ng beside
Linna, whose eyes were never once removed from the displeasing
countenance of Zitner.

She must have noticed the incident referred to, for the expression on
her round face was of dislike and distrust. She stood further off from
the men than anyone else--silent, watchful, and suspicious.

Zitner now looked at her.

"Come here," he said coaxingly, extending his hand.

"No; me won't. Me don't like you," she replied, with an angry flirt and
backward step.

"Jingo!" exclaimed the surprised Zitner; "I didn't think she could talk
our lingo. Say, Miss Spitfire, what is your father's name?"

Before either Mrs. Ripley or her son could interpose, Linna answered
defiantly--"He Omas--great warrior--kill good many white people--kill
you!"

The reply caused consternation on the part of Mrs. Ripley and Ben, but
the boy shut his lips tight. He could not but admire the bravery of the
child, and he was determined to stand by her to the end.

The mother was in despair, but she relied mainly on persuasion and
prayer.

With no idea of what all this meant, Alice looked in the face of each
person in turn while speaking.

"She's a chip off the old block," said Burwink, with a laugh. "She
doesn't seem to have much fear of you, Jabez."

"I am hopeful she will feel different when she grows older," soothingly
remarked Mrs. Ripley.

"I'd like to know what you build your hope on," replied Zitner, still
curiously watching the child.

"I expect to have her a good deal under my care, and I shall do all I
can to instruct her aright. This morning she knelt with us in prayer.
You must remember she is very young, and has heard little, if anything,
of Christianity."

Zitner shook his head.

"It's born in 'em, and you can't get it out."

"But, Mr. Zitner, you will not deny that we have a good many Christian
Indians. There are plenty of them at Gnadenhutten, and the Moravian
missionaries have been the means of turning hundreds from darkness to
light. If they can do that with full grown warriors and women, may we
not hope for the best from those of tender years?"

"I don't know about that," was the dogged reply. "I never believed in
this conversion business."

"What can you mean by such a remark?" asked the shocked lady.

"I mean, religion is good enough for white people, but don't work with
Injins. They will pretend they're good, but are only waiting for a
chance to do mischief."

"The converted Delawares have never taken