r that would have shown I
distrusted them."

"Wal, didn't yo' obstrust them?" inquired the youth, to whom the whole
business was a mystery.

"I cannot deny that I felt I was in danger of violence at times, but
when I took up the work of my Master I expected that, and therefore was
not disappointed. If it was the will of Heaven that I should yield my
life at any time, I was always ready. You know, my son, that that is the
true way to live."

"Yes, sah."

"So it never caused me any discomfort. The only uneasiness a person
should feel is whether he is ready for the call when it comes. Well, to
return to what you asked me about, it soon became clear to me that the
worst sort of trouble was at hand. The Indians have defeated the
expeditions sent against them, until many believe our government is not
strong enough to conquer them. They need a crushing defeat, just such as
I am sure the next battle will be, before we can secure a lasting peace
for the frontier. I was engaged in this business when I approached the
Ohio this evening. At the moment of reaching the river I caught sight of
this boat and the ingenious arrangement you have made. I saw the
terrified Indian whom you hailed dash to shore and flee in mortal fright
into the woods.

"There was not enough light for me to recognize him," continued the
missionary, speaking as though every person, American and Caucasian, in
that vast region was an acquaintance. "I called to him, but he paid no
heed, and inasmuch as he had left his canoe behind him and I wished to
cross the river, I thought I might as well call upon you."

"What yo' want to cross de riber fur?" asked Jethro, without reflecting
that his question approached impertinence.

"Just now, I am looking for a chief known as Wa-on-mon, or, as his own
people call him, The Panther."

"Do yo' know dat debbil?" demanded the amazed youth, springing to his
feet and looking down in the face of the surprised missionary, who
replied:

"I have known him a good many years, have slept in his lodge, have
fondled his two children, have hunted with him, and placed my life in
his hands times without number."

Jethro could hardly express his astonishment at this information. Aside
from what he had seen of the fierce chieftain, he could not forget the
character given him by Simon Kenton. In his way, he related the proposed
duel to the death between the ranger and the leader of the Shawanoes.

Mr. Finley listened with the dee