When he returned, laden with luxurious
contributions to the evening meal, the camp had still another guest.
Keela was sitting by the fire. Philip eyed with furtive approval the
modish shirtwaist, turned back at the full brown throat, and the
heavily coiled hair.
"The Seminole rig," explained Diane, "was an excellent drawing card for
Palm Beach tourists but it was a bit conspicuous for the road. Greet
him in Seminole, Keela."
"Som-mus-ka-lar-nee-sha-maw-lin!" said Keela with gravity.
Philip looked appalled.
"She says 'Good wishes to the white man!'" explained Diane, smiling.
"My Lord," said Philip, "I wouldn't have believed it. Keela, I thought
you were joint by joint unwinding a yard or so of displeasure at my
appearance. No-chit-pay-lon-es-chay!" he added irresponsibly, naming a
word he had picked up in Palm Beach from an Indian guide.
The effect was electric. Keela stared. Diane look horrified.
"Philip!" she said. "It means 'Lie down and go to sleep!'"
"To the Happy Hunting Ground with that bonehead Indian!" said Philip
with fervor. "Lord, what a civil retort!" and he stammered forth an
instant apology.
Immeasurably delighted, Keela laughed.
"You are very funny," she said in English. "I shall like you.
Pages:
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238