The answer of the Seminole warriors had been conveyed to the white governor by Oluski himself. The old chief couched the decision in kindly words mingled with regrets. Elias Rody was wonderfully self-possessed. He smiled, shrugged his shoulders, grasped the Seminole's hand, and with a wave of his own seemed to dismiss the subject from his thoughts. Nay, more, he presented the old warrior with a beautifully inlaid rifle, a bale of broad-cloth, and a keg of powder. "Come, come," said he speaking in the friendliest tone, "don't let a mere whim of mine affect such a friendship as ours. You _must_ accept these things--mere trifles. Your taking them will prove that you harbour no unkindness towards me or mine." Thus pressed, Oluski accepted the presents. The governor smiled covertly as the old chief departed. Nelatu had recovered from his wound; he daily spent hours in company with Warren, and there was no lack of diversion for the white youth or his red-skinned companion. Their canoe darted through the blue waters of the bay, or stole dreamily along the river's current. Their rifles brought down the wild fowl upon the sea, or the quail and partridge upon the land. Their fishing-rods and spears furnished many a dainty dish. Sometimes, going farther afield, they would bring home a deer, or a brace or two of wild turkeys--or, bent on destruction, would penetrate some dark lagoon and slay the hideous alligator. The opportunities which these pursuits presented were constantly improved by Warren. He moulded his conduct and expressions to suit the simple faith and understanding of his companion. He concealed beneath a considerate kindness the dark thoughts that were brooding in his bosom, and was the very semblance of what he professed to be--a friend. Nelatu, generous and confiding, was flattered and charmed by his condescension; with the simple faith of a child he trusted his white associate. "Ah, Nelatu," would the latter say, "if I had only the power to do what I wish, I would prove myself a true friend to the Indians. Our race are afraid to show real sympathy with them on account of old and stupid prejudices. Wait until I am in a position to prove my words, and you will see what I will do. Why, even now, I'd rather sit near you fishing, or tramp with you across the country on a hunting excursion, than spend my time amongst my own people, who cannot understand either me or my ways." In a thousand designing ways he impressed himself on Nelatu's mind as a chivalrous, self-sacrificing fellow, worthy the love of any maiden. Then, adroitly singing soft praises of Sansuta to the brother's pleased ear, he insured in him a faithful ally and warm panegyrist. Sansuta, pleased with an admiration which she never paused to question, blushed at her brother's report of Warren's good qualities. Many articles of adornment had come into her hands, and were kept from her father's sight.