"I would brave the Indians and the wilderness again for this
pleasure," replied Joe gallantly, as he bowed low over the little
hand she cordially extended.
"Bess, is dinner ready?" inquired Colonel Zane of his comely wife.
She nodded her head, and the colonel led the way into the adjoining
room. "I know you boys must be hungry as bears."
During the meal Colonel Zane questioned his guests about their
journey, and as to the treatment they had received at the hands of
the Indians. He smiled at the young minister's earnestness in regard
to the conversion of the redmen, and he laughed outright when Joe
said "he guessed he came to the frontier because it was too slow at
home."
"I am sure your desire for excitement will soon be satisfied, if
indeed it be not so already," remarked the colonel. "But as to the
realization of your brother's hopes I am not so sanguine.
Undoubtedly the Moravian missionaries have accomplished wonders with
the Indians. Not long ago I visited the Village of Peace--the Indian
name for the mission--and was struck by the friendliness and
industry which prevailed there. Truly it was a village of peace. Yet
it is almost to early to be certain of permanent success of this
work. The Indian's nature is one hard to understand. He is naturally
roving and restless, which, however, may be owing to his habit of
moving from place to place in search of good hunting grounds.
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