ork invited. If what these frontiersmen
asserted was true, then the ministers' zeal had struck them blind.

Jim had a growing idea of the way in which the savages could be best
taught. He resolved to go slowly; to study the redmen's natures; not
to preach one word of the gospel to them until he had mastered their
language and could convey to their simple minds the real truth. He
would make Christianity as clear to them as were the deer-trails on
the moss and leaves of the forest.

"Ah, here you are. I hope you have rested well," said Mr.
Zeisberger, when at the conclusion of this long recital Nell and
Kate came into the room.

"Thank you, we feel much better," answered Kate. The girls certainly
looked refreshed. The substitution of clean gowns for their former
travel-stained garments made a change that called forth the
minister's surprise and admiration.

"My! My! Won't Edwards and Young beg me to keep them here now!" he
exclaimed, his pleased eyes resting on Nell's piquant beauty and
Kate's noble proportions and rich coloring. "Come; I will show you
over the Village of Peace."

"Are all these Indians Christians?" asked Jim.

"No, indeed. These Indians you see here, and out yonder under the
shade, though they are friendly, are not Christians. Our converts
employ themselves in the fields or shops. Come; take a peep in here.
This is where we preach in the evenings and during inclement
weather. On pleasant days we use the maple grove yonder."

Jim and the others looked in at the door of the large log structure.
They saw an immense room, the floor covered with benches, and a
raised platform at one end. A few windows let in the light. Spacious
and barn-like was this apartment; but undoubtedly, seen through the
beaming eyes of the missionary, it was a grand amphitheater for
worship. The hard-packed clay floor was velvet carpet; the rude
seats soft as eiderdown; the platform with its white-oak cross, an
altar of marble and gold.

"This is one of our shops," said Mr. Zeisberger, leading them to a
cabin. "Here we make brooms, harness for the horses, farming
implements--everything useful that we can. We have a forge here.
Behold an Indian blacksmith!"

The interior of the large cabin presented a scene of bustling
activity. Twenty or more Indians bent their backs in earnest
employment. In one corner a savage stood holding a piece of red-hot
iron on an anvil, while a brawny brave wielded a sledge-hammer. The
sparks fle