artled the warriors who had
been forbidden to attend the council.

"We will surely fight the Blacksnake, for the Whirlwind is talking,"
they said with delight.

It was midnight when the council broke up, its participants in no good
humor, for the Turtle's speech had sown much dissension in the Indian
ranks, and that night many a red man saved his life by deserting the
common cause.

It was decided to fight Wayne at Presqu'-Isle.

After the adjournment of the council the several chiefs hurried to their
respective legions to prepare for the conflict. James Girty wended his
way toward the Miami camp. He was ill at ease, and ever and anon his
hands closed and opened spasmodically, and he muttered as he went along:

"Is he tired of war? Is he going to turn gentleman? He is a coward! He
is not worthy the name of Girty."

These words fell in audible tones from the renegade's lips. They were
hissed from a heart which was a very cauldron of anger.

"James?"

At the sound of his name the outlaw stopped, and turning, recognized the
speaker.

"I am tired of war; but I am not a coward."

The renegade brothers stood face to face in the forest.

For a moment neither spoke. They stood apart, as if each had determined
not to approach the other.

"You are for peace, Simon," James said.

"I would stay the slaughter that will follow our meeting with Wayne,"
was the reply.

Simon Girty trying to prevent the effusion of blood? It seemed one of
the impossibilities of his nature.

A grim smile passed over the Whirlwind's face.

"Then fly to-night," he said bitterly. "Go to the great cities and
exchange your bloody hatchet for the priests' robes of religion. I am
for war! No man shall ever say that Jim Girty turned from a chance to
shed American blood. We are brothers. Simon, is it true that you are
tired of slaughter?"

"I am. We have been devils long enough, James."

"When did you experience this wonderful change?"

The speaker's sarcasm made the solitary listener bite his lip.

"Do you know who is with Wayne?" he said.

"Two thousand men that long to drink my blood."

"_He_ is there--_they_ are there!"

"Ha?"

"Abner Stark reached Wayne not long since. He brought a family of
fugitives into camp. That man has been hunting you ever since you
murdered his family in Kentucky. Fifty more avengers of desolated homes
are with Wayne, and there are people in our own ranks who hate you. The
blood of Parquatin will be a