Thlucco, wrapped in his blanket, bare-headed and bare-footed, looked
at the performance with an expression of profound contempt on his
face.

"Red-coat-big-hat-white man big fool!" was the only comment he had to
make upon Captain Woodbine and his drill.

Having bought what he wanted, and learned what he could, Sam returned
to his boat, and paddled down the bay to a point not far from Fort
Barrancas. Here he established his fishing camp, and began work upon
his rudder, mast and sail. Before the evening was over he had his boat
ready for sea, and was prepared to begin the work of fishing the next
morning. He had news for General Jackson; and before going to sleep he
wrote his first despatch.




CHAPTER XVIII.

"INJUN NO FOOL."


Sam's despatch, written by the light of a few pine knots and with as
much care as if it had been an important state paper,--for whatever
Sam Hardwicke did he tried to do well,--was in these words:--

TO MAJOR GENERAL JACKSON,