166 AflVE^TtrRES OF THREE YOTJNG NATUHAltSTS. 



Then began a conversation in mixed Seminole and English in which the 

 Professor, who had become acquainted with these Seminoles during a trip 

 which he had made years before, explained who his companions were. 



The boys had been regarding the Indians "Real live Indians, wild, too,' 

 with open mouthed astonishment. Both Indians shook hands with them, and 

 Tiger, standing his rifle up against a tree, took Paul's modern breach loader 

 in his hands and examined it with the greatest interest, at the same time 

 talking to himself with a peculiar tone in Seminole. The Professor explained 

 the mechanism of the gun to him and showed him a cartridge which Tiger 

 immediately pulled to pieces, cooly appropriating the ammunition. Suddenly 

 catching sight of George's small collecting gun, Tiger took it in his hand, 

 exclaiming " Child gun," meaning that it was a young gun, but expressed 

 his opinion as to its merits, exclaiming in Seminole, " Ho-li wa-cus car,' 

 meaning that it was worthless. 



A red-bellied woodpecker at that moment chanced to alight on the side 

 of a tree some fifteen yards away and Paul took a quick aim at him. The 

 powerful little gun spoke out with its deadened report and down came the 

 bird. Billy picked it -up, brought it to Tiger, and both Indians examined it 

 with the utmost attention, chatting over it in Seminole like two magpies. 



The little gun then underwent an examination, but this time was han- 

 dled with due respect for its prowess. The Professor then showed the Indians a 

 rifle which he had with him and this was also examined with care and great 

 interest. Further conversation followed, the Professor inquiring for old friends 

 whom he he had known among the Indians. 



Suddenly Tiger looked up at the sun, uttered a few words in Seminole 

 to Billy, then both got into their canoe and paddled rapidly down the river . 

 The boys watched the little craft and its occupants until they disappeared 

 behind a point covered with mangroves where the river made a sharp turn, 

 then they drew a long breath in concert. 



"Who is the tall Indian?" asked Paul. 



" His name is Tiger," answered the Professor. " He is a son of the 

 celebrated Seminole chief Tigertail, whom Tiger tells me is still alive and 

 well, although nearly, or quite, a hundred years of age. Tiger, as sen of 

 this chieftain, wears those two silver crescents, one above the other which 

 you saw suspended to his neck, as a mark of rank. He is a fine fellow, ftr 

 an Indian, a good shot, and an excellent hunter. 



"What a cross looking chap the small Seminole was," said Harry. "I 

 don't believe it would take much to induce him to scalp a white man." 



" Yes," said George, " I was trying to peep into that pouch that he had 

 hung to his back, when he gave me such a look with those little black, sjark- 



