The girl often trembled as she caught the young chief's eye gazing upon her. His stern demeanour agitated her. She suspected that he knew her secret; although neither by word or action did he betray the knowledge. Oluski was amazed at his conduct. In their conversation there was a renewed bitterness when they talked of the pale-faces and their actions. It astonished the old Seminole chief. He could not understand the sudden growth of such an unjust antipathy; therefore became more reticent, and would sit for hours without exchanging a word with his nephew. Time passed in this manner until the period for the annual migration of the tribe to Tampa Bay. To Oluski's surprise, Wacora signified his intention to accompany them, and along with them he went. CHAPTER NINETEEN. A CHANGED SCENE. A still greater surprise was in store for the Seminole chief and his tribe. The Indians stood as if petrified, when they came within eight of the well-known hill. Upon its table top, and visible for miles around, stood a frame mansion, in all the glitter of fresh paint. When Oluski first saw it, he uttered an exclamation of agonised anger, at the same time clutching hold of Wacora's arm; but for its friendly support he had fallen to the ground. "Look, Wacora; look yonder! What is it we see?" As he spoke, he passed his hands across his eyes to shade off the sun. No; they had not deceived him; there was no glamour over them. The sun's beams were shining brightly upon a house. His nephew looked sadly into the old man's face, fervently pressing his hand. He dared not trust himself to speak. "And this is the act of a friend. So much for my blind faith in the traitor's deceitful words. May the curse of the Great Spirit fall on him and his!" Wacora added--"Yes; may both be accursed!" Then drawing his uncle away from the contemplation of the painful sight, he conducted him to a neighbouring grove of oaks; the tribe halting near the spot. A council of the chief men was instantly called, and a plan of action resolved on. Oluski and Wacora were commissioned to visit the white settlement, and demand the reason of this scandalous usurpation. The Indians proceeded no farther. That night they encamped upon the spot where they had halted, and early the next morning the two chiefs departed on their mission. As they approached the hill another surprise awaited them. Surrounding it was a strong wooden stockade, with substantially built block-houses at regular distances from each other. Behind the palisading men were seen, as if watching the approach, and ready to receive them in a hostile manner. "See!" cried Wacora, "they are prepared for our reception. The robbers have determined to maintain themselves in their stolen possession."