Or it may be that one of them is he who has
conceived a bitter enmity against those who never treated him with
aught save kindness, and that he has joined with him another equally
base."
At this thought Has-se's bright face became clouded, and for some time
he remained silent. Finally the silence was again broken by Rene, who
asked,
"Who are these Seminoles of whom thou dost speak thus contemptuously?"
"Seminole, in my language, signifies a run-away. They are a band of
thieves, murderers, and other bad Indians, who have been driven out of
my tribe and other tribes on the north. They have gradually increased
in numbers, until now they call themselves a tribe. They are always at
war with all men, and against them my people have declared a fight
forever."
"And who is he of whom thou speakest so vaguely as having conceived an
enmity unjustly against those who have harmed him not?"
"One who should be well known to thee, Ta-lah-lo-ko. I speak of Chitta
the Snake, whom I hope we may not encounter."
"It will be the worse for him if we do encounter him, and he ventures
to interfere with us," replied Rene, hotly.
"Nay, Ta-lah-lo-ko. I have a feeling within me which warns me that a
meeting with the Snake will be a sad one for us," answered Has-se, who,
though as brave as a young lion, was inclined to be superstitious, as
were all of his race.
During this conversation the course of the canoe had been through a
mere thread of a stream, and Rene now noticed that they were traversing
the mazes of a dark swamp.
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