human
I am pleased, nephew, said Oluski,
gpt
It is always at your service, uncle.
human
I am sure of it. If Oluski thought otherwise he would be unhappy. Your cousin, Sansuta, addressing his daughter,
gpt
I do.
human
Wacora is thanked already in the smile of welcome that met him in Sansuta's eyes.
gpt
You tell me, Wacora, that the affairs of your tribe are prosperous, and that there is peace and harmony in your council chamber?
human
Yes, uncle, the same as in my father's lifetime.
gpt
That is well, for without that there is no real strength. So it is with us.
human
You have told me nothing of the pale-faces at Tampa Bay.
gpt
They are our firm friends still. In spite of your fears, Wacora, to the contrary, Rody and the colonists are true to their promises.
human
I am pleased to hear Oluski say so,
gpt
I did not tell you that he had made an offer to buy the hill.
human
To buy the hill! What hill?
gpt
That on which we make our annual encampment. We call it Tampa after the bay.
human
Indeed! He wants that, too?
gpt
Yes; I called our council together, and told them of the offer.
human
And their answer?
gpt
The same as my own; they refused.
human
When I carried that answer to the white he was not angry, but met me like a friend.
gpt
Indeed!
human
Yes; he pressed upon my acceptance rich presents, and told me that Oluski's friendship was worth more than land.
gpt
But you refused the presents,
human
I could not; my old friend would take no denial. Fearing to offend him, I yielded.
gpt
What does Maracota want?
human
To speak to Wacora, the chief.
gpt
Marcota must speak to Wacora alone, if Oluski will allow it.
human
Wacora must follow me further,
gpt
Go on, I will do so.
human
Has Wacora faith in Maracota?
gpt
Yes. I have faith in you.
human
And he would serve Oluski, our chief?
gpt
With my life!
human
Sansuta is dear to Oluski.
gpt
Sansuta is beautiful.
human
We all know that. Was it to tell me this that you brought me here?
gpt
The pale-faces admire the beauty of our Indian maidens.
human
What of that?
gpt
One pale-face has marked Sansuta's beauty.
human
Ha!
gpt
His eyes gladden at sight of her. Her cheeks grow red at sight of him.
human
His name?
gpt
Warren Rody.
human
How do you know all this?
gpt
Maracota is Oluski's friend and watches over his chief's happiness. To-night Warren's messenger was in town--the negro, Crookleg.
human
Where did you see the negro?
gpt
In the old fort.
human
The old fort! What was he doing there?
gpt
Maracota followed his trail--a lame foot and a stick--and saw him as he entered the ruin; some one was waiting for him inside.
human
Who was with the negro,
gpt
His master,
human
Warren Rody?
gpt
I heard their talk,
human
What did they say?
gpt
At first, I could not hear--they spoke in whispers. After a time they grew angry. Warren abused Crookleg and struck him. The black man uttered a fierce oath and leaped over the wall of the fort at the side opposite to where I lay hid.
human
Did you hear their conversation before they quarrelled?
gpt
I heard the pale-face say Crookleg had only half done his errand and must return to complete it. The black refused. It was then the other got angry and struck him.
human
This is very strange, Maracota. It is some treachery I cannot understand. The negro must be found and questioned!
gpt
Well, Massa Injun, dat ain't hard to do. He, he, he!