I've
a notion to send you both to Maumee town, one hundred miles away.
This young lady is charming, I admit, but if she is to keep on
seriously hindering the work of the Moravian Mission I must object.
As for that matter, I might try conclusions myself. I'm as young as
either of you, and, I flatter myself, much handsomer. You'll have a
dangerous rival presently. Settle it! You can't both have her;
settle it!"
This outburst from their usually kind leader placed the earnest but
awkward gentlemen in a terrible plight.
On the afternoon following the crisis Heckewelder took Mr. Wells to
one of the Indian shops, and Jim and Nell went canoeing. Young and
Edwards, after conferring for one long, trying hour, determined on
settling the question.
Young was a pale, slight man, very homely except when he smiled. His
smile not only broke up the plainness of his face, but seemed to
chase away a serious shadow, allowing his kindly, gentle spirit to
shine through. He was nervous, and had a timid manner. Edwards was
his opposite, being a man of robust frame, with a heavy face, and a
manner that would have suggested self-confidence in another man.
They were true and tried friends.
"Dave, I couldn't ask her," said Young, trembling at the very
thought. "Besides, there's no hope for me. I know it.
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