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.  The renegade leader was a tall, athletic man, with a dark, strong face.  There was in it none of the brutality and ferocity which marked his brother’s visage.  Simon Girty appeared keen, forceful, authoritative, as, indeed, he must have been to have attained the power he held in the confederated tribes.  His companions presented wide contrasts.  Elliott was a small, spare man of cunning, vindictive aspect; McKee looked, as might have been supposed from his reputation, and Deering was a fit mate for the absent Girty.  Simon appeared to be a man of some intelligence, who had used all his power to make that position a great one.  The other renegades were desperadoes.