We had made but slow progress; for owing to those abominable
saw-palmetto roots, we could seldom march more than two miles an hour.
At length, darkness approaching, we were compelled to camp on a
pine-island. It was the best spot we could select, as we could hold it,
should we be attacked during the night, against any number of Indians.
We had, however, to content ourselves with but a short allowance of
water, which we had brought from the last pool. We had, however, killed
several ducks and plovers, and three large snowy herons, which the men
ate in spite of their rank taste. We, of course, placed sentries on the
watch, and sent out several scouts, accompanied by blood-hounds, who, we
knew, would not fail to discover any Indians lurking in the
neighbourhood. The most experienced backwoodsman of our party had
examined the ground as we came along in search of Indian trails, but
none of recent date had been perceived. We were aware, however, that
the natives might, if they were so disposed, easily pass us on their way
to the south, where, among the impenetrable woods of the Everglades,
they might set us at defiance. Our great object, therefore, was to find
an Indian who, either from a friendly disposition towards the whites, or
from being ready to receive a bribe, would act as our guide, and bring
us information as to where those we were in search of were to be found.

As my father, Captain Norton, Lejoillie, Carlos, and I sat round our
camp-fire eating our frugal supper, we anxiously discussed the
probabilities of recovering Juanita. Carlos spoke very strongly on the
subject. He regretted that he had not been at home when his sister
disappeared, as he would, he declared, have collected every man capable
of bearing arms in the neighbourhood, and at once proceeded with a
strong force in pursuit. He still adhered to the belief that Rochford
had carried her off, aided by a strong band of Indians.

"We shall hear of him before long acting as Powell's lieutenant, or
perhaps raised to the chief command himself!" he exclaimed.

"I do not think that," observed Lejoillie. "He is very enthusiastic,
and considers that the Indians have been ill-treated; but I do not
believe that he would wish them to resort to force to enable them to
obtain their rights. He spoke of going among them only for the purpose
of giving them good advice, or trying to induce them to adopt the
customs of civilisation."

I corroborated what Le