The boys shouted with laughter, and even the grave warriors smiled at the scene.
After dinner the celebration was renewed, but this time the youths formed the audience while their elders held shooting matches and more sober contests of skill and strength.
The captain did not emerge from the hut until nearly sundown, and when he did appear he carried both upper and lower teeth in his hand. Whenever a squaw approached anywhere near him he would open his mouth to its fullest extent and wave the teeth in the air.
"They will get used to seeing you without them and soon think you as beautiful as ever," Charley said to him, gravely.
"Charley," said the old sailor, solemnly, "for good or ill, we leave this island to-morrow. It ain't often them Injin women meets with a man of my looks, an' it has drove 'em plum crazy. It ain't safe for me to stay longer."
"I'm wondering what that widow lady in Shelbourne will say when she hears of this," said Walter musingly. "She will naturally think that you must have given them great encouragement."
"If either of you lads breathe a word of this in town, I'll throttle you," declared the apprehensive old sailor.
"We won't say a word," said Charley, severely, "but I must say you have been setting Walter and I a terrible example, captain."
After this parting shot, the two tormentors retired quickly, for the old sailor was almost at the exploding point with indignation.
The captain was not the only one to whom the afternoon had brought trials. Chris had not been without his share of troubles. The Seminoles treated him with marked disdain and would not even permit him to eat with the others.