The setting sun stood yet an hour high over a distant hill, and burned dark red through the great pall of smoke.
"Is it a forest fire ?" asked Nell, fearfully.
"Fire, of course, but---" Jim did not voice his fear; he looked closely at Wingenund.
The chieftain stood silent a moment as was his wont when addressed.
The dull glow of the sun was reflected in the dark eyes that gazed far away over forest and field.
"Fire," said Wingenund, and it seemed that as he spoke a sterner shadow flitted across his bronzed face.

"The sun sets to-night over the ashes of the Village of Peace." He resumed his rapid march eastward.

With never a backward glance the saddened party followed.

Nell kept close beside Jim, and the old man tramped after them with bowed head.

The sun set, but Wingenund never slackened his stride.