He did not neglect, in his Machiavelian policy, to insinuate in every artful way his pet project of possessing the property on which the Indians were encamped. So artfully, indeed, that in most instances the idea seemed to have originated in his listener's mind, and by them to have been suggested to Elias, thus skilfully reversing the true facts of the case. This once accomplished the rest was simple. A general feeling got abroad that the red men were interlopers, and had no right to usurp a spot so necessary and so useful to the colonists. This feeling, although not loudly expressed, was very deep, and, in nearly every instance, sincere. The few clear-headed and impartial planters who, proof against Rody's sophistical speeches, were assailed by him in a different manner--by specious promises of enlarged possessions, or by matter-of-fact appeals for the advancement of civilisation. If he did not gain their approval, he, at any rate, made their objections seem narrow-minded and selfish. Only a few sturdy, honest men held out. These Elias could do nothing with. They rejected his proposals, laid bare his false arguments, and laughed at his facts--but as they were a very small minority, they had little influence. Ere Rody had accomplished this pacific revolution of opinion, the autumn had waned, and the winter months--if such a word can be used where there is no winter--approached, and with it the limit of the term of the Indians' stay upon the hill. With the first appearance of cool weather, Oluski and his tribe repacked their household gods, took their dwellings to pieces, and with their wives, children, horses, and cattle, quitted their late encampment. The bare poles again appeared cutting against the clear sky. The hill was once more uninhabited. A new sort of activity had sprung into existence upon its table top. In the place of Indians, with their painted plumes and primitive finery, the ground was occupied by white men--carpenters and other artisans, along with their negro attendants. Piles of prepared lumber, stones, and other building materials strewed the ground, whilst the busy workmen, black and white, made the air resonant with their jocund voices. A finished frame-house soon made its appearance on the spot where the Indians had but recently dwelt--a large structure, substantially built, and ornamental in finish. It belonged to Elias Rody. He had secured the sanction of the settlers, and they had determined to support him in his piratical design. Only a very few of them had stood out against it. Thus strengthened, he had resolved upon, and had now completed his act of usurpation. CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. OVER CONFIDENCE. Oluski's dwelling, in his place of permanent abode, was a more pretentious affair than the wigwam temporarily inhabited by him at Tampa Bay.