THE SEMINOLES OF FLORIDA 223


 HOME AND RELIGION.
 It is a long way from the savagery of the jungle to
the doors of civilization, where, when the confidence
and faith of the Seminole has been won, he becomes
as trusting and confiding as a little thild. The en-
deavor to show the Seminole what Christianity stands
for has been one of the most complex problems en-
countered.
 "Not to lie, not to steal, not to cheat and to
think with God," is practiced with precision.
 The Seminole, with most reverend attitude, listens
to the returning of thanks, at the white man's table
and with the question put, "Billy, do Seminoles talk
to God and ask Him to give them food and homes?"
"Munks-chay" (No), replied the Indian, "no ask
Him."
 Then, as if a light dawned, as to the nature of
our study, he told of a hunting experience of a few
weeks before, when he had acted as guide for a
northern tourist. For three days the red huntsman
had sought all the bayous for deer, but "deer hie-
pus" (all gone). Man feel sorry ojus (plenty).
Night come, we wake two o'clock, moon shine bright,
me hear water laugh. Me see big e-cho (deer) swim
across the river. My gun me take. Kill big deer.
Me tell Great Spirit 'Me thank you.' White man
glad ojus; he go back to New York, take big buck
antlers--he say he kill big deer in Everglades."
 The Seminole, like his ancient ancestors, thanks