TRAVELS IN 
l&Q 
the head of the ferpent bleeding in my hand as a 
trophy of viffory ; and taking out the mortal fangs* 
depofited them carefully amongft my collections. I 
had not been long retired to my apartment, before 
I was again roufed from it by a tumult in the yard ; 
and hearing Puc-Puggy called on, I ftarted up, 
when inftantly the old interpreter met me again, 
and told me the Indians were approaching in order 
to fcratch me. I afked him for what ? he anfwer- 
ed for killing the rattle fnake within their camp. 
Before I could make any reply or effect: my efcape, 
three young fellows Tinging, 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 fhould offer in his pre- 
fence, he would rifle his life to defend mine or my 
property. This young champion flood by his two 
afibciates, one on each fide of him : the two affect- 
ing a countenance and air of difpleafure and impor- 
tance, inftantly prefenting their fcratching inftru- 
inents, and flouriffing them, fpoke boldly, and laid 
that I was too heroic and violent, that it would be 
good for me to lofe feme 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 puffed them off, faying that 
I was a brave warrior and his friend ; that they 
ihould not infult me ; when inftantly they altered 
their countenance and behaviour : they ail whoop- 
ed in chorus, took me friendly by the hand, clapped 
me on the ffoulder, and laid their hands on their 
breafts in token of fmcere friendffip, and laughing 
aloud, faid I was a fincere friend to the Siminoles, 
2 a war- 
