“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 ejaculated the commissioner, and then turning to the General, he once more addressed him in a low tone. This time, I overheard what passed 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.”