"That I know not, unless he suspects that it was thou who taught me the
trick of wrestling that overthrew him, and thus lost him the position
of Bow-bearer that he so greatly desired to obtain."

"It may be so," said Réné, musingly, "though how he could learn it I
cannot think, nor why, even if he had knowledge of it, it should be
cause for his wishing my death."

"Ah, Ta-lah-lo-ko, thou dost not know Chitta. His nature is that of
the serpent whose name he bears, and for real or fancied wrongs to
himself his revenge is cruel. Having once conceived a bitter hate
against thee he will have thy life, or risk his own in attempting to
take it."

"In that case," said Réné, "I am deeply grateful for thy warning, and
will take care that master Chitta does not find me unprepared for him,
in case he seeks me out."

"Now," said Has-se, "I would speak of another matter. I know that you
white men have but little food within the fort, and must soon suffer
for want of it if more is not obtained. There is none left in this
country, but the Alachuas, to whom my people have gone, have an
abundance. If one of thy people would go with me to them, and offer
them things such as thou hast and they have not, in exchange for food,
he could thus obtain a supply for the fort. If many went, the red men
would be afraid; but with one they would talk, and if he were my friend
then would his safety be assured. Wilt thou go with me to this distant
land, Ta-lah-lo-ko?"