t as the white soldiers were about
to be overwhelmed by the swarming savages, and in time to pounce upon
the rear of the astonished Seminoles; and scatter them like the forest
leaves before a whirlwind.

It was while charging by Has-se's side in this, his first battle, that
Rene de Veaux gave utterance to the cry of "France to the Rescue!" that
had so amazed Simon, the armorer, and those with him who heard it.

[1]Has-se doubtless referred to Mexico, which was known by the Indians
as "The Land of Gold."--K. M.

CHAPTER XII

ABANDONING THE FORT

Although the Seminoles and their newly made allies, the savages from
the South, were thus put to flight by the timely arrival of the party
that accompanied Rene de Veaux, it was only because of the surprise of
the attack, and because they had no knowledge of the strength of these
new enemies, which they believed to be much greater than it really was.
It was certain that when they discovered how few those were who had
thus surprised them, they would return with the chance of overwhelming
the little party by mere numbers. Therefore Yah-chi-la-ne was anxious
to deliver the twelve canoe-loads of corn to the fort, receive the
promised reward, and depart for his own country that night if possible.

To accomplish this, he and his followers returned as speedily as they
could to the place where their canoes had been left, and under cover of
the darkness which came on about that time, moved silently as shadows
up the river towards the fort. When they reached its vicinity a new
difficulty presented itself. They feared to hail the sentries and
demand admission lest they should be fired upon, and at the same time
draw upon themselves an attack from the savages, who would thus
discover their whereabouts.

While they remained undecided as to what plan they should adopt to gain
an entrance to the fort, Has-se drew Rene to one side, and in a whisper
said,

"Ta-lah-lo-ko, the time has come when I may share with thee the secret
of my people. Since thy blood has flowed for my sake, and thou hast
received the sacred Flamingo Feather, I am free to do so. First pledge
thy word never to deliver this secret, even to those of thy own blood,
and it shall be made known to thee."

Rene having satisfied Has-se that the secret should be kept, the latter
continued:

"Know, then, oh my brother, that when my people aided thy people to
build this fort of thine, they constructed secretly,