Smothering my vexation, at being thus diverted from my design, I followed in silence--the commissioner leading the way, while the General, disguised in cloak and plain forage cap, walked by his side.

We pa.s.sed out of the gate, and turned northward around the stockade.

The tents of the Indians were upon the southwest, placed irregularly along the edge of a broad belt of "hommocky" woods that extended in that direction. Another tract of hommock lay to the north, separated from the larger one by savannas and open forests of pine timber. Here was the "Sink." It was nearly half a mile distant from the stockade; but in the darkness we could easily reach it without being observed from any part of the Seminole camp.

We soon arrived upon the ground. The chiefs were before us. We found them standing under the shadows of the trees by the edge of the pond.

My duty now began. I had little antic.i.p.ation that it was to have been so disagreeable.

"Ask Omatla what is the number of his people--also those of Black Dirt, and the other chiefs who are for us."

I put the question as commanded.

"One-third of the whole Seminole nation," was the ready reply.

"Tell them that ten thousand dollars shall be given to the friendly chiefs, on their arrival in the west, to be shared among them as they deem best--that this sum is independent of the appropriation to the whole tribe."

"It is good," simultaneously grunted the chiefs, when the proposition was explained to them.

"Does Omatla and his friends think that all the chiefs will be present to-morrow?"

"No--not all."

"Which of them are likely to be absent?"

"The mico-mico will not be there."

"Ha! Is Omatla sure of that?"

"Sure. Onopa's tents are struck: he has already left the ground."

"Whither has he gone?"

"Back to his town."

"And his people?"

"Most of them gone with him."

For some moments the two generals communicated together in a half whisper. They were apart from me: I did not not hear what they said.

The information just acquired was of great importance, and seemed not to discontent them.

"Any other chief likely to be absent to-morrow?" they asked, after a pause.

"Only those of the tribe of 'redsticks.'" [Note 2.]

"Hoitle-mattee?"

"No--he is here--he will remain."

"Ask them if they think _Osceola_ will be at the council to-morrow."

From the eagerness with which the answer was expected, I could perceive that this was the most interesting question of all. I put it directly.

"What!" exclaimed the chiefs, as if astonished at the interrogatory.

"The Rising Sun! He is sure to be present: he will _see it out_!"

"Good!" involuntarily e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed the commissioner, and then turning to the General, he once more addressed him in a low tone. This time, I overheard what pa.s.sed between them.

"It seems, General, as if Providence was playing into our hands. My plan is almost sure to succeed. A word will provoke the impudent rascal to some rudeness--perhaps worse--at all events, I shall easily fix a pretext for shutting him up. Now that Onopa has drawn off his following, we will be strong enough for any contingency. The hostiles will scarcely outnumber the friendly, so that there will no chance of the rascals making resistance."

"Oh! that we need not fear."

"Well--with _him_ once in our power the opposition will be crushed--the rest will yield easily--for, beyond doubt, it is he that now intimidates and hinders them from signing."

"True," replied Clinch in a reflective tone; "but how about the government, eh? Will it endorse the act, think you?"

"It will--it must--my latest dispatch from the President almost suggests as much. If you agree to act, I shall take the risk."

"Oh, I place myself under your orders," replied the commander-in-chief, evidently inclined to the commissioner's views, but still not willing to share the responsibility. "It is but my duty to carry out the will of the executive. I am ready to cooperate with you."

"Enough then--it shall be done as we have designed it. Ask the chiefs,"

continued the speaker, addressing himself to me, "ask them, if they have any fear of signing to-morrow."

"No--not of the signing, but _afterwards_."

"And what afterwards?"

"They dread an attack from the hostile party--their lives will be in danger."

"What would they have us do?"

"Omatla says, if you will permit him and the other head chiefs to go on a visit to their friends at Tallaha.s.see, it will keep them out of danger. They can stay there till the removal is about to take place.

They give their promise that they will meet you at Tampa, or elsewhere, whenever you summon them."

The two generals consulted together--once more in whispers. This unexpected proposal required consideration.

Omatla added:

"If we are not allowed to go to Tallaha.s.see, we cannot, we dare not, stay at home; we must come under the protection of the fort."

"About your going to Tallaha.s.see," replied the commissioner, "we shall consider it, and give you an answer to-morrow. Meanwhile, you need not be under any apprehension. This is the war-chief of the whites; he will protect you."

"Yes," said Clinch, drawing himself proudly up. "My warriors are numerous and strong. There are many in the fort, and many more on the way. You have nothing to fear."

"It is good!" rejoined the chiefs. "If troubles arise, we shall seek your protection; you have promised it--it is good."

"Ask the chiefs," said the commissioner, to whom a new question had suggested itself--"ask them if they know whether Holata Mico will remain for the council of to-morrow."

"We cannot tell now. Holata Mico has not declared his intention. We shall soon know it. If he designs to stay his tents will stand till the rising of the sun; if not, they will be struck before the moon goes down. The moon is sinking--we shall soon know whether Holata Mico will go or stay."