eycombs. A halt was
ordered, and a strict search being made in the wood to ascertain if any
Indians were concealed within, we piled arms. The men were then
directed to gather wood for fires, while some of the best climbers
prepared to ascend the tree and gather the coveted honey. The fires
being lit under the branches, the smoke rising either suffocated the
bees or drove them off to a distance; when wedges being driven into the
trunk, steps were formed to enable the climbers to reach the combs.
They took the precaution of covering their heads with handkerchiefs,
leaving only two small holes through which they could see. No one was
inclined to be longer about the task than was absolutely necessary, as,
in spite of their precautions, they did not escape without several
stings. In a short time they descended, each man laden with combs of
various sizes. Other combs were found on the branches of trees in the
immediate neighbourhood, and altogether honey enough was found to feed
the whole party. The comb and the honey were eaten together. While it
stopped the pangs of hunger, it seemed also wonderfully nutritious.
Alone, the honey might not have afforded us sufficient nourishment, but
our guide told us that at a short distance off we would come upon an
opening in which grew an enormous quantity of cabbage-palms. A party
was sent to procure them, and before dark they returned with a
sufficient supply for all hands. As the bees were likely to revenge
themselves should we remain in their neighbourhood, we advanced a short
distance, and encamped in a small clump of pines, from which we could
see the approach of an enemy, and defend ourselves should we be
attacked. No Indians, however, came near us, nor was any trail
discovered in the neighbourhood; and the next day, weary and footsore,
with our trousers well-nigh torn off our legs, we came in sight of Fort
King. On our right were several buildings. As we got up to them, we
found that the houses were roofless, shattered, and blackened, while
near them were the remains of what was once a large store. It was
pretty evident that the work of destruction had been performed by
Indians.

We were advancing in full expectation of a hearty welcome, when a bullet
whistled past the captain's ear.

"Can the Redskins have captured the fort?" he exclaimed, ordering a
halt.

"It looks like it," observed my father. "We had better ascertain how
matters stand before we go nearer.