TRAVELS IN 
the head of the ferpent bleeding in my hand as ®- 
trophy of victory ; and taking out the mortal fangs., 
depofited them carefully amongfl my collections. I 
had not been long retired to my apartment, before 
1 was again roufed from it by a tumult in the yard ; 
and hearing PuoPuggy called on, I ftarred up.> 
when inftantly the old interpreter met me again., 
and told me the Indians were approaching in order 
to fcratch me. I aiked him for what ? he anfwered 
for killing the rattle make within their camp. 
Before I could make any reply or effect my efcape r 
three young fellows fmging, arm in arm, came up 
to me. I obferved one of the three was a young 
prince who had, on my firft interview with him, de- 
clared himfelf my friend and protector, when he 
told me that if ever occafion mould offer in his pre- 
fence, he would rifk his life to defend mine or my 
property. This young champion flood by his two 
affociates, one on each fide of him : the two affect- 
ing a countenance and air of difpleafu-re and impor- 
tance, inftantly prefenting their fcrat'ching mftm- 
ments, and flourifhing them, fpoke boldly, and laid 
that I was too heroic and violent, that it would be 
good for me to lofe fome of my blood to make me 
more mild and tame, and for that purpofe they were 
come to fcratch me* They gave me no time to ex~ 
poftulate or reply, but attempted to lay hold on 
me, which I refilled ; and my friend, the young 
prince, interpofed and pufhed them oil, faying that 
X was a brave warrior and h'w friend ; that they 
mould not infult me; when inftantly they altered 
their countenance and behaviour : they all whooped 
in chorus, took me friendly by the -hand, clapped 
me on the moulder, and laid their hands on their 
fereaftsm token of fmcere friendlhip, and laughing 
aloud* faid I was a fmcere friend to the Siminoles, 
