"White man friend, too," said Sam, holding out his hand. "Injun eat?" offering the visitor some food.
"No. Injun eat heap while ago. Injun no hungry, but Injun friendly. Fire good. Fire warm Injun."
Sam continued the conversation, desiring to learn whether or not there was an Indian encampment in the neighborhood. He was not afraid of an Indian attack, for the Indians were not on the war path in Florida, but he was afraid of having his boat and tools stolen.
"Injun's friends over there?" asked Sam, pointing in the direction from which the canoe had come.
"No; Injun's friends not here. You know Injun; you see him before?"
"No," said Sam, "I don't remember you."
"Injun see you, all same. Injun General Jackson's friend. Injun see you when you come General Jackson's camp. Me go way then for General Jackson."
Here was a revelation. The young savage was, or professed to be, one of the friendly Indians whom General Jackson was using as scouts. It was certain that he had seen Sam on his entrance into General Jackson's camp, and he must have left immediately after Sam's arrival there.
"How did you get here so quick?" asked Sam.
"Me run 'cross country. Injun run heap."