I despise you. Wiley -Thompson, where is my wife?"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV</a></p> - -<p class="center">OSCEOLA SIGNS THE TREATY</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> group of white men on the opposite side of the table had left their -seats before Osceola stepped toward it. General Clinch exchanged a few -words with the agent and gave an order to the officer in command of the -troops. These were moved forward a few paces, though, blinded by the -intensity of his feelings, the half-breed failed to notice their change -of position.</p> - -<p>Now, in obedience to a signal from the agent, they sprang forward -with fixed bayonets, and in an instant Osceola, cut off from his -friends, was hedged in by a wall of glittering steel. At the same -moment a sharp rattle of drums was heard within the fort, and the light -battery, dashing out from the gateway in a cloud of dust, was wheeled -into position with its murderous muzzles trained full on the startled -Indians.</p> - -<p>With one forward movement the pitiless storm of death would have swept -through their crowded ranks. They knew this and stepped backward -instead.</p> - -<p>Within two minutes after the council was so summarily dissolved, -not an Indian was to be seen. Within five minutes Osceola, heavily -ironed, was thrust into the strongest cell of the guard-house and the -door locked behind him. By this time, also, the troops had retired, -and General Thompson was inquiring in every direction what the crazy -half-breed meant by demanding a wife from him. He knew nothing about -the fellow's wife. Did not even know he had a wife, and was inclined to -think that Osceola was drunk, or else had trumped up this demand for -the purpose of exciting the Indians to resistance.</p> - -<p>Finally, however, through Rogers, the trader, he discovered the real -facts of the case. Then he realized the awkward position in which his -careless giving of an order for the recovery of a runaway slave had -placed not only himself, but all the whites in that part of the country.</p> - -<p>He visited the prisoner in his cell, and tried to quiet him by -explaining that it was all a mistake, and by assuring him that every -effort should be made to recover Chen-o-wah and bring her back; but all -to no purpose.</p> - -<p>Osceola replied that his wife alone had been seized of all those who -visited the trader's store. Moreover, she had been seized upon a -written order from himself, for the paper had been read aloud in the -presence of several persons. No, there was no mistake, and as for the -agent's promise to restore Chen-o-wah to him, he would believe it when -he saw her, but not before.</p> - -<p>For six days the forest warrior who had been struck this deadly blow -paced hopelessly up and down his narrow cell, dragging his clanking -chains behind him. During this time he hardly touched food nor would -he speak to a human being. No one save himself knew the bitterness of -his heart, or the terrible thoughts that seethed in his mind during -those six days. He appeared like one consumed by an inward fire, and it -even seemed as though his haughty spirit was about to escape from the -imprisoned body.</p> - -<p>At length he sent for General Thompson, and expressed a willingness -to sign the paper that should commit him to emigration. "My spirit is -broken," he said; "your irons have entered my soul. I can hold out no -longer. By these chains I am disgraced in the eyes of my people, and my -influence over them is gone. It is better that I should go away and die -in a strange land. Bring me your paper; I will sign it."</p> - -<p>But that was not sufficient. The paper must be signed in the presence -of other Seminoles, that they might be witnesses to the act, and spread -the great news abroad throughout the nation. Even to this humiliation -Osceola consented, and a messenger was despatched to bring in the -first band of Indians he should meet. This messenger was given a token -by Osceola, and thus provided, he had no difficulty in persuading -Coacoochee and some forty warriors, thirty of whom belonged to the -captive's own band, to again visit the fort.</p> - -<p>Although they came to the fort, Coacoochee's caution would not allow -them to pass within its gates, and so the ceremony of signing was of -necessity performed outside.</p> - -<p>General Clinch and his staff had returned to Tampa, but there still -remained enough of officers at Fort King to escort the agent and lend -an imposing effect to the ceremony.</p> - -<p>Osceola was led to the place of signing, under guard and with the irons -still upon his ankles. He approached the table with downcast eyes, -apparently unmindful of the presence of either friends or foes. As he -took the pen preparatory to signing, the agent asked:</p> - -<p>"Powell, do you acknowledge in the presence of these witnesses, that -you are about to sign this paper of your own free will, without fear or -compulsion?"</p> - -<p>The half-breed regarded his questioner with a curious expression for a -moment, and then answered:</p> - -<p>"I have no fear. No one could compel me. I sign because it pleases me -to do so."</p> - -<p>Thus saying, he affixed his signature to the hated paper, with a steady -hand. Immediately afterwards his irons were struck off, and he was once -more a free man.</p> - -<p>The agent now asked Coacoochee if he would not also sign, but that wily -young Indian refused to do so at that time. "When I have spoken with -Ah-ha-se-ho-la, and learned his reasons for signing, perhaps I may also -touch the white man's talking stick," he said.</p> - -<p>When Osceola had retired with his friends to their camp, General -Thompson turned to one of his companions, and rubbing his hands -complacently, remarked:</p> - -<p>"That is a capital stroke of business. I have been all along regretting -the unfortunate affair of that fellow's wife. Now, though, I begin to -think it was one of the best things that could have happened for us. It -has brought him to terms as I don't believe anything else would, and -though he is not a chief, his influence is the most powerful in the -tribe."</p> - -<p>"You may be right," replied Lieutenant Smith, the young army officer -to whom this remark was addressed, "but it was an outrageous thing, -all the same, to steal the poor chap's wife. It makes me feel ashamed -to be mixed up in this wretched business, and if I were not dependent -on my profession for a living, and so forced to obey the orders of my -superiors who have sent me here, I'd have nothing more to do with it. -The idea of stealing a man's wife and selling her into slavery! I don't -wonder it drove him so nearly crazy that he was willing to sign or do -anything else. Under the circumstances I wouldn't give a fig for his -signature."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense!" replied the agent; "you don't know these people as I do. -He is only an Indian in spite of his mixture of white blood, and they -don't feel about such things as we do. I'll guarantee that in less than -a month he will have forgotten all about this wife and will have taken -another or maybe two of them, in her place."</p> - -<p>At this same time Coacoochee and Osceola were walking apart from the -other Indians and talking earnestly.</p> - -<p>"Was there no way for my brother to save his life but by signing the -white man's paper?" inquired the former.</p> - -<p>At this Osceola broke into a hard and bitter laugh. "Does my brother -regard me so meanly as to think that to save my life alone, or to save -a thousand lives such as mine, I would have signed?" he asked. "No. -It was not to save life that Osceola put pen to paper, but to take -it. It was that he might be revenged on those who have wronged him -far deeper than by killing him, that he did it. When his vengeance is -accomplished, then will he gladly die; but he will never go to the -western land."</p> - -<p>"Listen," he continued, noting the other's look of bewilderment at -these words: "once the Indian fought with bows and arrows, while the -white man fought with guns. Did he continue to do this when he found -that his weapons were no match for those of the white man? No; he threw -away his bows and arrows, and got guns in their place. Once Osceola -was honest, his tongue was straight, he would not tell a lie. Are the -white men so? No, their tongues are crooked; they say one thing and -mean another; they have cheated the Indian and lied to him from the -first day that they set foot on his land. They have laughed at his -honesty and said, 'The Indian is a fool who knows no better.' Now -Ah-ha-se-ho-la is fighting them with their own weapons. For them his -tongue is no longer straight. It is as crooked as their own. Does my -brother now understand why I signed?"</p> - -<p>This style of reasoning was new to Coacoochee, and he pondered over it -for a minute before replying. "It is true," he thought, "that the white -man gains many advantages over the Indian by cheating and lying to him. -If they do those things, why should not the Indian do them as well? In -the present instance how could Osceola have gained his liberty by any -other means? Yes, it must be right to fight the white man with his own -weapons."</p> - -<p>So Coacoochee acknowledged that Osceola was justified in the course he -had pursued, and congratulated him on his escape from the white man's -prison. He was also rejoiced to learn that his friend was to remain -and aid them in the coming war rather than to leave them and go to the -far-off western land.</p> - -<p>Thus answered Coacoochee. At the same time deep down in his heart the -young war-chief hoped that he might never find it necessary to fight -any enemy with so dangerous a weapon as a crooked tongue.</p> - -<p>Now the two young men laid their plans for the future. They agreed -that as much time as possible should be gained before open hostilities -were declared, in order that the Indians might make all possible -preparations for war. With this end in view, Osceola was to remain near -the fort, and while still expressing a willingness to emigrate whenever -the others of his tribe should come in, was to procure such supplies as -he could, especially ammunition, that might be stored for the coming -struggle.</p> - -<p>Coacoochee was to visit the scattered bands and induce them to provide -safe hiding-places for their women and children, that the warriors -might be free to fight.</p> - -<p>While confined in the fort, Osceola had learned that the chief Charlo, -who styled himself "Charlo Emathla," was disposing of his cattle -preparatory to emigrating, and now the young men agreed that in his -case it was necessary to show both whites and Indians the earnestness -of their purpose by carrying out the decisions of the chiefs and -putting him to death.</p> - -<p>This, Osceola undertook to do, and Coacoochee was glad to be relieved -of the unpleasant duty.</p> - -<p>Thus matters being arranged, the friends separated; and while -Coacoochee with his ten warriors took their departure, Osceola with -his thirty followers remained near the fort, to carry out his plan for -averting war as long as possible, and to watch for the revenge against -those who had robbed him of his wife, that had now become the object of -his most intense desire.</p> - -<p>Thus matters stood for several months. At the end of that time, the -agent becoming suspicious of the Indians on account of their purchasing -such quantities of powder, peremptorily forbade the further sale of -ammunition to them. Thereupon Osceola sent out runners to carry the -news to every Seminole band from the Okeefenokee to the Everglades, and -from the Atlantic to the Gulf, that the time for action had arrived, -and that the first blow of the war was about to be struck.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV</a></p> - -<p class="center"> LOUIS PACHECO BIDES HIS TIME</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Tampa Bay</span> was filled with transports waiting to carry the Seminoles -to New Orleans on their way to the Indian Territory. On shore, the -soldiers' encampment beneath the grand old live-oaks of Fort Brooke -swarmed with troops, newly arrived from the north, and hoping that the -Indians would at least make a show of resistance. Of course, no one -wanted a prolonged war; but a brisk campaign with plenty of fighting, -that would last through the winter, would be a most pleasing diversion -from the ordinary monotony of military life. It was not supposed, -however, that the Seminoles would fight. Major Francis Dade was so -certain of this, that he volunteered to march across the Indian country -with only a corporal's guard at his back.</p> - -<p>Among those who prayed most earnestly for a taste of fighting, in -which they might prove the metal of which they were made, were several -lieutenants recently emancipated from West Point and ordered to duty on -this far southern frontier.</p> - -<p>A few days before Christmas, 1835, a jovial party of three young -officers was assembled in the hospitable house of a planter, a few -miles from Fort Brooke. They were to dine there, and at the dinner -table the sole topic of conversation was the impending war. The Indians -had been given until the end of December to make their preparations -for emigration, and to assemble at the appointed places of rendezvous. -On the first day of January, 1836, their reservation was to be thrown -open to the throngs of speculators already on hand, and with difficulty -restrained from rushing in and seizing the coveted lands without -waiting for the Indians to vacate them.</p> - -<p>General Clinch had decided to send Major Dade, not, indeed, with a -corporal's guard, but with two companies of troops, to reinforce the -garrison at Fort King. From that post, which was well within the -reservation, he was to move against the Indians and compel them to move -promptly on January 1, if they showed a disinclination to do so of -their own accord.</p> - -<p>Several of the young officers assembled about the planter's dinner -table were to accompany this expedition, and their anticipations of the -pleasures of the campaign were only equalled by the regrets of those -who were to be left behind.</p> - -<p>Some one suggested that there might be some fighting before the troops -returned, and that their march might be attended with a certain amount -of danger.</p> - -<p>"Danger?" cried Lieutenant Mudge, the gayest spirit of the party, and -the most popular man at the post. "Let us hope there will be some -danger. What would a soldier's life be without it? A weary round of -drill. Hurrah, then, for danger! say I. Louis, fill the glasses. Now, -gentlemen, I give you the toast of 'A short campaign and a merry one, -with plenty of hard fighting, plenty of danger, and speedy promotion to -all good fellows.'"</p> - -<p>The toast was hailed with acclamation and drunk with a cheer; while -after it the calls for Louis grew louder, more frequent, and more -peremptory than ever. It was "Here, Louis!" "Here, you nigger!" -"Step lively now!" from all sides, and the bewildering orders were -so promptly obeyed by the deft-handed, intelligent-appearing young -mulatto, who answered to the name of Louis, that he was unanimously -declared to be a treasure. Those of the officers who were to remain at -Fort Brooke, envied the planter such a capital servant, and those who -were to accompany the expedition to Fort King, wished they might take -him with them to wait on their mess.</p> - -<p>"Well, I don't know but that can be arranged," remarked the planter, -thoughtfully. "Major Dade was asking me to-day where he could obtain a -reliable guide, and Louis, who overheard him, has since told me that he -is intimately acquainted with the country between here and Fort King. -Isn't that so, boy?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," replied the mulatto; "I was born and brought up in this -country, and I know every foot of the way from here to Fort King like I -know the do-yard of my ole mammy's cabin."</p> - -<p>This answer was delivered so quietly, and with such an apparent air -of indifference, that no one looking at the man would have suspected -the wild tumult of thought seething within his breast at that moment. -For months he had waited, planned, hoped, and endured, for such an -opportunity as this. At last it had come. He was almost unnerved by -conflicting emotions, and to conceal them, he flew about the table more -actively than ever, anticipating every want of his master's guests, and -waiting on them with an assiduity that went far to confirm the good -impression already formed of him.</p> - -<p>Once, Lieutenant Mudge, happening to glance up at an instant when Louis -was intently regarding him, was startled by a fleeting expression that -swept across the man's face. For a second his eyes glared like those -of a famished tiger, and his lips seemed to be slightly drawn back -from the clinched white teeth. Although the devilish look vanished -as quickly as it came, leaving only the respectful expression of a -well-trained servant in its place, it gave the young soldier a shock, -and filled him with a vague uneasiness that he found hard to shake off. -He spoke of it afterwards to his host, but the latter only laughed and -said:</p> - -<p>"Nonsense, my dear boy! It must have been the champagne. I have had -that nigger for nearly a year now, and a more honest, faithful, -intelligent, and thoroughly reliable servant I never owned. If Dade -will pay a fair price for him, I will let him go for a few months, and -thus you will secure a reliable guide and a capital table servant, both -in one."</p> - -<p>In answer to some further inquiries concerning Louis, he said: "I'd no -idea he was born in this part of the country or knew anything about it, -but as he says he does, it must be so, for I have never known him to -tell a lie. He knows it would not be safe to lie to me. I got him from -a trader in Charleston last spring, and only brought him down here a -couple of months ago, when I came to look after this plantation. But -you can depend on Louis. He don't dare deceive me, for he knows if he -did I'd kill him. I make it a rule to have none but thoroughly honest -servants about me, and they all know it."</p> - -<p>The reader has doubtless surmised ere this that the servant whom his -master praised so highly was no other than Louis Pacheco, friend of -Coacoochee, the free dweller beside the Tomoka, whom the slave-catchers -had kidnapped and carried off.</p> - -<p>Inheriting the refinement of his Spanish father, well educated, and -accomplished, Louis would have killed himself rather than submit to -the degradation of the lot imposed upon him, but for one thing—the -same spirit that actuated Osceola during his imprisonment restrained -Louis from any act against his own life. He lived that he might obtain -revenge. So bitter was his hatred of the whole white race, that at -times he could scarcely restrain its open expression.</p> - -<p>He managed, however, to control himself and devoted his entire energies -to winning the confidence, not only of the man who had bought him, but -of all the other whites with whom he was thrown in contact. Thus did -he prepare the more readily to carry out his plans when the time came. -He saw his aged mother die from overwork in the cotton-fields, without -betraying the added bitterness of his feelings, and was even laughingly -chided by his master for not displaying greater filial affection. He -planned a negro insurrection, but could not carry it out. Then he -conceived the project of inducing a great number of negroes to run away -with him, and join his friends the Seminoles, but this scheme also came -to naught. He was planning to escape alone and make his way to Florida, -where he hoped to find some trace of the dearly loved sister from whom -he had been so cruelly separated, when chance favored him, and his -master brought him to the very place where he most desired to be.</p> - -<p>In Tampa, he quickly learned of the condition of affairs between the -Indians and whites, and he looked eagerly about for some means of -aiding his friends in their approaching struggle.</p> - -<p>The proposed expedition of Major Dade, for the relief and reinforcement -of Fort King, was kept a secret so far as possible, for fear lest it -should delay the coming in of numbers of Indians, who were supposed to -be on their way to the several designated points of assembly. It was, -however, freely discussed in the presence of Louis Pacheco, for he was -supposed to be so well content with his present position, and to have -so little knowledge of Indian affairs, that it could make no difference -whether he knew of it or not.</p> - -<p>So Louis listened, and treasured all the stray bits of information thus -obtained, and put them together until he was possessed of a very clear -idea of the existing state of affairs, and of what the whites intended -doing.</p> - -<p>Through the field hands of the plantation he opened communication with -the free negroes who dwelt among the Indians. Thus he soon learned that -his friend Coacoochee was now a war-chief and an influential leader -among the Seminoles.</p> - -<p>Now the hour of his triumph, the time of his revenge, had surely come. -If he could only obtain the position of guide to Major Dade's little -army, what would be easier than to deliver them into the hands of -Coacoochee? What a bitter blow that would be to the whites, and how -it would strengthen the Seminole cause! How far it would go toward -repaying him for the death of his mother, the loss of his beautiful -sister, his own weary slavery, and the destruction of their happy home -on the Tomoka! Yes, it must be done.</p> - -<p>The day after that of the dinner party his master concluded -arrangements with Major Dade, by which Louis was engaged as guide to -the expedition and steward of the officers' mess. So the slave was -ordered to hold himself in readiness to start on Christmas Day.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI</a></p> - -<p class="center">OSCEOLA'S REVENGE</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> the meantime, Osceola had carried out his part of the arrangement -with Coacoochee in regard to the traitor, Charlo Emathla. Although -warned of the fate in store for him in case he persisted in -disregarding the wishes of his people and the commands of the other -chiefs, this Indian, dazzled by sight of the white man's gold, -flattered by his praise, and assured of his protection, persisted in -his course.</p> - -<p>Osceola waited until certain that he had accepted a considerable sum -of money from the agent, and then prepared an ambush beside a trail -along which the doomed man must return to his camp. It was completely -successful; the victim fell at the first fire, and covering his face -with his hands, received the fatal blow without a word. Tied up in his -handkerchief was a quantity of gold and silver. This, Osceola declared -was the price of red men's blood, and, sternly forbidding his followers -to touch it, he flung it broadcast in every direction.</p> - -<p>When news of this summary punishment of a renegade was received at -Fort King, it created a serious feeling of anxiety and alarm for the -future. This was shared by all except the agent, who declared, in his -pompous manner, that he knew the Indians too well to fear them. They -might murder one of their own kind here and there, but they would never -muster up courage to attack a white man. Oh no! the rascals were too -well aware of the consequences of such an act.</p> - -<p>Another report that reached the fort about the same time increased the -uneasiness of its inmates. It was of six Indians who had been brutally -and wantonly set upon by a party of white land-grabbers. The Indians -were in camp, quietly engaged in cooking their supper, when the whites -rode up, made them prisoners, took away their rifles, and examined -their packs, appropriating to their own use whatever they fancied, and -destroying the rest. Then they tied the Indians to trees and began -whipping them.</p> - - - -<p>While they were thus engaged, four other Indians appeared on the scene -and opened an ineffective fire upon the aggressors. The whites answered -with a volley from their rifles that killed one Indian and wounded -another. Both parties then withdrew from the field, the whites carrying -with them the rifles and baggage that they had stolen.</p> - -<p>This outrage was termed an Indian encroachment, and a company of -militia was at once ordered out to chastise the Indians and protect -citizens.</p> - -<p>By such acts as these the land-grabbers hoped to hasten the movements -of the Seminoles and compel them to evacuate the coveted territory the -more rapidly.</p> - -<p>It was with gloomy forebodings that the little garrison of Fort King, -who, from long experience, had gained some knowledge of the Indian -character, heard of these and similar brutalities. They knew that -such things would drive the savage warriors to acts of retaliation, -and precipitate the crisis that now appeared so imminent. Their fears -were heightened by the fact that early in December the Indians ceased -visiting the fort, and it was reported that all their villages in that -part of the country were abandoned.</p> - -<p>So the month dragged slowly away. Christmas Day was passed quietly -and without the usual festivities of the season. The anxiety of the -garrison would have been still further increased had they known that on -that very day Osceola and a band of picked warriors took up a position -in a dense hammock from which they could watch every movement in and -about the fort.</p> - -<p>Osceola's object was the killing of the agent, whom he believed to be -directly implicated in the abduction of Chen-o-wah. So determined was -he to accomplish this, that he had decided if no better opportunity -offered to venture an attack against the fort itself, desperate as he -knew this measure to be.</p> - -<p>Coacoochee at this time was gathering the warriors of the tribe and -preparing them for battle in the depths of the great Wahoo Swamp, the -hidden mysteries of which no white man had ever explored. It lay a -day's journey from Fort King, and to it were hastening many chiefs with -their followers.</p> - -<p>On the morning of Christmas Day a negro runner, well-nigh exhausted -with the speed at which he had travelled, reached the swamp encampment -and asked to be led at once to Coacoochee, the war-chief. The moment he -had delivered his message the young warrior, trembling with excitement, -sought the other chiefs and made known to them the wonderful news he -had just received.</p> - -<p>"This very day," he said, "the white soldiers have left Tampa to march -through the Seminole country. At the end of four days they hope to -reach Fort King. They are guided by one whom I thought dead, but who -sends word that he is alive. He is my friend and may be trusted. He -will bring them by this road. Shall we allow them to pass by us and -join their friends? Or shall we meet them in battle and prove to them -that our words were not empty boastings, when we said the Seminole -would fight for his land? The white man laughs at us and whips us as -though we were dogs. He takes from us that which pleases him, and gives -us nothing but blows in return. The Indian and the wolf together are -marks for his rifle. Let us show him that we are men and warriors. -Let us strike a blow that he will never forget. It may be that when -he finds the Seminole ready to fight, he will let us alone to dwell -peaceably in our own land. Are the words of Coacoochee good in the ears -of the tribe? Are his warriors glad when they hear them?"</p> - -<p>A long discussion followed; but when it was ended, the counsel of the -young war-chief had been accepted.</p> - -<p>Then through the dim forest aisles echoed the hollow booming of the -kasi-lalki, or great war-drum. Fleet runners were despatched in all -directions, some to hasten the incoming bands, and some to watch the -movements of the advancing troops. One was sent to bear the great news -to Osceola, and bid him hasten if he would take part in the first -battle of the war.</p> - -<p>When this messenger reached those secreted in the hammock near Fort -King, and delivered his tidings, Osceola bade him return and tell -Coacoochee that if at the end of one more day his purpose had not been -accomplished, he would abandon it for the present and hasten to join -him.</p> - -<p>On the following afternoon two figures were seen by the eager watchers -to leave the fort and stroll toward the trader's store a mile away. -Osceola's keen eye was the first to recognize them, and he knew that -the hour of his vengeance had arrived.</p> - -<p>The two who strolled thus carelessly, apparently unconscious of danger, -were the agent, General Wiley Thompson, and his friend, Lieutenant -Constantine Smith. They were smoking their after-dinner cigars and -talking earnestly. Their subject was the rights and wrongs of the -Indian. As they reached the crest of a slight eminence, these words, -uttered in Wiley Thompson's most emphatic tone, reached the ears of -Osceola, who, with flashing eyes and compressed lips, peered at the -speaker from a thicket not ten yards away.</p> - -<p>"I tell you, sir, the Indian is no better than any other savage beast, -and deserves no better treatment at our hands."</p> - -<p>They were the last words he ever spoke; for at that instant there burst -from the thicket a blinding flash and the crashing report of thirty -rifles, discharged simultaneously. Both men were instantly killed, and -with yells of triumph the Indians rushed from their hiding-place, each -intent upon procuring a scalp or some other trophy of the first event -of the contest so long anticipated and now so sadly begun.</p> - -<p>But Osceola's vengeance did not rest here. There were others within -reach who had aided in the stealing of his wife, and he bade his -warriors follow him to the store of the trader. A few minutes later -Rogers and his two clerks had been added to the list of victims. After -helping themselves to all the goods they could carry, the Indians set -fire to the store and started toward the Wahoo Swamp, where they hoped -to join Coacoochee in time to participate in the battle of which he -had sent them notice.</p> - -<p>The little garrison of fifty men at Fort King heard the firing and the -war-cries, and saw the smoke from the blazing store rise above the -hammock. They knew only too well what these things meant; but supposing -the Indians to be in force and about to attack the post, they dared not -venture beyond its limits. They waited anxiously for the coming of the -promised reinforcements from Tampa, but weary days passed, and no word -came from them.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII</a></p> - -<p class="center">ON THE VERGE OF THE WAHOO SWAMP</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">On</span> the afternoon of Christmas Day, Major Dade's little command of two -companies of troops, numbering one hundred and ten souls, marched -gaily out from Fort Brooke on Tampa Bay and started for Fort King, -one hundred miles away, near where the city of Ocala now stands. Both -officers and men were in the highest spirits, and regarded their -present expedition as a pleasant relief from the monotony of garrison -life. It was not at all likely they would be called upon to do any -fighting; for, although the Indians had been acting suspiciously for -some time, nobody believed they would dare come into open conflict with -the whites. And what if they did! Was not one white man equal to five -Indians at any time? To be sure, the soldiers were unfamiliar with the -country, but then they had a guide who knew every foot of it.</p> - -<p>Louis Pacheco was one of the most popular members of the expedition. He -was not only a good guide, but he was polite, obliging, and attentive -to the wants of the officers. He certainly was a treasure, and they -were fortunate to have secured his services. So the lieutenants said to -one another.</p> - -<p>For two days the command moved steadily forward, its one piece of light -artillery and its one baggage wagon bumping heavily over the log-like -roots of the saw-palmetto, and threatening to break down with each -mile, but never doing so. They experienced no difficulty in crossing -the dark, forest-shaded Withlacoochee; for Louis led them to the best -ford on the whole river, and the officers agreed that they were making -much better progress than could have been expected.</p> - -<p>On the third night they had skirted the great Wahoo Swamp and were -camped near its northern end. As this place was known to be a favorite -Indian resort, the sentinels of that night were cautioned to be -unusually vigilant. The corporal of the guard was instructed to inspect -every post at least once an hour, and oftener than that towards -morning, when an attack was supposed to be most imminent. As the -officer of the day was equally on the alert, and visited the sentries -many times during the night, the camp was deemed securely guarded.</p> - -<p>All that day Louis, the guide, had been unusually silent. More than -once he was observed to direct long, penetrating glances toward the -dense forest growth of the great swamp, as though it held some peculiar -fascination for him. It seemed as though he were conscious of the keen -eyes, that, peering from its dark depths, watched so exultingly the -march of the troops. It seemed as though he must see the lithe figures -that, gliding silently from thicket to thicket, or from one mossy -covert to another, so easily kept pace with the slow-moving column.</p> - -<p>In waiting on the officers' mess that evening, Louis was so -absent-minded that he made innumerable blunders, and drew forth more -than one angry rebuke from those whom he served.</p> - -<p>At last one of these remarked that, if the nigger was not more -attentive to his duties, he would be apt to make an acquaintance with -the whipping-post before long.</p> - -<p>Then there flashed into the man's face for an instant the same look -that Lieutenant Mudge had detected once before, and from that moment -his demeanor changed. He was no longer absent-minded. He was no longer -undecided. The time of his irresolution was passed.</p> - -<p>That night he slept apart from any other occupant of the camp, beyond -the line of tents and on the side nearest the swamp hammock. For -hours after rolling himself in his blanket the man lay open-eyed and -thinking. This was either the last night of his life or the last of his -slavery, he knew not which. On the morrow he would be either dead or -free. On the morrow, if he lived, he would learn the fate of the dear -sister from whom he had heard no word since that terrible night on the -Tomoka. On the morrow would be struck a blow for liberty that should -be felt throughout the length and breadth of the land, and on the -morrow his score against the white man would be wiped out. The account -would be settled.</p> - -<p>Louis had expected the attack to be made that day, and from each -hammock or clump of timber they passed, had dreaded, and hoped to hear, -the shrill war-whoop mingled with the crack of rifles. Now, he thought -it might be made during the night or just at dawn. At all events, it -must be made, if made at all, before the following sunset, for at that -hour the command expected to reach Fort King.</p> - -<p>As he lay thinking of these things, the querulous cry of a hawk -suddenly broke the stillness of the night. It came from the swamp. -Again it sounded, and this time with a slight difference of tone. The -weary sentinels wondered for a moment at the strangeness of such a cry -at that hour, and then dismissed it from their minds.</p> - -<p>Not so with Louis Pacheco. The second cry had confirmed the suspicion -aroused by the first. It was long since he had heard the signal of -Coacoochee; but he recognized and answered it. The gentle, quavering -cry of a little screech owl, though coming from the camp, alarmed no -one. It went straight to the ears of Coacoochee, however, as he lay -hidden in the saw-palmettoes, only a few rods beyond the tents, and he -was content to wait patiently, knowing that his friend had heard and -understood his signal.</p> - -<p>All the old forest instincts, long suppressed and almost forgotten, -were instantly aroused in Louis. No Indian could have crept more -cautiously or silently toward the line of sentries than he, and none -could have slipped past them more deftly. A few minutes later the owl's -note was sounded at the edge of the hammock and immediately answered -from a spot but a short distance away. Then there came a rustle beside -the motionless figure and a whispered:</p> - -<p>"Louis, my brother?"</p> - -<p>"Coacoochee, is it you?"</p> - -<p>For a few minutes they whispered only of their own affairs, and Louis -learned of Nita's escape from the slave-catchers, of her flight to -Philip Emathla's village, and of her betrothal to Coacoochee, all in -a breath. He longed to fly to her at that very moment; but a weary -journey lay between them, and before he could undertake it a stern and -terrible duty remained to be performed. He must return to the camp of -soldiers and remain with them to the bitter end. Otherwise the plan for -their destruction might yet miscarry.</p> - -<p>Coacoochee told him the reason why the attack had not already been made -was that the Indians had awaited the arrival of Osceola and Micanopy. -The latter had come in that evening, and it was decided to wait no -longer, but to begin the fight at daylight.</p> - -<p>Louis opposed this plan, saying that Major Dade expected an attack to -be made at daylight, if made at all, and would be particularly on guard -at that time. He also seemed to feel that if he were attacked, it would -be from that swamp. Therefore, the mulatto advised that the attack be -made at a point some miles beyond the swamp, where nothing of the kind -would be anticipated.</p> - -<p>Coacoochee acknowledged the soundness of this advice, and agreeing to -follow it, the two separated, one to lead his warriors to the appointed -place and prepare them for battle, the other to work his way with -infinite caution back into the camp of sleeping soldiers. Fortunately -for him the night was intensely dark, and though at one time a sentry -passed so close that he could have touched him, by lying flat and -almost holding his breath he escaped discovery.</p> - -<p>He had barely reached his sleeping-place and rolled himself again -in his blanket, when an officer came along, and stumbling over his -prostrate form, exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"Hello, Louis! Is that you?"</p> - -<p>Upon receiving an affirmative answer, he continued: "Well, I must -confess that it is a great relief to find you. I missed you, and have -been searching for you. I really began to think you had deserted and -left us to find our own way out of this wilderness. Where have you -been?"</p> - - - -<p>"The major's horse got loose, sir, and came very near stepping on me," -replied Louis. "And I just took him over to the cart, where I tied him -up again. Sorry to have caused you any anxiety, sir."</p> - -<p>"Oh, that's all right," answered the officer. "I'm glad your excuse is -such a good one, for these are times when we can't be too careful, you -know."</p> - -<p>With this he walked away to visit the line of sentries, while Louis, -bathed in a profuse perspiration in spite of the chill of the night, -shuddered as he realized the narrowness of his escape.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII</a></p> - -<p class="center">COACOOCHEE'S FIRST BATTLE</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> next morning's sun ushered in one of the fairest of Floridian days; -the air was clear, cool, and bracing. It was filled with the aromatic -odors of pines and vibrant with the songs of birds. All was life and -activity in the camp of soldiers, who were preparing for an early start -on the long day's march that they hoped would bring them to their -destination that same evening.</p> - -<p>"We are past all the bad places now, boys," cried Major Dade, cheerily, -as he rode to the head of the column. "This swamp is our last danger -point, and beyond this there is nothing to apprehend. The cowardly -redskins have let a good chance slip by, and it will be long before -they will be given another."</p> - -<p>Then the bugles sounded merrily, and with light hearts the command -resumed its march. But the Indians had moved earlier than they.</p> - -<p>At daylight that morning one hundred and eighty warriors glided like -shadows out from the dark recesses of the swamp, and, following the -lead of Coacoochee, advanced some four miles beyond it. Where they -finally halted in the open pine woods there was a thick growth of scrub -or saw-palmetto.</p> - -<p>A pond bounded the road on the east at this point, and the entire body -of Indians took positions on the opposite or western side. Each warrior -selected his own tree or clump of palmetto, and sank out of sight -behind it. Three minutes after their arrival nothing was to be seen nor -heard save the solemn pines and the sighing of the wind through their -branches.</p> - -<p>There was so little to arouse suspicion that a small herd of deer -fleeing before the advancing troops and coming down the wind dashed -in among the Indians before discovering their presence. Even then the -hidden warriors made no sign, and the terrified animals pursued their -flight unmolested.</p> - -<p>Besides Coacoochee, the chiefs in command of the Seminole force were -Micanopy, Jumper, and Alligator. It had been determined that Micanopy, -as head chief, should fire the first shot of the contest, and as -the old man was timid and undecided, Coacoochee stood beside him to -strengthen his courage.</p> - -<p>At length about nine o'clock the troops appeared in view. They marched -easily in open order, the bright sunlight glinted bravely on their -polished weapons, and many were the shouts of light-hearted merriment -that rose from their ranks. Louis, the guide, was not to be seen, as on -some trifling pretext he had dropped behind the column.</p> - -<p>The advanced guard reached the pond and passed it unmolested. It was -not until the main body was directly abreast the Indian centre that -the wild war-whoop of Otee the Jumper rang through the forest. The -next instant Micanopy's trembling fingers, guided by Coacoochee's -unflinching hand, pulled the trigger of the first rifle. With its flash -a great sheet of flame leaped from the roadside, and half of Major -Dade's command lay dead, without having known from where or by whom the -fatal blow was struck.</p> - -<p>The survivors, confused and demoralized by the suddenness and -unexpectedness of this attack from an unseen foe, still made a brave -effort to rally and return the pitiless fire that seemed to leap from -every tree of the forest. Their one field-piece, a six-pounder, was -brought up and discharged several times, but its gunners presented an -attractive target to the hidden riflemen, and it was speedily silenced.</p> - -<p>A small company of soldiers managed to fell a few trees in the form -of a triangular barricade. Behind this they took shelter, and from it -maintained a stout fire for some hours; but early in the afternoon -their last gun was silenced, and only the shadows of death brooded over -the terrible scene.</p> - -<p>During the fight the Indians had kept up an incessant yelling, but -now they appeared stunned at the completeness of their success and -contemplated their victory in silence.</p> - -<p>With Louis Pacheco, who had joined the Indians immediately after -the first fire, Coacoochee walked slowly and thoughtfully over the -battle-field. He sternly forbade his warriors to mutilate or rob -the dead, and speedily withdrew them to their encampment in the -great swamp, from which they had emerged with such mingled hopes and -apprehensions that morning.</p> - -<p>Soon after their departure a band of fifty negroes, who had been -summoned from a distance to take part in the battle, rode up to -the scene of slaughter. Disappointed at having arrived too late to -participate in it, they made an eager search among the heaps of -slain, for any who should still show signs of life. If such were -discovered, they were immediately put to death, while even the dead -bodies were mutilated and stripped. After thus gratifying their -bloodthirsty instincts, these, too, laden with scalps and plunder of -every description, followed their Indian allies to the swamp, and on -the blood-soaked field an awful stillness succeeded the wild tumult of -battle.</p> - -<p>As darkness shrouded the pitiful scene, two human figures, the only -living survivors of "Dade's Massacre," slowly disengaged themselves -from the dead bodies by which they were surrounded. They were wounded, -and faint from the loss of blood, but they dragged themselves painfully -away and were lost in the night shadows of the forest. Five days -later they reached Fort Brooke and there gave the first notice of the -terrible blow by which the despised Seminole had defied the power of -the United States.</p> - -<p>The Indian loss in this battle was three killed and five wounded.</p> - -<p>That same night, Osceola and his warriors, laden with trophies and -plunder, reached the encampment in the Wahoo Swamp. They had much -to tell as well as much to hear, and the whole night was devoted to -feasting, dancing, drinking, and every species of savage rejoicing over -their successes.</p> - -<p>Coacoochee, though filled with a sense of exultation, took no part in -these excesses. He preferred talking with Louis and several of the -graver chiefs regarding the future conduct of the war, and the chances -for its speedy termination. All were agreed that there would be no -further fighting for some time, and as both the young men were most -anxious to visit Philip Emathla's village, they determined to do so at -once.</p> - -<p>At daylight, therefore, they left the swamp and started on their -journey. By noon they were threading an open forest many miles from -their point of departure. They were proceeding in silence, with -Louis following Coacoochee, and stepping exactly in his tracks. This -precaution was taken as a matter of habit, rather than from any idea -that there was an enemy within many miles of them.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Coacoochee stopped, held up his hand in warning, and listened -intently, with his head inclined slightly forward. "Does my brother -hear anything?" he asked.</p> - -<p>No; Louis heard nothing save the sound of wind among the tree-tops. His -ears were not so sharp as those of Coacoochee, nor, for the matter of -that, was any other pair in the whole Seminole nation. So marvellously -keen was the young war-chief's sense of hearing, that his companions -deemed it unsafe to utter a word not intended for his ears within -sight of where he stood. They believed him to be able to hear ordinary -conversation as far as he could see. Although this was undoubtedly an -exaggeration, his powers in this respect were certainly remarkable, and -excited astonishment in all who were acquainted with them.</p> - -<p>Now, after standing and listening for a moment with bent head, he threw -himself to the ground, and placing one ear in direct contact with the -earth, covered the other with his hand. He also closed his eyes, the -better to concentrate all his powers into the one effort of hearing.</p> - -<p>He lay thus for several minutes, and then slowly regained his feet. -There was now an anxious expression on his face. Louis could no longer -restrain his curiosity. "What is it, Coacoochee? What do you think you -hear?"</p> - -<p>The asking of this question would have at once betrayed Louis to be -of other than Indian blood; for no Seminole would have exhibited the -slightest curiosity until the other was ready to disclose his secret of -his own accord.</p> - -<p>So Coacoochee smiled slightly at his comrade's impatience as he -answered:</p> - -<p>"I hear more white men coming from that way"—here he pointed to the -north; "they are many. Some of them are soldiers, and some are not. -They travel slowly, for they have much baggage. They fear no danger and -are careless. They have no cannon, but they have many horses. They know -nothing of yesterday's battle. Let us go and look at them, where my -brother will see that Coacoochee has heard truly."</p> - -<p>Louis gazed at his companion, in amazement. "How is it possible for you -to hear these things when I can hear nothing at all?" he asked. "I am -not deaf. My ears are as good as those of most men, but they detect no -sound. You must be making game of me. Is it not so?"</p> - -<p>For answer Coacoochee persuaded him to lay his ear to the ground and -listen as he had done a moment before.</p> - -<p>When Louis rose, he said: "I do indeed hear something in the ground, -but it is only a confused murmur. I cannot tell what it is or where it -comes from."</p> - -<p>Coacoochee smiled, and said: "My brother's ears are good. He has heard -more than would most men; but Coacoochee's are better. No sound is -withheld from them. He can hear the grass grow and the flowers unfold. -The murmur that my brother hears is the sound of an army marching. -They are white men because they tread so heavily. Some of them are -soldiers because they blow bugles and because they keep step in their -marching. More of them are not, for they walk as they please, and -many of them ride on horses. They have much baggage, for I hear the -sound of many wagons. They fear no danger and are careless, for they -run races with their horses and fire pistols. They have not learned -of yesterday's battle, or they would be sorrowful and quiet. Now they -laugh and are merry."</p> - -<p>Half an hour later, as Coacoochee and Louis occupied positions among -the spreading, moss-enveloped limbs of a large tree, the eyesight of -the latter confirmed all that his comrade's marvellous hearing had -already told them.</p> - -<p>From their perch they could overlook a broad savanna, across which -slowly moved a small army of white men. They counted nearly one -thousand, two hundred of whom were regular troops; the rest were -ununiformed militia, many of them mounted and exhibiting but little -discipline. These rode hither and thither, as they pleased, ran races, -fired their pistols at stray birds, and shouted loudly. They were a -cruel, rough set, and the heart of Coacoochee grew heavy with the -thought of such a powerful and merciless invasion of the Seminole -country.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX</a></p> - -<p class="center">RALPH BOYD AND THE SLAVE-CATCHER</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> army so unexpectedly discovered by Coacoochee was under the -immediate command of General Clinch, and was largely composed of -Florida volunteers. Most of these were land-hunters, slave-hunters, or -other reckless adventurers, who had taken advantage of this opportunity -for gaining a safe entrance into the Indian country and examining its -best lands before it should be thrown open to general occupation. The -majority of them had no idea that the Indians would dare resist this -occupation by the whites, or that they would be called upon to do any -fighting. At the same time they expressed a cheerful willingness to -kill any number of redskins, and loudly declared their belief in the -policy of extermination.</p> - -<p>This motley throng of freebooters, together with four companies of -regular troops, having been collected at Fort Drane, some twenty-five -miles from Fort King, General Clinch decided to march them into and -through the Indian country for the purpose of hastening the movements -of the Seminoles, and show them how powerful a force he could bring -against them. Even he had no idea that any armed resistance would be -offered to his progress.</p> - -<p>While Coacoochee and Louis watched in breathless silence the passing -of this army of invaders, whose openly declared object was to rob them -of their homes, they were startled by the sound of voices immediately -beneath their tree. Looking down, they saw two men who had straggled -from the main body and sought relief from the noontide heat of the sun, -in the tempting shade.</p> - -<p>At first our friends did not recognize the newcomers; but all at once -a familiar tone came to the ears of Louis Pacheco; then he knew that -the man whom he hated most on earth, the man who had sold him and his -mother into slavery, the dealer, Troup Jeffers, had once more crossed -his path.</p> - - - -<p>The two men had not ridden up to the tree in company, but had -approached it from different divisions of the passing column, though -evidently animated by a common impulse. It was quickly apparent that -they did not even know each other; for Mr. Troup Jeffers, who reached -the tree first, greeted the other with:</p> - -<p>"Good-day, stranger. Light down and enjoy the shade. Hit's powerful -refreshing after the heat out yonder."</p> - -<p>As the other dismounted from his horse, and, still retaining a hold on -the bridle, flung himself at full length on the scanty grass at the -foot of the tree, Jeffers continued:</p> - -<p>"This appears to be a fine bit of country."</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"But they tell me it ain't a circumstance to the Injun lands on the far -side of the Withlacoochee."</p> - -<p>"No?"</p> - -<p>"No. Them is said to be the best lands in Floridy. I reckin you're -land-hunting. Ain't ye, now?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"Must be niggers, then?"</p> - -<p>"No sir. I am after neither land nor negroes; I have come merely to see -the country."</p> - -<p>"Wal, that seems kinder curious," remarked Jeffers, reflectively. -"Strange that a man like you should take all this trouble and risk his -life—not that I suppose there's a mite of danger—just to look at a -country that he don't kalkilate to make nothing out of."</p> - -<p>"Yet some people have the poor taste to enjoy travel for travel's -sake," replied the other. "But I suppose you have come on business?"</p> - -<p>"You bet I have," answered Mr. Jeffers. "I've come after niggers, and -I don't care who knows it. Hit's a lawful business, and as good as -another, if I do say it. You see, thar's lots of 'em among the Injuns, -and they're all described and claimed. Now I've bought a lot of these -claims cheap, and the gineral has promised that jest as soon as the -Injuns is corralled for emigration, all the claimed niggers shall be -sorted out, and restored to their lawful owners. Owing to my claims, -I'm the biggest lawful owner there is. So I thought I'd jest come -along with the first crowd, and be on hand early to see that I wasn't -cheated."</p> - -<p>"A most wise precaution," remarked the stranger, sarcastically.</p> - -<p>"Yes," continued Jeffers, unmindful of his companion's tone; "you -see there is niggers and niggers. While some of them is worth their -weight in silver as property, I wouldn't have some of the others as -a gift. There's Injun niggers, for instance—half-bloods, you know; -they're so wild that you have to kill 'em to tame 'em. Why, I lost -more'n a hundred dollars in cash, besides what I reckoned to make, on a -half-blood that I got up to Fort King a few months ago. She was wild as -a hawk, and fretted, and wouldn't eat nothing, and finally died on my -hands afore I got a chance to sell her."</p> - -<p>"Certainly a most inconsiderate thing to do," remarked the stranger.</p> - -<p>"Wasn't it, now? The only kind I want to deal with is the full bloods -or them as is mixed with white. The best haul I ever made from the -Injuns was about a year ago over on the east coast. He was wild and -ugly as they make 'em when I first got him, but I soon tamed him down -and sold him for one thousand dollars. I've heard that he hain't never -showed a mite of spirit since I broke him in, and he makes one of the -best all-round servants you ever see. Louis is his name, and I'd like -to get hold of a dozen more just like him. What! you ain't going to -start along so soon, be ye?"</p> - -<p>From the moment that Louis recognized this man and realized that his -cruellest enemy was at last completely within his power, it had been -difficult to refrain from sending a rifle bullet through the brute's -cowardly heart. It is doubtful if he could have withheld his hand had -it not been for a warning look from Coacoochee and a gentle pressure of -his hand. The young Indian himself was visibly affected as he listened -to the cold-blooded tone with which the ruffian told of the death -of Chen-o-wah, the beautiful wife of Osceola, and his hand twitched -nervously as he fingered the handle of his scalping-knife; but he was -able to restrain his own inclinations, even as he had restrained those -of his companion. He knew that he had a duty to perform vastly more -important than the punishment of the slave-catcher, and that for its -sake even this enemy must be allowed to escape for the present.</p> - -<p>In reply to Mr. Jeffers' exclamation of surprise at his sudden -departure from the cool shade in which they rested, the stranger -answered:</p> - -<p>"Yes, Mr. Slave-catcher, I am going; for I have no desire to cultivate -the further acquaintance of a scoundrel. You are therefore warned -to keep your distance from me so long as we both accompany this -expedition."</p> - -<p>With this, the speaker sprang into his saddle, and as his horse -started, he took off his hat with a profound bow of mock courtesy, -saying: "I am very sorry to have met you, sir, and I hope I may never -have the misfortune to do so again."</p> - -<p>As the young man dashed away, the slave-trader gazed after him in -open-mouthed amazement. Then he muttered, loud enough for Coacoochee to -hear: "Wal, if that don't beat all! You're a nice, respectable, chummy -sort of a chap, ain't you, now? Jest a leetle too nice to live, and -I shouldn't be surprised if you was to get hurt by some one besides -Injuns, if ever we have the luck to get into a scrimmage with the red -cusses."</p> - -<p>These remarks were particularly interesting to Coacoochee; for, as the -stranger removed his hat on riding away, the mystery of his voice, -which had haunted the young chief with a familiar sound, was explained. -The face, as revealed by the lifting of the drooping sombrero, was that -of his acquaintance and preserver, Ralph Boyd the Englishman.</p> - -<p>It is more than likely that Coacoochee would have seized the present -opportunity for rendering Mr. Troup Jeffers forever powerless to injure -any man, white, red, or black, but for an interruption that came just -as he was contemplating a sudden descent from the tree. It appeared in -the form of a lieutenant of regulars, who commanded the rear guard of -the little army, and whose duty it was to drive in all stragglers.</p> - -<p>So Mr. Troup Jeffers rode away, utterly unconscious of the imminent -danger he had just escaped. He was, however, full of an ugly hate -against the man who a few minutes before had treated him with such -scorn, and was determined to discover his identity at the first -opportunity.</p> - -<p>As the rear guard of the army disappeared from the view of the two -watchers, they slipped to the ground from their hiding-place, more than -glad of an opportunity to stretch their cramped limbs. Coacoochee was -the first to speak, and he said:</p> - -<p>"They go to the Withlacoochee, and will seek to cross at Haney's ferry. -They must be delayed until our warriors can be brought to meet them. -We are two. One must return to the Wahoo Swamp, tell Osceola of this -thing, and bid him hasten with all his fighting men to the ford that is -by the Itto micco [magnolia tree]. This shall be your errand, Louis my -brother, and I pray you make what speed you may, for our time is short. -I will hasten to reach the ferry before the soldiers, and in some way -prevent their using the boat. Then must they go to the ford, for there -is no other place to cross."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX</a></p> - -<p class="center">AN ALLIGATOR AND HIS MYSTERIOUS ASSAILANT</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Late</span> that same evening the watchers of Osceola's camp in the great -swamp were startled by the sudden appearance of a human form almost -within their lines. He was instantly surrounded and led to the -camp-fire in front of the chieftain's lodge, that his character might -be determined. The surprise of the Indians upon discovering him to be -Louis Pacheco, whom they supposed to be a long day's journey from that -place, was forgotten in that caused by his tidings.</p> - -<p>It seemed incredible that, while they had just destroyed one army -of white men, another should already be on the confines of their -country and about to invade it. But Louis had seen and counted them. -Coacoochee's plan was a wise one, and they would follow it. So the -bustle of preparation was immediately begun. The fight of the day -before had nearly exhausted their ammunition. Bullets must be moulded, -and powder-horns refilled from a keg brought from a distant, carefully -hidden magazine, a supply of provisions must be prepared, for on the -war-trail no fires could be lighted and no game could be hunted.</p> - -<p>When all was ready, Osceola caused his men to take a few hours' sleep; -but with the first flush of daylight they were on the march, swiftly -but silently threading the dim and oftentimes submerged pathways of the -swamp. There were two hundred and fifty in all, of whom the greater -number were warriors under Osceola, and the balance were negroes led by -Alligator.</p> - -<p>On the following morning they reached the appointed place, and -concealed themselves in the forest growth lining the bank on the -south side of the ford. As this was the only point along that part of -the river at which it was possible to cross without boats, they were -satisfied that the attempt to enter the Indian country would be made -here, and that here the expected battle must take place.</p> - -<p>Still, the troops should have arrived by this time, and as yet there -was no sign of them. Neither had Coacoochee appeared, though this -was where he had promised to meet them. Osceola had just decided to -send a scouting party to the ferry to make sure that Coacoochee had -completed his self-imposed task, when a remarkable incident arrested -his attention and caused him to withhold the order.</p> - -<p>A green bush was floating slowly down the river toward the ford, and -several of the Indians were commenting on a peculiarity of its motion. -Instead of floating straight down with the current of the stream, it -was unmistakably moving diagonally across the river toward them. When -first noticed it had been in the middle of the channel, but now it was -decidedly nearer their side.</p> - -<p>The Withlacoochee abounded in alligators that grew to immense size, -and just at this time one of the largest of these seemed strangely -attracted toward the floating bush. His black snout, and the protruding -eyes, set back so far from it as to give proof of his great length, -were all that he showed above the surface. These, however, were -observed to be moving cautiously nearer and nearer to the bush, until -finally they almost touched it.</p> - -<p>All at once the monster sprang convulsively forward, throwing half his -length from the water. For a moment his huge tail lashed the waves -into a foam that appeared tinged with red. At the same time, a hideous -bellowing roar of mingled rage and pain woke the forest echoes. Then, -with a sullen plunge, the brute sank and was seen no more.</p> - -<p>The strangest thing of this whole remarkable performance was not the -disappearance of the great reptile, but the sudden appearance close -beside it, at the very height of the flurry, of a round black object -that looked extremely like a human head.</p> - -<p>It was only seen for a second; then the sharp report of a rifle rang -out from across the river, and the object instantly disappeared. With -this, a white man, tall, gaunt, and clad in the uniform of a United -States dragoon, stepped from the thick growth, and scanned intently -the surface of the water as he carefully reloaded his rifle. He stood -thus for several minutes, and then, apparently satisfied that his shot -had been effective, he turned and vanished among the trees.</p> - -<p>It would have been an easy matter for the concealed warriors to kill -him while he stood in plain view, and several guns were raised for the -purpose, but Osceola forbade the firing of a shot. The appearance of -that one soldier satisfied him that the others would soon arrive, and -he did not wish to give them the slightest intimation of his presence -until they should begin crossing the river.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he and those with him were startled by the cry of a hawk twice -repeated in their immediate vicinity. They recognized it as the signal -of Coacoochee; but where was he? As they gazed inquiringly about them, -there was a rustling among the flags and lily-pads growing at the -river's edge. Then, so quickly that he was exposed to view but a single -instant, Coacoochee, naked except for a thong of buckskin about his -waist, sprang from the water to the shelter of the bushes on the bank -and stood among them.</p> - -<p>The young war-chief had taken a long circuit around General Clinch's -army, and reached the ferry toward which they were evidently marching, -well in advance of them, the evening before. He already knew that the -ferryman, alarmed by the impending Indian troubles, had abandoned his -post and removed with his family to a place of safety.</p> - -<p>What he did not know, however, was that the great scow used as a -ferryboat lay high and dry on the bank, where a recent fall in the -waters of the river had left it. He had expected to find it afloat and -to either set it adrift, or sink it in the middle of the stream.</p> - -<p>Now he was at a loss what to do. He could not move the clumsy craft -from its muddy resting-place. His time was limited, and he had no -tools, not even a hatchet, with which to destroy it. There was but -one thing left, and that was fire. As he looked at the massive, -water-soaked timbers of the scow, Coacoochee realized that to destroy -it by fire would be a tedious undertaking. However, he set resolutely -to work, and within an hour flames were leaping merrily about the -stranded boat. He had torn all the dry woodwork that would yield to his -efforts from the ferryman's log cabin which stood at some distance back -from the river. He had gathered a quantity of lightwood from dead pine -trees, and had built three great fires, one at each end of the scow and -one in the middle.</p> - -<p>When all this was accomplished to his satisfaction, the youth became -conscious that he was faint and weak from hunger, as he had eaten -nothing that day. Visiting the ferryman's deserted cabin, he finally -discovered half a barrel of hard bread and a small quantity of -uncooked provisions secreted in a dark corner of the little loft that -had served the family as a storeroom.</p> - -<p>As he was selecting a few articles of food to carry away and eat at his -leisure in some snug hiding-place from which he might also watch the -operations of the expected troops, the young chief was alarmed by the -sound of voices.</p> - -<p>The next moment several soldiers entered the cabin, calling loudly upon -its supposed occupants, of whose recent departure they were evidently -unaware. Receiving no reply to their shouts, they ransacked the two -lower rooms. One even climbed the rude ladder leading to the little -loft and peered curiously about him. Crouched in its darkest corner -and hardly breathing, Coacoochee escaped observation, and the trooper -descended to report that no one was up there. "It's clear enough that -the folks have lit out," he added.</p> - -<p>"There must be somebody around to start that smoke down by the river," -said another voice.</p> - -<p>"Well, I reckon we'd best go and see what's burning as well as who's -there," was the reply.</p> - -<p>With this they left the house, and Coacoochee heard some one order two -of them to stay and look after the horses; while the others went to -ascertain the cause of the fire.</p> - -<p>He determined to make a bold dash for liberty, and risk the shots that -the two men would certainly fire at him; but when he was half-way down -the ladder, the sound of fresh voices caused him hurriedly to regain -his hiding-place. Now there was much talking, and he knew that the main -body of troops had arrived.</p> - -<p>As it was nearly sunset, the soldiers went into camp between the -house and the river, and a number of them took possession of the -house itself. Fortunately the hot, stuffy little loft did not offer -sufficient attractions to tempt any of them to occupy it, though -several peered into its gloom from the ladder. As they did not discern -the crouching form in the corner, the young Indian began to fancy that -he might remain there in safety so long as he chose.</p> - -<p>He was rejoiced to learn, from fragments of conversation that his fires -had rendered the scow useless. He also learned to his dismay that an -old canoe had been discovered, and was even then being patched up so -that it would float. In it the troops would cross the river, a few at a -time, on the following morning.</p> - -<p>Coacoochee passed a weary night, not daring to sleep, lest he should -make some movement that would betray his presence to those in the rooms -below. Occasionally he was forced by the pains in his cramped limbs to -change his position, but he did this as seldom as possible and with the -utmost caution.</p> - -<p>At length, just as daylight was breaking, and certain sounds indicated -that the camp was waking up, one of these cautious movements dislodged -a hard biscuit that lay on the floor beside him. Slipping through a -crevice in the rude flooring, it fell plump on the face of one of the -sleepers below.</p> - -<p>The man thus suddenly wakened sprang up with a cry of alarm. He laughed -when he discovered the cause of his fright, and exclaimed in Ralph -Boyd's well-remembered voice:</p> - -<p>"Hello! There's hard bread up-stairs, boys, and the rats are at work on -it. I'm going to stop their fun, and secure my share."</p> - -<p>With this he started toward the ladder, and Coacoochee nerved himself -for the discovery that he knew was now unavoidable.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI</a></p> - -<p class="center">BATTLE OF THE WITHLACOOCHEE</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> man who had been so rudely roused from his sleep slowly climbed the -ladder leading to the loft, and began cautiously to feel his way across -the uneven flooring. The place in which the Indian crouched and awaited -his coming was still shrouded in utter darkness; but by the uncertain -light coming up from below, the approaching figure was faintly outlined.</p> - -<p>This man had proved himself Coacoochee's friend, and the young chief -had no intention of harming him. Still, he could not allow himself to -be captured, even by Ralph Boyd. He dared not trust himself in the -hands of the whites after what had so recently happened. Besides, -it was now more than ever necessary that he should be at liberty to -communicate with Osceola and inform him of the proposed movements of -the troops. These thoughts flashed through his mind during the few -seconds occupied by Boyd in groping his way toward the dark corner.</p> - -<p>Suddenly from out of it a dim figure sprang upon the white man, with -such irresistible force that he was hurled breathless to the floor. -With one bound it reached the aperture through which the ladder -protruded, and slid to the room below. The half-awakened men who -occupied this, startled by the crash above them, were scrambling to -their feet, and, as Coacoochee dashed through them toward the open -door, several hands were stretched forth to seize him. They failed to -check his progress, and in another moment he was gone.</p> - -<p>With the swiftness of a bird he darted across the open space behind the -house, and disappeared in the forest beyond. So sudden and unexpected -was this entire performance that not a shot was fired after him, and -the young Indian could hardly realize the completeness of his escape as -he found himself unharmed amid the friendly shadows of the trees.</p> - -<p>Had he chosen to continue his flight directly away from the river, it -would have been an easy matter to gain a position of absolute safety, -so far as any pursuit was concerned. But he must reach the ford and -those whom he supposed to be there awaiting him. Therefore, after -making a long detour through the forest, he again approached the -Withlacoochee, at a point several miles above where he had left it.</p> - -<p>In the meantime, the presence of an Indian in the very heart of their -camp had occasioned the greatest excitement throughout General Clinch's -army. He was the first they had encountered, and his boldness, -together with the manner in which he had eluded them, invested him with -an alarming air of mystery. It was the general opinion that there must -be others on that side of the river in the immediate vicinity, and -scouts were sent out in all directions to ascertain their whereabouts. -At the same time the crossing of the Withlacoochee by means of the -single canoe was begun and prosecuted with all possible rapidity.</p> - -<p>Coacoochee was greatly embarrassed in his attempt to gain the ford by -the presence of the scouting parties, and was more than once on the -eve of being discovered by them. Even though he might reach the river -without attracting their notice, he feared they would detect him in the -act of crossing it.</p> - - - -<p>Finally he hit upon an expedient that he believed might prove -successful. Cautiously gaining the bank at some distance above the -ford, he hastily bound together four bits of dry wood in the form of a -square by means of slender withes of the wild grape. For this purpose -he choose green vines that were covered with leaves. He also cut a -number of leafy twigs, and inserting their ends beneath the lashing -of vines produced a fair imitation of a green bush. The deception was -heightened as he carefully placed his rude structure in the water, -where it floated most naturally.</p> - -<p>Then concealing his rifle and clothing, and thrusting the trusty -knife, which was now to be his only weapon, into the snakeskin sheath -that depended from a buckskin thong about his waist, the youth slipped -gently into the water and sank beneath its surface. When he rose, his -head was inside the little square of sticks and completely screened -from view by its leafy canopy. Thus floating, and paddling gently with -his hands, he caused the mass of foliage to move almost imperceptibly -out from the shore, while at the same time he and it were borne -downward with the sluggish current.</p> - -<p>Coacoochee had no fear of alligators. He had been familiar with them -ever since he could remember anything, and was well acquainted with -their cowardly nature. Thus when he had successfully passed the middle -of the river, and was gently working his way toward its opposite bank, -the near approach of one of these monsters did not cause him any -uneasiness. He knew that he could frighten the great reptile away, -or even kill it, though he feared that by so doing he might expose -himself to a shot from those who still scouted along the bank he had so -recently left.</p> - -<p>Finally the monster approached so close that he was sickened by its -musky breath, and it became evident that he was about to be attacked. -Drawing his long knife, the young Indian allowed himself to sink -without making a sound or a movement. A single stroke carried him -directly beneath the huge beast, and a powerful upward thrust plunged -the keen blade deep into its most vulnerable spot through the soft skin -under one of the fore-shoulders.</p> - -<p>In spite of the danger from the creature's death flurry, Coacoochee was -compelled to rise for breath close beside it.</p> - -<p>This was the moment waited for by a white scout on the further bank, -who had for some time been directing keenly suspicious glances at the -mysterious movements of the floating bush. More than once his rifle had -been raised for the purpose of sending an inquiring leaden messenger -into the centre of that clump of foliage, but each time it had been -lowered as its owner determined to watch and wait a little longer.</p> - -<p>Now the bullet was sped, and only the great commotion of the water -caused it to miss its mark by an inch. As the head at which he had -fired immediately disappeared, and was seen no more, the rifleman -fancied that his shot had taken effect, and that there was one Indian -less to be removed from the country.</p> - -<p>Swimming under water with the desperation of one conscious that his -life depends upon his efforts, Coacoochee did not again come to the -surface until he touched the stems of the great "bonnets," or leaves of -the yellow cow-lily on the further side of the river, and could rise -for a breath of the blessed air beneath their friendly screen.</p> - -<p>Here he lay motionless for several minutes, recovering from his -exhaustion. At length he ventured to give the hawk's call as a warning -to his friends of his presence. Then, gathering all his strength, he -made the quiet rush for safety that carried him among them.</p> - -<p>It did not take many seconds to inform them that the enemy for whom -they were watching so anxiously was even then crossing the river, -unconscious of danger, a mile below that point.</p> - -<p>The report had hardly been made before the eager warriors who crowded -about the speaker were in motion. Coacoochee was quickly provided with -clothing, a rifle, and ammunition, and fifteen minutes later the entire -Indian force was within hearing of the sounds made by the soldiers as -they crossed the river. Here a halt was made while Osceola himself -crept forward with the noiseless movement of a serpent to discover the -enemy's exact location and disposition.</p> - -<p>To his dismay, he found that a force equal in number to his own had -already crossed the river, with others constantly coming. There must -not be a minute's delay if he would fight with the faintest hope of -checking their advance.</p> - -<p>Hastily the forest warriors chose their positions, and a crashing -volley from their rifles was the first announcement given the soldiers -of their presence. Although staggered for a moment, the regulars -quickly recovered, fixed their gleaming bayonets, and with a wild yell -charged into the cloud of smoke. The Indians fell back; but only long -enough to reload their guns, when they advanced in turn, pouring such a -deadly fire into the white ranks that their formation was broken, and -the soldiers were driven back to the river's bank.</p> - -<p>Here they were reformed by the general himself, and led to a second -charge with results similar to the first. This time the Indians did -not give way so readily, nor fall back so far. Under the frenzied -leadership of Alligator and Osceola, who urged them with wild cries and -frantic gestures to stand firm, they contested with knives, hatchets, -and clubbed rifles each step of the way over which they were slowly -forced.</p> - -<p>In order to shelter themselves against the Indian fire, the soldiers -adopted their plan of fighting, and each, selecting a tree, took his -position behind it. Here an exposure of the smallest portion of a body -was certain to draw a shot, and the whites were soon made aware by -their rapidly increasing number of wounded, that at this game they were -no match for the Indian marksmen.</p> - -<p>Coacoochee and half a dozen warriors had concealed themselves on the -river bank above the ferry, so that their rifles commanded it, and -their fire so effectually dampened the ardor of the five hundred -volunteers remaining on the other side that not one of them crossed or -took part in the battle, except by firing a few scattering shots from -their own side of the river.</p> - -<p>For more than an hour the battle raged. Osceola was wounded, and the -Indian ammunition was giving out. They were becoming discouraged and -were about to retire. All at once Coacoochee, who, on hearing of -Osceola's wound, had left his little band of sharpshooters to guard the -crossing, appeared among them. The effect of his presence and inspiring -words was magical. Loud and fierce rang out his battle cry:</p> - -<p>"Yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee-chee!"</p> - -<p>With the last grains of powder in their rifles and led by their -dauntless young chief, the entire body of warriors, yelling like -demons, dashed madly through the forest toward the line of troops.</p> - -<p>"They must have been heavily reinforced," shouted the bewildered -soldiers to each other. "There are thousands of them!"</p> - -<p>From every bunch of palmetto, from every tuft of grass, and from behind -every tree, a yelling, half-naked, and death-dealing Indian seemed to -spring forth. A heavy but ill-aimed fire did not check them in the -slightest. The soldiers began to fall back from one tree to another. -Some of them ran. The wounded were hurriedly removed to the river bank. -Perhaps some were overlooked. There was no time to search for those who -were not in plain view. The dead were left where they had fallen.</p> - -<p>With the first sign of this yielding, the frenzied yelling of the -Indians increased, until the whole forest seemed alive with them. The -retreat of the soldiers became a flight. A scattering volley from -behind hastened their steps. The battle of the Withlacoochee was ended.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII</a></p> - -<p class="center">THE YOUNG CHIEF MAKES A TIMELY DISCOVERY</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Without</span> ammunition the warriors of Coacoochee could not be persuaded to -remain on the field of battle, and the frightened soldiers had hardly -reached the river bank before the Indians were also in full retreat -toward their strongholds in the great swamp.</p> - -<p>Of this the soldiers knew nothing, nor did they stop to inquire why -they were not pursued. They were thankful enough to be allowed to -re-embark, a dozen at a time, in their one canoe and recross the -river without molestation. They imagined the forest behind them to be -swarming with Indians, and they trembled beneath the supposed gaze of -hundreds of gleaming eyes with which their fancy filled every thicket.</p> - -<p>Late that afternoon General Clinch and his terrified army were in -full retreat toward Fort Drane, with their eyes widely opened to the -danger and difficulty of invading an enemy's country, even though that -enemy was but a band of despised Indians. They carried with them fifty -wounded men and left four dead behind them, besides several others -reported as missing. They had killed three of the enemy and wounded -five. When they reached the safe shelter of the fort, they reported -that they had gained an important victory.</p> - -<p>Upon the retreat of the Seminoles, Coacoochee and Louis, who had -rejoined him that day, remained behind to watch the troops and discover -what they might of their plans for the future. They supposed, of -course, that with the cessation of the Indian fire, the soldiers would -again advance, and finding no further opposition offered, would proceed -with their invasion of the country. They could hardly believe their own -eyes, therefore, when they saw that the troops were actually recrossing -the river, as evidently in full retreat as were the Seminole warriors -in the opposite direction at that very moment.</p> - -<p>Upon beholding this marvellous sight, Louis was in favor of hastening -after their friends and bringing them back to follow and harass General -Clinch's retreating army; but Coacoochee said that without ammunition -they could do nothing, and that it was better, under the circumstances, -to let affairs remain as they were. At the same time, he desired Louis -to hasten up to the ford, cross the river at that point, and, coming -cautiously down on the other side, discover if the soldiers were really -in retreat, or if they still had their position near the ferryman's -house. While the mulatto was thus engaged, he himself would remain -where they were, to follow the troops, should they recover from their -panic, and decide, after all, to continue their invasion of the Indian -country.</p> - -<p>After Louis had been despatched on this mission, Coacoochee, satisfied -that the soldiers were too intent upon recrossing the river and gaining -a place of safety to disturb him, ventured to revisit the battle-field, -in the hope of finding a stray powder-flask or pouch of bullets.</p> - -<p>So successful was his search, that he not only found a number of these, -but several rifles that had been flung away by the soldiers in their -hurried flight.</p> - -<p>While busy collecting these prizes, the young chief was startled by -hearing a faint groan. He looked about him. There was nobody in sight; -but again he heard a groan. This time he located it as proceeding from -a clump of palmettoes a few paces distant.</p> - -<p>Approaching these, and cautiously parting their broad leaves, he -discovered the body of a white man lying face downward. The man was -evidently severely wounded, for he lay motionless in a pool of blood, -but that he was also alive was shown by his occasional feeble groans.</p> - -<p>Coacoochee's first impulse was to leave him where he lay. He would soon -die there. At any rate, the wolves would make short work of him that -night. It was contrary to the policy of the Indians to take prisoners, -and he certainly could not be burdened with one,—a wounded one, at -that.</p> - -<p>His second impulse, which was urged by pity, of which even an Indian's -breast is not wholly void, was to put the wretch out of his misery by -means of a mercifully aimed bullet. He knew that his savage companions -would ridicule such an act. They would either leave the man to his -fate, after making sure that he could not possibly recover, or they -would revive him sufficiently to comprehend their purpose and then kill -him. They would never be so weak as to kill an unconscious man merely -to save him from suffering. Still this was what Coacoochee was about to -do, and he felt a kindly warming of the heart, as one does who is about -to perform a generous deed.</p> - -<p>Slowly he raised his rifle and took a careful aim at the head of the -motionless figure before him. His finger was on the trigger. An instant -more and the deed would have been accomplished.</p> - -<p>But there is no report. The brown rifle is slowly lowered, and the -young Indian's gaze rests as though fascinated upon something that -caught his eye as it sighted along the deadly tube.</p> - -<p>It is only a peculiar seam in the white man's buckskin hunting-tunic, -but it runs down the middle of the back from collar to the bottom -of the shirt. There are other noticeable features about that -hunting-shirt. The little bunches of fringe at the shoulders are of a -peculiar cut, and all of its stitching is in yellow silk.</p> - -<p>With a low cry of mingled horror and anticipation, Coacoochee dropped -his rifle, and springing forward, turned the unconscious man over so -that his face was exposed. It was that of Ralph Boyd, the man who -had twice saved his life; the man to whose noble scorn of one of the -cruellest enemies of an oppressed race he had listened with such -pleasure only two days before.</p> - -<p>Indian and stern warrior though he was, Coacoochee turned faint at -the thought of how nearly he had taken this precious life, for the -saving of which he would willingly risk his own. The hunting-shirt -worn by Boyd was the very one in which Coacoochee had paid his last -memorable visit to St. Augustine. It was the one that had been slit -from top to bottom by Fontaine Salano's knife, and stripped from him, -in preparation for the whipping the brute proposed to administer. The -thought of that shameful moment caused Coacoochee's blood to boil again -with rage. At the same time the sight of this noble-hearted stranger -who had saved him from that bitter indignity moved him to greatest pity.</p> - -<p>Kneeling beside the unconscious man, the young Indian sought to -discover the nature of his wound. To his amazement, it was caused by a -bullet that had been fired from <i>behind</i>. How could such a thing be? -None but white men were behind Boyd during the battle. Suddenly the -muttered words of Troup Jeffers flashed into his mind. Now all was -clear. To gratify his own petty revenge the slave-catcher had committed -this cowardly act.</p> - - - -<p>The young chief was busily engaged in stanching the flow of blood, and -binding a poultice of healing leaves, mixed with the glutinous juice of -a cabbage palm, on the wound, when Louis returned and stood beside him.</p> - -<p>The whites were in full retreat from the scene of their recent -discomfiture, and Louis had returned in the very canoe they had used -and abandoned. Now he and Coacoochee bore the wounded man tenderly to -it, crossed the river, and carried him to the ferryman's cabin, where -both he and the young chief had passed the previous night, unconscious -of each other's presence. Here they made him as comfortable as -possible, and here for awhile we must leave them.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII</a></p> - -<p class="center">SHAKESPEARE IN THE FOREST</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Like</span> a fire sped by strong winds across a prairie of brown and -sun-dried grasses, so did the flames of war sweep across the entire -breadth of Florida. For a year had the Indians been preparing for it. -Now they were ready to gather in numbers, and fight armies, or scatter -in small bands, to spread death and destruction in every direction. The -Seminole was about to make a desperate defence of his country, and to -teach its invaders that they might not steal it from him with impunity.</p> - -<p>Express riders carried news of the war in every direction. Everywhere -cabins, farms, and plantations were abandoned, while their owners -flocked into forts and settlements for mutual protection and safety.</p> - -<p>One day, some two weeks after the events narrated in the preceding -chapter, a novel procession was to be seen wending its slow, dusty way -along one of the few roads of those times that led from the St. John's -River to St. Augustine. The procession presented a confused medley of -horsemen, pedestrians, wheeled vehicles, and cattle, and might have -reminded one of the migration of a band of Asiatic nomads.</p> - -<p>It was indeed a migration, though one directed rather by force of -circumstances than by choice. It was a white household, with its -servants, cattle, and readily portable effects, fleeing from an -abandoned plantation towards St. Augustine for safety against the -Indians. None of the party had seen an Indian as yet, but they were -reported to be ravaging both banks of the river from Mandarin to -Picolata.</p> - -<p>At first the young mistress of this particular estate had discredited -the reports, for it was only rumored as yet that the Seminoles had -really declared war. Her brother being absent from home, she for some -time resolutely declined to abandon the house in which he had left her. -The neighboring places on either side had been deserted for several -days, and their occupants had entreated her to fly with them, but -without avail.</p> - -<p>"No," she replied; "here Ralph left me, and here I shall stay until he -comes again, or until I am driven away by something more real than mere -rumors."</p> - -<p>At length that "something" came. All night the southern sky was -reddened by a dull glow occasionally heightened by jets of flame and -columns of sparks.</p> - -<p>At daylight a frightened negro brought word that the Indians were but -a few miles away, and had burned the deserted buildings on three -plantations during the night.</p> - -<p>Now was indeed time to seek safety in flight, and "Missy" Anstice, -as the servants called her, ordered a hurried departure. Her own -preparations were very simple. A small trunk of clothing and a few -precious souvenirs were all that she proposed to take. With only -herself, Letty her maid, and these few things in the carriage that old -Primus would drive, and the servants in carts or on muleback, they -ought to travel so speedily as to reach St. Augustine some time that -same night.</p> - -<p>But while Anstice was quite ready to start, she found to her dismay -that no one else was. Confusion reigned in the quarters; there was -a wild running hither and thither, a piling on the carts of rickety -household furniture, bedding, and goods of every description; a loud -squawking of fowls tied by the legs, and hung in mournful festoons from -every projecting point, and a confused lowing, bleating, and grunting -from flocks and herds.</p> - -<p>In vain did the young mistress command and plead. All the servants -on that plantation were free. Many of them owned the carts they -were loading, and nothing short of the appearance of Indians on the -spot could have induced them to relinquish their precious household -treasures. "Lor, Missy Anstice!" one would say reproachfully, "yo -wouldn' tink ob astin' a ole ooman to leab behine de onliest fedder bed -she done got?"</p> - -<p>"But I am going to leave all mine, aunty."</p> - -<p>"Yah, honey; but yo'se got a heap ob 'em, while I've ony got jes' dis -one."</p> - -<p>And so it went. Useless articles taken from overloaded carts, at -Anstice's earnest solicitation, were slyly added to others when she was -not looking. Her brother acted as his own overseer, so there were no -whites on the plantation to aid her. She alone must order this exodus, -and beneath its responsibilities she found herself well-nigh helpless.</p> - -<p>At length, in despair, and having wasted most of the morning in useless -expostulations, she entered the heavy, old-fashioned coach, with Letty -the maid, and gave Primus the order to set forth.</p> - -<p>As the carriage passed the quarters, there was a great cry of:</p> - -<p>"Don' yo leab us, Missy Anstice! Don' yo gway an' leab us to de Injins! -We'se a comin'."</p> - - - -<p>So Primus was ordered to drive slowly, and under other circumstances -the English girl would have been vastly amused at the motley procession -that began to straggle along behind her; but the danger was too -imminent and too great to admit of any thoughts save those of anxiety -and fear.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus04.jpg" alt="bed" /> -<a id="illus04" name="illus04"></a> -</p> -<p class="caption">"TO LEAB BEHINE DE ONLIEST FEDDER BED SHE DONE GOT."</p> - -<p>An hour or more passed without incident. The sun beat down fiercely -from an unclouded sky, and the shadows of the tall pines seemed -to nestle close to the brown trunks in an effort to escape his -scorching rays. A sound of locusts filled the air. The grateful -sea-breeze that would steal inland an hour later was still afar off, -and but for the urgency of their flight, the slow-moving cavalcade -would have rested until it came. The tongues of the cattle hung from -their mouths, and a cloud of dust enveloped them. The heads of horses -and mules were stretched straight out, and their ears drooped. Old -Primus nodded on the carriage seat. Letty was fast asleep, and even her -young mistress started from an occasional doze.</p> - -<p>Unobserved by a single eye in all that weary throng, another cloud of -dust, similar to that hanging above and about them, rose in their rear. -It approached rapidly, until it was so close that the clouds mingled. -Then from out the gray canopy burst a whirlwind of yells, shots, -galloping horses, and human forms with wildly waving arms.</p> - -<p>In an instant the fugitives were roused from their drowsiness to a -state of bewildered terror. Men shouted and beat their animals, women -screamed, horses plunged, mules kicked, and carts were upset.</p> - -<p>The first intimation of this onset that reached the occupants of the -carriage, was in the form of madly galloping cattle that, with loud -bellowings, wild eyes, and streaming tails, began to dash past on -either side. Then their own horses took fright, and urged on by old -Primus, tore away down the road.</p> - -<p>All at once the terrified occupants of the flying vehicle looked up at -the sound of a triumphant yell, only to behold fierce eyes glaring at -them from hideously painted faces at either door. The muzzle of a rifle -was thrust in at one of the open windows, and at sight of it Anstice -Boyd hid her face in her hands, believing that her last moment had come.</p> - -<p>When she recovered from her terror sufficiently to look about her once -more, Letty was sobbing hysterically on the floor, but there was no -motion to the carriage, and all was silent around them. Primus was no -longer on the box, and the carriage was not in the road.</p> - -<p>Determined to discover their exact situation, Anstice opened one of -the doors, with a view to stepping out. At that moment a loud and -significant "ugh!" coming from beneath the carriage, caused her to -change her mind and hastily reclose the door, as though it were in some -way a protection.</p> - -<p>A few moments later two mounted Indians rode up to the carriage, and -each leading one of its horses, it began to move slowly through the -trackless pine forest. As it started, the Indian who had been left to -guard it sprang to the seat lately occupied by old Primus.</p> - -<p>For hours the strange journey was continued, and it was after sunset -when it finally ended near the great river at a place some miles below -the plantation they had left that morning. Now the wearied prisoners -were allowed to leave their carriage, and were led to where several -negro women were cooking supper over a small fire.</p> - -<p>Anstice was provided with food, but she could not eat. Terror and -anxiety had robbed her of all appetite, and she could only sit and -gaze at the strange scene about her, as it was disclosed by the fitful -firelight.</p> - -<p>Piles of plunder were scattered on all sides. A lowing of cattle, -grunting of hogs, cackling and crowing of fowls, the spoils of many a -ravaged barnyard, rose on the night air. There was much laughing and -talking, both in a strange Indian language that still seemed to contain -a number of English words, and in the homely negro dialect.</p> - -<p>As the bewildered girl crouched at the foot of a tree, and recalling -tale after tale of savage atrocities, trembled at the fate she believed -to be in store for her, she started at the sound of a heavy footfall -close at hand.</p> - -<p>"Bress yo heart, honey! hit's ony me!" exclaimed the well-known voice -of old Primus, who, after a long search, had just discovered his young -mistress. "Hyar's a jug o' milk an' a hot pone, an' I'se come to -'splain dere hain't no reason fo' being scairt ob dese yeah red Injuns. -Ole Primus done fix it so's dey hain't gwine hut yo. Dey's mighty -frienly to de cullud folks, and say ef we gwine long wif 'em, we stay -free same like we allers bin; but ef we go ter Augustine, de white -folks cotch us an' sell us fo pay in de oxpenses ob de wah.</p> - -<p>"Same time I bin makin' 'rangement wif 'em dat ef we'se gwine long er -dem, dey is boun ter let yo go safe to Augustine, whar Marse Boyd'll be -looking fer yo. Yes'm, I'se bin councillin' wif 'em an' settle all dat -ar."</p> - -<p>"But, Primus, I thought you were scared to death of the Indians, and -didn't understand a word of their language," interrupted Anstice.</p> - -<p>"Who? me! Sho, Missy Anstice, yo suttenly don't reckin I was scairt. -No'm, I hain't scairt ob no red Injin, now dat I onerstan'in deir -langwidge an' deir 'tenshuns. Why, missy, deir talk's mighty nigh de -same as ourn when yo gits de hang ob hit. So, honey, yo want to chirk -up and quit yo mo'nin', an' eat a bit, and den come to de theayter, foh -it sholy will be fine."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean by the theatre?" asked the bewildered girl; whereupon -Primus explained that at one of the plantations raided by the Indians -a company of actors on their way to St. Augustine had been discovered, -captured, and brought along with all their properties. These people -were at first informed that they were to be burned to death at the -stake. Afterwards it was decided that they should be given their lives -and freedom if they would entertain their captors with an exhibition -of their art that very evening. This contract stipulated that the -performance should be as complete and detailed as though given before a -white audience, and that any member of the company failing to act his -part in a satisfactory manner would render himself liable to become a -target for bullets and arrows.</p> - -<p>Under the circumstances it is doubtful if a play was ever presented -under more extraordinary conditions, greater difficulties, or by actors -more anxious to perform creditably their respective parts, than was -this one given in the depths of a Florida wilderness. The stage was an -open space, roofed by arching trees, and lighted by great fires of pine -knots constantly replenished. The wings were two wagons drawn up on -either side.</p> - -<p>The play selected for this important occasion was Hamlet, and for -awhile everything proceeded smoothly. Then the audience began to grow -impatient of the long soliloquies, and to the intense surprise of the -captives, a gruff voice called out:</p> - -<p>"Oh, cut it short an' git to fightin'!"</p> - -<p>"No, give us a dance," shouted another, "an' hyar's a chune to dance -by."</p> - -<p>With this a pistol shot rang out, and a ball struck the ground close to -Horatio's feet. The frightened actor bounded into the air, and as he -alighted, another shot, coupled with a fierce order to <i>dance</i>, assured -him that his tormentors were in deadly earnest. So he danced, and the -others were compelled to join him. To an accompaniment of roars of -laughter from the delighted savages, the terrified actors, clad in all -the bravery of tinsel armor and nodding plumes, were thus compelled to -cut capers and perform strange antics until some of them fell to the -ground from sheer exhaustion.</p> - -<p>The humor of the savages now took another turn, and with fierce oaths, -mingled with threats of instant death if the players were ever seen in -that country again, they drove them from camp and bade them make their -way to St. Augustine.</p> - - -<p>As these fugitives disappeared in the surrounding darkness, a big, -hideously painted savage who wore on his face the uncommon adornment of -a bristling beard, advanced to Anstice Boyd, and in a jargon of broken -English bade her follow them if she valued her life.</p> - -<p>As the frightened girl started to obey this mandate, old Primus -interfered and began to remonstrate with the savage, whereupon he was -struck to the ground with so cruel a blow that blood gushed from his -mouth. Filled with horror at these happenings, and believing her life -to be in peril if she lingered another minute, the fair English girl -sprang away, and was quickly lost to sight in the black forest shadows.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV</a></p> - -<p class="center">BOGUS INDIANS AND THE REAL ARTICLE</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> Anstice Boyd fled blindly from the presence of the savage who had -just struck down her faithful servant, she had no idea of the direction -she was taking, nor of what haven she might hope to reach. She knew -only that she was once more free to make her way to friends, if she -could, and her greatest present fear was that the savages might repent -their generosity, and seek to recapture her. So, as she ran, she -listened fearfully for sounds of pursuit, and several times fancied -that she heard soft footfalls close at hand, though hasty glances over -her shoulder disclosed no cause for apprehension.</p> - -<p>At length, she came to the end of her strength, and sank wearily to the -ground at the foot of a giant magnolia. Almost as she did so, a low cry -of despair came from her lips, for with noiseless step the slender form -of a young Indian stood like an apparition beside her. She had not then -escaped, after all, but was still at the mercy of the savages whose -cruelty she had so recently witnessed. This one had doubtless been sent -to kill her. Thus thinking, the trembling girl covered her face with -her hands, and, praying that the fatal blow might be swift and sure, -dumbly awaited its delivery. Seconds passed, and it did not fall. The -agony of suspense was intolerable. She was about to spring up as though -in an effort to escape, and thus precipitate her fate, when, to her -amazement, she became aware that the Indian was speaking in a low tone, -and in her own tongue.</p> - -<p>"My white sister must not be afraid," he said. "Coacoochee has come -far to find her and take her to a place of safety. Ralph Boyd is his -friend, his only friend among all the millions of white men. He is -wounded, and lies in a Seminole lodge. After a little we will go to -him. There is no time now to tell more. I have that to do which must -be done quickly. Let my sister rest here, and in one hour I will come -again."</p> - -<p>As he concluded these words, which had been uttered hurriedly, and in -a voice but little above a whisper, the Indian turned and disappeared -as noiselessly as he had come, seeming to melt away among the woodland -shadows.</p> - -<p>The bewildered girl, thus again left alone, tried to collect her dazed -senses and fix upon some plan of action. Should she still attempt to -escape, or should she trust the youth who had just announced himself to -be Coacoochee, the friend of her brother? Of course, he must belong to -the band that had recently held her captive, though she had not seen -him among them. What should she do? Which way should she turn?</p> - -<p>In her terror, Anstice was unconsciously asking these questions -aloud, though her only answers were the night sounds of the forest. -Suddenly there came to her ears the crash of rifles, accompanied by the -blood-chilling Seminole war-cry, and followed by fierce yells, shrieks -of mortal agony, and the other horrid sounds of a death-struggle -between man and man, that was evidently taking place but a short -distance from her.</p> - -<p>The girl sprang to her feet, but, bound to the spot by the horror of -those sounds, she listened breathlessly and with strained ears. Had the -savages been attacked by a party of whites? It might be. She knew that -troops of both regulars and militia were abroad in every direction. -Had not she and her brother entertained one of these small war-parties -hastening from St. Augustine to join the western army only a short -time before? It had been commanded by their friend, Lieutenant Irwin -Douglass, who had easily persuaded Ralph Boyd to accompany him as far -as Fort King, that he might learn for himself the true state of affairs -in the Indian country. Might it not be that one of these detachments, -even, possibly, that of Douglass himself, had tracked this band of -savages to their hiding-place, and were visiting upon them a terrible -but well-merited punishment? In that case, to fly would be folly; for, -with the Indians defeated, as of course they must be, she would find -safety among the victors.</p> - -<p>Thus thinking, and filled with an eager desire to learn more of the -tragedy being enacted so near her, the girl began to advance, fearfully -and cautiously, in the direction of those appalling sounds. As she -approached the scene of conflict, its noise gradually died away, until -an occasional shout and a confused murmur of voices were borne to her -on the night air. The short battle was ended, and one side or the other -was victorious; which one, she must discover at all hazards. A gleam of -firelight directed her steps, and she continued her cautious advance -to a point of river bank, from which, though still concealed by dark -shadows, she could command a full view of the beach below. There, by -the light of the rising moon, aided by that of the fires, she beheld a -scene so strange that for some minutes she could make nothing of it.</p> - -<p>Two large flat-boats, such as were used by planters along the river -for the transportation of produce to waiting vessels at its mouth, lay -moored to the bank. One of them seemed to be piled high with plunder, -while the other was filled with a dark mass of humanity, from which -came a medley of voices speaking with the unmistakable accent of -negroes. Anstice could see that these had been captives, as, two at a -time, they stepped ashore, where the ropes confining them were severed -by flashing knives in the hands of dusky figures, apparently Indians. -A number of motionless forms lay on the beach, and some of the others -seemed to be examining these, going from one to another, and spending -but a few moments with each one.</p> - -<p>The girl gazed anxiously, but full of bewilderment and with a heavy -heart, at these things. Where were the whites she had so confidently -expected to see? She could not discover one. All of those on the beach, -dead as well as living, appeared to be either Indians or negroes. What -could it mean? Did Indian fight with Indian? She had never heard of -such a thing in Florida.</p> - -<p>As she looked and wondered with ever-sinking heart, and filled with -despairing thoughts, she was attracted by the voice of an Indian who, -near one of the fires, was evidently issuing an order to the others. -She imagined him to be the one who had appeared to her a short time -before, and called himself "Coacoochee," but she could not be certain. -In striving to obtain a better view of his face, she incautiously -stepped forward to a projecting point of the bank. In another moment -the treacherous soil had loosened beneath her weight, and with frantic -but ineffective efforts to save herself, she slid down the sandy face -of the bluff to its bottom.</p> - -<p>At her first appearance, the startled savages seized their guns, and -nerved themselves for an attack; but, on discovering how little cause -there was for alarm, they remained motionless, though staring with -amazement at the unexpected intruder.</p> - -<p>Poor Anstice was not only filled with fresh terrors, but was covered -with confusion at the absurdity of her situation. Ere she could regain -her feet, the Indian who seemed to be in command sprang forward and -assisted her to rise.</p> - -<p>"My white sister came too quickly," he said gravely; "she should -have stayed in the shadow of the itto micco [magnolia] till the time -for coming. It is not good for her to see such things." Here the -speaker swept his arm over the battle-ground. "Since she has come," he -continued, "Coacoochee will deliver the words of Ralph Boyd—"</p> - - - -<p>At this moment he was interrupted by a joyful cry, a rush of footsteps, -and Letty, the maid, sobbing and laughing in a breath, came flying -up the beach, to fling her arms about the neck of her beloved young -mistress. She was followed by old Primus, hobbling stiffly, and -uttering pious ejaculations of thankfulness. Behind him crowded the -entire force of the plantation, men, women, and children, all shouting -with joy at the sight of "Missy Anstice."</p> - -<p>The stern-faced warriors watched this scene with indulgent smiles, -for they knew that the sunny-haired girl, looking all the fairer in -contrast with the sable-hued throng about her, was the sister of the -white man who had so befriended their young war-chief.</p> - -<p>"What does it all mean?" cried Anstice, at length disengaging herself -from Letty's hysterical embrace. "What was the cause of the firing I -heard but a short while since? Who are those yonder?" Here she pointed -with a shudder at the motionless forms lying prone on the sands. -"Surely they must be Indians, and yet, I knew not that the hand of the -red man was lifted against his fellows."</p> - -<p>"They are not of the Iste-chatte [red man], but belong to the -Iste-hatke [white man]," answered Coacoochee, gravely.</p> - -<p>"Dey's white debbils painted wif blackness," muttered old Primus.</p> - -<p>"They are white men, Miss Anstice, disguised like Injuns," explained -Letty, whose style of conversation, from long service as lady's maid, -was superior to her station. "And oh, Miss Anstice! they were going to -take us down the river to sell us into slavery. We wouldn't believe -they could be white men, but the paint has been washed from the faces -of some of them, and now we know it is so."</p> - -<p>Gradually, by listening to one and another who volunteered information, -Anstice Boyd learned that the supposed savages, whose prisoner she -had been, were indeed a party of white slave-catchers, disguised in -paint and feathers, so that their deeds of rascality might be laid -to the Seminoles. Coacoochee, to relieve the anxiety of Ralph Boyd, -who lay wounded and helpless in an Indian village, had set forth with -a small band of warriors to escort his friend's sister to a place of -safety, among people of her own race. He found the plantation deserted, -and, coming across the trail of the marauders who had captured its -occupants, quickly discovered their true character by many unmistakable -signs.</p> - -<p>When they encamped for the night, the vengeful eyes of his warriors -were upon them; and when, for their own safety, they freed their white -prisoners and drove them away to spread the report of this fresh -<i>Indian</i> outrage, these were allowed to pass through the Seminole line -without molestation. Coacoochee alone followed Anstice Boyd beyond -ear-shot of the camp, to assure her of friendly aid and safety; then -he returned to deal out to the white ruffians their well-deserved -punishment.</p> - -<p>He would not fire on them while they and the blacks whom they proposed -to turn into property were mingled together; but when the latter were -bound and driven into the boats, he gave the terrible signal. More than -half the painted band fell at the first fire; the remainder, with the -exception of the leader and two others, who escaped in a canoe, were -quickly despatched, and the deed of vengeance was completed.</p> - -<p>In view of these occurrences, and with the certainty that troops -would be sent in pursuit of Coacoochee's band, to which all the recent -aggressions would of course be credited, the young chief no longer -deemed it prudent to attempt to escort his friend's sister to the -vicinity of any white settlement. He proposed instead to carry her to -her brother.</p> - -<p>The girl accepted this plan, provided she might be accompanied by her -maid Letty, a condition to which the young Indian readily agreed.</p> - -<p>During the few hours that remained of the night, Anstice and her maid -slept the sleep of utter weariness in the carriage that had brought -them to that place, and with the earliest dawn were prepared to start -toward the Seminole stronghold, deep hidden among Withlacoochee swamps.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV</a></p> - -<p class="center">A SWAMP STRONGHOLD OF THE SEMINOLES</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">On</span> the morning following that midnight tragedy of the wilderness, the -Indians made haste to retreat to that portion of the country which they -still called their own. The flat-boats were used to carry themselves, -their negro allies, and such of the plunder as could be readily -transported to the opposite side of the river; the cattle and horses -were made to swim across. Such of the plunder collected by the white -renegades as must be left behind was burned. Among all the property -thus acquired by the Indians, none was more highly prized than the -gorgeous costumes of the theatrical company. The unfortunate actors -had been forced to abandon these in their hurried flight, and now -Coacoochee's grim-faced warriors wore them with startling effect.</p> - -<p>Anstice Boyd could not help smiling at the fantastic appearance -thus presented by her escort, though feeling that the circumstances -in which she was placed warranted anything rather than smiles or -light-heartedness. Was her brother really wounded, and was she being -taken to him, or were those only plausible tales to lure her away -beyond chance of rescue?</p> - -<p>"Can we trust him, Letty? Has he told us the truth?" she asked of her -maid, indicating Coacoochee with a slight nod.</p> - -<p>"Law, yes, Miss Anstice! You can always trust an Injun to tell you the -truth, for they hasn't learned how to lie; that is, them as has kept -away from white folks hasn't. As for that young man, he has an honest -face, and I believe every word he says. He'll take us straight to Marse -Ralph, I know he will."</p> - -<p>Comforted by this assurance, Anstice crossed the river with a lighter -heart than she had known for days. When, on the other side, and mounted -on a spirited pony she was allowed to dash on in advance of the strange -cavalcade that followed her, she began to experience an hitherto -unknown thrill of delight in the wild freedom of the forest life -unfolding before her.</p> - -<p>Soon after leaving the river, the Indians began to divide into small -parties, each of which took a different direction, thus making a number -of divergent trails well calculated to baffle pursuit. The negroes -also separated into little companies, all of which were to be guided -to a common rendezvous, where, under the leadership of old Primus, -they promised to remain until "Marse" Boyd should again return to the -plantation and send for them.</p> - -<p>Thus Anstice and her maid finally found themselves escorted only by -Coacoochee and two other warriors. Pushing forward with all speed, this -little party reached, at noon of the second day, the bank of a dark -stream that flowed sluggishly through an almost impenetrable cypress -swamp. One of the Indians remained here with the horses, while the rest -of the party embarked in one of several canoes that had been carefully -hidden at this point.</p> - -<p>Urged on by the lusty paddles of Coacoochee and his companion, this -craft proceeded swiftly for nearly a mile up the shadowy stream. -Not even the noonday sun could penetrate the dense foliage that -arched above them. Festoons of vines depended like huge serpents -from interlacing branches, and funereal streamers of gray moss hung -motionless in the stagnant air. The black waters swarmed with great -alligators, that showed little fear of the canoe, and gave it reluctant -passage. Strange birds, water-turkeys with snake-like necks, red-billed -cormorants, purple galinules, and long-legged herons, startled from -their meditations by the dip of paddles, flapped heavily up stream in -advance of the oncoming craft, with discordant cries.</p> - -<p>Upon such slender threads hang the fate of nations and communities as -well as that of individuals, that, but for these brainless water-fowl, -flying stupidly up the quiet river and spreading with harsh voices -the news that something had frightened them, the whole course of the -Seminole war might have been changed. As it was, a single Indian, who -was cautiously making his way down stream in a small canoe, hugging the -darkest shadows, and casting furtive glances on all sides, was quick to -make use of the information thus furnished.</p> - -<p>As the squawking birds redoubled their cries at sight of him, he turned -his canoe quickly and drove it deep in among the cypresses at one side, -so that it was completely hidden from the view of any who might pass up -or down the river.</p> - -<p>This Indian, who was known as Chitta-lustee (the black snake), had -hardly gained the hiding-place from which he peered out with eager -eyes, before the craft containing Coacoochee and his little party swept -into view around a bend, and slipped swiftly past him. The keen eye -of the young war-chief did not fail to note the floating bubbles left -by the paddle of the spy, but attributed them to an alligator, or to -some of the innumerable turtles that were constantly plumping into the -water from half-submerged logs as the canoe approached. So he paid no -attention to them, but a minute later guided his slender craft across -the river, and into an opening so concealed by low-hanging branches, -that one unfamiliar with its location might have searched for it in -vain.</p> - -<p>This was what Chitta-lustee had been doing, and for the discovery, made -now by accident, he had been promised a fabulous reward in <i>whiskey</i>. -There were renegades among the Seminoles as well as among the whites, -and of these the Black Snake was one. Seduced from his allegiance to -those of his own blood by an unquenchable thirst for the white man's -fire-water, he had sold himself, body and soul, to the enemies of his -race.</p> - -<p>General Scott, who had succeeded to the command of the army in Florida, -was bending all his energies toward breaking up the Indian strongholds -amid the swampy labyrinths of the Withlacoochee. Of these, the most -important was that of Osceola. No white man had ever seen it, and but -few Seminoles outside of the band occupying it had penetrated its -mysteries. Therefore the entire force of renegades, <i>friendly Indians</i> -the whites called them, some seventy in number, drawn from the band of -that traitor chief who had been bribed to agree to removal, were now -engaged in a search for these secluded camps, while liberal rewards had -been promised for the discovery of any one of them. Goods to the amount -of one hundred dollars, and one of the chiefships from which General -Wiley Thompson had deposed the rightful holders, would be given to him -who should lead the troops to the stronghold of Osceola. Chitta-lustee -cared little for the honor of chiefship, but dazzled by a vision of one -hundred dollars' worth of fire-water, which was the only class of white -man's goods for which he longed, he made up his mind to discover the -hidden retreat of the Baton Rouge, or perish in the attempt.</p> - -<p>For many days had he skulked in the swamps, repeatedly passing the -concealed entrance to which Coacoochee had now unwittingly guided -him, without seeing it. As he noted the marks by which it might be -identified, he gloated over the prize that seemed at length within his -grasp and awaited impatiently the evening shadows that should enable -him to make further explorations.</p> - -<p>In the meantime, the canoe from which Anstice Boyd was casting -shuddering glances at the sombre scenes about her, continued for a -short distance up a serpentine creek, so narrow as to barely afford it -passage, and was finally halted beside a huge, moss-grown log. This, -half-buried in the ooze of the swamp, afforded a landing-place, at -which the party disembarked. As they did so, Coacoochee turned to the -English girl, and said:</p> - -<p>"The eye of the Iste-hatke has never looked upon this place. Ralph -Boyd knows it not, for he was brought here in darkness. Will my sister -keep its secret hidden deep in her own bosom, where no enemy of the -Iste-chatte shall ever find it?"</p> - -<p>To this query Anstice replied: "Coacoochee, as you deal with me, so -will I deal by you. Take me in safety to my brother, and your secret -shall be safe with me forever."</p> - -<p>"Un-cah! It is good," replied the young Indian. "Now let us go. Step -only where I step, and let the black girl step only where you step, for -the trail is narrow."</p> - -<p>And narrow it proved. Other logs, felled at right angles to the first, -and sunk so deep in treacherous mud that their upper surface was often -under water, formed a precarious pathway to a strip of firmer land. -This natural causeway, to step from which was to be plunged in mud -as black and soft as tar, besides being almost as tenacious, led for -nearly half a mile to an island that rose abruptly from the surrounding -swamp.</p> - -<p>This island was apparently completely covered with an impenetrable -growth of timber and underbrush laced together by a myriad of thorny -vines. The only trail by which the formidable barricade might be -penetrated was not opposite the end of the causeway, but lay at some -distance, to one side, where it was carefully concealed from all but -those who would die rather than reveal its secret. Even when it was -once entered, its windings were not easy to trace. But its perplexities -were short, and after a few rods the pathway ended abruptly in a scene -so foreign to that from which it started, that it seemed to belong -to another world. Instead of the funereal gloom, the slime, the rank -growth, and crowding horrors of the great swamp, here was a cleared -space, acres in extent, bathed in sunlight, and alive with cheerful -human activity.</p> - -<p>On the highest point of land, beneath a clump of stately trees, stood a -cluster of palmetto-thatched huts, some open on all sides, and others -enclosed; but all raised a foot or two from the ground, so as to allow -of a free circulation of air beneath them. In and about these swarmed -a happy, busy population. Warriors, whose naked limbs exhibited the -firm outlines of bronze statues, cleaned or mended their weapons. -Groups of laughing women, cleanly in person, attractive to look upon, -and modestly clad, prepared food or engaged in other domestic duties; -while rollicking bands of chubby children shouted shrilly over games -that differed little from those of other children all over the world. -Stretching away from the village were broad fields of corn and cane, -amid which yams, pumpkins, and melons grew with wonderful luxuriance. -These fields were cared for by negroes, who dwelt in their own -quarters, and worked the productive land on shares, that frequently -brought larger returns to them than to the red-skinned proprietors of -the soil.</p> - -<p>This was the swamp stronghold of Osceola, to which Coacoochee and Louis -had retreated after the battle of the Withlacoochee, bringing with -them the unconscious form of Ralph Boyd, the Englishman friend of the -enslaved and champion of the oppressed.</p> - -<p>In common with most of the whites, this young man had underrated both -the numbers and courage of the Seminoles, and had not believed they -would dare fight, even for their homes, against United States troops. -It was only upon penetrating their country with General Clinch's army -that Ralph Boyd realized how bitter was to be the struggle and that it -was already begun. He had been shot down quite early in the battle at -the river-crossing and lay on the field unnoticed until found by the -one Indian who was inclined to save his life rather than take it.</p> - -<p>When the wounded man next opened his eyes, he found himself lying on -a couch of softest skins, amid surroundings so foreign to anything he -had ever known that for awhile he was confident he was dreaming. Then -as the well-remembered form of Coacoochee bent anxiously over him, a -memory of recent events flashed into his mind. He realized that an -Indian war with all its attendant horrors was sweeping over the land, -and recalled the fact that his sister Anstice was alone and unprotected -on the plantation by the St. John's. Weakly he strove to rise, but fell -back with a groan.</p> - -<p>"My brother must rest," said Coacoochee, chidingly. "He is among -friends, and there is no cause for uneasiness. Here there is no white -man to shoot him from behind."</p> - -<p>"I care not for myself," murmured the sufferer. "It is my sister, left -without one to protect her or guide her to a place of safety. I must go -to her."</p> - -<p>Again he attempted to rise, but was gently restrained by the young -Indian, who said:</p> - -<p>"Let not my brother be troubled. Coacoochee will go in his place and -guide the white maiden to a safe shelter."</p> - -<p>"Will you, Coacoochee? Will you do this thing for me?" exclaimed Boyd, -a faint color flushing his pale cheeks.</p> - -<p>"Un-cah," answered the young war-chief. "This very hour will I go, and -when I come again I will bring a token from the white maiden who dwells -by the great river."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI</a></p> - -<p class="center">TWO SPIES AND THEIR FATE</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Coacoochee</span> had fulfilled his promise, and conducted the sister of his -friend to a place of safety. As he entered the village followed closely -by the first white girl that many of its inmates had ever seen, they -gazed wonderingly and in silence at the unaccustomed spectacle. Even -the voices of the children were so suddenly hushed that Ralph Boyd, -tossing wearily on his narrow couch in one of the enclosed huts, noted -the quick cessation of sounds to which he had become wonted, and -awaited its explanation with nervous impatience. The old Indian woman -who acted as his nurse stepped outside, and for the moment he was -alone. Filled with an intense desire to know what was taking place, -the wounded man strove to rise, with the intention of crawling to the -door of the hut; but ere he could carry out his design, the curtain of -deerskins that closed it was thrust aside, and Coacoochee stood before -him.</p> - -<p>With a feeble shout of joy at sight of his friend, the sufferer -exclaimed tremulously: "Is she safe? Have you brought a token from -her?"</p> - -<p>"The white maiden is safe, and I have brought a token," answered the -young Indian, proudly.</p> - -<p>As he spoke, he moved aside, and in another moment Anstice Boyd, -sobbing for joy, was kneeling beside her brother, with her arms about -his neck.</p> - -<p>From that moment Ralph Boyd's recovery was sure and rapid, for there -are no more certain cures for any wound than careful nursing and a -relief from anxiety. Within a week he was not only able to sit up, but -to take short walks about the village, the strange life of which he -studied with never-failing interest. So well ordered and peaceful was -it, so filled with cheerful industry, that it was difficult to believe -it a dwelling-place of those who were even then engaged in fighting -for their homes and rights. But evidences that such was the case were -visible on all sides. War-parties were constantly going and coming. -Osceola, now head chief of this particular band, and one of the leading -spirits of the war, was away most of the time, hovering about the -flanks of some army, cutting off their supplies, killing, burning, and -destroying; here to-day, and far away to-morrow, spreading everywhere -the terror of his name.</p> - -<p>Coacoochee would fain have been engaged in similar service; but his own -band of warriors under the temporary leadership of Louis Pacheco, was -operating far to the eastward, between the St. John's and the coast, -while he felt pledged to remain with his white friends until Ralph -Boyd could be removed to a place of greater safety. He feared to leave -them; for among the inmates of the camp were certain vindictive spirits -who so hungered for white scalps that they made frequent threats of -what would happen to the brother and sister, whom they regarded as -captives, in case they had their way with them. So the young war-chief -restrained his longings for more active service, and devoted himself to -collecting great quantities of corn and other supplies, which he stored -in this swamp stronghold for future use.</p> - -<p>When not waiting on her brother, Anstice amused herself by observing -the domestic life of the village and in cultivating an acquaintance -among its women and children. The former were so shy that she made but -little headway with them. In fact, her maid Letty was far more popular -among the Indian women than she. With the children, however, Anstice -became an object for adoration almost from the moment of her appearance -among them. So devoted were they to her that she could not walk abroad -without an attendant throng of sturdy urchins or naked toddlers.</p> - -<p>One drowsy afternoon, leaving her brother asleep in a hammock woven -of tough swamp grasses, Anstice, accompanied by her usual escort of -children and with a slim little maiden clinging to each hand, visited -a dense thicket near the pathway leading out to the great swamp, in -search of bead-like palmetto berries, which she proposed to string -into necklaces. Seating herself on the edge of the forest growth, she -despatched several of the children in search of the coveted berries. -Diving under the bushes and threading their tangled mazes like so many -quail, these quickly disappeared from view, though shouts of laughter -plainly indicated their movements.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a scream of childish terror was uttered close at hand, and a -little lad, trembling with fright, came running back to where Anstice -was sitting. Filled with a dread of wild beasts or deadly serpents, the -girl sprang to her feet, and making use of the few Seminole words she -had acquired while in the village, called loudly:</p> - -<p>"At-tess-cha, che-paw-ne! At-tess-cha, mas-tchay!" (Come here, boys! -come here quickly!)</p> - -<p>The quality of terror in her voice rather than the words themselves -must have attracted attention, for while there came no answer, the -children's shouts were suddenly hushed. Each embryo warrior dropped to -the ground where he was, and like hunted rabbits, lay motionless, but -keenly alert, until they should learn from which direction danger might -be expected. Those who had remained with Anstice clung to her skirts, -and the urchin who had given the alarm glanced fearfully behind him.</p> - -<p>As the girl stood irresolute, there came a movement in the bushes -close at hand. Then to her amazement, her name was called softly, but -in a voice whose accents she would have recognized anywhere and under -all circumstances. It needed not the parting of the leafy screen and a -glimpse of the anxious face behind it, to tell her that Irwin Douglass, -the lieutenant of dragoons, who had so often shared the hospitality -of her brother's table, had, by some inconceivable means, penetrated -the secrets of this Indian stronghold and ventured within its deadly -confines.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Mr. Douglass!" she cried, in a voice trembling with apprehension. -"How came you here? Do you not realize your awful peril? You will be -killed if you stay a minute longer! Fly, then! Fly, I beg of you, while -there is yet time."</p> - -<p>"But, Miss Boyd! Anstice! Why are you here instead of safe in Augustine -as we thought? Are you not in equal, or even in greater, peril? Come -with me, and I will gladly beat a retreat, but I cannot leave you to -the mercy of the savages. This place is infested by an overwhelming -force of troops, who only await my return to make an attack. The -Indians will surely kill you rather than allow you to be rescued."</p> - -<p>"No! No! I am in no peril!" replied the agitated girl. "I am here of my -own free will, and shall be safe in any event. But you! If you value -your life! If you love—"</p> - -<p>Just then two grim warriors appeared as though they had dropped from -the sky, one on either side of Douglass, and in spite of a mighty -struggle for freedom, made him their prisoner. One of the children had -sped to the village. Coacoochee, with several followers, had taken the -trail, and closed in from two sides on Anstice and the lieutenant, -while they were too full of amazement at each other's presence in that -place to note the stealthy approach.</p> - -<p>As two of the Indians seized the young officer, the others sprang after -a retreating form they had just discovered skulking through the forest. -It was that of Chitta-lustee, the spy, who had carried the news of his -finding of this stronghold to Fort King. From there he had guided a -body of troops back to the log landing, whence he had been sent, in -company with Lieutenant Douglass, to note the exact state of affairs in -the village before an attack should be ordered. Together they had crept -undetected to a place from which they could command a fair view of the -village, and estimate the force of its defenders, which at that moment -did not number more than a dozen warriors.</p> - -<p>The spies were about to retire from their dangerous position when -prevented by the approach of Anstice and her retinue of children. -One of these had chanced upon their hiding-place, and while Douglass -pleaded with the English girl to seize this opportunity for escape from -what he imagined to be a terrible captivity, his companion was trying -to secure his own safety by slowly and noiselessly creeping away. He -had gained a fair distance, and was beginning to move more rapidly, -when discovered by Coacoochee, who, followed by the other warriors, -immediately sprang in pursuit.</p> - -<p>Down to the edge of the swamp and out on the narrow causeway fled the -spy, and after him, like hound in full view of his quarry, leaped the -avenger. It was a terrible race along that slender path, slippery with -slime and water. Chitta-lustee flung away his rifle, and, with breath -coming in panting gasps, ran for his life. A few rods more, and he -would be safe.</p> - -<p>Coacoochee, reckless of consequences, and filled with a fierce -determination to destroy, at all hazards, this most dangerous enemy of -his people, only clenched his teeth more tightly, and leaped forward -with an increase of speed, as he detected a glint of weapons directly -ahead, and realized that the farther end of the causeway was already -occupied by troops. He bore only a light spear that he had snatched up -at the first alarm, and, with all his skill, he must be at least within -twenty yards of a mark ere he could hurl it effectively.</p> - -<p>He was still one hundred yards away, and now he could distinguish the -uniforms of those who were advancing to meet the panting fugitive. -Those who followed the young chief were halting doubtfully. To them -it seemed that he was rushing toward certain destruction. They could -not restrain him. To follow his example and throw their lives away -uselessly would be worse than folly. So they stayed their steps, and -watched the fearful race with fascinated gaze.</p> - -<p>Only for a moment, and then all was over. Chitta-lustee slipped and -stumbled on one of the water-soaked logs at the end of the causeway. -As he recovered himself, there came a flash of darting steel, and the -keen blade of a hurtling spear, flung with the utmost of Coacoochee's -nervous strength, sunk deep between his shoulders. With a choking cry, -and out-flung arms, the traitor pitched headlong into the black waters, -and disappeared forever, while cries of horror came from the advancing -soldiers whose protection he had so nearly gained.</p> - -<p>Even as the young war-chief delivered his deadly blow, and without -waiting to note its effect, he turned and fled toward his own people. A -dozen angry rifles rang out behind him, and the whole swamp echoed with -fierce yells from the enraged soldiers, but no bullet struck him, and -no taunt served to stay his steps.</p> - -<p>The three Indians fled swiftly as hunted deer, back along the -treacherous trail, while the troops followed with what speed they -might. It was so difficult a path, and so dangerous, and the -heavy-booted soldiers slipped from its narrow verge so often, that -those whom they pursued reached the island and disappeared among its -thickets ere they had more than started. Then back through the heavy -air came mockingly and defiantly the Seminole war-cry:</p> - -<p>"Yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee-chee!"</p> - -<p>Thus they knew that a surprise of the stronghold they had so labored to -gain was no longer possible.</p> - -<p>Still with a courage worthy of a nobler cause the troops pushed -forward, unguided save by instinct and a burning desire to avenge the -death of their well-loved lieutenant, whom they supposed the savages -had already killed. With all their efforts it was a full half-hour -ere the advance drew near to the wooded island that rose silent and -mysterious before them, and they began to feel firmer ground beneath -their feet.</p> - -<p>Before they reached its encircling forest wall, flashes of flame began -to leap from the dark thickets, and before the deadly fire of an unseen -foe the advance was staggered and halted. It was only for a moment, and -then they sprang forward with a cheer to charge the fatal barricade.</p> - -<p>A dozen troopers had fallen ere the Indian fire was silenced, and -as yet the soldiers had not caught a glimpse of their foe. In the -thick-set undergrowth they were tripped and flung to the ground by -snake-like roots, encircled and held fast by tough vines, clutched and -drawn backward by stout thorns curved and sharp as a tiger's claws. -No human being save a naked Indian could thread that forest maze, and -as the soldiers could discover no opening through it, they decided to -make one. Swords, axes, and knives were called into requisition. Every -now and then a rifle shot from the unseen foe proved the Indians to be -still watchful and defiant.</p> - -<p>It was not until another half-hour had been expended in this exhausting -effort at road-cutting that the trail lying well to one side was -discovered.</p> - -<p>Wearied by their futile efforts, made furious by opposition, and galled -by the fire from unseen rifles that had been steadily thinning their -numbers ever since they reached the island, the troops rushed with -fierce shouts to the opening, streamed through it, and gained the -central, cleared space in which stood the Seminole village. Here, for a -moment, the tumultuous advance was checked, and each man clutched his -weapon with a closer grip, in expectation of an attack.</p> - -<p>But none was made. The peaceful village, all aglow with the light of a -setting sun, was silent and deserted. No voices came from it, nor from -the broad fields that lay clothed in luxuriant verdure beyond. There -was no sound of busy workers, no laughter of children. A raven with -glossy plumage, iridescent in the sunlight, croaked a hoarse challenge -from a lofty tree-top, and a solitary buzzard circled overhead on -motionless pinions, but no other signs of life were to be detected.</p> - -<p>After a minute of irresolution Captain Chase, the officer in command of -the expedition, deployed his men as skirmishers, and was about to give -the order "Forward!" when this strange thing happened:</p> - -<p>From one of the thatched huts of the village three human beings -emerged and advanced slowly toward the motionless line of soldiers. -Two were men, evidently white men, and one of these wore a uniform. -Between them walked a young girl whose shapely head was crowned with -a mass of gold-red hair. As she drew near, a murmur of admiration at -her beauty passed along the stern line of blue-coated troops. Then an -irrepressible tumult of cheers rent the air, for in one of the girl's -companions the soldiers recognized their own beloved lieutenant, Irwin -Douglass. But curiosity got the better of enthusiasm, and as the noise -subsided, each trooper waited in breathless silence for an explanation -of this strange encounter.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII</a></p> - -<p class="center">ANSTICE BOYD SAVES THE LIFE OF A CAPTIVE</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">While</span> Coacoochee was engaged in his fierce pursuit of the traitor -Seminole across the black causeway, Irwin Douglass was led to the -village, where he was securely bound to one of the great trees by which -it was shaded. Here his captors left him, and seizing their rifles -hastened back to the edge of the swamp.</p> - -<p>The moment Anstice realized that the young soldier, though a captive, -was not doomed to instant death, she flew back to the hut occupied by -her brother, whom she found still quietly sleeping in his grass-woven -hammock. Roused into a startled wakefulness by her abrupt entrance, the -convalescent was for some moments at a loss to comprehend what she was -saying or what had caused her excitement.</p> - -<p>"Who do you say is captured? and what has happened, dear, to frighten -you?" he asked, in a bewildered tone.</p> - -<p>"Irwin Douglass, and they are going to kill him, and the village -is about to be attacked, and we shall all be murdered!" cried the -terrified girl.</p> - -<p>"Douglass captured and about to be killed? Impossible!" exclaimed -Boyd, rising and starting toward the doorway. "But I will go and see. -Surely Coacoochee would never murder a prisoner in cold blood. As for -ourselves, you know we are safe so long as we are his guests. Wait -here, sister, and I will bring Douglass back with me, if, as you say, -he is in the village."</p> - -<p>But the frightened girl clung to him and would not be left. So they -set forth together, and had hardly gained the outer air before a sound -of firing from the causeway warned them that fighting of some sort was -begun. The same sounds created vast excitement among the inmates of the -village, and the crowd of negroes, who, at the first note of alarm, -had come swarming up from the fields. These so occupied the entire -foreground that the brother and sister could get no sight of him whom -they sought. Neither was their friend the young war-chief to be seen. -They attempted to make way through the throng, but were impatiently -pushed back, the crowd scowling and muttering at them angrily.</p> - -<p>One huge, coal-black negro even advanced upon them with a drawn knife -and so ugly an expression, that Ralph Boyd instinctively thrust his -sister behind him, and nerved himself to receive an attack. Unarmed and -weakened by illness as he was, the outcome of such a struggle could -readily be foreseen, and the white man cast a despairing glance about -him in search of some weapon. There was none, and the gleaming knife -was already uplifted for a deadly stroke, when, with a shrill cry, a -black woman sprang betwixt the two, snatched the knife from the negro's -hand, and flourishing it in his face, poured out such a furious torrent -of angry, scornful, and threatening words, that the brute slunk away -from her, completely cowed.</p> - -<p>Now, turning and almost pushing Boyd and his sister before her, -Letty—for the black Amazon was no other than Anstice's own -maid—succeeded in getting them back inside the hut before their -assailant had time to rally from his discomfiture. Then, still -clutching the knife she had so adroitly captured, the black girl stood -guard before the entrance, deaf alike to those of her own color, who -taunted her with being a traitor to her race, and to the entreaties of -her young mistress, that she should attempt a rescue of the prisoner -about whom the crowd of Indian women and negroes still swarmed.</p> - -<p>"Cayn't do it, Miss Anstice," replied the black girl, firmly, but -without turning her head. "I'se powerful sorry for Marse Douglass, but -when it's him or you, I know which one I'se bound to look after."</p> - -<p>"But, Letty, they will murder him!"</p> - -<p>"No, Miss Anstice, not till Coacoochee says so. They das'n't kill him, -not till the chief gives the word."</p> - -<p>"But supposing Coacoochee does not come? He may be killed or captured -himself, you know."</p> - -<p>"There ain't no use speculating on that, Miss Anstice, because he's -come already. I can see him out there now, talking to the crowd. Looks -like he's in a powerful hurry, too, and I spec's the end of time has -come for poor Marse Douglass. Oh Lord, Miss Anstice! Stop up your ears, -quick!"</p> - -<p>At these ominous words, the brave English girl, instead of complying, -darted from the hut so swiftly, that ere Letty could interfere to -prevent her, she had gained the centre of the village. There she came -upon a scene well calculated to freeze the blood in her veins. Irwin -Douglass, bound to a tree, with his pale, resolute face turned toward -the setting sun, gazed with unflinching calmness into the black muzzles -of four levelled rifles, that in another moment would pour their deadly -contents into his body. The pitiless warriors who held them, and only -awaited a signal from their young chief to press the fatal triggers, -scanned the face of their victim in vain for the faintest trace of -fear. There was none; and they were filled with regrets that so brave -a man could not be reserved for a more lingering and trying form of -death. But there was no time to spare. The soldiers were even now upon -them, and whatever was to be done must be done quickly. Already murmurs -of impatience could be heard among the spectators.</p> - -<p>As Coacoochee was about to give the dread command, there came a quick -rush, and the girlish figure of Anstice Boyd stood full in front of the -cruel rifles, between them and their human mark. Her wonderful hair, -half loosed from its coil, glinted like spun gold in the red sunlight. -Her eyes were big with terror, and her face was bloodless, but her -voice rang out clear and strong, as she cried:</p> - -<p>"Coacoochee, you must not do this thing! You dare not!"</p> - -<p>"He is an enemy," answered the young chief, calmly; and without -betraying his annoyance at this interruption. "If we should not kill -him, he would kill us."</p> - - - -<p>"He might in battle or in fair fight, but he would never shoot down a -helpless prisoner," replied the girl, in scornful tones. "Set him free, -place a weapon in his hands, and fight him man to man, if you dare."</p> - -<p>"Gladly would I," answered the young Seminole, "if there was time, but -there is not. Thy people have hunted us like wolves to our den, and -even now are upon us. In another minute must we fly for our lives. Our -friends we can leave to their friends. Our captive we cannot take, and -dare not release. He is a spy. The white man puts a spy to death; why -should not the Indian? Coacoochee has spoken. The spy must die. Let my -white sister stand aside."</p> - -<p>Very stern was the young war-chief, and very determined. A murmur of -approbation rose from the dusky throng about him as his words fell upon -their ears.</p> - -<p>A wave of despair surged over Anstice Boyd. Her face flushed, then -became deadly pale. Her voice was well-nigh choked as she answered:</p> - -<p>"Then, oh, Coacoochee, if you will not yield to the dictates of -humanity, still listen to me. In the name of Allala, thy spirit sister, -in the name of her who still lives, and is most dear to thee, in the -name of Ralph Boyd, who, by his deeds, has proved himself thy friend, I -plead for this man's life. If this is not enough, I demand it for yet -another reason." Here, with face crimsoned like the rising sun, the -girl stepped close to the young chief, and spoke a few words in a tone -so low that none but he could catch their import.</p> - -<p>His stern face softened, and for a moment he looked curiously at her. -Then drawing his own silver-mounted knife from its sheath, he handed it -to her, saying:</p> - -<p>"The words of the white maiden have sunk deep into the heart of -Coacoochee. Let her lead him whom she has saved to the lodge of her -brother. Keep him there, close hidden from my people, so long as a -voice is heard in this place. Then, and not till then, will it be safe -for the Iste-hatke to venture forth. Farewell, my sister! Thank not -the wild cat that his claws are sheathed. Thank rather Allala, Nita, -and Ralph Boyd. <i>Hi-e-pas! Hi-e-pas!</i>"</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus05.jpg" alt="girl" /> -<a id="illus05" name="illus05"></a> -</p> -<p class="caption">THE GIRL STEPPED CLOSE TO THE YOUNG CHIEF AND SPOKE A -FEW WORDS.</p> - -<p>The last two words were uttered in ringing tones of command to his own -people, and, supplemented as they were by a crashing volley of musketry -from the edge of the swamp, they produced an instant effect.</p> - -<p>Although many glances of hate were flashed at the white girl and -the prisoner, whom she freed from his bonds with two strokes of -Coacoochee's keen knife, they were allowed to pass unharmed to the hut -occupied by Ralph Boyd. He walked with them; for, without his sister's -knowledge, he had stood close by her side while she pleaded for the -life of Irwin Douglass, ready to strike a blow in her defence, or to -share her fate.</p> - -<p>The three entered the hut together, and as its curtain of deerskin was -drawn so as to exclude all prying eyes, the overwrought girl fell into -her brother's arms, weeping hysterically. The young soldier, who but -a moment before stood within the shadow of death, gazed curiously and -awkwardly for a second on this scene, and then turning away, sat down -with his face buried in his hands.</p> - -<p>Ralph Boyd sought to calm his brave sister with loving words. So filled -was each of the three with crowding emotions that they took no note -of time nor of outside sounds, until at length the girl ceased her -sobbing and gazed with a smile into her brother's face. Then, with a -weight lifted from his heart, he began to talk to her in a cheerful -strain.</p> - -<p>"It was nobly done, sister mine," he said, "and as a special pleader I -will name you before any barrister in the land. What argument, though, -was it you used at the last? I failed to catch the words, but they must -have been of powerful force."</p> - -<p>Again a tide of crimson mantled the girl's fair cheeks, as she replied: -"Coacoochee knows, and I know; but let it suffice you, brother, that -they were effective; for more than that I can never tell."</p> - -<p>At this juncture, the young soldier, looking as guilty as though he -had been caught at eavesdropping, rose, drew aside the curtain at the -entrance, and stepped outside. As he did so, he uttered an exclamation -that quickly brought the others to his side.</p> - -<p>The village, recently so populous and filled with busy life, was -deserted. Not a soul was to be seen. Even the pigs and chickens had -disappeared. An unbroken silence, as of an impending doom, brooded over -the place, and, as the three who were now its sole occupants walked -among the vacant habitations, they felt impelled to lower their voices, -as though in presence of the dead. They had gone but a short distance -when their attention was attracted by the sound of many voices and the -tramp of armed men. Turning in that direction, they beheld a body of -troops pouring from the pathway leading to the swamp, and toward these -they at once directed their steps.</p> - -<p>As the three whose recent experiences had been so thrilling walked -slowly down the grassy slope, Douglass strove to find words with -which to thank Anstice Boyd for the gift of his life; but the girl -interrupted him at the outset, and begged him never to mention the -subject again.</p> - -<p>"Very well," he replied, "since that is your desire, I will strive -to obey. I do so the more readily that mere words fail to express my -feelings; but I shall live in hope of the time when by some service I -may be able to indicate my gratitude."</p> - -<p>Whatever else the grateful young soldier might have said was -interrupted by cheers from the troops, who at that moment recognized -the comrade whom they had mourned as lost to them forever. As quiet was -restored, his brother officers crowded about him with a hearty welcome -and an avalanche of questions.</p> - -<p>"That will do for the present, gentlemen," interposed Captain Chase. -"Excuse a soldier's abruptness, madam," he added, bowing to Anstice, -"but in this stern business of war, duty must precede even the ordinary -courtesies of life. Now, Mr. Douglass, since you are so happily -restored to us, please tell me what to expect in yonder den of swamp -devils? Are we to be attacked? Shall we charge. What force opposes us? -What is the meaning of this ominous silence?"</p> - -<p>"I hardly know how to answer you, sir," replied the lieutenant, "for I -am as ignorant concerning the enemy's movements as yourself. So far as -I know, there is not a soul in yonder village, though but a few minutes -ago it was swarming with life."</p> - -<p>"What has become of them, then?" demanded the officer, impatiently.</p> - -<p>"I do not know, sir."</p> - -<p>"You can at least tell in which direction they went."</p> - -<p>"No, sir, I cannot even do that; for I did not see them go, nor do I -know when they departed."</p> - -<p>"Upon my soul, this is a most extraordinary state of affairs!" -exclaimed the officer, flushing angrily. "I must confess that I had not -heretofore credited you with blindness. Perhaps, sir, you can give us -the desired information?" he added, turning to Ralph Boyd.</p> - -<p>Upon the young Englishman claiming an equal ignorance with the -lieutenant, the irate captain said in a tone of suppressed anger: "This -matter shall be investigated at a more convenient time, but at present -it seems that we must make discoveries for ourselves. To your places, -gentlemen. Forward! Double quick! March!"</p> - -<p>With this the line of blue-coated troops advanced swiftly up the slope -and charged the empty huts of the deserted village.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII</a></p> - -<p class="center">THE MARK OF THE WILDCAT</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> vain did the soldiers ransack the empty huts of the village, and -scour the island from end to end. Not a single human being or evidence -of life did they discover, nor were they fired upon from the belt of -timber surrounding the cleared fields. The hundreds of men, women, and -children, Indians and negroes, who had been at home in this place less -than an hour before, had vanished as mysteriously and completely as -though the earth had opened and swallowed them. Even the secret place -of exit through the swamp, provided for just such an emergency as -the present, had not been discovered when darkness put an end to the -search, and the troops camped in and about the Indian village for the -night.</p> - -<p>The officer commanding the expedition was furious. He had expected -to destroy or capture the entire force of the enemy gathered at this -point. Instead of so doing, he had not only failed to capture a single -prisoner, but could not discover that his fire had resulted in the -killing or even wounding of a single warrior. On the other hand, the -dead of his own command numbered seven, while a score of others were -more or less severely wounded. His anger was in nowise diminished -by what he was pleased to term the culpable ignorance of Lieutenant -Douglass concerning the strength and movements of the Indians.</p> - -<p>When questioned on these points, the young officer, with a delicacy -that forbade the part taken by Anstice Boyd in his rescue becoming -common talk of the camp, would only say that, having been confined in -a closed hut, he had no opportunity of knowing what was taking place -outside.</p> - -<p>"Were you bound, blind-folded, or in any other way deprived of the use -of your faculties?" demanded the commander.</p> - -<p>"No, sir, I was not."</p> - -<p>"In that case it is incredible that you could not have found some -opportunity for making observations of what was taking place about -you; and that you failed to do so, must be regarded as a grave neglect -of duty. The very fact that the savages, having you in their power, -presented you with both life and liberty, would seem to argue a closer -sympathy between you and them than is permissible between an officer of -the United States army and the enemies of his Government. Therefore, -sir, I shall take it upon myself to suspend you from duty, and shall -prefer charges against you which you will be allowed to meet before a -court martial. That is all, sir. You may go."</p> - -<p>"Very good, sir," replied the younger officer, bowing, and retiring -with a pale face, and a mind filled with bitter thoughts.</p> - -<p>That night the island seemed a very abode of malicious spirits. -Low-hanging clouds covered it with a veil of darkness so intense as to -be oppressive. A strong wind moaned among the forest trees, and borne -on it from the surrounding swamp came blood-chilling shrieks and yells, -weird and foreboding, but whether produced by wild beasts or wild men, -the shuddering listeners, gathered closely about flaring camp-fires, -could not determine. So terrible were some of these wind-borne -cries, that certain among those who listened declared them to be the -despairing accents of lost souls; for which sentiment they were derided -by the bolder of their comrades. But when the midnight relief went its -round of the outposts, and found four of them guarded only by corpses, -even the scoffers were willing to admit that in the rush of the night -wind they had heard the wings of the angel of death.</p> - -<p>As, one after another, the dead sentinels were brought in to the -firelight, they were found to be without wounds, unless a scratch of -five fine lines on each pallid forehead could be called such. In each -case the cause of death was a broken neck. From this and the scratches, -that looked as though they might have been made by the brushing of a -mighty paw, it was at first thought that the unfortunate soldiers -might have been done to death by one of the more powerful beasts of the -forest.</p> - -<p>This belief was, however, quickly upset by an old frontiersman who -accompanied the troops as a scout. Pointing out that all the scratches -were located in the same place, and all had been made with equal -lightness of touch, he declared them to be the mark of Coacoochee the -Wildcat.</p> - -<p>Already the terror of this name had spread so far, that when Ralph Boyd -asserted that Coacoochee was indeed leader of the band just driven from -that stronghold, a great fear fell upon the soldiers, and to a man they -refused to perform outpost duty beyond the limit of firelight.</p> - - - -<p>To enlarge this lighted circle, one hut after another was set on -fire, until the whole village, including the great storehouses full -of provisions and the granaries of corn, was one roaring, leaping -mass of flame. The leafy crowns of the giant oaks that had shaded it, -shrivelled, crackled, and burst into a myriad tongues of fire; while to -render the destruction of the forest monarchs more certain, some of the -soldiers seized axes and girdled their trunks.</p> - -<p>So bright was the circle of light in which the troops foolishly sought -for safety, that had Coacoochee been leader of one hundred warriors at -that moment, he could have wiped out the entire force of invaders; but -he was alone, and from the black recesses of a thicket he gazed upon -the scene of destruction in impotent wrath.</p> - -<p>Having seen the band intrusted to his care safely across the great -swamp, and well on their way to another place of refuge, he had -returned alone to watch the invasion of Osceola's stronghold. With the -noiseless movements of a gliding shadow he had skirted the camp of the -soldiers, and four times had he left silent but terrible witnesses of -his presence. With a heavy heart he now watched the burning of the -great stores of food that he had gathered for the support of his people -during months of fighting; for he knew that with this destruction a -heavy blow had been dealt against the Seminole cause.</p> - -<p>With the earliest coming of daylight, the troops, impatient to finish -their task and leave that place of terror, began to destroy the growing -crops beyond the village. Safe hidden among the spreading branches -of a live-oak, where he was screened by great clusters of pale-green -mistletoe, Coacoochee watched them tear up acres of tasselled corn, and -laden vines, cut down scores of trees heavy with ripening fruit, and -burn broad areas of waving cane.</p> - -<p>At length, the work of destruction was completed, all stragglers were -called in by a blast of bugles, a parting volley was fired over the -single long grave, in which a dozen dead soldiers lay buried; and, -taking their wounded with them, the blue-coated column marched gladly -away from the place they had so little reason to love.</p> - -<p>Descending from his post of observation, the young Indian followed -them, until he had seen the last trooper disappear along the narrow -causeway, amid the sombre cypresses of the Great Swamp. Then slowly and -thoughtfully he retraced his steps, walking now in the full glare of -sunlight, until he stood again beneath the clump of dying trees that, -but a few hours before, had shaded the peaceful village. As he gazed -about him on charred embers, and smoking ruins, deserted fields, and -prostrate orchards, the bold heart of the young war-chief sank like a -leaden weight within him.</p> - - - -<p>"Thus must it be to the end," he said half aloud, as though his -brimming thoughts were struggling for expression. "Ruin and destruction -follow ever the tread of the Iste-hatke. He is strong, and we are weak. -He is many, and we are few. We may kill his hundreds, and he brings -thousands to devour us. We may plant, but he will gather the fruit. The -Seminole may starve, and at the cry of his children for food the white -man will make merry. My father was right when he said that to fight -the white man was like fighting the waves of the great salt waters. -What now shall be done? Shall we continue to fight, and die fighting -in our own land, or shall we again trust to the lying tongue of the -Iste-hatke, and go to the place in which he says we may dwell at peace -with him? Oh, Allala! my sister, hear me, and come to me with thy words -of wisdom."</p> - -<p>At that moment, as though in answer to his prayer, Coacoochee caught -sight of a figure advancing hesitatingly towards where he stood. It was -that of a warrior, whom he recognized even at a distance as belonging -to his own band. The newcomer cast troubled glances over the pitiful -scene of ruin outspread on all sides. Until now he had not noted the -presence of his chief; but, when the latter uttered the cry of a hawk, -which was the familiar signal of his band, the warrior quickened his -steps, and came to where the young man stood.</p> - -<p>He proved to be a runner, sent out by Louis Pacheco, to notify -Coacoochee that Philip Emathla with all the people of his village had -been captured and conveyed to St. Augustine, whence it was proposed -to remove them to the unknown land of the far west. The old chief had -begged so earnestly for an interview with his eldest son, that the -general in command had sent out a written safe-conduct for the latter -to come and go again in safety. This the runner now delivered to -Coacoochee, assuring him at the same time that Louis Pacheco had looked -at it and pronounced it good.</p> - -<p>The young chief took the paper, regarded it curiously, and thrust it -into his girdle, then without delay, he set forth on his long journey -to the eastern coast. The runner was able to inform him of the present -location of Osceola, and accordingly he first directed his steps to the -camp of that fiery young chieftain to apprise him of the destruction of -his swamp stronghold.</p> - -<p>Here he found a delegation of Cherokees, bearing an address from John -Ross, their head chief, to Coacoochee and Osceola, who were regarded as -the most important leaders of the Florida Indians. This address prayed -the Seminoles to end their fruitless struggle against the all-powerful -whites. It assured them that should they consent to removal, the -promises made by the latter would be kept, and that the Cherokees, as -their nearest neighbors in the western land, would ever be their firm -allies in resistance to further oppression.</p> - -<p>The conference was long and earnest. Osceola, discouraged by the -loss of his stronghold, and by the destruction of its great store of -provisions, which he foresaw would entail much suffering among his -people during the coming winter, was inclined to make peace, though -still resolutely opposed to removal.</p> - -<p>Coacoochee, filled with thoughts of his aged father and Nita Pacheco -held captives by the whites, was even more anxious to make an honorable -peace than was his brother chieftain. So it was finally decided that -he should take advantage of his safe-conduct, to visit St. Augustine, -advise with Philip Emathla, talk with the general in command, so as to -ascertain the exact views of the whites, and return to Osceola with -his report.</p> - -<p>Thus, three days later the young war-chief, clad as befitted his rank, -and bearing a superb calumet as a present from Osceola, presented -himself boldly before the gates of St. Augustine, exhibited his -safe-conduct, and demanded to be taken to the general.</p> - -<p>The manly beauty of his features, his haughty bearing, and gorgeous -costume attracted universal admiration, as he strode proudly through -the narrow streets of the quaint old city. Before he reached the house -in which the commandant was lodged, he was surrounded by a curious -throng of citizens, through which the corporal's guard escorting him -found some difficulty in clearing a passage.</p> - -<p>The general greeted the son of Philip Emathla with honeyed words, -and caused him to be treated with the consideration due his rank and -importance. His father was brought to welcome him, and the two were -allowed to depart together to the encampment of the captives, which was -in the plaza, or central square of the city, where it was surrounded -by a cordon of soldiers. Here, after a separation of many months, the -young chief met her to whom he had plighted his troth by the blue -Ahpopka Lake. In his eyes she appeared more lovely than ever, and he -longed ardently for the time of peace that should enable him to make -for her a home in which they might dwell together in safety.</p> - -<p>So much was there to tell and to hear, and so many grave questions to -be discussed, that the night was spent in talking, and the dawn of -another day found them still seated about the cold embers of a small -fire in front of King Philip's lodge.</p> - -<p>The old man advised earnestly for peace, even at the cost of removal, -though at the same time declaring that with leaving his own land his -heart would break, so that he should never live to reach the strange -place set apart for his people.</p> - -<p>Nita, happily content to sit close beside her lover, only leaving him -now and then to replenish the fire, refill the pipes, or to bring from -the lodge some dainty morsel of food, had little to say; but such words -as she uttered were in favor of peace.</p> - -<p>Thus was the mind of Coacoochee the Wildcat turned from thoughts -of fighting and vengeance, to those of peace and happiness for his -loved ones, his oppressed people, and himself. So convinced was he -that the war must be ended, that he readily consented to go again to -Osceola, and persuade him to come in, with such other chiefs as could -be gathered, to attend a solemn council, with a view to the speedy -settlement of all existing troubles. On leaving the city, he was laden -with presents, both for himself and Osceola, and promising to return in -ten days, he set forth with a lighter heart than he had known for more -than a year.</p> - -<p>Alas for human nature, that they who trust most should be most often -deceived! By the swift turning of affairs that gave the army in -Florida a new commanding general every few months during the Seminole -War, General Scott had been succeeded by General Jesup. From him the -commandant at St. Augustine had recently received a despatch which, -could Coacoochee have known its contents, would have filled the young -chief's heart with renewed bitterness, and turned his peaceful longings -into a fierce resolve for a fight to the death.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX</a></p> - -<p class="center">TREACHEROUS CAPTURE OF COACOOCHEE AND OSCEOLA</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">To</span> the great satisfaction of the general of militia commanding at St. -Augustine, Coacoochee, unsuspicious of evil, and intent only upon -carrying out his avowed purpose of arranging for a new treaty of peace, -returned to the city on the exact date he had named. With an honest -pride at the success of his negotiations he announced that Osceola, -Coa Hadjo, Talmus Hadjo, and others would come in on the following -day, and, camping a short distance outside the city, would there await -the white commissioners. He also brought information that the Cherokee -peace delegation had gone to the westward for a conference with -Micanopy and other chiefs.</p> - -<p>The general, still treating the young chief with a lofty consideration, -thanked him profusely for his services, and asked as a favor that he -would guide a wagon-load of provisions, intended as a present for -Osceola and his people, to the place selected for their encampment. -This, he said, was a small portion of the supply he was collecting for -his Indian friends; and, when he went to meet them on the morrow, he -should take with him several other wagons laden with provisions, that -they might have plenty to eat in case the negotiations were extended -over a number of days.</p> - -<p>Much pleased by this proof of the white man's thoughtful kindness, -Coacoochee willingly consented to act as guide to the first wagon, and -then asked that he might visit Philip Emathla's camp while it was being -got ready,—a request that was granted, though with evident reluctance.</p> - -<p>As the young Indian turned away from the general's quarters, he almost -ran into the arms of Ralph Boyd, who had come to St. Augustine with his -sister but two days before, intending to remain there until the end of -the war should render it safe for them to return to their plantation. -While Coacoochee was delighted to thus encounter the only white man -whom he could call friend, the young Englishman was more than amazed to -meet him amid such surroundings.</p> - -<p>"Coacoochee!" he exclaimed. "How is this? why are you here? Is it as a -prisoner? Or have you decided to join the winning side, and become an -ally of the Americans?"</p> - -<p>"I am here neither as a prisoner or a traitor," answered the other, -proudly, "but to help in making a peace for my people while they are -yet strong enough to insist upon honorable terms."</p> - -<p>"And do you trust the man whom you have just left?" asked Boyd, -indicating by a gesture the quarters of the general.</p> - -<p>"Yes," replied Coacoochee, slowly. "I trust him, for I must trust him. -Without trust on both sides there could be no treaty. Without a treaty -the Seminole must be wiped out. My father and others of my people are -even now held here as captives, and only through a treaty can their -liberty be restored. I go now to see them. Will my white brother go -with me?"</p> - -<p>"With pleasure. I knew there were Indian prisoners here, but had no -idea that your father was among them, or I would have visited him ere -this, to congratulate him on having so fine a son. Ah! here is their -camp now; but I say, Coacoochee, who is that white girl sitting among -the Indian women? By Jove! she is the most beautiful creature I ever -saw."</p> - - - -<p>"Her name is Nita Pacheco," answered the young chief, gazing fondly at -the girl, who, intent on a bit of sewing, was as yet unaware of his -presence.</p> - -<p>"Not your Nita! Not the one that you— Why, confound it, man! You never -told me she was white. You said she was a—"</p> - -<p>"So she is," admitted Coacoochee, very quietly. "She is one of the -Iste-lustee, as you were about to say. Her mother was an octoroon, -and of every sixteen drops in Nita's veins, one is black. Although -she was born free as you or I, she has been claimed as a slave; and -Philip Emathla was obliged to pay a large sum of money to establish her -freedom. With the ending of this war she will become my chee-hi-wah, or -what you would call wife."</p> - -<p>"In which case I don't wonder that you are so keen for peace. If I were -in your place, I would have it at any price, and I only hope I may -speedily have the pleasure of dancing at your wedding. Won't Anstice be -pleased, though? Ever since she discovered that you had a sweetheart, -she has wished to meet her."</p> - -<p>"Would the white maiden take the hand of her who is of the -Iste-lustee?" asked Coacoochee, abruptly.</p> - -<p>"Oh bother your Iste-lustees! of course she would," cried Boyd. "Not -only that, but she would love her dearly. Why, the girl is as white as -Anstice herself, and even if she were not, do you suppose that would -make any difference? Don't you know that any one precious to you must -also be dear to us, who owe you everything, including our lives. Don't -you know the meaning of the word 'gratitude'? And don't you suppose we -know it, too, you confoundedly proud Seminole, you?"</p> - -<p>Ere he finished this speech the Englishman was left alone; for, at -the sound of his raised voice, Nita looked up, and flushed so rosily -at sight of her lover, that he was drawn to her side as irresistibly -as needle to magnet. Then, forgetful of all save each other, they -strolled among the lodges of the little encampment.</p> - -<p>Suddenly while they walked, Coacoochee started as though he had -been shot. In a whisper he bade the girl at his side return to -her companions, and as without comment she obeyed him, he stood -motionless, his face black with rage, and his whole frame quivering -with excitement. The cause of this emotion was a voice coming from the -opposite side of a tent that had been appropriated to the especial use -of Philip Emathla. The voice was saying:</p> - -<p>"They tell me, old man, that you don't savey American; but I reckin you -can understand enough to know what I mean when I say that if you've -got any niggers to sell, I'm the man that'll buy them of you, of co'se -at a reasonable figger. As things stand now, your travelling expenses -are likely to be heavy, and there's two or three wenches in your camp -that I'd be willing to stake you something handsome for. There ain't no -drop of Injun blood in ary one of them, and they are certain to be took -from you, anyway. So you, might as well make something out of 'em while -you've got the chance. One of 'em, that Pacheco gal, is mine by rights, -anyhow; but if—"</p> - -<p>At this point the speaker uttered a yell of terror, and instinctively -reached for his pistol, as with a bound like that of a panther and -blazing eyes, Coacoochee leaped upon him. Mr. Troup Jeffers was -hurled, to the ground with such force that for a moment he lay stunned -and motionless. As the Wildcat glared about him for some weapon with -which to complete his task, two of the guards rushed in and dragged -the slave-trader beyond the lines of the camp. At the same time, Boyd, -who had witnessed the scene from a distance, came hurrying up from an -opposite direction.</p> - -<p>"For Heaven's sake Coacoochee! What does this mean?" he cried; "you'll -have a war on your hands right here if you don't look out."</p> - -<p>Without answering him, the young Indian turned to Philip Emathla, who -was sitting before the tent, and uttered a few hurried words in his own -tongue, the purport of which was, "Look well on this man, my father; -for he is my friend, whom you can trust as you would me. If he comes to -thee for Nita, let her go with him."</p> - -<p>Then he and Ralph Boyd hurried away in the direction from which they -had come. As they passed the group of women, Coacoochee stopped to -whisper in the ear of Nita Pacheco, who was also bidden to trust the -white man now before her, and then they passed on.</p> - -<p>"That dog, whom I would I had killed," said the young Indian, when -they were safely beyond the camp, "is a catcher of slaves, who seeks -to steal my promised wife. For this night, I cannot protect her, for -I must meet Ah-ha-se-ho-la. If I do not, he will not stay, and there -will be no peace. Before the setting of to-morrow's sun Coacoochee will -be free to protect his own. For this night, then, I would have you and -the white maiden, thy sister, give to Nita the shelter of thy lodge; -or, if that be not possible, watch over her and see that she is not -stolen away."</p> - -<p>"Certainly, my dear fellow! Of course we will look out for her as long -as you like, and glad of the chance to thus repay some portion of -our indebtedness," interrupted Ralph Boyd, heartily. "But who is the -rascally beggar?"</p> - -<p>"His name I know not," replied the other; "but certain things -concerning him I do know. He, more than any other, caused this war -between the Iste-chatte and the white man. He broke up the home of the -Pachecos and sold the mother and brother of Nita into slavery, as he -would now sell her. He stole and sold into slavery the wife of Osceola."</p> - -<p>"The scoundrel!" exclaimed Boyd.</p> - -<p>"When my white brother was shot down at the battle of the -Withlacoochee, the bullet came from behind, and from the rifle of this -man."</p> - -<p>"What!"</p> - -<p>"When the home of my white brother was attacked by white men, painted -to look like the Iste-chatte, this man was leader of the band. He it -was who took the white maiden, thy sister, captive and left her to -perish in the forest."</p> - -<p>"Good Heavens, man! Do you know what you are talking about? Can all -this be true?"</p> - -<p>"The tongue of Coacoochee is straight. He would not lie to his white -brother."</p> - -<p>"Yes, but may you not be mistaken? I did not know I had an enemy in the -world, who would thus injure me. Who can it be?"</p> - -<p>"What I have said is true. Does my brother remember talking with a man -under a tree the day before the white soldiers reached the ferry of the -Withlacoochee, and speaking scornful words to him?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, though I don't see how you could know of that. I inquired about -him and found out his name, which proved to be the same as that of the -last overseer on my plantation. I had heard bad accounts of the man, -and had him discharged before taking possession."</p> - -<p>"This man is the same who talked with my brother under the tree."</p> - -<p>"Well, whoever he is, you may be very certain that I shall look into -this thing thoroughly, and if I find him to be guilty of half of these -things, I will make him suffer sweetly. Meantime, my lad, do you rest -easy about your sweetheart. Anstice shall go to her, and for your sake, -if not for her own, her safety shall be guarded with our lives."</p> - -<p>By this time they had reached again the general's quarters, and the -wagon that Coacoochee was to guide stood in readiness. So, with a warm -handclasp, the friends parted, one to go on a mission that he fondly -hoped would bring a lasting peace to his people, and the other to take -measures for the safety of Nita Pacheco.</p> - -<p>According to promise Osceola, escorted by some seventy warriors, -all mounted, and preceded by a white flag, in token of the peaceful -nature of their mission, arrived promptly at the appointed place of -encampment. There they were met by Coacoochee with a welcome supply of -provisions.</p> - -<p>Long and earnestly did the two young chieftains talk together that -night, in planning for the morrow, on which they believed the fate of -their nation would be decided. On one point they were fully agreed. The -negro allies, who had fought so bravely with them, and who were as free -as themselves, must be considered as equal with them, and must, in any -negotiations, be granted the same terms as themselves. If this should -not be allowed, they would refuse to make peace, and would return under -protection of their white flag, whence they came.</p> - -<p>At ten o'clock on the following morning a blare of trumpets announced -the coming of the general. He was accompanied by a staff of uncommon -gorgeousness, and escorted by one hundred mounted militiamen, all -armed to the teeth. Behind these rumbled several large, covered wagons -similar in appearance to the one that had brought provisions the -evening before. These were halted a short distance away, where they -were partially hidden in the palmetto scrub.</p> - -<p>Coacoochee, Osceola, Coa Hadjo, and Talmus, arrayed in such finery as -befitted the occasion, stood forth to meet the newcomers, while their -handful of warriors clustered close behind them. Above their heads -fluttered the white flag of truce.</p> - -<p>Approaching to within a few yards of them, and utterly ignoring the -formalities usual at such a time, and so dear to the heart of an -Indian, the general began abruptly to read a list of questions from a -paper that he held in his hand. The first of these struck like a blow:</p> - -<p>"Are you prepared to deliver up at once all negroes taken from citizens?</p> - -<p>"Why have you not done this already?</p> - -<p>"Where are the other chiefs, and why have they not surrendered?"</p> - -<p>There were other questions of a similar nature, and realizing from -these, as well as from the tone of the speaker's voice, that the whites -had not come there with any thought of discussing a treaty, Osceola, -with a quick glance about him, like a stag brought to bay, attempted to -speak, but his voice choked and failed him. He looked appealingly at -Coacoochee, as though requesting him to frame an answer; but the son of -Philip Emathla stood like one who is stunned.</p> - -<p>"You, Powell," continued the general, harshly, "having signed the -treaty of Fort King, shall be made to abide by it.</p> - -<p>"As for you, Wildcat, I have learned of your recent outrages in the -Withlacoochee Swamp. Never again shall you have a chance to murder -white men, like the cowardly beast whose name you bear."</p> - -<p>Thus saying, the speaker waved his arm, a loud command rang out, there -came a rush through the palmettoes, a clash of weapons, and the too -trusting Seminoles found themselves hemmed in on all sides by a hedge -of glittering bayonets.</p> - -<p>A strong body of infantry, brought in the supposed provision wagons, -had gathered in a circle about the unsuspecting Indians. Thus, within -ten minutes after the arrival of the troops, under the very shadow of a -truce flag, was this most shameful deed of treachery accomplished.</p> - -<p>Disarmed and bound like so many slaves, and guarded by double ranks of -soldiers, the forest warriors were driven, like sheep, to the city and -through the massive gateway of its frowning fortress. Here Coacoochee -was separated forever from Osceola, who was soon afterwards taken to -Fort Moultrie in Charleston harbor. There, a few weeks later, he died -of a broken heart, far away from his friends and from the dear land for -which he had fought so bravely.</p> - -<p>With only Talmus Hadjo for a companion, the Wildcat was roughly thrust -into one of those narrow dungeons from the deadly gloom of which he had -shrunk with such horror on the occasion of his long-ago visit to the -fort in company with Louis Pacheco.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX">CHAPTER XXX</a></p> - -<p class="center">IN THE DUNGEONS OF THE ANCIENT FORTRESS</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> capture of Coacoochee and Osceola created an extraordinary degree -of excitement in St. Augustine, where the news of this most important -event was hailed with extravagant joy and openly expressed sorrow. -Those who rejoiced were of that class who wanted the war ended, and the -Seminoles removed by any means, fair or foul, they cared not which. -To such persons an Indian was only a species of noxious animal, for -the trapping of which any deception was justifiable. On the other hand -were many honorable men and women whose indignation, at the deed of -treachery by which the fair name of the Government had been smirched, -knew no bounds. Of all these, none was so filled with righteous wrath -as were Ralph and Anstice Boyd.</p> - -<p>"I was not wholly unprepared for some such rascality," said the former, -"and I tried to convey my suspicions to Coacoochee yesterday; though, -knowing nothing definite, I dared not speak plainly. He, poor fellow, -is so entirely honest and incapable of such a cowardly act himself, -that he failed to comprehend what I was driving at. To his simple -mind, a great chief must be an honorable man; otherwise he would not -be a great chief, or, indeed, a chief of any degree. Rather different -from the idea prevailing in most white communities, is it not?"</p> - -<p>"I should say so, judging from what we have seen lately," cried -Anstice. "But I am too furious to talk about it. I am almost ashamed of -being white. I only wish I were a man!"</p> - -<p>"What would you do in that case?" inquired her brother curiously.</p> - -<p>"Do? I would fight, and devote my life to fighting just such outrageous -wrongs as this. That's what I would do."</p> - -<p>"I don't doubt you would, you precious little spitfire, and a mighty -plucky fight you'd put up. You'd lose, though, every time; for, besides -pluck and pugnacity, it takes coolness and infinite patience to fight -the battle of right against might. But, to return to practical matters, -what is to become of our guest, now that Coacoochee is no longer in a -position to elope with her, or afford her other protection than that of -his prayers?"</p> - -<p>"She is to stay with us, of course, for just as long as we can keep -her. In the meantime, we must manage in some way to get him out of that -terrible prison. Poor fellow! How he must be suffering at this minute. -I only hope he remembers that he still has some friends, and that there -are still a few faint sparks of honor and gratitude glowing in the -bosoms of the 'Iste-hatke,' as he calls us. We must get Irwin Douglass -to help us, and I only hope he will call to-day, so that we can begin -to plan at once."</p> - -<p>"Hold hard, sister! Remember that the awkward situation Douglass is -already in is largely owing to us. If you take my advice, you will not -mention to him our desire that Coacoochee should escape, or disclose -to him the identity of our guest. I agree with you, that we are bound -to do whatever we can to aid our Indian friend, and that the forest -maiden shall make her home with us so long as she chooses to do so; -but, for the present, I beg that no one else, not even Irwin Douglass, -be admitted to our secret."</p> - -<p>"Very well, Mr. wise man, I will let you have your own way for a time; -but don't try my patience too far, lest I do something desperate. -Red-headed girls aren't expected to be cool-headed as well, you know, -and so when I have once set my heart on having a thing done, I want it -done without delay."</p> - -<p>Thus it happened that, when Lieutenant Douglass called on the Boyds -that evening, and was formally presented to a Miss Annette Felipe, -he did not, for a moment, doubt that she belonged to one of the old -Spanish-American families of the Territory. She had a darkly beautiful -face, was quietly but stylishly dressed, and was demurely silent. -That she spoke so little was explained by Anstice on the ground that -Spanish was her native tongue, and that she was visiting her in order -to improve her English.</p> - -<p>As the lieutenant did not speak nor understand Spanish, he was more -than content to devote himself to Miss Anstice, leaving the stranger to -be entertained by Ralph Boyd. Douglass and the English girl discussed -his present prospects, and wondered how long he would be obliged to -wait in idleness before a court-martial could be convened to hear his -case, and of course dismiss the absurd charges preferred against him. -They talked of their recent exciting experiences, and finally Anstice -said:</p> - -<p>"By the way, Mr. Douglass, I wish you would take us to visit the -prisoners in the old fort. I am so anxious to see that splendid -Osceola. Besides, we want to do everything we can to make Annette's -visit pleasant, and there is so little to amuse one in this stupid -place. I am sure she would be so interested in those Indians. Won't you -please arrange it, like a dear man?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly, I will if I can," replied the young officer. "At the same -time, I am not at all sure that the general will regard with favor an -application for a permit from one in my peculiar position."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I fancy he will. At any rate, you manage it for us somehow, and -make as early a date as possible; for Annette may be compelled to leave -us at any time, and I wouldn't have her miss seeing the interior of the -fort. She has never seen anything like it, you know. We are going to -take a walk to-morrow morning just to show her the outside of it, and -you may come with us if you choose."</p> - -<p>So Douglass promised to do what he could, and when he joined the -walking party on the morrow, he announced that he had thought of a plan -which he believed would work. "You see," he said, "Mrs. Canby, wife -of Canby of the Rifles, has just arrived from the North, and as she -has never seen any Indians, of course she will be anxious to visit the -fort. So I will get Canby to secure the permit, and invite us all to -join his party."</p> - -<p>While discussing this plan and deciding that it would be the very -thing, they reached the ancient fortress, and as they skirted its -frowning walls, Miss Felipe, who had hardly spoken since starting, and -then only to Anstice, became so visibly affected, that the English -girl threw an arm protectingly about her, exclaiming, "Annette is so -tender-hearted that she can't bear the thought of captives being shut -up in that gloomy place."</p> - -<p>"It is tough luck," agreed the young officer. "And there is not the -slightest chance of their escaping either, for the only openings into -the cells are those small embrasures through which even a boy would -find it difficult to squeeze. They are some eighteen feet above the -floor, too, so that it would be impossible to reach them without a -ladder."</p> - -<p>A few days later, a permit for a party of six to visit the fort having -been secured, Mrs. Canby, the Boyds, their guest, and Douglass set -forth, Mr. Canby being detained by urgent duty, and excusing himself -at the last moment. After passing the strong guard stationed at the -gateway, the sightseers found themselves in a large, open space, where -many of the captives were lounging or walking about. In these, the -Spanish girl showed not the slightest interest, but seemed inclined -to hasten on. She carried a light shawl thrown over her arm, of which -slight burden Douglass had politely but in vain attempted to relieve -her.</p> - -<p>"Your friend seems very odd, and not at all like other girls," he -confided to Anstice Boyd.</p> - -<p>"Yes. Isn't she?" replied the English girl, readily. "But then you must -remember her bringing up. I wonder if Osceola is among these Indians?"</p> - -<p>"Oh no, miss," answered the sergeant who had been detailed to act as -guide. "The chiefs are only allowed out, one at a time, under guard, -after the others have gone in. They are in their cells now."</p> - -<p>"Well, take us to them, then," said Anstice, "for they are the ones we -care most to see. Don't you think so, Mrs. Canby?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, indeed," agreed that lady; "only I hope they will prove better -looking and more interesting than these creatures out here."</p> - -<p>So the party was guided to the cell occupied by Osceola, in front of -which paced a sentry, and its massive door was swung back on creaking -hinges. The haughty chieftain, still clad in his most splendid -costume, was seated on a stool, gazing blankly at the opposite wall. He -roused slightly as the sergeant said:</p> - -<p>"Here's some ladies come to visit you, Powell," and when Mrs. Canby and -Anstice expressed a wish to shake hands with him, he extended his hand -to them mechanically. When, however, the lieutenant also offered to -shake hands, a fierce flash of anger leaped into the eyes of the forest -warrior, and he drew back haughtily, exclaiming as he did so:</p> - -<p>"No, sir! Never again shall the hand of Ah-ha-se-ho-la meet in -friendship that of one wearing the disgraced livery of a United States -officer."</p> - -<p>"Horrid thing!" cried Mrs. Canby, as the party hurriedly withdrew from -the cell. "The idea of a mere savage daring to speak so to an army -officer! You did well, Miss Felipe, not to go near the wretch, and I -only wish I hadn't. I certainly don't want to see any more of them."</p> - -<p>As the speaker absolutely refused to visit the remaining prisoners, -which the others were still desirous of doing, Douglass remained with -her, leaving but three of the party to inspect the cell occupied by -Coacoochee and Talmus Hadjo. It, like the other, was guarded by a -sentry, with whom the guide, after throwing open the door, stepped -aside to speak.</p> - -<p>Although the Spanish girl had remained outside the other cell, she -pushed eagerly forward into this one, while Anstice and her brother -stood in the doorway. Talmus Hadjo lay on a pile of forage-bags that -served as a bed, while Coacoochee, the very picture of despair, stood -leaning, with folded arms, against one of the walls. He hardly noticed -his visitor, until in a low, thrilling tone she pronounced his name. -Then, as though moved by an electric shock, he sprang forward, gasped -the single word "Nita!" and clasped the girl to his breast.</p> - -<p>A few murmured words passed between the two; then he released her, -and, stooping, she slipped something from her shawl beneath one of the -forage-bags lying on the floor.</p> - -<p>When the sergeant reappeared at the doorway a second later, the -Spanish girl, looking perfectly composed, was standing quietly at -one side, Talmus Hadjo was regarding her with undisguised amazement, -while Coacoochee, with a new light shining in his face, was silently -exchanging hand-clasps with Ralph and Anstice Boyd.</p> - -<p>"Rather a more decent and civil sort of a chap than the other," -remarked the sergeant as he again locked the door, and the visitors -turned away. "Now there's only one more cell, and—"</p> - -<p>"I don't think we care to inspect any more cells to-day," interposed -Anstice, hastily; and so a few minutes later the reunited party were -breathing once more the outer air of freedom, while Mrs. Canby -expressed very freely her opinion of Indians in general and of those -whom they had just seen in particular.</p> - -<p>While the transformation of Philip Emathla's adopted daughter into -Miss Annette Felipe, clad in the costume of civilization, and guest of -Anstice Boyd, may appear as surprising to the reader as it did to the -captive war-chief whom she had just left filled with a new hope, it was -all brought about very simply. On the evening that Coacoochee confided -her to the protection of Ralph Boyd, that gentleman, accompanied by his -sister, strolled down to the Indian encampment. First they received -permission to speak with the aged chieftain, who was summoned to the -lines for that purpose. A few minutes later their strolling carried -them past the darkest corner of the camp, where they were joined by a -slender figure that had slipped through the lines without attracting -the attention of a guard. Over this figure Anstice threw a long cloak -that she had carried on her arm, and thus disguised, Nita Pacheco -accompanied her new friends to their home. Her absence from the Indian -camp was not discovered until two days later, when Mr. Troup Jeffers, -claiming her as his escaped slave, and armed with an authority from the -general for her recapture, visited the Indian camp in search of her.</p> - -<p>The slave-catcher made a great outcry when he found that his prey had -again eluded him, but he was speedily silenced by a very unexpected -meeting with Ralph Boyd, who had been watching for the man who should -make that very claim.</p> - -<p>At sight of him whom he had every reason to believe was long since -dead, the scoundrel's face turned livid, and he staggered back like one -who has received a knife-thrust.</p> - -<p>"Drop this business, and leave town inside of an hour if you value your -wretched life!" hissed Boyd in his ear, and an hour later St. Augustine -was well rid of Mr. Troup Jeffers.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI">CHAPTER XXXI</a></p> - -<p class="center">A DARING ESCAPE</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Not</span> until his prison door was again closed, and the footsteps of his -visitors had died away in the distance, did Coacoochee turn from -listening, and stoop to see what it was that Nita had brought him. From -under the forage-bag he first drew a Spanish hunting-knife, beautifully -balanced, and with the keen edge of a razor. It was of dull blue Toledo -steel, and its shapely haft was exquisitely silver-mounted. At sight -of it the young Indian uttered an exclamation of joy, for it was his -own well-tried weapon, endeared by long association, and his unfailing -friend in many a combat with man and beast. It had been his father's -before him, and with it Anstice Boyd had severed the bonds confining -Irwin Douglass, when his life hung by a thread, in the swamp stronghold -of Osceola. She had kept it ever since, awaiting an opportunity to -restore it to its owner, and had now done so, by the hand of Nita -Pacheco.</p> - -<p>While Coacoochee gloated over this treasure, his comrade in captivity -pulled aside the bag beneath which it had been concealed, and disclosed -another object of equal value with the precious knife. It was a coil -of rope, slender and finely twisted, but of a proved strength, capable -of supporting the weight of two men.</p> - -<p>"Now, Talmeco," cried Coacoochee, in the Indian tongue, "we have -something to live for. Already do I breathe again the free air of the -forest, for want of which I had died ere many days. Now will we show -these dogs of the Iste-hatke that their cunning is no match for that of -the Wildcat. Again shall the war-cry of Coacoochee ring through hammock -and swamp, glade and savanna, and the Iste-hatke shall tremble at its -sound."</p> - -<p>"But," said Talmus, "was it not one of the Iste-hatke who brought us -these things? Has my brother won the heart of a pale-faced maiden?"</p> - -<p>"Ho, ho!" laughed the young chief. "Are the eyes of Talmeco grown so -dim from long gazing at stone walls that he did not see, through the -dress of the white squaw, the form of Nita Pacheco, daughter of Philip -Emathla, and the beloved of Coacoochee? She it was, and no other, who -found a way to this hole of rats, and brought the means of escape. Let -us hasten, then, to make use of them, that she may not be disappointed."</p> - -<p>"How can we?" queried Talmus. "There is but one opening, and it is too -small for the passage of a warrior. A boy could hardly make his way -through it. Besides, it is too high for us to reach, and, even if we -got outside, would we not fall again into the hands of the soldiers?"</p> - -<p>"Ho-le-wau-gus, Talmeco!" exclaimed the other. "Is thy man's heart -turned by thy captivity into that of Cho-fee [the rabbit], and art thou -become one who trembles at the sight of his own shadow? Listen, that -thy heart may again become strong. The Wildcat will climb to yonder -opening, and show his brother the way. It is small, but we will make -ourselves smaller. We will go when the Great Spirit has drawn his -blanket over the face of the sky, so that no light may shine from it, -and no man can see us. Is it well?"</p> - -<p>"It is well, my brother. Let Coacoochee lead, and Talmus Hadjo will -follow in his steps."</p> - - - -<p>For long hours during the weary days of captivity, had the young chief -lain on his bed of bags, and gazed hopelessly at the single narrow -opening in the wall far above him. He had believed that, if he could -only reach it, he could so reduce his body as to pass through the -aperture. Now he saw a way to reach it. Standing on his comrade's -shoulders, and using his knife, he soon worked its point into a little -crevice between the stones, just above his head. As Talmus could not -support his weight very long at a time, and as there came days of such -frequent interruptions that they dared not work, it was several weeks -before the crevice was so enlarged that it would receive the knife up -to its hilt. Then, by drawing himself up on it, Coacoochee found to -his delight that he could gain the narrow slit piercing the thick wall. -To his dismay, it was barely wide enough to permit his head to pass -through, but not his body.</p> - -<p>The prisoners at once decided to starve themselves, and reduce their -flesh by taking medicine. This they did, until they became mere -skeletons, and their keeper began to fear that they would die on his -hands.</p> - -<p>In the meantime they cut up many of the bags on which they slept, into -short lengths, which they bound closely, at intervals, about their -slender rope, so as to afford a grasp for their hands. When all was in -readiness, they were obliged to wait many days longer for a cloudless -and moonless night.</p> - - - -<p>At length it came as dark as Erebus, with squalls of rain, and a -fierce wind that howled mournfully about the bastions and through the -embrasures of the old fort. Much to the disgust of the captives, one of -the prison keepers was in an unusually sociable mood that night, and -made repeated visits to their cell, talking and singing, until they -feared they would be compelled to kill him, in order to get rid of his -presence. Finally they pretended to be asleep when he entered, and upon -this he left them for good.</p> - -<p>The time for action had arrived; and, taking one end of the rope with -him, Coacoochee, stripped to the skin, save for a breech-cloth, -mounted on his comrade's shoulders, felt for the deeply cut crevice, -thrust his knife into it, and, in another minute, had gained the -embrasure. Here, after first regaining and securing his precious knife, -he made the rope fast, by passing a loop about a projecting ledge, and -leaving only enough inside for his comrade to climb up by, he passed -the remainder through the opening, and let it drop, hoping that it -might be long enough to reach ground at the bottom of the moat.</p> - -<p>With great difficulty, the young Indian thrust his head through the -narrow slit. Then, with the sharp stones tearing the skin from his -breast and back, he slowly and painfully forced his body through, being -obliged to go down the rope head foremost, until his feet were clear -of the opening. With each minute of this desperate struggle, it seemed -as though his weakened powers of endurance must yield to the terrible -strain, and that his grasp on the slender rope must relax; in which -case he would have pitched headlong into the yawning depths below. -But the indomitable will that had already aided him so often finally -triumphed over physical weakness, and after a half-hour of struggle, -the young war-chief slid in safety down the line that led to freedom, -and lay panting on the ground, twenty-five feet below the aperture that -had so nearly proved fatal.</p> - -<p>Fortunately he lay in the deep angle of a bastion, where the shadows -were blackest, for just then two men, evidently officers, passed close -to him engaged in earnest conversation. He overheard one of them say -that arrangements were perfected for removing all the prisoners on the -morrow to Charleston, South Carolina, where they would be beyond a -possibility of rescue or escape.</p> - -<p>So overjoyed was Coacoochee at thus learning of the timeliness of his -venture for liberty that he became filled with fresh vigor, and feeling -a movement of the rope, that he still held in one hand, he instantly -gave the signal that all was well, and the way clear for his comrade to -descend. As he waited in breathless anxiety, he could plainly hear the -struggle that was taking place far above him. At length it ceased, and -in a low, despairing voice Talmus informed him that having forced his -head through the embrasure, he could get no further, nor could he even -draw it back.</p> - -<p>"Throw out thy breath, Talmeco, and try again! Throw out thy heart -and soul, if needs be, and tear the flesh from thy body," urged the -young chief, in a voice little above a whisper, but thrilling in its -intensity.</p> - -<p>Thus adjured, Talmus Hadjo made one last desperate effort, with such -success that he not only forced his bleeding body through the aperture, -but lost his hold of the rope and came tumbling down the whole -distance.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus06.jpg" alt="rope" /> -<a id="illus06" name="illus06"></a> -</p> -<p class="caption"> HADJO LOST HIS HOLD OF THE ROPE AND CAME TUMBLING DOWN -THE WHOLE DISTANCE.</p> - -<p>With a smothered cry of horror, Coacoochee sprang to his side, and, -feeling a faint heart-beat in the stunned and motionless form, dragged -it to a near-by pool of water. This he dashed over the injured man with -such effect that, in a few minutes, his consciousness returned. He was, -however, so injured by his fall as to be unable to walk, and feebly -begged Coacoochee to save himself and leave him to his fate. For answer -the young chief, with an astonishing display of strength, considering -his condition, picked up his helpless friend, slung him across his -back, and thus bore him nearly half a mile, to where the palmetto scrub -afforded temporary concealment.</p> - -<p>Daylight was now breaking, and some means must be devised for moving -rapidly. So, depositing his burden on the ground, Coacoochee turned -back to an open field in which he had seen several mules. Hastily -twisting some shredded palmetto leaves into a rude bridle, he had the -good fortune to capture one of the animals, on which he mounted both -himself and his comrade.</p> - -<p>For several hours they rode through the trackless pine forest, and at -length reached a travelled road, which it was necessary they should -cross. Before doing so Coacoochee slipped from the mule to assure -himself that no enemy was in sight. He had gone but a few paces, when -the animal, with a loud bray, dashed into the open, and galloped madly -towards a small party of mounted volunteers, who happened to be making -their way towards the city.</p> - -<p>The sight of a single naked Indian dashing toward them was too great -a temptation to be resisted. A dozen rifles poured forth their deadly -contents, both the mule and his helpless rider pitched headlong, and -in the death struggle of the animal, the dead face of Talmus Hadjo was -crushed beyond recognition. One of the white men, coolly and as neatly -as though well accustomed to the operation, took the scalp of the -fallen warrior. Then the party rode merrily forward, exchanging coarse -jests concerning the handsome manner in which the redskin had been -potted.</p> - -<p>Filled with rage and grief at this loss of his companion, Coacoochee -also hastened from the scene, plunging deep into the recesses of a -near-by hammock and vowing a future but terrible vengeance upon the -cowardly perpetrators of this cold-blooded murder. Living on berries, -roots, and the succulent buds of cabbage palmettoes, sleeping naked on -the bare ground, and slinking from hammock to hammock like a wild beast -who is hunted, the fugitive worked his way southward for three days.</p> - -<p>On the evening of the third day he walked into the camp of his own -band on the headwaters of the Tomoka River. By Louis Pacheco and his -warriors the young chief was greeted as one raised from the dead. When, -after they had fed and clothed him, they listened to his wonderful -tale of treacherous capture, long imprisonment, timely escape, and -the cruel death of Talmus Hadjo, they vowed themselves to a fiercer -resistance than ever of the white oppressors.</p> - -<p>Within an hour runners were despatched to several bands who were known -to be contemplating surrender, urging them to abandon their intention -and continue the fight to its bitter end. Thus was the conflict which -General Jesup had just declared ended, renewed with a greater fury than -ever, and Coacoochee the Wildcat became the acknowledged leader of his -people.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII">CHAPTER XXXII</a></p> - -<p class="center">NITA HEARS THAT COACOOCHEE IS DEAD</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Long</span> and anxiously had the friends of Coacoochee in St. Augustine -awaited the result of their effort to aid him in regaining his freedom. -They dared not attempt to visit him again, lest by so doing they should -arouse suspicion and injure his cause; for the two principal chiefs -were so closely guarded that visitors were only admitted to them at -long intervals and as a great favor. So Nita was forced to endure a -weary period of suspense and feverish anxiety, that caused her to droop -like a transplanted forest lily.</p> - -<p>Although Ralph Boyd sought daily for information concerning the -prisoners, he could gain little, save that of a depressing nature, much -of which he and Anstice dared not share with their guest. He heard -that Coacoochee's strength was so weakened on confinement that it was -believed he could not live much longer, and there was a rumor that he -and Osceola were to be hanged for their perversity in continuing the -war.</p> - -<p>In the meantime, the number of Indians held captive in St. Augustine -had been greatly increased by the bands of Micanopy, Cloud, Tuskogee, -and Nocoosee, all of whom, urged to do so by the Cherokee delegation, -had accepted General Jesup's invitation to meet him for a peace talk. -Again was the flag of truce violated, again was treachery substituted -for honest fighting, and again were the too trusting savages seized, -disarmed, and sent to St. Augustine as prisoners of war.</p> - -<p>So many captives were now crowded into the ancient city, that, in order -to secure them beyond all hope of escape, as well as to make room for -others who, it was hoped, might be enticed to <i>make peace</i> in a similar -manner, it was deemed advisable to transfer them to Charleston. There -they could be detained in safety until the time came for their final -removal to the west. Preparations for this movement were made with -great secrecy, that the Indians might not learn of it until the last -moment. Transports were secured, and finally it was made known to the -officers of the post only that an embarkation would be effected on the -following day.</p> - -<p>Rumors of the contemplated removal had reached the Boyds, and had, of -course, been communicated to Nita. She declared that, if Coacoochee -did not succeed in escaping before it took place, she should resume -her position as the adopted daughter of Philip Emathla, and so follow -her lover into exile. In this determination, Anstice warmly upheld -her friend, but begged her to wait until the latest possible moment, -before exchanging her present security for the uncertain fate of a -captive.</p> - -<p>One evening, Lieutenant Douglass, who, having safely passed the ordeal -of a court-martial, and, honorably acquitted, had been restored to -duty, called on the Boyds. In course of conversation with Anstice he -casually remarked, that the morrow would probably offer the last chance -they would ever have of seeing their friend Coacoochee.</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?" asked the startled girl.</p> - -<p>"I mean that the Indians in St. Augustine are to be embarked for -Charleston to-morrow morning; and Coacoochee, poor fellow, is reported -to be in such wretched health that it is not probable he can live long, -especially in a climate so much colder than this."</p> - -<p>Nita, who sat in another part of the room, listlessly engaged in a bit -of fancy-work, glanced up quickly as she caught the name of her captive -lover. She did not hear what else the young officer said, and waited -eagerly for his going, that she might question her friend. Anstice, on -her part, was so impatient to communicate to Nita the news she had just -learned, and became so absent-minded in her conversation with Douglass, -that he suspected something had gone wrong, and so took his departure -earlier than usual.</p> - -<p>Long and earnestly did the two girls, who had grown to love each other -like sisters, talk together that night. Very early the next morning, -escorted by Ralph Boyd, they left the house and turned in the direction -of Philip Emathla's encampment. Nita had resumed her Indian dress, but -over it she wore the same long cloak that had served to disguise her on -a former occasion. Its hood was drawn over her head and about her face, -so that but little of her features could be distinguished.</p> - -<p>As they hastened through the narrow streets of the quaintly built city, -their attention was attracted by a clatter of iron-shod hoofs, and a -mounted officer in service uniform came dashing toward them. It was -Irwin Douglass, and he reined up sharply at sight of his friends. As he -lifted his cap to the ladies, he exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"Well, you are early birds this morning! I suppose you have heard the -great news and are come out to verify it?"</p> - -<p>"No, we haven't heard any news; what is it?" asked Boyd.</p> - -<p>"Coacoochee has escaped from the fort! got out somehow during the storm -last night, and made off. The general is in a terrible temper over it. -I am ordered out with a scouting party to see if we can pick up the -trail. So I must hurry on. Good-bye."</p> - -<p>In another minute the bearer of this startling bit of news was -clattering away down the street, while the three who were left stood -staring blankly at one another.</p> - -<p>Nita was saying over and over to herself, "Coacoochee has escaped, has -escaped, and is free. Oh! how happy I am! And that soldier is going to -try and recapture him. Oh, how I hate him! But he cannot. Coacoochee is -free, and will never let them take him again. Oh, how happy I am!"</p> - -<p>As Anstice Boyd reflected upon the full meaning of what she had just -heard, her heart was crying out: "Coacoochee has escaped, and I aided -him. Now Irwin has gone to find him. They will meet and kill each -other. I know they will! Oh! why did I do it? Why did I do it?"</p> - -<p>Ralph Boyd expressed his feelings aloud by exclaiming: "That is one -of the best bits of news I have heard in many a day. It will continue -the war, no doubt, but I don't care if it does. Serve the sneaks right -who thought to end it by treachery. They will get some greatly needed -lessons in honest fighting now."</p> - -<p>"You don't mean Mr. Douglass, brother?"</p> - -<p>"Douglass? No! Bless his honest soul! He's no sneak, but only an -unfortunate victim of circumstances. But never you fear, sister. -Douglass won't catch Coacoochee, even if he has to ride half around -the territory to avoid him. He is too honorable a fellow to do a mean -thing, or forget a debt of gratitude. If Douglass is the only one sent -after him, Coacoochee is all right. I am afraid, though, there are -others. I'll find out as soon as I get you two back to the house. -What! Not going back?"</p> - -<p>"Not just yet, brother. Nita wants to be the first to tell the great -news to Coacoochee's father, so as to give the old man courage to bear -his exile and his sad journey. She wants to bid him good-bye too, for -of course she will not go with him now."</p> - -<p>"Of course not, and I suppose we must let her do as she wishes," agreed -Boyd, reluctantly. "I hope, though, she will be very careful not to be -recognized."</p> - -<p>"I will see that she is careful, brother."</p> - -<p>So the three continued their way to the Indian camp, which they found -in a state of dire confusion on account of the order for removal just -received. There were already many white persons in the camp; soldiers -who were hastening the preparations, and mere curiosity-seekers who -were retarding them by their useless presence. All of these, as well -as the Indians themselves, gazed curiously at the two ladies and the -stalwart young Englishman, who walked directly to the tent of Philip -Emathla. The old man, who was sitting in a sort of a daze just outside, -recognized Ralph Boyd at once, and when Nita stooped and whispered -in his ear, he immediately rose and followed her inside the canvas -shelter. Anstice also went inside, and the flap curtaining the entrance -was dropped, leaving Boyd outside on guard.</p> - -<p>As he gazed curiously on the novel scene about him, and even walked a -few steps to one side the better to observe it, a white man of sinister -aspect passed him twice, each time regarding him furtively but keenly. -Suddenly he darted to the tent, pulled aside the flap, and thrust his -head inside.</p> - -<p>A startled cry from the interior attracted Boyd's attention, and, ere -the man had time for more than a glimpse, he was seized by the collar, -and jerked violently backward.</p> - -<p>"What do you mean, scoundrel! by your rascally intrusion into other -folk's privacy?" demanded the young Englishman, hotly. "I've a mind to -give you the kicking you deserve."</p> - -<p>"I didn't mean nothin', cap'n," whined the man, squirming in the -other's fierce clutch. "I didn't know thar was any privacy in thar. I'm -thought 'twas only Injuns; and I'm got orders to take that tent down -immejiate."</p> - -<p>"Well, you won't take it down, not yet awhile; and you'll vanish from -here as quick as possible. So get!"</p> - -<p>With the utterance of this expressive Americanism the speaker released -the man, and at the same time administered a hearty kick that caused -its recipient to howl with anguish. Ere he disappeared he turned a look -of venomous hate at his assailant and muttered:</p> - -<p>"I'll git even with you for this, curse you! Anyway, I saw what I -wanted to see, and I know whar the gal's to be found."</p> - -<p>He was Ross Ruffin, Mr. Troup Jeffers' human jackal, who, at the -bidding of his master, had been hanging about the Indian camp for -weeks, watching for the reappearance of Nita Pacheco. His suspicions -had just been aroused by the disappearance, into Philip Emathla's tent, -of two ladies, and in the single glimpse caught by his bold manœuvre -they had been confirmed. He had seen Nita, whose cloak having fallen -to the ground, was fully revealed in her Indian costume, standing with -her hands on the old chieftain's shoulders and imparting to him the -glorious news of Coacoochee's escape from captivity. Now all that he -had to do was to discover whether the girl accompanied the Indians to -Charleston or remained behind, and this information he had acquired ere -nightfall.</p> - -<p>Nita had not seen him, and it was Anstice who uttered the cry that -attracted her brother's attention. Of course neither of them recognized -the man, nor when, a little later, they returned to the house that Nita -had believed on leaving she should never see again, did they notice -that he was stealthily following them at a distance. After that he -watched the embarkation of the captives, to assure himself that Nita -Pacheco did not accompany them. As the transports sailed, Ross Ruffin -also left the city, and that night he held a conference with Mr. Troup -Jeffers.</p> - -<p>The inmates of the Boyd house experienced mingled feelings of -satisfaction at Coacoochee's escape, apprehension lest he should be -recaptured, and anxiety in behalf of their friend Douglass. Only Nita -was confident and light hearted.</p> - -<p>"He will not be caught," she said, "nor will he harm your friend; we -shall hear from him very soon by some means."</p> - -<p>She was right; they did hear very soon, and when the news came, it was -of such a terrible nature that the others would gladly have kept it -from her. Lieutenant Douglass, returning at nightfall from his scout, -went directly to the Boyds' house; and, in answer to the eager queries -that greeted his entrance, said:</p> - -<p>"Yes; I found him, poor fellow! About a dozen miles from the city we -met a squad of volunteer cavalry. In reply to my question if they had -seen any sign of Coacoochee, who had just escaped from the fort, one of -them said: 'You bet we have, cap'n, and here's his scalp.' With that—"</p> - -<p>Here the speaker was interrupted by a stifled cry and a heavy fall. -Nita Pacheco lay unconscious on the floor. The two men bore her to -a bed in an adjoining room, where they left her to the gentle care -of Anstice. When they returned to the outer room, Douglass asked -curiously:</p> - -<p>"What does it mean, Boyd? What possible interest can your guest have in -Coacoochee?"</p> - -<p>"My dear fellow, I see now that we ought to have told you sooner, and -so saved her this cruel blow. She is Nita Pacheco, Spanish by descent, -but Indian by association and bringing up. She is the adopted daughter -of Philip Emathla, and the betrothed of Coacoochee."</p> - -<p>"Good Heavens!" cried Douglass. "No wonder she fell when struck such a -blow. What a brute she must think me."</p> - - - -<p>"Don't blame yourself, old man," said Boyd, soothingly; "the fault lies -entirely with us. But are you certain that Coacoochee is dead?"</p> - -<p>"The man who scalped him said he knew him well, and could swear to his -identity. We went on to examine and bury the body, and it answered -fully the description of Coacoochee. Oh yes, there is no doubt that -he is dead, though his companion has thus far eluded all search. In -one way, I suppose his death will be a good thing for the country; but -I must confess, that for the sake of that poor girl, I would gladly -restore him to life if I could, and take the consequences. Well, good -night. Make the best apologies you can for me to Miss Anstice."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXIII">CHAPTER XXXIII</a></p> - -<p class="center">TOLD BY THE MAGNOLIA SPRING</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> reported death of Coacoochee, which was generally believed, gave -great satisfaction to the people of Florida, and to the troops who had -been for so long engaged in the thankless task of trying to subdue the -Seminoles. With many of their leading chiefs removed beyond hope of -return, and with their most daring spirit dead, the Indians must, of -course, relinquish all hopes of successfully continuing the struggle. -So the war was supposed to be ended, and many families of refugees now -returned to their abandoned homes.</p> - -<p>Among these were the Boyds, who had no longer any reason for remaining -in St. Augustine, and who were particularly anxious to remove Nita -from the sorrowful associations surrounding her there. She was slow to -recover from the shock caused by the news of her lover's death, but as -soon as she was able to bear the journey, they took her with them to -the plantation, which they begged her to consider her own home.</p> - -<p>Ralph Boyd began at once the energetic restoration of his property. A -few of the old servants had already found their way back, and others, -tired of dwelling amid the constant alarms of Indian camps, began -to arrive in small bands, as soon as they heard that the proprietor -had returned, until nearly the whole of the original force of the -plantation was restored to it. Aided by these free and willing workmen, -the young planter repaired the great house and numerous outbuildings, -cleared and replanted the weed-grown fields, trimmed the luxuriant -growth of climbing vines and shrubbery, and, within a few months, could -gaze with honest pride over an estate unexcelled for beauty by any in -Florida.</p> - -<p>In these undertakings Nita tried, for the sake of her friends, to -exhibit an interest, and in their presence to appear cheerfully -content. With all her efforts, however, she could not conceal the fact -that she was pining for her old forest life, and would gladly exchange -the luxuries of civilization for the rude camp of her warrior lover, -could he but be restored to her. She spent much time, clad in her -Indian costume, and roaming the wilder portions of the plantation, -mounted on one of those fleet-footed ponies for which Florida was -famous, and which were descendants of the old Andalusian stock brought -over by De Soto. One of the girl's favorite haunts was the bank of -a spring that boiled from a bed of snow-white sand, amid a clump of -stately magnolias, about a mile from the great house. Here she would -sit for hours, plaiting sweet-scented grasses into graceful shapes, -as she had learned to do among the maidens of King Philip's village; -but always thinking such sad thoughts that her work was often wet with -scalding tears. At such times Ko-ee, as she called her pony, circled -about her in unrestrained liberty, nibbling at grasses or leaves, here -and there, but always quick to come at her call, and behaving much like -a well-trained watch-dog, fully aware of the responsibility of his -position.</p> - -<p>One mild and hazy afternoon early in the new year, when the weather -was of that degree of perfection that it so often attains just before -the coming of a "Norther," Nita sat by her favorite spring, and Ko-ee -browsed near at hand. All at once the pony uttered a snort, pricked up -his delicate ears, and began to move uneasily toward his mistress. As -she glanced up from her work, she was filled with terror at the sight -of a man standing but a few paces away, and regarding her earnestly. -Her first impulse was to fly, and her next was to fling herself into -his arms; for in that instant she recognized the brother whom she had -not seen since that night of cruel separation nearly four years before.</p> - -<p>"Louis!" she cried. "Louis, my brother! Is it you? Are you really -alive? I thought you were dead, together with all whom I have ever -loved. I knew you had escaped and joined our friends in fighting for -their rights and our rights; but they told me you were killed, and I -thought I was alone in the world."</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus07.jpg" alt="nita" /> -<a id="illus07" name="illus07"></a> -</p> -<p class="caption">NITA SAT BY HER FAVORITE SPRING.</p> - -<p>"Even if I had been killed, dear, you would not be alone, so long as -Coacoochee is left; for he—"</p> - -<p>"Louis! How dare you? He is dead!"</p> - -<p>"Dead, sister! Coacoochee dead, when he but now sent me here to find -you; when but four days ago I fought by his side in the fiercest and -most splendid battle of this war? He was wounded, to be sure, though -not seriously; but as for his being dead, he is no more dead than you -or I. What could have put such a belief into your mind?"</p> - -<p>For a moment the girl stared at her brother with unbelieving eyes and -colorless face. "Is it true?" she whispered at length. "Can it be true? -Tell me, Louis, that you are not saying this thing to tease me, as you -used when we were children. Tell me quick, brother, for I can bear the -suspense no longer."</p> - -<p>As Louis assured her that he had spoken only the truth, and that her -lover still lived, the girl's over-strained feelings gave way, and she -sank to the ground, sobbing, and panting for breath.</p> - -<p>Louis Pacheco, clad in the costume of a Seminole warrior, battle worn, -and travel stained, sat by his sister's side and soothed her into -quietness. Then he told her the story of the great fight on the shore -of Lake Okeechobee. He told how Coacoochee and three other chiefs, -with less than five hundred warriors, fought for three hours in the -saw-grass and tangled hammock growth, against eleven hundred white -troops under General Zachary Taylor, and finally retired for want of -ammunition, taking with them their thirteen dead and nineteen wounded. -"The white soldiers were killed until they lay on the ground in heaps, -and their wounded could not be counted. If we had only had plenty of -powder, and as good guns as they, we would not have left one of them -alive," concluded the narrator, fiercely.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Louis, it is awful!" cried the girl, with a shudder.</p> - -<p>"What is awful? That we left so many of them alive? Yes; so it is, -but—"</p> - - - -<p>"I do not mean that. I mean this terrible fighting."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sister, the fighting is terrible, and so is the suffering; but -neither is so terrible as tamely submitting to slavery, and injustice, -and oppression, and the loss of everything you hold most dear on earth. -Those are the terrible things that the whites are trying to force upon -us. But we will never submit. We will fight, and cheerfully die, if -needs be, as free men, rather than live as slaves. As for the white -man's word, I will never trust it. Coacoochee trusted it, and it led -him to a prison. Osceola trusted it, and it led him to death. Micanopy -trusted it, and it led him into exile."</p> - -<p>"But, Louis, some of the whites are honorable. The Boyds have treated -me like an own sister, and, but for them, Coacoochee would not now be -free."</p> - -<p>"Yes," admitted Louis, with softened voice. "Coacoochee has told me of -them, and with my life would I repay their kindness to you and to him. -With them you are safe, and with them will I gladly leave my sister -until such time as I can make a free home for her."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Louis! Haven't you come for me? Can't I go with you?"</p> - -<p>"Not now, Ista-chee [little one]. Here is greatest safety for you; -for to all the Iste-chatte has word been sent that none may harm this -place, nor come near it. The suffering of the women and children with -us is very great, and I would not have you share it. Now I must go; -for I am sent to notify the northern bands of our victory, and bid -them follow it up with fierce blows from all sides. In two days will -I come to this place again, when, if you have any token or message -for Coacoochee, I will take it to him. Soon he hopes to come for you -himself, and until that time you must wait patiently."</p> - -<p>So saying, and after one more fond embrace of his sister, Louis -disappeared in the undergrowth, leaving Nita radiant and filled with a -new life. Her brother had bound her to secrecy concerning his visit, -at least until he had come and gone again, but she could not restrain -the unwonted ring of happiness in her voice, nor banish the light from -her face. Both of these things were noted by Anstice, as she met the -girl on her return to the house.</p> - -<p>"Why, Nita! What has happened?" she exclaimed. "Never have I seen you -look so happy. One would think you had heard some glorious news. What -is it, dear?"</p> - -<p>"Please, Anstice, don't ask me; for, much as I am longing to tell you, -I can't; that is, not for a few days. Then I will tell you everything. -But I am happy. Oh, I am so happy!"</p> - -<p>With this, the girl darted away to her own room, leaving Anstice in a -state of bewilderment not unmixed with vexation.</p> - -<p>"I'm sure she might have told me," she said to herself. "It can't be -anything so very important, for there is no possible way of receiving -news at this out-of-the-world place, unless it is brought by special -messenger, and none could arrive without my knowledge. I do believe, -though, that one is coming now."</p> - -<p>Anstice was standing on the broad front verandah, over which was -trained a superb Lamarque rose, so as to form a complete screen from -the evening sun. Her ear had caught the sound of hoof-beats, and, as -she parted the vines before her, she saw two horsemen coming up the -long oleander avenue. Both were in uniform, and it needed but a glance -for the blushing girl to discover the identity of the foremost rider. -It was Irwin Douglass, hot, dusty, and weary with long travel. He -dismounted, tossed his bridle to the orderly, who rode back toward the -stables with both horses, and slowly ascended the steps.</p> - -<p>As he gained the verandah, his bronzed face flushed with pleasure -at sight of the daintily clad girl who was stepping forward with -outstretched hand to greet him.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Miss Anstice! If you could only realize how like a bit of heaven -this seems!" he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"You must indeed have undergone hardships to find your ideal of heaven -in this stupid place," laughed the girl, at the same time gently -disengaging her hand, which the young man seemed inclined to hold. -"Now sit down, and don't speak another word until I have ordered some -refreshments, for you look too utterly weary to talk."</p> - -<p>"But I have so much to tell, and so short a time to tell it in," -remonstrated the lieutenant. "I must be off again in an hour."</p> - -<p>"Never mind; I won't listen to such a woe-begone individual. Besides, -Ralph will want to hear your news as well."</p> - -<p>With this, Anstice disappeared in the house, and Douglass sank wearily -into a great easy-chair.</p> - -<p>Directly afterward Ralph Boyd appeared with a hearty greeting, and -a demand to hear all the news at once. Before his desire could be -gratified, his sister returned with a basket of oranges, and followed -by a maid bearing a tray of decanters, glasses, and a jug of cool -spring water.</p> - -<p>"These will save you from immediate collapse," said the fair hostess, -"and something more substantial will follow very shortly. Now, sir, -unfold your budget of news, for I am dying to hear it."</p> - -<p>"Well," began Douglass, "there has been the biggest fight of the war, -away down south on the shore of Lake Okeechobee, and I was in it."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" exclaimed Anstice.</p> - -<p>"That, of course, is nothing wonderful," continued the young soldier, -"but it is surprising that I came out of it without a scratch, for -there were plenty who did not. On our side we left twenty-six dead on -the field, and brought away one hundred and twenty severely wounded, -besides a few score more suffering from minor injuries."</p> - -<p>"Whew!" ejaculated Ralph Boyd. "Who was in command?"</p> - -<p>"General Taylor, on our side. And now for my most surprising bit of -news." Here the speaker hesitated and looked carefully about him. -"I want to be cautious this time," he said. "But it was confidently -asserted by scouts and prisoners that the Indian commander was no other -than our late lamented friend, the Wildcat."</p> - -<p>"Coacoochee! So that was Nita's secret!" cried Anstice. "I might have -known that nothing else would make her look so radiant. Oh! I am so -glad!"</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?" demanded the astonished lieutenant. "How could she -have heard anything about the battle, when I have just come from the -field with despatches for St. Augustine, and have ridden almost without -stopping?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know, for she wouldn't tell me; but I am certain she did hear -some time this afternoon. But oh! Mr. Douglass, we are so thankful -that you escaped so splendidly. It must have been awful. Of course you -gained the victory, though?"</p> - -<p>"I don't quite know about that," replied the lieutenant, doubtfully. -"We silenced their fire, and drove them from the field after a -three-hours fight; but it is said that they had less than half our -number of men, and we are in full retreat. Officially, of course, we -have won a victory; but it wouldn't take more than two or three such -victories to use up the whole Florida army."</p> - -<p>They discussed the exciting event for an hour longer, and then Douglass -was reluctantly forced to continue his journey. When he left, he -promised to be back in three days' time, as his orders were to proceed -from St. Augustine to Tampa.</p> - -<p>This promise was fulfilled; but when the lieutenant again drew rein -before the hospitable plantation house, that seemed so much like a -home to him, he found its inmates filled with anxiety and alarm. Nita -Pacheco had disappeared under very mysterious circumstances the evening -before, and no trace of her whereabouts or fate could be discovered.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXXIV">CHAPTER XXXIV</a></p> - -<p class="center">FOLLOWING A MYSTERIOUS TRAIL</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Nita</span> had not appeared during the lieutenant's former brief visit to the -plantation, and when, on his departure, Anstice sought her to charge -her with having already learned that Coacoochee still lived, the happy -girl made no denial of her knowledge. At the same time she would not -reveal the source of her information, though when Anstice declared her -belief that Nita had seen the young chief himself, the latter denied -that such was the case. "He is wounded," she added, "and could not -come. Besides," she continued proudly, "he is now head chief of the -Seminole nation, and has much to think of. But he remembered me, and -sent me a message."</p> - -<p>"Remembered you, indeed!" cried Anstice. "I should think he ought to; -but I am sorry to hear that he is wounded, for he is a splendid fellow. -Isn't it wonderful, though, that Lieutenant Douglass went through that -same awful battle, and came out without injury. I can't understand it."</p> - -<p>"In a battle where Coacoochee commands, no friend of Ralph Boyd can be -struck, save by accident," replied Nita, simply.</p> - -<p>"Do you believe that? If I thought it were true, I should love your -Indian hero almost as much as you do, dear. I wonder, though, if that -can be the secret of Irwin's escape?"</p> - -<p>So the two girls talked and became drawn more closely to each other -with their exchange of innocent confidences.</p> - -<p>On the following day, Nita rode Ko-ee as usual, though not in the -direction of the magnolia spring; but on the one after, she haunted its -banks for hours. She went to it in the morning, reluctantly returning -to the house for lunch and to have Ko-ee fed at noon, and made her way -back to the place appointed for meeting her brother, as soon afterwards -as she could frame a decent excuse for so doing.</p> - -<p>She was in the gayest of spirits as she rode away, and she laughingly -called back to Anstice, "To-morrow, dear, I am going to spend the whole -day with you."</p> - -<p>"Isn't it a pleasure to see her so happy?" asked Anstice of her -brother, as they watched the girl ride away. "And did you ever see -such a change in so short a time? A few days ago she was listless and -apparently indifferent whether she lived or not. Now she is full of -life, and interested in everything. Then, I did not consider her even -good-looking; while at this minute, she seems to me one of the most -beautiful girls I ever saw."</p> - -<p>"Yes," replied Boyd, "I have noticed the change; but I wish, Anstice, -you would persuade her to give up these lonely rambles; though she has -promised me not to go beyond the limits of the plantation, I can't help -feeling uneasy. If I weren't so awfully busy, I would ride with her -myself, since she insists on riding."</p> - -<p>"No you wouldn't, brother," laughed Anstice. "I couldn't afford to -have the jealousy of the savage lover aroused in that way. Besides, -it is absurd to regard Nita as though she were a daughter of -civilization, needing to have every step carefully guarded. In spite -of her sweetness, and the readiness with which she has fallen into our -ways, she is still so much of an Indian as to be more at home in the -trackless forest, than in the <i>chaco</i> of the <i>Iste-hatke</i>, as she is -pleased to term the house of the white man. So let her alone, brother; -for, if she is to be the wife of an Indian, the more she retains of her -Indian habits, the better it will be for her."</p> - -<p>Thus Nita was allowed to go her own way. And when, at sunset, she had -not returned, but little uneasiness was felt in the great house on her -account, though Anstice did sit with her gaze fixed on the long avenue -up which she expected each moment to see the truant appear.</p> - -<p>A few minutes later her uneasiness was exchanged for alarm, as one of -the stable boys came running to the house to report that Ko-ee, the -pony, had shortly before appeared at the stables, riderless and alone, -though still saddled and bridled, and that Miss Nita was nowhere to be -seen.</p> - -<p>Filled with dismay at this report, Ralph Boyd and his sister hastened -to the stables, and there were greeted by the further news that four -of the best horses belonging to the plantation were missing. This had -only been discovered when one of the stable boys went to the field into -which all the horses not in use were turned during the daytime, to -drive them up for the night.</p> - -<p>By this time a group of excited negroes was collected, and it seemed as -though it had only needed the starting of disquieting reports to cause -others to come pouring in. It now appeared that saddles and bridles -had been stolen, that provisions had disappeared, that a boat was -missing from the river bank, that unaccountable noises had been heard, -and mysterious forms had been seen at night, in various parts of the -plantation.</p> - -<p>When Boyd sternly demanded why he had not been informed of these things -before, the negroes replied that they had not dared offend their Indian -friends, whom they believed to be at the bottom of all the trouble.</p> - -<p>"If Indians are prowling about here, the sooner we locate them and -discover their intentions, the better," announced the proprietor, "and -if Miss Nita has come to any grief from which we can extricate her, the -sooner we do that, the better also."</p> - -<p>With this, he armed himself and a dozen or so of the more trusted -negroes, provided a dozen more with torches, for the night had not -grown very dark, let loose all the dogs of the place, wondering at the -time why they had not given an alarm long before, and thus accompanied -made a thorough examination of all Nita's known haunts within the -limits of the plantation. Midnight had passed ere the fruitless search -was ended, and the young man returned wearily to the great house.</p> - -<p>"It is my honest conviction," he declared to Anstice, as she hovered -about him with things to eat and to drink, "that Nita has met some band -of Indians and gone off with them. I shouldn't be surprised to learn -that Coacoochee had sent for her, or even come for her himself."</p> - -<p>"I don't believe any such thing," said Anstice, decidedly. "She would -never have gone off without bidding us good-bye. Nor do I believe -that Coacoochee would take, or allow to be taken, one pin's worth of -property belonging to you. Whatever has happened to Nita, and I am -afraid it is something dreadful, she has not left us in this state of -suspense of her own free will."</p> - -<p>"Well," replied the other, "I am too tired to discuss the question -further to-night, and perhaps daylight will aid us in solving it."</p> - -<p>Soon after sunrise the next morning, according to his promise of -returning on the third day, Lieutenant Douglass, heading an escort -of troopers, and accompanied by one of the most experienced scouts in -Florida, reached the plantation. While at breakfast he gathered all the -known details of what had happened on the previous evening. Then he -asked which of Nita's usual haunts she would have been most likely to -visit the afternoon before.</p> - -<p>"The magnolia spring," replied Anstice, without hesitation. "She was -going in that direction when last seen."</p> - -<p>"Let us take a look at the magnolia spring, then, and see if Redmond, -my scout, can discover any signs of her having been there."</p> - -<p>So they four, the Boyds, Douglass, and the scout, visited the bubbling -spring beside which Nita was known to have passed so much of her time. -Within two minutes the scout pointed out a place in a thicket but a -short distance from the spring, where a struggle had taken place, and -from which a plainly marked trail led through the undergrowth toward -the river.</p> - -<p>"There were only two men," he said, "and they warn't Injuns, for no -redskin ever left such a trail as that. Besides, Injuns don't wear -boots, which them as was here yesterday did. It's my belief that -them men has made off with the girl. Leastways, one of 'em carried -something heavy; but they've been mighty careful not to let her make -any footprints."</p> - -<p>The trail was followed to a place on the riverbank where a boat had -been concealed, and from signs undistinguishable to untrained eyes, the -scout described the craft so minutely, that Ralph Boyd knew it to be -the one missing from his own little fleet.</p> - -<p>"But what have white men got to do with this business?" the latter -asked, in perplexity, and unwilling to drop his Indian theory.</p> - -<p>"Dunno, cap'n," replied the scout; "but you can take my word for it, -that white men have been, and Injuns hasn't. Yes, they have too!" he -cried, as at that instant his eye lighted on another, almost illegible -print, near where the boat had grounded. "Here's a moccasin track, and -it ain't that of any woman either. What I want now is to have a look on -the other side."</p> - -<p>In compliance with this desire, a boat was procured, and the whole -party crossed the river. Then a short search located the point where -the other boat had landed. It also disclosed a most puzzling trail, for -here were the prints of <i>four</i> pairs of booted feet instead of two, -while no trace of moccasins was to be found. The trail led from the -water's edge to a grove in which four horses had been tied to trees, -and from there it bore away to the southwest.</p> - -<p>"They're headed for the Tampa road," remarked the scout; "and I reckon -Tampa's where they're bound for."</p> - -<p>"Then we'll have a chance to find out something more about them," -said Douglass; "for I must be a long way toward Tampa before another -nightfall."</p> - -<p>"By Jove, old man! I'm going with you," declared Ralph Boyd; "I want to -know something more of this affair myself."</p> - -<p>"If you go, Ralph, I shall go too," announced Anstice, firmly. "I'm not -going to be left here alone again. Besides, I am as anxious to find out -what has become of poor Nita as you are, and I have always wanted to -visit Tampa."</p> - -<p>As Douglass assured his friends that nothing would afford him greater -pleasure than to have them accompany him, and joined with Anstice in -her plea, Ralph Boyd reluctantly gave consent for his sister to form -one of the party. Thus, before they regained their own side of the -river, all details of the proposed trip were arranged.</p> - -<p>While Anstice was making her preparations for departure, her brother -summoned the entire working force of the plantation, and telling them -that he had reason to believe the recent thefts to have been committed -by white men, asked if any of them could remember having seen any -strange white man about the place within a week.</p> - -<p>All denied having done so, save one of the old field hands, who -hesitatingly admitted that he had seen the ghost of a white man, on the -night of the "Norther."</p> - -<p>"Where did you see it?" demanded Boyd.</p> - -<p>"At de do' ob de chickun house."</p> - -<p>"What were you doing there?"</p> - -<p>"Jes' projeckin' roun'."</p> - -<p>"How do you know it was a ghost, and not a live man?"</p> - -<p>"Kase I seen him by de light ob de moon, an kase I uster know him when -he war alive."</p> - -<p>"Whose ghost do you think it was?"</p> - -<p>"Marse Troup Jeffers, de ole oberseer."</p> - -<p>"The very man I ought to have thought of at first!" exclaimed the -proprietor, turning to Douglass. "He is not only so familiar with -the place that he knows where to lay his hands on such things as he -needs, and is friendly with the dogs, but he is so bitter against me -for turning him off, that he has already attempted to take my life, -as well as that of Anstice. He is now a slave-trader, and, in company -with other ruffians like himself, disguised as Indians, he very -nearly succeeded in running off all the hands on the plantation. He -has already made several attempts to capture Nita, for the purpose of -selling her into slavery, and now I fear he has succeeded. I swear, -Douglass, if I ever get within striking distance of that scoundrel -again, his death or mine will follow inside of two seconds. Now, let us -hasten to pick up the trail, and may God help Nita Pacheco, if she has -fallen into the clutches of that human devil."</p> - -<p>The plantation being left in charge of old Primus, the travellers set -forth, and, a number of boats having been provided, they were speedily -ferried across the river, towing their swimming horses behind them. -On the farther side they resaddled and mounted, Anstice riding Nita's -fleet-footed Ko-ee.</p> - -<p>By hard riding they struck the Tampa road before noon, and Redmond -immediately pointed out the trail of four shod horses, which he -affirmed had been ridden at full speed, late the evening before. Soon -afterward, the scout discovered the place where the outlaws had camped. -He declared that they had reached it long after dark, and had left it -before sunrise that morning.</p> - -<p>"Mighty little hope of our overtaking them this side of Tampa, then," -growled Douglass.</p> - - - -<p>For two days longer did the pursuing party follow that trail. They -found two other camping-places; but study the signs as they would, they -could discover nothing to indicate the presence of a woman, nor of any -save booted white men. "Which is what beats me more than anything ever -I run up against," remarked the puzzled scout.</p> - -<p>On the third day, by nightfall of which they expected to reach Fort -Brooke on Tampa Bay, the plainly marked trail came to a sudden ending, -amid a confusion of signs that Redmond quickly interpreted.</p> - -<p>"They were jumped here by a war-party of Reds," he said, "were -captured without making a show of fight, and have been toted off to -the northward. Would you mind, sir, if I followed this new trail a few -miles, not to exceed five? I might learn something of importance from -it."</p> - -<p>"No," replied Douglass. "We can afford to rest the horses here for an -hour or two, and I will go with you."</p> - -<p>"So will I, if you have no objection," said Boyd.</p> - -<p>The three went on foot swiftly and in silence for about three miles, -then the guide suddenly stopped and held up his hand for caution. -Creeping noiselessly to his side, the others peered in the direction he -was pointing, and there beheld a scene of horror that neither of them -forgot so long as he lived.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXV" id="CHAPTER_XXXV">CHAPTER XXXV</a></p> - -<p class="center">FATE OF THE SLAVE-CATCHERS</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">For</span> some time, Boyd, Douglass, and the scout had been aware of an odor, -pungent and sickening; but neither of the two former had been able to -determine its character. Now, as they gazed into an opening in the pine -forest, beside a small pond, its hideous cause was instantly apparent. -Although there was no sign of human life, there was ample evidence that -human beings, engaged in the perpetration of an awful tragedy, had -occupied the place but a few hours before. Chiefest of this evidence -were the charred remains of two human bodies, fastened and supported by -chains to the blackened trunks of two young pine trees. At the foot of -each tree a heap of ashes, and a few embers that still smouldered, told -their story in language so plain that even the civilian and the soldier -had no need of the scout's interpretation to enable them to comprehend -instantly what had taken place.</p> - -<p>For a few minutes they remained in hiding while he cautiously circled -about the recent encampment to discover if any of the Indians still -lurked in its vicinity. At length he reappeared on the opposite side -of the opening, and entering it disturbed a number of buzzards that -were only awaiting the cooling of the embers to begin their horrid -feast. These rose on heavy wings, and lighting on neighboring branches, -watched the intruders with dull eyes.</p> - -<p>"The Injuns have gone," said the scout as he met his companions in the -middle of the opening, "and taken the four horses with them. It was a -small war-party, all on foot and without women or children; but what -beats me is that there ain't no tracks of white men along with theirs. -Here are two accounted for, but what has become of the other two? They -might have rid horseback, it's true; but then, it ain't Injun way to -let prisoners ride when they are afoot themselves."</p> - -<p>"Is there any way of finding out who these poor devils were?" asked -Douglass, indicating the pitiful remnants of humanity before them.</p> - -<p>"No, sir, I can't say as there is," replied the scout, doubtfully. "All -I know for certain is that they was human, most likely men, and more -than likely white men. They must have done something to make the Reds -uncommon mad, too; for even Injuns don't burn prisoners without some -special reason, and never, in my experience of 'em, have I run across a -case where they did it in such a hurry. Generally when they've laid out -to have a burning, they save it till they get back to their village, so -as to let all hands share in the festivities. No, sir; this case is -peculiar, and you can bet there was some mighty good reason for it."</p> - -<p>As it would have been useless to follow the Indian trail any further, -the scouting party turned back from this point.</p> - -<p>"If I could only be sure that one of those wretches was Jeffers," said -Boyd to Douglass as they made their way among the solemn pines, "I -should feel that he had met with his just deserts. Certainly no man -ever earned a punishment of that kind more thoroughly than he. As the -matter stands, I fear it will be long before this mystery is cleared, -if, indeed, it ever is. Under the circumstances, don't you think it -will be just as well not to tell Anstice what we have seen?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly," replied Douglass, "and I will instruct Redmond not to -mention our discovery to any one. Of course, I shall be obliged to -report it to the general, but beyond that it need not be known."</p> - -<p>So Anstice was only told that the scouts had followed the Indian trail -as far as they deemed advisable, without discovering a living being, -and she rode on toward Tampa, happily unconscious of the hideous -forest tragedy that had been enacted so near her. Although she was -still anxious concerning Nita, she was not without hope that the girl -had fallen into friendly hands, who would ultimately restore her to -Coacoochee.</p> - -<p>At Tampa, which presented at that time a scene of the most interesting -activity, the Boyds formed many friends. A large military force was -stationed here in Fort Brooke, a post charmingly located on a point of -land projecting into the bay, and shaded by rows of live-oaks, vast in -size, and draped in the cool green-gray of Spanish moss. Beneath these -were the officers' quarters, and long lines of snowy tents. One of the -married officers, whose wife had gone North, tendered the Boyds the -use of his rudely but comfortably furnished cottage until they should -find an opportunity for returning safely to their own home. They gladly -accepted this offer, and their cottage quickly became a centre of all -the gayety and fun of the fort.</p> - -<p>Just back of the post was a large encampment of Indians, who had -surrendered or been made prisoners at different points, and were now -collected for shipment to New Orleans, on their way to the distant west.</p> - -<p>Although Anstice, in her pity for these unfortunates about to be torn -from the land of their birth, often visited them, and made friends with -the mothers through the children, she did not realize their sorrow so -keenly as she would had any of her own friends or acquaintances been -among them.</p> - -<p>On the day before that fixed for their embarkation, Colonel Worth, of -the 8th Infantry, came in from a long and finally successful scout -after Halec Tustenugge's band of Indians. Although the leader of -this band, together with a few of his warriors, succeeded in eluding -capture, a large number, including many women and children, had been -brought in. These it was decided to start for New Orleans in the -morning with the captives already on hand.</p> - -<p>The colonel who had just concluded this arduous campaign was a fine -specimen of the American soldier, as honest as he was brave; and a -cordial friendship already existed between him and the Boyds. As was -natural, therefore, the morning following his arrival at Fort Brooke -saw him seated at their cheerful breakfast table, where, of course, the -conversation turned upon the existing war.</p> - -<p>"There is just one man in Florida to-day, with whom I wish I had a -personal acquaintance," remarked the colonel. "He alone could put a -stop to this infernal business of hiding and sneaking and destroying -cornfields, and running down women and children, if he only would. His -name is Coacoochee."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I know him well, and believe what you say of him is true," -responded Boyd.</p> - -<p>"You know him! Then you are just the man to aid me in meeting him. I am -to be sent into his country in a few days, and am extremely anxious to -have a talk with him. Will you go with me, and exert your influence to -induce him to come in?"</p> - -<p>"I am afraid my influence would prove of small avail, colonel. You see, -Coacoochee has been already caught by chaff and made to suffer dearly -for his credulity."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I know, and it was one of the most outrageous—But I have no -business criticising my superior officers, so I can only say that—"</p> - -<p>Just here came an interruption in shape of a lieutenant, who wished -the colonel's instructions concerning an awkward situation. "You see, -sir," he began, "we had just got the prisoners, whom you brought in -yesterday, nicely started for the boats, when one of them, and a mighty -good-looking one for a squaw, darted out from among the rest and ran -like a deer towards the woods. Two of the guards started after her, -and several men ran so as to head her off. At this, and seeing no -other chance of escape, she sprang to a small tree and climbed it like -a kitten. Once up, she drew a knife from some part of her clothing -and declared in excellent English that she would kill any man who -dared come after her and then kill herself. I have been talking to -her and trying to persuade her of her foolishness. She only answers -that she will never be taken from Florida, and will do exactly what -she threatens, in case we attempt her capture. She is terribly in -earnest about it, and I am afraid means just what she says. Now all the -boats have left, save one that is only waiting for her, and I am in a -quandary. I dare not order any man to go up after her. I can't have her -shot. I can't shake her down, nor can I persuade her to come down, and -the transports will have sailed long before she is weary or starved -into submission."</p> - -<p>"It certainly is a most embarrassing situation," laughed the colonel, -rising from the table as he spoke, "and one that would seem to demand -my official presence. Will you come with us, Boyd?"</p> - -<p>"Can't I go too, colonel?" broke in Anstice. "Perhaps I can persuade -the poor thing to come down after all you men have failed."</p> - -<p>"Certainly, Miss Anstice; we shall be delighted to have both your -company and assistance."</p> - -<p>They found the situation to be precisely as described, except that, by -this time, quite a crowd of soldiers, all laughing and shouting at the -Indian girl, were collected about the tree. These were silenced by the -coming of their officers, and drew aside to make way for them.</p> - -<p>"This is a decidedly novel experience," began the colonel, as he caught -sight of a slender figure perched up in the tree, and staring down with -great, frightened eyes.</p> - -<p>At that moment, Anstice Boyd, who had just caught a glimpse of the -girl's face, sprang forward with a little scream of recognition.</p> - -<p>"It is Nita! my own darling Nita!" she cried. "Colonel, order these -horrid men to go away at once, and you and the others please go away, -too. She is my friend, and will come to me as soon as you are all out -of sight. I will be responsible for her, and shall take her directly to -the house, where you can see her after awhile, if you choose."</p> - -<p>Two minutes later the men had disappeared, and the poor, brave girl, -who had determined to die rather than leave the land in which her lover -still fought for liberty, was sobbing as though her heart would break -in Anstice Boyd's arms. The latter soothed and petted her as though -she had been a little lost child, and finally led her away to her own -temporary home. Here she clad her in one of the two extra gowns she -had managed to bring from the plantation, and so transformed her in -appearance, that when, an hour later, the colonel called to inquire -after his captive, he was more amazed than ever in his eventful career, -to find her a very beautiful, shy, and stylishly dressed young lady, to -whom it was necessary that he be formally presented.</p> - -<p>He had, in the meantime, learned her history from Boyd; and, when made -aware of the tender ties existing between her and the redoubtable young -war-chief of the Seminoles, had exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"Ralph Boyd, your coming here with your sister was a special leading -of Divine Providence, as was the act of that brave girl in refusing to -embark for New Orleans this morning. Now, with her aid, we will end -this bloody war."</p> - -<p>Proceeding to headquarters, he briefly explained the situation to -General Armistead, who had just succeeded General Taylor in command of -the army in Florida, and obtained his permission for the transports to -depart, leaving Nita Pacheco behind.</p> - -<p>Upon meeting Nita in Anstice Boyd's tiny sitting-room, the colonel -chided her gently for not making herself known to him at the time of -her capture with the others of Halec Tustenugge's village.</p> - -<p>To this she replied that she and her people had suffered so much at the -hands of white men, and been so often deceived, that they no longer -dared trust them.</p> - -<p>"That is so sadly true, my dear girl, that it seems incredible that -a Seminole should ever trust one of us again. Still, I am going to -ask you to do that very thing. I am going to ask you to trust me, and -believe in the truth of every word I say to you as you would in that of -Coacoochee himself. If I deceive you in one word or in any particular, -may that God who is ruler of us all repay me a thousand fold for my -infamy."</p> - -<p>Here followed a long conversation, in which the colonel outlined his -plan for obtaining an interview with Coacoochee, through the influence -of Nita, who he proposed should accompany his forthcoming expedition -to the southern interior. At its conclusion, Nita gave him a searching -look that seemed to read his very soul. Then, placing a small hand in -his, she said:</p> - -<p>"I will go with you, I will do what I can, and I will trust you."</p> - -<p>"Spoken like a brave girl, and one well worthy the bravest lover in all -Florida!" cried the colonel. "Now can I see the end of this war. Boyd, -I of course count on you to go with us?"</p> - -<p>"And me?" interposed Anstice. "Don't you count on me too, colonel? -Because if you don't, neither of these people shall stir a single step -with your old expedition."</p> - -<p>"My dear young lady," rejoined the colonel, gallantly, "the entire fate -of the proposed expedition rests with you, and I made so certain that -you would accompany us, that I have selected as my adjutant Lieutenant -Irwin—"</p> - -<p>"That will do, sir. Not another word," interrupted the blushing girl. -"If you get into the habit of talking such nonsense I, for one, will -never believe a word you say. I don't care, though, so long as it is -settled that I am to go. Now I want you both to listen while I tell you -what Nita has just told me of all that has happened to her since she -disappeared so mysteriously from the plantation. Nita dear, I am sure -you don't want to hear it, so run up to my room, and have a good rest. -I will come just as soon as I have got rid of these men."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXXVI">CHAPTER XXXVI</a></p> - -<p class="center">PEACE IS AGAIN PROPOSED</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">After</span> Nita had left the room, Anstice began her story as follows:</p> - -<p>"On the afternoon before that cold 'Norther' we had about a month ago, -Nita was sitting, as she often did, by the magnolia spring. You must -remember the place, colonel. There she received a most unexpected visit -from her brother Louis, whom she had not seen for years. He had been -sent by Coacoochee to carry the news of the battle of Okeechobee to the -northern bands, and also to bring a message to Nita. After they had -talked for awhile, he had to go on his way, but promised to be back in -two days' time and take any message or token she might wish to send to -her lover."</p> - -<p>"That's who it was then!" broke in Ralph Boyd. "Well, I am glad to have -that part of the mystery cleared up."</p> - -<p>"Yes," continued Anstice; "and of course, Nita was awfully excited. -When the second day came, she spent nearly the whole of it at the -spring. Finally, late in the afternoon, as before, she heard a voice -calling to her by name, very softly. Thinking, of course, that it -was Louis, who feared, for some reason, to advance into the open, she -followed the direction of the voice unhesitatingly. Then the first -thing she knew, a cloth was flung over her head, she was seized in a -pair of strong arms, and borne struggling away.</p> - -<p>"When, to save her from suffocating, the cloth was removed, she found -herself in a boat, with two white men and her brother Louis. The poor -fellow's head was cut and bleeding, as though from a cruel blow, and he -lay bound in the bottom of the boat. One of the white men was rowing, -and the other sat watching them, with a pistol in his hand."</p> - -<p>"Did she recognize the white men?" inquired Ralph Boyd.</p> - -<p>"Yes, she says they were the very two who stole her mother, and -afterwards stole the wife of Osceola."</p> - -<p>"The scoundrels!" cried Colonel Worth. "In that case they were the -prime instigators of this war, and ought to have been hanged long ago."</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered Boyd, "and one of them stole my sister, colonel, and -turned her adrift in the forest, where but for Coacoochee she must have -perished. The same gentleman also shot me in the back at the battle of -Withlacoochee, and supposed he had killed me."</p> - -<p>"Hanging would be altogether too good for the brute," declared the -colonel, excitedly. "He deserves to be burned at the stake."</p> - -<p>"That is what the Indians thought," replied Boyd, significantly. "But -go on, sister. Did Nita find out the name of the other man?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, she learned while with them that it was Ruffin,—Ross Ruffin."</p> - -<p>"I have heard of him, too, as being as great a scoundrel as Jeffers -himself, only more of a coward," muttered Boyd.</p> - -<p>"They made both Nita and Louis put on boots before leaving the boat," -continued the narrator, "and that accounts for our finding what we -supposed were the footprints of four white men. When they reached the -place where the horses were waiting, both the captives had their wrists -bound together, and a rope was passed from each to the saddle of one of -the white men. So they rode for two days, and Nita says it was simply -awful."</p> - -<p>"I should imagine it might have been," said the colonel.</p> - -<p>"Just at dusk of the second day, a lot of ambushed Indians surprised -and captured them all without firing a shot. Nita says, in spite of -her fright, she thinks that was one of the happiest moments of her -life. The Indians knew Louis, and, of course, released him and her -at once, tying up the white men instead. That night they camped some -miles from the road, and when Louis told who the prisoners were, and of -the many outrages they had committed, especially the stealing of poor -Chen-o-wah, the Indians declared they should live no longer, and began -at once to make preparations for killing them. Nita says she isn't -certain how they were killed, as she made Louis take her a long way -off, where she could neither see nor hear what was going on; but she -thinks they were <i>burned</i> to death."</p> - -<p>"And I know it," said Ralph Boyd, grimly. "Douglass and I saw their -charred remains the next day, and not knowing who they were, I expended -a certain amount of sympathy on them, that I now feel to have been -wholly wasted."</p> - -<p>"Oh brother! and you never told me! I'm glad you didn't, though, for -it is too horrible to even think of. Well, when Nita got to the Indian -village, they treated her just as nicely as they knew how, and promised -to join Coacoochee, of course taking her with them, as soon as their -crops were planted. Then you came along, colonel, and captured poor -Nita with the others, and brought her in here, and the rest you know. -Oh, I forgot! Nita is feeling very badly about her brother Louis, who -was captured with her and brought here. She says he was taken off in -one of the first boats this morning, and she is afraid she will never -see him again."</p> - -<p>"He must have given an assumed name," remarked the colonel, -thoughtfully. "Under the circumstances, though, I am very glad that he -did, and that he is well out of the country. I am afraid if it had -been known a few hours sooner that Major Dade's guide was in the -prisoners' camp, he would never have left it alive. In that case my -course with Coacoochee, which now appears so plain, would have been -beset with serious, if not insurmountable, difficulties. As it is, I -congratulate you, Miss Anstice, on having Nita Pacheco for a friend, -and look forward to the happiest result arising from that friendship. -Within a week we shall be ready to start for the country of Coacoochee, -and I can assure you that I have never anticipated any expedition with -greater pleasure than I do this one."</p> - -<p>The first of March, that loveliest month of the entire Floridian year, -found Colonel Worth's command camped in Fort Gardiner hammock, on the -western bank of the Kissimmee River. Here, they were more than one -hundred miles beyond the nearest white settlers, and in a country so -abounding with game of all kinds, including deer and turkey, besides -fish and turtles in wonderful abundance, that the troops were fed -on these, until they begged for a return to bacon and hardtack as a -pleasing change of diet. The heavily timbered bottom lands were in -their fullest glory of spring green, fragrant with a wealth of yellow -jasmine, and the glowing swamp azalea, as well as vocal with the notes -of innumerable song birds. It was one of the most charming bits of the -beautiful land that the Seminole loved so well and fought so fiercely -to retain. It was a typical home of the Indian, and one from which the -soldiers of the United States had thus far been unable to drive him.</p> - -<p>In the camp a large double tent, pitched next that of the commander, -was set apart for the use of the Boyds and Nita. Here Anstice held -regal court; for she was not only the first white woman to penetrate -that wild region, but the first who had ever accompanied a command -of the Florida army on one of its "swamp campaigns." In her efforts -at entertaining the officers who flocked about her, Anstice was ably -seconded by Nita, who, though demure and shy, was not lacking in quick -wit and a cheery mirth that had been wonderfully developed during this -expedition into the haunts of her lover.</p> - -<p>From its outset she had refused to wear the garb of civilization, and -appeared always dressed in the simple costume of an Indian maiden such -as the young Seminole war-chief might recognize at a glance, and now he -might be expected at any moment.</p> - -<p>The day on which he had promised to come in had arrived, and already -was Ralph Boyd gone forth to meet him. Oh, how slowly the time passed, -and yet again, how swiftly! Finally, unable to conceal her agitation, -Nita returned to the innermost recess of the tent, while Anstice -entertained several officers with gay talk and laughter outside.</p> - -<p>Friendly Indians, sent out long before with a white flag, on which were -painted two clasped hands, in token of friendship, and with numerous -presents, had found Coacoochee, and informed him of Colonel Worth's -desire for a talk; upon which the fierce young chief had laughed them -to scorn.</p> - -<p>"Tell the white chief," he said, "to come alone to the camp of -Coacoochee if he wishes to talk."</p> - -<p>"Thy friend Ralph Boyd is in the camp of the soldiers, and sends word -that the white chief is to be trusted."</p> - -<p>"Tell my friend that I am through with trusting white chiefs. I have -had a sadder experience with them than he."</p> - -<p>"Nita Pacheco is in the camp of the soldiers, and, being restrained -from coming to thee, bids thee come to her. She also sends word that -the white chief is to be trusted even as she is to be trusted."</p> - -<p>For a long time Coacoochee sat silent, while the little smoke clouds -from his calumet floated in blue spirals above his head; then he spoke -again, saying:</p> - -<p>"Tell the white chief that in five days Coacoochee will come to him. -Tell Ralph Boyd that on the fifth day from now, two hours before the -sleeping of the sun, if he comes alone, I will meet him at the palmetto -hammock, one mile this side of the soldiers' camp. If he comes not, -then shall I return to my own people, and the white chief shall never -meet me save in battle. Tell Nita Pacheco that at her bidding only, -of all the world, do I trust myself again within the power of the -Iste-hatke. Now go, and bear to her this token from Coacoochee."</p> - -<p>With this the young chief detached from his turban a superb cluster -of egret plumes fastened with a golden clasp, and handed it to the -messenger. This token had been promptly delivered to Nita, together -with her lover's message, and now she awaited his coming.</p> - -<p>Ralph Boyd, riding out alone to meet his Indian friend, felt almost -depressed at the utter loneliness of his surroundings, in which no -signs of human presence or animal life were to be discovered. He -wondered curiously, as he rode, whether that fair country would ever -be filled with the homes and tilled acres of civilization. As he -approached the cluster of cabbage palms named as the place of meeting, -he scanned it closely, but without detecting aught save an unbroken -solitude.</p> - -<p>Even as he pondered on how long he should wait for Coacoochee to fulfil -his engagement, he was startled by a low laugh, and the young chief, -with outstretched hand, stood by his side.</p> - -<p>Springing from his saddle, the Englishman grasped the hand of his -friend, and after a warm greeting confessed his amazement that any -human being could have approached him so closely without warning.</p> - -<p>"I remembered the magic by which your warriors were made to appear and -disappear on that former occasion long ago," he said, "and have watched -so keenly this time that I did not believe even you could come within -many yards of me without detection. Even now I know not from where you -came."</p> - -<p>For answer Coacoochee uttered his own signal, the cry of a hawk. -Instantly, to Boyd's infinite amazement, the two were surrounded by a -cordon of warriors, all armed with rifles, and the furthest not more -than three rods away.</p> - -<p>Coacoochee smiled at the blank expression on his friend's face, and -said: "From the camp of the soldiers to this place have my braves kept -pace with thee; for, while I trust Ralph Boyd, I was not yet prepared -to fully trust the war-chief of the Iste-hatke nor place myself -entirely in his power. Now am I satisfied, and will go with you."</p> - -<p>Thus saying, Coacoochee waved his hand, and the Indians, who had stood -motionless about them, disappeared within the shadows of the hammock. -At the same moment there came from it seven mounted warriors, one of -whom led a superb horse fully equipped for the road. The young chief -vaulted lightly into the saddle of this steed, and Boyd mounting at -the same time, the two friends, followed by their picturesque escort, -dashed away toward the camp by the Kissimmee.</p> - -<p>A few minutes later a blare of trumpets and a roll of drums heralded -their arrival, and Colonel Worth, escorted by a group of officers in -full uniform, stepped forward to greet the distinguished guest, from -whose coming so much was hoped. As the two war-chiefs of different -races, and yet both natives of one country, held each other's hand, -and gazed into each other's face, each was impressed with the belief -that he had met an honest man, a worthy foe, and one who might become a -stanch friend.</p> - -<p>After the formalities of the occasion had been exchanged, and just as -Coacoochee's eyes were beginning to rove restlessly down the camp, -Anstice Boyd stepped to his side, gave him the greeting of an old -friend, and leading him to her own tent, bade him enter alone.</p> - -<p>Thus there was no witness to the meeting of the forest lovers; but -when, a few minutes later, they came from the tent together, there was -a happiness in their faces that had not been there since that long-ago -evening of betrothal in the village of Philip Emathla.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVII">CHAPTER XXXVII</a></p> - -<p class="center">COACOOCHEE IS AGAIN MADE PRISONER</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Although</span> the Seminoles had generally been victorious in their battles -with the whites, they were struggling against a power so infinitely -greater than theirs that the four years of war already elapsed had made -very serious inroads upon both their strength and their resources. -Their entire force was in the field, and they had no reserves from -which to draw fresh warriors. They must raise their own food supplies -even while they fought. They could not manufacture powder nor arms, and -could only gain infrequent supplies of these by successful battles or -forays. The fresh, well-armed, and well-fed troops, operating against -them, outnumbered them ten to one. Their entire country was dotted -with stockaded posts, called by courtesy "forts," garrisoned by troops -who were continually driving the Indians from hammock to hammock, -destroying their fields, and burning their villages.</p> - -<p>One line of these posts extended across the Territory, from Fort -Brooke on Tampa Bay to St. Augustine, cutting off the northern bands -from those who had sought refuge amid the vast swamps of the south. -Another line extended down the west coast, and up the Caloosahatchie -to Lake Okeechobee; while a third line commanded the Atlantic coast -from St. Augustine to the mouth of the Miami River, where it empties -into far-distant Biscayne Bay. Of this last chain the principal posts -were Fort Pierce, on the Indian River opposite the inlet, Fort Jupiter -at the mouth of the Locohatchie, Fort Lauderdale on New River, and -Fort Dallas on Biscayne Bay. The last named was most important of all, -because of its size, its strength, nearly all of its buildings being -so solidly constructed of stone that some of them are in a good state -of preservation to this day, and on account of its situation, which -commanded the Everglades and the system of waterways connecting them -with the coast.</p> - -<p>Under these circumstances, it is no wonder that the Indians were weary -of the hopeless struggle against such overwhelming odds, and that -Colonel Worth found Coacoochee willing to talk peace.</p> - -<p>The two war-chiefs seemed drawn to each other, and to understand each -other from the first. During the four days that Coacoochee remained -in the camp of the soldiers, they held many informal talks concerning -the subject of greatest importance to them both. For a long time, -Coacoochee argued stoutly against the removal of his people to a -distant country, and pleaded hard for a reservation in their own land.</p> - -<p>To this Colonel Worth replied that more than half the tribe were -already removed, and could never be brought back. Also that, with -the great tide of white immigration setting steadily southward, no -reservation in Florida, worth the having, could be secured to the -Indians for more than a few years; at the end of which time the -existing troubles would rise again with exaggerated violence.</p> - -<p>These arguments finally prevailed, and with a heavy heart the young -chief admitted the necessity of leaving the land of his birth. He, -however, made one stipulation.</p> - -<p>"There are among us," he said, "those of a darker skin than ours, but -who are yet our brothers. Many of them were born to freedom in the land -of the Iste-chatte. They have fought with us for our liberty, and have -died by our side. They are with us as one people, and where we go they -must also go. If Coacoochee surrenders, and exerts his influence for -the removal of his people, it is only on condition that those of the -Iste-lustee now dwelling with the Seminoles shall go with them, and -that no one of them shall ever be claimed by a white man as his slave. -Are the words of Coacoochee good in the ears of the white war-chief?"</p> - -<p>"They are good," replied Colonel Worth, "and, were I in full command, -your condition should be granted unhesitatingly. But there is another -war-chief more powerful than I, who must be consulted. I believe he -will gladly accept your terms. He is now at Fort Brooke. Will you go -with me and see him? If you will, no matter whether you come to an -agreement or not, I pledge my sacred word, as a man and a soldier, that -you shall return to your own people, free and without harm."</p> - -<p>For some minutes Coacoochee meditated this proposition in silence. Then -he said slowly:</p> - -<p>"Micco-hatke [white chief], in the hope of ending this war, and saving -the lives of my people, I will do what I have said I never would do. I -will trust myself again within the walls of a white man's fort. I will -go with you to talk with this great white chief. First, I must return -to my warriors, and tell them where I am going, that there may be no -fighting while I am gone. I give you these ten sticks. With the rising -of each sun throw one away. When all are gone, Coacoochee will come -again, and go with his white brother to the place of the great white -chief."</p> - -<p>So the Wildcat left the camp of the soldiers as free as he had entered -it, journeyed far among the scattered bands of his people, and in ten -days returned, prepared to accompany his white friends to the place -from which they had set forth in search of him.</p> - -<p>At Tampa, General Armistead expressed himself as greatly impressed with -the manliness and evident sincerity of the young chief. He readily -consented to the condition imposed, and bade him bring in his people -at once, that they might be embarked for emigration.</p> - -<p>To this Coacoochee replied that, while he had become convinced of the -necessity for removal to the west, it would take time to convince his -followers, especially as the soldiers had so driven them that they -were scattered in small bands all over the country. They would not be -gathered together until at their great annual festival or green corn -dance, which would be held in June. Before that time he doubted if he -should be able to accomplish very much.</p> - -<p>Understanding this state of affairs perfectly, General Armistead -still desired Coacoochee to go and collect his people as speedily as -possible, designating Fort Pierce on the Indian River as the place at -which they should assemble.</p> - -<p>So the young war-chief having renewed his confidence in the words of -the white man, departed cheerfully, and filled with a new hope for -the future. He had received every mark of friendship and distinction -from officers and soldiers, and had been given no cause to doubt for a -moment the sincerity of these expressions.</p> - -<p>As Colonel Worth was about to leave for Palatka, and the Boyds were -taking advantage of his escort to return to their own home, Coacoochee -decided to accompany them as far as the plantation on the St. John's, -where Nita was still to be left until his return from the great -enterprise he had now undertaken.</p> - -<p>About this return much was said; for it would mean the beginning of -the young chief's long journey to the west, and of course on that -journey, from which there was to be no return, Nita Pacheco was to -accompany him. Anstice had set her heart on having what she termed -the "royal wedding" take place at the plantation, and had so nearly -gained Coacoochee's consent to being married according to the way of -the Iste-hatke, that she already considered her pet scheme as good as -adopted.</p> - -<p>The only officer accompanying the colonel to Palatka was Lieutenant -Douglass; and, on the evening of their arrival at the plantation, as -he and Anstice sat together on the verandah, while Coacoochee was -strolling with Nita beneath the oaks, and Ralph Boyd was entertaining -Colonel Worth inside the house, he startled the English girl by asking:</p> - -<p>"Wouldn't it be just as easy, Miss Boyd, to have two weddings as one -when Coacoochee returns?"</p> - - - -<p>"Why, yes. I suppose so. If there was any one else who wanted to get -married just at that time."</p> - -<p>"Well, there is. I do, for one."</p> - -<p>"And who is the other, pray?"</p> - -<p>"Can't you guess, Anstice? Don't you know? Won't you—?"</p> - -<p>Here the young officer caught one of the girl's hands in both of his, -and though he was obliged to release it a moment later, as the other -men appeared on the verandah, the mere fact that she had not snatched -it away filled him with unspeakable joy. It was a sufficient answer to -his question, and he knew as well as though told in words, that he had -won something better and sweeter far than rank, or honors, or position, -or whatever else besides love the world holds most dear.</p> - -<p>During the weeks that followed this happy evening at the plantation, -while Colonel Worth, with Irwin Douglass as his hard-worked adjutant -was always in the field, giving the Indians to understand that the -vigilance of the troops was in no way to be relaxed, by the prospects -of peace, Coacoochee, in the far south, was using every effort to -redeem his pledged word, and persuade his people to come in for -removal. He often visited Fort Pierce, the appointed rendezvous, which -was commanded by Major Chase, the same who as a captain had destroyed -the swamp stronghold of Osceola. This officer had long been conducting -similar operations in the south, despatching small bodies of troops -in all directions from his post, on the soldierly tasks of destroying -fields, capturing women and children, and burning the rude roofs that -had sheltered them. Upon receipt of orders to stay his hand, and hold -his troops in check, that Coacoochee might be given an opportunity -to collect his scattered warriors, Major Chase became impatient at -the loss of his favorite occupation. So he sent word to the general -commanding, that Coacoochee was so dilatory in fulfilling his promises, -that it was believed he meditated treachery.</p> - -<p>At this, General Armistead, who was on the point of being relieved of -his command, and ordered to Washington, consummated his official career -in Florida by an act calculated to bring a blush of shame to the cheek -of every American soldier. It was nothing more nor less than an issue -of instructions to Major Chase to seize Coacoochee, together with any -who might accompany him, the very next time the young chief visited -Fort Pierce, and hold them as prisoners of war.</p> - - - -<p>Upon the retirement of this general, the man appointed to succeed him -to the command in Florida, was Colonel Worth, then at Palatka, on -the St. John's, which was headquarters of his regiment. The distance -between that point and the Boyds' plantation was so short, that the -colonel, together with his adjutant, was in the habit of frequently -visiting it and sharing its bountiful hospitality. Here were often -held discussions of the war, and of the efforts then being made by -Coacoochee toward securing peace. During these conversations, the -colonel was apt to sigh for an extension of his powers, that he might -be enabled to put some of his pet theories into practice. In these -aspirations the plantation household heartily sympathized.</p> - -<p>It was only natural, then, that, on receiving his unexpected -appointment as commander-in-chief, the honest soldier should hasten -to impart the glad intelligence to his friends and bid them share his -satisfaction.</p> - -<p>Thus it came about that, a few evenings later, Ralph Boyd gave a dinner -in celebration of the event, at which, among other guests present, were -"General" Worth, as he must now be called, and Lieutenant Douglass.</p> - -<p>The occasion was one of unrestrained happiness, for all believed that -the tedious war must now come to a speedy close. Frequent blushes were -brought to the cheeks of both Anstice and Nita, by sly allusions to the -rapid approach of a certain double wedding that now appeared among the -probabilities of the immediate future.</p> - -<p>When the festivities were at their height, and all were in the gayest -of spirits, there came a clatter of horses' hoofs, and a rattle of -arms, from outside. The next moment a travel-stained courier entered, -saluted, and handed the general a despatch marked "urgent."</p> - -<p>The commander tore it open, glanced with paling cheeks at its contents, -and sprang to his feet, exclaiming:</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus08.jpg" alt="war" /> -<a id="illus08" name="illus08"></a> -</p> -<p class="caption"> "ALL IS LOST AND THE WAR IS ABOUT TO BREAK FORTH WITH -GREATER FURY THAN EVER."</p> - -<p>"My God, gentlemen! all is lost, and the war is about to break forth -with greater fury than ever! In violation of our plighted word, -Coacoochee and fifteen of his followers have been treacherously -seized at Fort Pierce, sent in irons to Tampa, and despatched in -cruel haste to the west. A transport even now bears them toward New -Orleans. In this emergency there is, to my mind, but one thing to be -done. Coacoochee must be brought back. Without his aid to end it, this -wretched war will continue indefinitely. Lieutenant Douglass, within -fifteen minutes I shall want you to start on an overland ride to New -Orleans. Intercept Coacoochee and bring him back to Tampa. For so -doing you shall have my written authority. Boyd, pen and paper, if you -please, and quickly."</p> - -<p>Less than a quarter of an hour later, Douglass, splendidly mounted, -armed with all requisite authority, and followed by but two troopers, -dashed away down the long avenue, fairly started on his momentous -mission.</p> - -<p>As Anstice bade him farewell, she whispered in his ear: "Remember, -Irwin, a double wedding, or none."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVIII">CHAPTER XXXVIII</a></p> - -<p class="center">DOUGLASS FULFILS HIS MISSION</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> spite of the undisguised treachery by which Coacoochee had been -made a prisoner and hurried from the country, the act was hailed with -joy by unthinking people all over the Territory. These cared not how -their enemy was got rid of, so long as they were at liberty to seize -his lands and enslave the negroes among his followers. There were many -others who were making too good a thing out of the war to care to have -it end. From these classes, therefore, arose a mighty clamor, when it -became known that General Worth was determined to bring back the young -war-chief; and for a time there was no man in the country so bitterly -abused and reviled as he.</p> - -<p>To the fearless soldier, strong in the rectitude of his convictions, -and planning far ahead of the present, this storm of words, prompted -by ignorance, malice, and selfish interests, was but as the idle -whispering of a passing breeze. He cared not for it; and if he had, his -attention was too immediately and fully occupied by matters of pressing -importance to permit him to notice it.</p> - -<p>As the general had foreseen, the outrage perpetrated upon their most -beloved chieftain caused the Seminole warriors to spring to their arms -with redoubled fury. Even as a smouldering brush-heap is fanned into -leaping flames by a sudden fitful gust, so the spirit of revenge, -burning deep in Indian hearts, was now allowed to blaze forth without -restraint. Small war-parties sallied forth from every swamp and -hammock, burning and killing in all directions. Nimbly eluding pursuit, -these could neither be destroyed nor captured; and through their fierce -acts of vengeance, the citizens of Florida were given bitter cause to -regret the taking away of Coacoochee. Such chiefs as remained, bound -themselves by a solemn covenant to hold no further intercourse with the -treacherous white man, but to fight him to the bitter end, and to put -to death any messenger, red, black, or white, whom he might send to -them under pretence of desiring peace.</p> - -<p>It was now summer, the season of heat, rain, fevers, and sickness. -Heretofore, during the summer months, the Indians had rested quietly in -their villages, and cultivated the crops that should furnish food for -the campaign of the succeeding winter. Heretofore, at this season, the -soldiers had been withdrawn from the deadly interior, and allowed to -recuperate in the health-giving sea-breezes of the coast.</p> - -<p>Now all this was changed. While sympathizing with the wronged and -outraged Indians, General Worth's loyalty to his government was too -strong to permit his feelings to interfere in the slightest with the -full performance of his duty. The time for an active summer campaign -had arrived, and the new commander was the very man to conduct such a -one with the utmost vigor. The Indians who had taken to the war-path -quickly found, to their sorrow, that the whites had done the same thing.</p> - -<p>From every post in Florida detachments of troops scoured the -neighboring territory, carrying desolation and dismay into every part -of the country known, or supposed, to be occupied by the enemy. No -hammock was so dense, and no swamp so trackless, that the white soldier -did not penetrate it. During the month of June thirty-two cornfields of -from five to twenty acres each were despoiled of their growing crops, -and as many Indian villages were destroyed. Even the watery fastnesses -of the widespread Everglades were invaded by a boat expedition from -Fort Dallas, which destroyed crops and orchards on many a fertile -island that the Indians had fondly believed no white man would ever -discover. During this same month of June, more than three thousand men, -stricken by fevers and kindred disease encountered in the swamps, were -enrolled on the sick list of General Worth's little army.</p> - -<p>By the end of the month nearly every Indian in Florida had been -driven into the impenetrable recesses of the Big Cypress, a vast swamp -bordering on the southwest coast, and most of the troops were recalled -to their respective posts.</p> - -<p>Now, if Douglass had been successful in his mission, it was time -for Coacoochee to be expected at Tampa, and the commander moved his -headquarters from Palatka to Fort Brooke, that he might be on hand to -receive the exiled chief. With him went the Boyds; for they had become -too deeply interested in this game of war to remain at a distance from -its most important moves. Of course, Nita accompanied them, alternately -hopeful and despairing, longing for news from her lover, and yet -fearing to receive it. Their old cottage being again placed at their -disposal, the Boyds were at once as comfortably established as though -they had never left it.</p> - - - -<p>On the third of July, a strange sail was reported beating slowly up -the bay, and that same evening Lieutenant Irwin Douglass, in speckless -uniform, walked into the Boyds' cottage, as quietly as though he had -left it but an hour before. As he entered, Anstice was the first to -discover him, and sprang to his side.</p> - -<p>"Irwin Douglass!" she cried. "Have you brought Coacoochee back with -you? Tell me quick!"</p> - -<p>Close behind her stood Nita, silent and motionless, but with shining -eyes that gained the coveted information from the young officer's face -long before he could give it in words.</p> - -<p>"Didn't you say it must be a double wedding or none?" he asked, -laughingly.</p> - -<p>"Yes. Tell us quick!"</p> - -<p>"Well, I didn't know of any one besides yourself who wished to get -married, except Nita."</p> - -<p>"You horrid man! Why don't you tell us?"</p> - -<p>"And as I didn't suppose she would accept any other Indian—"</p> - -<p>"You brought Coacoochee back with you?"</p> - -<p>"I didn't say so."</p> - -<p>"But you have! You know you have; for you would never have dared come -here if you hadn't."</p> - -<p>"Well then, I have, and he is aboard the transport out there in the -bay, alive, hearty, and filled with happiness at once more breathing -his native air."</p> - -<p>"Irwin Douglass, you are a dear fellow, and I love you! which is more -than I ever admitted before, except to Coacoochee," cried Anstice, -throwing her arms about Nita and hugging her in her excitement. "But -why didn't you bring him ashore? Didn't you suppose we wanted to see -him? And didn't you know that poor Nita was wearing her heart out with -suspense?"</p> - -<p>"I feared so, but I couldn't help it. You see, when a man in the -military business runs up against orders, he finds them mighty stubborn -facts, and not lightly to be turned aside. So as I had orders to leave -our friend under guard aboard ship, until he had been visited by the -commanding general, I thought it better to obey them."</p> - -<p>"Never mind, dear," said Anstice, turning consolingly to Nita. "We will -have him ashore to-morrow, and his coming will be a fitting celebration -of the Fourth of July that the Americans make so much fuss over."</p> - -<p>On the morrow, the general, accompanied by his staff, together with -Douglass and Boyd, visited Coacoochee on board the transport. As these -gained the deck, they beheld the distinguished prisoner thin and -haggard, with manacles on both wrists and ankles, but still standing -straight and undaunted, with eyes gazing beyond them and fixed on the -dear land that he had thought never to see again.</p> - -<p>Stepping directly to him, General Worth grasped his hand, saying:</p> - -<p>"Coacoochee, I take you by the hand as a warrior and a brave man, who -has fought long and with a strong heart for his country. You were not -captured and sent away by my orders, but by the orders of the great -chief who was then in command. Now I am in command, and by my order -have you been brought back to your own land that you may give it the -peace you promised me. For nearly five years has there been war between -the white man and the red man. Now that war must end, and you are the -man who must end it. You will not be allowed to go free until your -whole band has come in, ready for removal to the west. You may send a -talk to them by three, or even five, of your young men. You shall state -the number of days required for your people to come in. If they are -all here within the limit of time fixed, you shall be set at liberty, -and allowed to go on shore to them. If they are not here by the last -day appointed, then shall its setting sun see you, and those with you, -hanging from the yards of this vessel with the irons still on your -hands and feet. I do not tell you this to frighten you. You are too -brave a man for that. I say it because I mean it, and shall do as I -say. This war must end, and you must end it."</p> - -<p>For some minutes there was a dead silence, as the company reflected on -the terrible words they had just heard, and Coacoochee's breast heaved -with emotion he struggled to control. At length he said:</p> - -<p>"Micco-hatke, you are a great chief, and I believe you are an honest -man. Other white men have lied to me and cheated me. They could not -overcome Coacoochee in battle, so they captured him by their lying -words. With you it is not so. I will trust you. Let my young men go. If -in thirty days the warriors of Coacoochee have not obeyed his voice and -come to him, then let him die. He will not care longer to live."</p> - -<p>After a conversation with his companions, to whom all this had been -interpreted, Coacoochee selected five of them, and with the earnest -words of one placing his life and honor in their hands, charged them -with a message to his people.</p> - -<p>Then the irons were stricken from the limbs of those five, and they -were allowed to pass over the side of the ship into a waiting boat. -Coacoochee shook hands with each one, and to the last he said: "If thou -meet with her whom I love, tell her—No, tell her naught. Already does -she know the words that the heart of Coacoochee would utter. Give her -this, and bid her wear it until I once more stand beside her or have -gone from her life forever."</p> - -<p>With this he handed the messenger a silken kerchief of creamy white, -that, in honor of the occasion, had been knotted about his head.</p> - -<p>Among those who thronged the shore to witness the return of the boats, -none watched them with such straining eyes and eager impatience as Nita -Pacheco. She stood with Anstice, a little apart from the rest, clad in -the forest costume that she knew would be most pleasing to her lover.</p> - -<p>General Worth had told no one of his plans, and so the girl did not -doubt for a moment that Coacoochee would be allowed to come ashore that -day. She was the first to make certain that one of the boats contained -a number of Indians; and from that moment her eyes did not leave it.</p> - -<p>As it drew near to the shore, the happy light gradually faded from her -face, and in its place there came a look of puzzled anxiety. "He is -not there," she finally said to Anstice, in a tone that betrayed the -keenness of her disappointment. "Let us go; there is nothing now to -stay for."</p> - -<p>"No," objected Anstice, "there must be a message from him. Let us wait -and learn what has happened."</p> - -<p>Boyd and Douglass came directly to where the girls awaited them; but -ere either of them could enter into explanations, Nita darted away -toward the warriors, who had just landed. With these she engaged in -rapid conversation for the next five minutes, during which she learned -of all that had passed aboard the ship, and of her lover's imminent -peril.</p> - - - -<p>When the girl rejoined her friends, her jetty hair was bound with the -kerchief of creamy silk. She walked with a resolute step, and her eyes -flashed with determination. Speaking to Anstice alone, without regard -to those who stood near her, she said:</p> - -<p>"The Micco-hatke will kill him if every member of his band is not here, -ready to emigrate, within thirty days. The Seminole chiefs have sworn -to receive no proposals for peace. They will even shoot the messengers -of Coacoochee before they can be heard; but they will not kill a -woman. It is for me, therefore, to go with those who bear the talk of -Coacoochee. If, at the end of the allotted time, every member of the -band is not here, then I, too, shall be far away; but, as the sun sinks -into the sea on that day, the spirit of Nita Pacheco will be forever -joined with that of him to whom she plighted her troth. Come, let us go -and make ready."</p> - -<p>No persuasions nor suggestions of danger or hardship could alter the -girl's determination, or cause her to waver from her fixed purpose. -So she was allowed to have her way, and at daylight of the following -morning she set forth, in company with the five warriors, on her -perilous and fateful mission. They were amply provided with horses, -provisions, and everything that could add to the success of their -undertaking, and, as they rode away from the fort, every soul in it, -from the general down, wished them a heart-felt "God speed."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXXIX">CHAPTER XXXIX</a></p> - -<p class="center">THE BRAVEST GIRL IN FLORIDA</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">During</span> the month that followed Nita's departure there was in Fort -Brooke but one all-absorbing topic of conversation and speculation. -Would the brave girl succeed in saving the life of her lover? or -must he die like a dog, without ever again treading the soil of his -native land? Except for being kept a prisoner, the young war-chief was -treated with distinguished consideration, and every want that he made -known was gratified, so far as was consistent with safety. At the same -time, he was still manacled, and his irons, together with those of his -comrades, were carefully examined by a blacksmith, under supervision -of an officer, every morning and evening. The guard on the transport -was doubled, and at night a chain of sentinels was posted along such -portions of the shore as lay adjacent to the ship. No boats were -allowed to approach or leave the floating prison between sunset and -sunrise, and no other precaution that human ingenuity could devise for -the safe-keeping of the captives was neglected.</p> - -<p>Ralph Boyd, often accompanied by some officer from the post, made -daily visits to cheer Coacoochee with his belief that all was going -well, and to carry him the very latest news. On the occasion of his -first visit he took Anstice, who claimed the privilege of telling the -young chief what his sweetheart had undertaken in his behalf. As the -stern warrior listened to the simple recital, his face became very -tender, and a tear, hastily brushed away, glistened for an instant on -his cheek. Then he said: "Now do I know that all will go well," and -from that moment he was cheerfully confident of the final result.</p> - -<p>No word was received from the messengers for a week, at the end of -which time one of them returned, bringing with him ten warriors and -a number of women and children. The messenger reported that, but for -Nita, their mission, so far at least as this particular band was -concerned, would have been fruitless. Upon their approach, the warriors -had sternly ordered them away, covering them with their rifles, and -threatening to shoot if they dared speak of peace. Upon that, Nita, who -had until then remained in the background, boldly advanced to the very -muzzles of the brown rifles, resolutely pushed them aside, and then -pleaded so effectively with the warriors who held them that, ere she -finished, their hearts were softened, and they announced themselves as -not only ready to surrender, but willing to follow their young chief -wherever he might lead them.</p> - -<p>Coacoochee had given General Worth a bundle of small sticks which, by -their number, represented the entire strength of his band. Upon the -arrival at the fort of these forerunners, the general counted them, and -returned to Coacoochee an equal number of his sticks. From day to day -after this, other small parties of Coacoochee's followers straggled -in, and for every new arrival a stick was sent to the young chief, -who gloated over his increasing pile as a miser over his hoard, or a -politician over the incoming votes that promise to save him from defeat.</p> - -<p>In the meantime Nita, with an incredible exhibition of endurance, was -scouring the distant country lying about the headwaters of the St. -John's and Kissimmee. Here in little groups, the widely scattered -members of Coacoochee's once numerous and formidable band had sought -refuge amid the vast swamps and overflowed lands, which constitute that -portion of Florida. Here, from swamp to swamp, from one tiny wooded -island to another, or from hammock to hammock, the dauntless girl -followed them. Sometimes she was accompanied by a small escort; but -more often she was alone. There were days on which she had food, but -many others on which she went hungry. The howl of the wolf became her -familiar lullaby, while the scaly alligator and venomous water-moccasin -regarded her invasion of their haunts with angry eyes. She travelled -on horseback, by canoe, and on foot, scorched by noontide suns, and -drenched by heavy night-dews that fell like rain, but always the image -of Coacoochee was in her heart, as she bore his <i>talk</i> from band to -band of his scattered followers.</p> - -<p>As fast as they could be persuaded to go, she sent them to the far-away -fort by the salt waters of the west, and bade them hasten or they would -be too late. She, too, knew the number of Coacoochee's warriors, and -kept a close count of those who had gone, as well as of those who still -remained to be persuaded. With jealous care she noted the passage of -each day, and murmured that they should fly the more swiftly as the -fatal date drew near.</p> - -<p>At length the last hiding-place was found, and the last sullen group -of eight warriors, with their women and children, was persuaded to go -in with her who was beloved of their young chief. By hard riding they -could reach the fort on the twenty-ninth day, leaving but one to spare -for safety. The brave girl, who had borne up so wonderfully during this -month of suspense, was filled with joy at the success of her mission. -At the same time, she was so utterly wearied that she often slept, even -as she rode, and but for the quick support of willing hands, would have -fallen from her saddle. But she would not pause. There would be plenty -of time for resting afterwards. Now, they must push on.</p> - -<p>On the evening of the last day but one of the month, the fort was only -a score of miles away. They would keep on and reach it that night. So -said Nita Pacheco. But there were enemies on whom she had not counted. -Halec Tustenugge, with the fourteen Miccosouky warriors who had escaped -with him from their ravaged village, roamed that part of the country -and infested that particular road like ravening beasts. They had sworn -never to surrender themselves, nor allow others to do so if they could -prevent them. Now they confronted the little party from the eastern -swamps, and bade them turn back or suffer the consequences.</p> - -<p>There was a moment of hesitation and consultation. Then Nita Pacheco -sprang to the front.</p> - -<p>"Are the warriors trained by Coacoochee to be told what they shall do, -and what they shall not do, by a pack of Miccosouky dogs?" she cried. -"No! It cannot be! Let them get out of our way, or we will trample them -in the dust! Yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee-chee!"</p> - -<p>As this war-cry of the Wildcat rang out on the evening air, and Nita's -horse sprang from under the stinging lash, in the direction of those -who blocked the road, the warriors of Coacoochee, echoing madly the -cry of their leader, plied whip and spur in an effort to charge by her -side. The Miccosoukies, though numbering nearly two to one, were on -foot, while Nita's followers were mounted. The former fired one point -blank volley, and then fled precipitately from before the on-rushing -horses.</p> - -<p>The battle had been fought and won, and the enemy dispersed in less -than a single minute; but it was the victors who suffered the heaviest -loss. One warrior killed outright, two more wounded, one horse so -severely wounded that he had to be killed; and, what no one noticed at -first, not even Nita herself, a stream of blood spurting from an arm of -the girl who had led the charge.</p> - -<p>So delayed was the little party by this fierce interruption, that the -sun had climbed high above the eastern horizon, on the last day of the -thirty allotted to Coacoochee, ere the last of his followers, travel -worn, staggering from wounds and weariness, but filled with pride at -the feat they had just accomplished, and fully conscious of their own -importance, filed slowly into Fort Brooke.</p> - -<p>For days their coming had been eagerly awaited. For hours they had been -watched for with feverish anxiety. Now the tale of sticks in General -Worth's possession was complete, for Nita had insisted upon the living -warriors bringing in him who was dead, that he might be counted with -them.</p> - -<p>The soldiers of the garrison uttered cheer upon cheer at sight of these -last comers. The friends who had preceded them thronged about them with -eager questions and congratulations; and the news that Coacoochee was -saved, repeated from lip to lip, spread like wildfire throughout the -post.</p> - -<p>Ralph and Anstice Boyd, seated at a late breakfast, heard the glad -shouting, and ran to the porch of their cottage to discover its cause. -They were just in time to greet Nita as she rode up, and to catch her -as she slipped wearily from her saddle.</p> - -<p>Her clothing was torn and stained, and her unbound hair streamed wildly -about her head. Her eyes were bright and shining, but her cheeks were -hollow, and glowed with spots of dull red. Coacoochee's silken kerchief -that had confined her hair, was now bound tightly about her arm, and -its whiteness was changed to the crimson of blood.</p> - -<p>"He still lives? I am in time?" she whispered huskily as Anstice met -her with a mingled cry of joy and terror.</p> - -<p>"Yes, you dear, splendid, brave girl. He still lives, and you are in -plenty of time. But, oh Nita! if you have killed yourself, what will it -all amount to? Ralph, you must carry her in. She isn't able to walk."</p> - -<p>Very tenderly they bore her into the house, and laid her on the tiny -bed in her own room. Then Boyd hastened to find the surgeon, while -Anstice bathed the girl's face with cool water, and talked lovingly to -her. Ere an hour was past, the deadly fever of the swamps, that she had -defied so long and so bravely, held her in its fierce clutches, and the -girl, who by her own exertions had brought the war to a close, lay with -staring eyes, but unconscious of her surroundings.</p> - -<p>To Irwin Douglass was assigned the congenial task of notifying -Coacoochee that he was free, and bringing him ashore. He hastened -to execute it, and, on reaching the ship, at once ordered the hated -irons to be struck from the limbs of the captive leader. As they fell -clanging to the deck, the whole appearance of the young chief changed. -He again lifted his head proudly, his form expanded, and he paced the -deck with the stride of a free man.</p> - -<p>His first query was for Nita, and when told of her triumphant return, -leading the last remnant of his band, he smiled proudly, and said -that she was indeed fitted to be the wife of a warrior. At that time -Douglass did not know of the girl's wound, nor of the illness that was -even then developing its true character. Consequently, Coacoochee was -allowed to go ashore filled with happy anticipations of meeting her -whom he loved and to whom he owed so much.</p> - -<p>He arrayed himself in a striking costume for the occasion, and one -that well became his rank. From his turban drooped three black ostrich -plumes. His frock was of scarlet and yellow, exquisitely made. Across -his breast glittered many medals. In his silken sash was thrust the -silver-hilted hunting-knife, by aid of which he had escaped from the -fortress prison of St. Augustine. His leggings were of scarlet cloth, -elaborately fringed, and on his feet he wore beaded moccasins.</p> - -<p>A great throng of people, including every Indian at the post, was -assembled to greet him; and as the boat neared land, these raised -a mighty shout of welcome. As he leaped ashore and trod again his -native sands, the throng drew back. Then with outstretched arms, and -his form extended to its fullest height, Coacoochee gave utterance to -the ringing war-cry that had so often carried dismay to his foes, and -thrilled his warriors to desperate deeds.</p> - -<p>"Yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee-chee yo-ho-ee!"</p> - -<p>It was answered by a sound of hearty cheers from the assembled troops. -Then the throng parted to make way for him, and up the living lane the -young war-chief walked proudly to headquarters, where he exchanged -greetings with General Worth as one with whom he was in every respect -an equal. This formality concluded, he turned to the crowd of Indians -who had followed him, and addressed them briefly, but in ringing tones:</p> - -<p>"Warriors: Coacoochee stands before you a free man. He sent for you, -and you have come. By that coming you have saved his life, and for it, -he thanks you. The Great Spirit has spoken in our councils, and said: -'Let there be no more war between my children.' The hatchet is buried -so that there may be friendship between the Iste-chatte and his white -brother. I have given my word for you that you will not try to escape. -For that I am free. See to it that the word of Coacoochee is kept -strong and true. I have spoken. By our council fire I will say more. -Now, away to your camp."</p> - -<p>As the throng melted away in obedience to this command, Coacoochee -turned to Lieutenant Douglass, and asked to be taken to Nita.</p> - -<p>At the cottage in which she lay, he was met by the Boyds, from whom he -learned what she had undergone on his behalf; of her wound incurred in -fighting his battle, and of her present dangerous illness. He insisted -on seeing her; and, on being led to where she lay tossing and moaning -in the delirium of fever, the proud warrior knelt by her side, and, -hiding his face, wept like a little child.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XL" id="CHAPTER_XL">CHAPTER XL</a></p> - -<p class="center">A DOUBLE WEDDING AND THE SETTING SUN</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">For</span> days Nita Pacheco hovered between life and death. During this time, -almost hourly bulletins of her condition were demanded, not only from -the Indian encampment, but from the garrison, every man of which had -been won to admiration of the gentle girl by her recent heroism. As for -Coacoochee, he was as one who is bereft of reason. He would sit for -hours on the porch of the Boyd cottage, heedless of any who might speak -to him, motionless and unconscious of his surroundings. Then he would -spring on his waiting horse and dash away to scour madly through miles -of forest, before his return, which was generally made late at night or -with the dawning of a new day. When food was offered him, he took it -and ate mechanically; when it was withheld, he seemed unconscious of -hunger.</p> - -<p>The mental condition of the young chief so alarmed his friends that, -one morning when he returned from a night spent in the forest, in -a cheerful frame of mind, gentle and perfectly rational, they were -greatly relieved, and welcomed him as one who had come back from a long -journey.</p> - -<p>"Take me to her," he said. "She is watching for me. From this moment -she will get well. I have seen Allala, and she has said it."</p> - -<p>They had not noted any sign of a change for the better in the sick -girl, and so it was with misgivings as to the result that they complied -with his request.</p> - -<p>Nita lay as they had left her; but, upon the entrance of her lover into -the room, her eyes unclosed. She smiled at him, and feebly held his -hand for a single moment. From that hour her improvement was steady and -rapid, and from that time forth Coacoochee was again the leader of his -people, the firm ally of the whites, and unwearying in his efforts to -persuade those of the Seminoles who still remained out, to come in and -submit to removal.</p> - - - -<p>During the two following months he spent his time as Nita had done, in -visiting distant bands of Indians and explaining to them the folly of a -further resistance. He possessed two great advantages over all others -who had labored in the same direction. He had fought by their side, no -one more bravely, and they trusted him. He had also crossed the salt -waters and returned again in safety, so that, of his own experience, -he could refute the assertion made by their prophet, that every Indian -taken to sea by the whites was thrown overboard and drowned.</p> - -<p>In this service the young chief often found himself in desperate -situations, and he made frequent hair-breadth escapes from death at -the hands of those Indians who were either jealous of his power or -distrustful for his honesty of purpose. In spite of discouragements and -dangers, he persisted, and as the result of his convincing talks beside -the red council fires of many a wild swamp retreat, band after band -under well-known leaders and renowned fighters came into Fort Brooke, -until only a scanty remnant still defied pursuit amid the impenetrable -labyrinths of the Big Cypress.</p> - -<p>The Indian encampment at Tampa occupied a space two miles square, -and the task of guarding this large area was so great that, early in -October, General Worth concluded to embark those already collected -before they should become dissatisfied or rebellious and without -waiting for more to come in. Accordingly the transports were made ready -and the day for departure was fixed.</p> - -<p>Now ensued most active preparations. For three days and nights the -monotonous sound of the great wooden pestles cracking corn for the -journey was heard from all parts of the camp. Vast quantities of fat -pine knots were collected by the women, for they had heard that the -country in which they were to live was destitute of wood. The entire -area of the camp was illuminated at night by huge fires, so that there -might be no cessation of the work.</p> - -<p>The crowning event of all, or, as the general termed it, "the peace -contract that ended the Seminole War," was the double wedding that -took place in the open air, under the great live-oaks in front of -headquarters, on the evening before the day of sailing. The scene was -as remarkable as it was picturesque. On one side were gathered the -hundreds of forest dwellers who acknowledged one of the bridegrooms as -their leader. Among these were proud chiefs, conspicuous in feathers -and gaudy finery, stern warriors who had never known defeat in battle, -plump matrons wearing many rows of beads and silver ornaments, slender -maidens, and chubby children.</p> - -<p>On the other side were ranks of troops as motionless as though on -parade, and groups of officers in glittering uniforms. A superb -military band rendered its choicest selections of music, and the simple -ceremony was performed by the post chaplain.</p> - -<p>Nita, fully recovered from her illness, and having emerged from it more -lovely than ever, like gold that is purified by fire, was clad in the -fawnskin dress of a forest maid, though about her neck lay a chain of -great pearls, presented by the commander and his officers in token of -their devoted admiration of her who had ended the war.</p> - -<p>Beside her stood the young war-chief who had fought so bravely, and -accepted defeat so manfully, and with whose fate hers had been so -closely entwined during all the long years of fighting.</p> - -<p>These two were married first, and after them came the beautiful English -girl, whose heart had passed into keeping of the dashing American -trooper, standing so proudly beside her.</p> - -<p>Ralph Boyd, after giving away both brides, declared that he could now -appreciate the feelings of a parent bereft of his children.</p> - -<p>The moment the double ceremony was concluded, the band played its most -brilliant march, the troops raised a mighty cheer, there came a salvo -of artillery from a light battery stationed on the parade-ground, and -the assembled Indians gazed on the whole affair with curious interest. -All that evening there was music and feasting and dancing; but on the -morrow came the sorrowful partings, and, for hundreds of those about to -become exiles forever, the heart-breaking departure from their native -land.</p> - -<p>As Coacoochee and Nita stood together on the after-deck of the steamer -that was bearing them down the bay, straining their eyes for a last -glimpse of the stately pines that they loved so dearly, she murmured in -his ear:</p> - -<p>"Without your brave presence, my warrior, I could not bear it." And he -answered: "Without you, Ista-chee, I would never have come."</p> - -<p>Across the blue Mexican Gulf they steamed, and for one hundred miles up -the tawny flood of the great river to New Orleans. There the followers -of Coacoochee were so impressed by the numbers and evident strength of -the white man, that they were filled with pride at having successfully -resisted his soldiers so long as they had.</p> - -<p>At New Orleans the exiles were transferred to one of the great river -packets, that, with its glowing furnaces, and the hoarse coughing of -its high-pressure exhaust, seemed to them by far the most wonderful -creation of the all-powerful Iste-hatke.</p> - -<p>Being embarked in this mighty Pith-lo-loot-ka (boat of fire), no stop -was made until they came within a few miles of Baton Rouge, where, -by special request of Coacoochee, the packet was swung in toward the -eastern bank. Guided by one familiar with that country, the entire body -of Indians followed Coacoochee to the land. He bore a great basket, -very heavy, and covered with palmetto leaves. None save himself knew -what it contained.</p> - -<p>A few rods from the shore the guide halted, and pointed to a lowly -mound that was evidently a grave. Standing silently beside this, and -waiting until all his people were gathered about him, the young chief -said, with a voice that trembled, but so clearly that all might hear:</p> - -<p>"Under this grass lies a great chief of the Seminole nation; one whom -you knew and loved. He was an old man when the soldiers tore him from -his home. His heart broke with its weight of sorrow, and he died on -his way to that new land to which we are now going. He lies cold in -this strange earth; but I have brought that which will warm him. With -this soil from the land of his fathers, I now cover the grave of Philip -Emathla." Thus saying, Coacoochee emptied the contents of his basket -over the mound at his feet.</p> - -<p>At mention of Philip Emathla's name, a great cry of grief and loving -reverence went up from the dusky throng, and they pressed tumultuously -forward. They struggled to see, to feel, and even to taste the earth -that now covered his grave. It was only coarse gray sand; but it was -sand from Florida, from the dear land they would never more see. -Through the magic of its shining particles they could hear again the -whispering pines, the rustling palms, and the singing birds of Florida. -They could see its shadowy woodlands and white beaches. Its myriad -lakes and tortuous waterways lay outspread before them. The fragrance -of its jasmine and palmetto was wafted to them. Its glinting clouds -of white-winged ibis circled before their eyes. The countless details -mirrored indelibly on their hearts rose before them in all their -alluring beauty. The warriors stood stern and silent; but the women -tore their hair, with piteous cries.</p> - -<p>After a while Coacoochee succeeded in restoring quiet, and, with many -a backward, lingering glance at the lonely grave of Philip Emathla, -the company was re-embarked, and the steamer continued on its way up -the mighty river. Turning from it into the Arkansas, they continued -up the muddy volume of that great tributary, across the whole State -to which it gives a name, and on into that territory that the United -States Government had recently set apart for the occupation of its -Indian wards. Here, at Fort Gibson, the journey by water ended, though -they had still to traverse the country of their old-time neighbors and -enemies, the Creeks, ere they could reach the narrow tract reserved for -them, in which they were to make their new homes.</p> - -<p>At Fort Gibson a joyful surprise awaited Nita and Coacoochee; for Louis -Pacheco, long since established in the west, and previously notified -of their coming, had travelled that far to meet them. For them he had -brought saddle-horses, while for the others a long train of wagons had -been provided.</p> - -<p>It was late on the day after their arrival before all was in readiness -for the last stage of their journey; but they were now so anxious -to press forward that Coacoochee gave the order for a start. Then, -vaulting into his own saddle, and with Nita and Louis riding beside -him, the young war-chief dashed away in the direction of the setting -sun. As they gained a crest of the rolling prairie, he waved his rifle -toward the infinite glories of the western sky, and, turning his face -to those who followed him, thrilled their hearts with the ringing -war-cry that had so often led the Seminole to victory:</p> - -<p>"Yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee yo-ho-ee-chee!"</p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Through Swamp and Glade, by Kirk Munroe - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THROUGH SWAMP AND GLADE *** - -***** This file should be named 55021-h.htm or 55021-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/5/0/2/55021/ - -Produced by Graeme Mackreth and The Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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