"Do not preach to-day. I have been warned again," he said, in a low
voice.
"Do you forbid it?" inquired Edwards.
"No, no. I have not that authority, but I implore it. Wait, wait
until the Indians are in a better mood."
Edwards left the group, and, stepping upon the platform, faced the
Christians.
At the same moment Half King stalked majestically from before his
party. He carried no weapon save a black, knotted war-club. A
surging forward of the crowd of savages behind him showed the
intense interest which his action had aroused. He walked forward
until he stood half way between the platform and the converts. He
ran his evil glance slowly over the Christians, and then rested it
upon Edwards.
"Half King's orders are to be obeyed. Let the paleface keep his
mouth closed," he cried in the Indian tongue. The imperious command
came as a thunderbolt from a clear sky. The missionaries behind
Edwards stood bewildered, awaiting the outcome.
But Edwards, without a moment's hesitation, calmly lifted his hand
and spoke.
"Beloved Christians, we meet to-day as we have met before, as we
hope to meet in---"
"Spang!"
The whistling of a bullet over the heads of the Christians
accompanied the loud report of a rifle. All presently plainly heard
the leaden missile strike. Edwards wheeled, clutching his side,
breathed hard, and then fell heavily without uttering a cry.
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