But Half King is impatient." "To-day decides the fate of the Village of Peace," answered Girty, imperturbably.
"Ugh!" grunted Pipe.
Half King vented his approval in the same meaning exclamation.
An hour passed; the renegade smoked in silence; the chiefs did likewise.
A horseman rode up to the door of the teepee, dismounted, and came in.

It was Elliott.

He had been absent twenty hours.

His buckskin suit showed the effect of hard riding through the thickets.
"Hullo, Bill, any sign of Jim ?" was Girty's greeting to his lieutenant.
"Nary.

He's not been seen near the Delaware camp.