d in retaining his footing upon the uncertain pathway, and in
safely reaching the spot at the head of the lagoon where the Seminole
canoes were hidden. Taking possession of one of these, he had
travelled night and day towards the land of the Alachuas, guided by the
directions given him by Rene.

Has-se and Yah-chi-la-ne listened attentively to this tale, and at its
conclusion commended E-chee highly for the skill and bravery with which
he had effected his escape and made his way to their encampment. Then
they talked of their chances of still finding Rene alive, and of how
they should rescue him, until E-chee, utterly exhausted by his
prolonged efforts, dropped into a profound slumber, from which he did
not awaken until daylight.

Meantime, in the Seminole village, the preparations for the great Feast
of Rejoicing had been completed, and it had been begun on the very day
of E-chee's arrival in Micco's camp, and of the setting forth of the
rescuing party. For two days Rene de Veaux listened with a sickening
dread to the sounds of savage revelry that penetrated the hut in which
he lay. He heard the continuous beating of the kas-a-lal-ki, or Indian
drum, and the rattle of the terrapin shells, filled with dried palmetto
berries, that accompanied the dancing. He heard the fierce, wild
shouts and yells of the savages and shuddered at them. Above all he
heard, and attempted to close his ears to the sound, the cries of agony
forced from those of his own race who suffered torture at the stake.
Of all these sounds he could only guess the meaning; for none came near
him save the guard who brought him food and water, but who refused to
speak to him, and once Chitta came and stood over him with a smile of
triumph lighting his dark features. As he turned away he said, as
though speaking to himself,

"On the morrow we shall see of what stuff pale-faced chiefs are made."

This was all, but to the quick understanding of the captive boy it
meant everything. He knew at once that his turn had come, and that
with the light of another day he would be led forth, and by his
sufferings afford a brief amusement to a horde of yelling savages.

Could he endure it? Would his strength bear him bravely to the bitter
end? Or would he too break down and cry out as he had heard the
others? The agony of such thoughts was too great for the poor
friendless lad, and, throwing himself face downward upon the ground, he
burst into bitter tears.