old chief shook his head.

"Does their absence signify ill to the Village of Peace?"

"Glickhican saw a blackbird flitting in the shadow of the moon. The
bird hovered above the Village of Peace, but sang no song."

The old Delaware vouchsafed no other than this strange reply.

Jim returned to his cabin decidedly worried. He did not at all like
Glickhican's answer. The purport of it seemed to be that a cloud was
rising on the bright horizon of the Christian village. He confided
his fears to Young and Edwards. After discussing the situation, the
three missionaries decided to send for Heckewelder. He was the
leader of the Mission; he knew more of Indian craft than any of
them, and how to meet it. If this calm in the heretofore busy life
of the Mission was the lull before a storm, Heckewelder should be
there with his experience and influence.

"For nearly ten years Heckewelder has anticipated trouble from
hostile savages," said Edwards, "but so far he has always averted
it. As you know, he has confined himself mostly to propitiating the
Indians, and persuading them to be friendly, and listen to us. We'll
send for him."

Accordingly they dispatched a runner to Goshocking. In due time the
Indian returned with the startling news that Heckewelder had left
the Indian village days before, as had, in fact, all the savages
except the few converted ones. The same held true in the case of
Sandusky, the adjoining town. Moreover, it had been impossible to
obtain any news in regard to Zeisberger.

The missionaries were now thoroughly alarmed, and knew not what to
do. They concealed the real state of affairs from Nell and her
uncle, desiring to keep them from anxiety as long as possible. That
night the three teachers went to bed with heavy hearts.

The following morning at daybreak, Jim was awakened from a sound
sleep by some one calling at his window. He got up to learn who it
was, and, in the gray light, saw Edwards standing outside.

"What's the matter?" questioned Jim, hurriedly.

"Matter enough. Hurry. Get into your clothes," replied Edwards. "As
soon as you are dressed, quietly awaken Mr. Wells and Nellie, but do
not frighten them."

"But what's the trouble?" queried Jim, as he began to dress.

"The Indians are pouring into the village as thickly as flying
leaves in autumn."

Edwards' exaggerated assertion proved to be almost literally true.
No sooner had the rising sun dispelled the mist, than it shone on
long li