HOW WE CONQUERED HALLECK TU8TENUGGEE. 321 



quoits, wrestling and dancing. Nothing was omitted on 

 the part of the officers to make the truce pleasant. Pro- 

 visions and whisky were distributed and presents made, 

 and, to crown all, a great feast was prepared, to which 

 all the warriors were invited. When at the table, the 

 commanding officer announced to them that they were 

 prisoners; the soldiers, already instructed, sprung to 

 their arms, and the band that no force could conquer 

 were bound prisoners for life. 



A messenger was sent to convey the tidings of the 

 capture to Colonel- Worth, who was entertaining Tus- 

 tenuggee at Fort King. The rider came fast through 

 swamp and woods, for his life would be little worth 

 should the day's proceeding be known to Tustenuggee, 

 or any outlying Indian, before he reached a secure shel- 

 ter. He approached the fort at a moment when the 

 commander was sounding his Indian guest upon the ever- 

 recurring subject of their emigration. The officers were 

 seated in front of their quarters, the Indian chiefs stood 

 before, and the idlers of the camp were gathered around 

 listening to "the talk." 



"A horseman is coming from the south," called out 

 the Doctor, relieving his pockets of one hand to shade 

 his eyes. 



" Come as ef he w r as sent," remarked Mike. 



The sentry challenged, and the rider came in with his 

 answer through the open gateway in the palisades and 

 up to the doorway where Colonel Worth was sitting, 

 and delivered his missive. Tustenuggee stood before 



H* 



