How do the MacIvey family and the Seminole Indians meet in the novel, A Land Remembered?

Keith Tiger, Lillie, and Bird Jumper are being pursued after killing a calf when they encounter Tobias, who is splitting wood for a pen he is building. As they reach the MacIvey house, the men corner the Indians and begin whipping them. Tobias reacts by shooting the attack dogs before they can seriously harm the three Seminoles. This begins a lifelong friendship between the MacIveys and the Seminole Indians.