“Yes.”

“Oh-h! but we’re free now?  This is my room.  Oh, tell me?”

“Yes, Nellie, you’re safe at home now.”

“Tell—­tell me,” she cried, shudderingly, as she leaned close to Jim and raised a white, imploring face to his.  “Where is Kate?—­Oh!  Jim—­say, say she wasn’t left with Girty?”

“Kate is dead,” answered Jim, quickly.  He could not endure the horror in her eyes.  He deliberately intended to lie, as had Heckewelder.

It was as if the tension of Nell’s nerves was suddenly relaxed.  The relief from her worst fear was so great that her mind took in only the one impression.  Then, presently, a choking cry escaped her, to be followed by a paroxysm of sobs.

Chapter XX.

Early on the following day Heckewelder, astride his horse, appeared at the door of Edwards’ cabin.

“How is George?” he inquired of Dave, when the latter had opened the door.

“He had a bad night, but is sleeping now.  I think he’ll be all right after a time,” answered Dave.

“That’s well.  Nevertheless keep a watch on him for a few days.”

“I’ll do so.”

“Dave, I leave matters here to your good judgment.  I’m off to Goshocking to join Zeisberger.  Affairs there demand our immediate attention, and we must make haste.”

“How long do you intend to be absent?”

“A few days; possibly a week.  In case of any unusual disturbance among the Indians, the appearance of Pipe and his tribe, or any of the opposing factions, send a fleet runner at once to warn me.  Most of my fears have been allayed by Wingenund’s attitude toward us.  His freeing Jim in face of the opposition of his chiefs is a sure sign of friendliness.  More than once I have suspected that he was interested in Christianity.  His daughter, Whispering Winds, exhibited the same intense fervor in religion as has been manifested by all our converts.  It may be that we have not appealed in vain to Wingenund and his daughter; but their high position in the Delaware tribe makes it impolitic for them to reveal a change of heart.  If we could win over those two we’d have every chance to convert the whole tribe.  Well, as it is we must be thankful for Wingenund’s friendship.  We have two powerful allies now.  Tarhe, the Wyandot chieftain, remains neutral, to be sure, but that’s almost as helpful as his friendship.”

“I, too, take a hopeful view of the situation,” replied Edwards.

“We’ll trust in Providence, and do our best,” said Heckewelder, as he turned his horse.  “Good-by.”

“Godspeed!” called Edwards, as his chief rode away.

The missionary resumed his work of getting breakfast.  He remained in doors all that day, except for the few moments when he ran over to Mr. Wells’ cabin to inquire regarding Nell’s condition.  He was relieved to learn she was so much better that she had declared her intention of moving about the house.  Dave kept a close watch on Young.  He, himself, was suffering from the same blow which had prostrated his friend, but his physical strength and fortitude were such that he did not weaken.  He was overjoyed to see that George rallied, and showed no further indications of breaking down.