nes of marching braves, mounted warriors, hundreds of
packhorses approaching from the forests. The orderly procession was
proof of a concerted plan on the part of the invaders.

From their windows the missionaries watched with bated breath; with
wonder and fear they saw the long lines of dusky forms. When they
were in the clearing the savages busied themselves with their packs.
Long rows of teepees sprung up as if by magic. The savages had come
to stay! The number of incoming visitors did not lessen until noon,
when a few straggling groups marked the end of the invading host.
Most significant of all was the fact that neither child, maiden, nor
squaw accompanied this army.

Jim appraised the number at six or seven hundred, more than had ever
before visited the village at one time. They were mostly Delawares,
with many Shawnees, and a few Hurons among them. It was soon
evident, however, that for the present, at least, the Indians did
not intend any hostile demonstration. They were quiet in manner, and
busy about their teepees and camp-fires, but there was an absence of
the curiosity that had characterized the former sojourns of Indians
at the peaceful village.

After a brief consultation with his brother missionaries, who all
were opposed to his preaching that afternoon, Jim decided he would
not deviate from his usual custom. He held the afternoon service,
and spoke to the largest congregation that had ever sat before him.
He was surprised to find that the sermon, which heretofore so
strongly impressed the savages, did not now arouse the slightest
enthusiasm. It was followed by a brooding silence of a boding,
ominous import.

Four white men, dressed in Indian garb, had been the most attentive
listeners to Jim's sermon. He recognized three as Simon Girty,
Elliott and Deering, the renegades, and he learned from Edwards that
the other was the notorious McKee. These men went through the
village, stalking into the shops and cabins, and acting as do men
who are on a tour of inspection.

So intrusive was their curiosity that Jim hurried back to Mr. Well's
cabin and remained there in seclusion. Of course, by this time Nell
and her uncle knew of the presence of the hostile savages. They were
frightened, and barely regained their composure when the young man
assured them he was certain they had no real cause for fear.

Jim was sitting at the doorstep with Mr. Wells and Edwards when
Girty, with his comrades, came toward them