THE AMERICANS AND THE ABORIGINES. 349 



it strange," continued he to his lieutenant, " that the 

 whole juice and strength of the beast should centre 

 in this hump 1 ? If this is to be the food of the In- 

 dians in their happy hunting-grounds, it would be 

 almost worth while turning Indian. Enjoyments of 

 this kind are rather more substantial than the lies of 

 our hungry priests." 



As in duty bound, the lieutenant laughed heartily 

 at the facetiousness of his commander. The Miko, 

 who was sitting in his usual attitude, his head sunk 

 upon his breast, looked up, gazed for a few seconds 

 at the pirate, and then relapsed into his previous 

 brooding mood. 



" Make the most of it, lieutenant," said the pirate. 

 " We shall not enjoy many more such tit-bits. The 

 Great Spirit would hide his face from us if we de- 

 spised his gifts. But come, friend Miko, you must 

 empty a glass to the health of your guests, unless 

 you wish to see them depart this very night. I like 

 a little pride, but too much is unwholesome." 



"My brother," said the Miko, "is welcome. To- 

 keah has never raised his tomahawk against the 

 stranger whom he received in his hut, nor has he 

 counted the suns that he dwelt with him." 



"I am certain," said the Frenchman, "that To- 

 keah is my friend ; and, if an evil tongue has sown 

 discord on the path between us, the wise Miko will 

 know how to step over it." 



"The Oconees are men and warriors," said the 



