It rather favored the latter.

He understood that the presence of Simon Girty and Elliott, with several other renegades unknown to him, was significant of unrest among the Indians.

These presagers of evil were accustomed to go from village to village, exciting the savages to acts of war.

Peace meant the downfall and death of these men.
They were busy all day and far into the night.

Often Joe heard Girty's hoarse voice lifted in the council lodge.