After saying one thing and then denying himself, he is in the bad graces of both parties of the Miamis.

For the same reason he doesn't dare to go back for a while to the Shawnees, so he is waiting for things to straighten themselves out, which they won't do for a long time.

The Miami belt bearers have not yet returned from the Shawnee village, and then belts will have to go back and forth a dozen times each before either tribe can find out what the other means." "An' if we kin keep 'em misunderstandin' each other," said Shif'less Sol, "they can't make any attack on the white settlements until away next spring, an' by that time a lot more white people will arrive from over the mountains.

We'll be at least twice ez strong then." "That's so," said Henry; "and the greatest work we five can do is to stay here and put as many spokes as we can in the Indian alliance." "And I am glad to be here with all of you," said Paul earnestly.

It seemed to him the greatest work in the world, this holding back of the tribes until their intended victim should acquire strength to beat them off, and his eyes shone.