ed my father
if he would take command of the block-house, while he himself with three
others should make their way on horseback to one of the larger forts,
where he could obtain information for his guidance. As we all knew that
it would be impossible to hold the block-house during a protracted siege
without a larger supply of provisions than we possessed, it became
necessary, as soon as possible, to obtain game, so as to enable us to
keep the salt provisions for such an emergency. Though we had little to
fear from their usual style of warfare--for the red men, when they fail
in an attack, generally abandon it altogether--still, it was possible
that, under their bold and sagacious chief Oceola, they might adopt a
new system, and attempt the destruction of one fort after another, until
they had rid the country of the Palefaces, as they boastfully asserted
they intended to do.

As soon as the fort was placed in an efficient state, Captain Norton
sent out the scouts to ascertain if any Indians were in the
neighbourhood. They returned, stating that they had seen none, and that
they believed the country would be found open to Fort King, or to the
eastward, and that we might therefore return to the river, should such a
movement be considered desirable. None of them brought any game,
asserting their belief that the Indians had driven off all the deer and
wild cattle, and that, except some birds and small animals, we were not
likely to obtain any. Thus we all felt that the expedition would be
bootless, as we had utterly failed to obtain tidings of those of whom we
were in search.

Captain Norton now determined to take two of the best horses, one for
himself and the other for a companion, and push on to Fort King,
trusting to their speed to escape any enemies they might fall in with.
Carlos and I both volunteered to accompany him. He decided, however, to
take only one of us, and fixed upon Carlos, as he knew the country
better than I did. It was settled that they should set out by daybreak
the next morning. The horses had been well fed, and the captain hoped
that in three or four hours they might reach their destination. When
the animals, however, were led out, the one Carlos intended to ride was
evidently lame. Its leg was examined, but no cause could be discovered
for its lameness, and none of the others were fit for the journey.

"I must then start by myself!" exclaimed the captain. "I am sorry not
to have your c