This idea becoming fixed in his mind, the rest was easy. He spoke to them of their present condition; drew a brilliant picture of what might be achieved in a new land; painted with masterly eloquence the increase of wealth and happiness his plan presented, and finely gathered around him a large number of families, with whom he started from Georgia, and settled in that section of Florida we have described. The reason for Rody's selection of this spot was another proof of his profound selfishness. In his reckless, generous days, he had, on the occasion of a visit to Columbus, been the means of saving from insult and outrage a Seminole chief, who had visited the capital upon some business connected with the State Government. This act of generosity had been impulsive; but, to the Indian, it assumed the proportion of a life-long debt. In the fulness of his gratitude, the chief caused papers and titles to be drawn up in Rody's favour, giving a grant of a portion of his own property lying on the shores of Tampa Bay. The Indian chief was named Oluski. The grant of land was the settlement we have spoken of. Rody, at the time, made light of Oluski's gratitude, and thrust the title into his desk without bestowing a second thought on the matter. Now, in his days of worldly wisdom, these papers with the Seminole's emblematic signature, were brought to light with a very different appreciation. He saw that they represented value. Elias Rody accordingly determined to make use of them. It ended in his carrying a colony southward, and settling upon Tampa Bay. The scheme originated in selfishness turned out a success. The lands were valuable, the climate salubrious, and the colony thrived. A bad man may sometimes do a good thing without intending it. Rody received even more credit and renown than he had expected; and, being a shrewd man, he achieved a part of his ambition. He was looked up to as the most important personage in the community. Although some of the settlers did not approve of all his measures, still, their opposition was rather negative than positive, and had, as yet, found vent only in remonstrances or grumbling. None had dared to question his prerogative, although he often rode a high horse, and uttered his diction in a tone offensively arrogant. What more, then, did Elias Rody want? A covetous man always wants more. Oluski's gift was a noble one. It covered a large area of fertile land, with water privileges, and a harbour for trade. It was the choicest portion of his possessions. The chief, in bestowing it, gave as a generous man gives to a friend. He gave the best he had. Unfortunately the best he had did not embrace the hill; and, therefore, Rody was unsatisfied. More than once during the progress of the settlement, he had cast a wishful eye upon the spot, as the choicest site in the whole district for a dwelling. As his means expanded so had his tastes, and a grand dwelling became the great desire of his life.