"
"You are talking big," remarked Zitner, with a scornful look at
the sturdy lad. "Who is the gal's father?"
"That makes no difference; but I will say he belongs to the Delaware
tribe, most of whom are friends to our people."
"There were plenty of them with the Senecas and Oneidas yesterday,
and they fought like wild cats, too. But why don't you bring your
folks forward?" added Zitner, looking inquiringly around.
"I will do so. Wait a few minutes."
He strode back and over the top of the ridge, until he caught sight
of the frightened group.
"Come on!" he called, beckoning to them. "Mr. Zitner and Burwink
are here, and want to see you."
With an expression of thankfulness, Mrs. Ripley, clasping a hand
of each of the children, walked up the slope, and passed over to
where the couple awaited their approach by the camp fire. She shook
hands with each, and expressed her pleasure at meeting them. They
did the same toward her, and then all, with the exception of the
children, seated themselves on the fallen tree beside which the
small fire was burning.
Mrs. Ripley had observed the little incident the preceding
afternoon, when Zitner tried to stop Linna. She was ill at ease,
for she noticed how sharply he looked at the child. She hoped,
however, that now he was fully himself, he would be ashamed of his
action, or at least make no reference to it.
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