The reply caused consternation on the part of Mrs. Ripley and Ben, but the boy shut his lips tight. He could not but admire the bravery of the child, and he was determined to stand by her to the end. The mother was in despair, but she relied mainly on persuasion and prayer. With no idea of what all this meant, Alice looked in the face of each person in turn while speaking. "She's a chip off the old block," said Burwink, with a laugh. "She doesn't seem to have much fear of you, Jabez." "I am hopeful she will feel different when she grows older," soothingly remarked Mrs. Ripley. "I'd like to know what you build your hope on," replied Zitner, still curiously watching the child. "I expect to have her a good deal under my care, and I shall do all I can to instruct her aright. This morning she knelt with us in prayer. You must remember she is very young, and has heard little, if anything, of Christianity." Zitner shook his head. "It's born in 'em, and you can't get it out." "But, Mr. Zitner, you will not deny that we have a good many Christian Indians. There are plenty of them at Gnadenhutten, and the Moravian missionaries have been the means of turning hundreds from darkness to light. If they can do that with full grown warriors and women, may we not hope for the best from those of tender years?" "I don't know about that," was the dogged reply. "I never believed in this conversion business." "What can you mean by such a remark?" asked the shocked lady. "I mean, religion is good enough for white people, but don't work with Injins. They will pretend they're good, but are only waiting for a chance to do mischief." "The converted Delawares have never taken part in the wars against us. You know that as well as I." "How about Omas?" "He makes no pretence of Christianity." "And therefore has no claim on our indulgence." "No one has said he has," observed Ben, coming to his mother's help; "he will never ask quarter from you or any white man." "Where is he now? He brought you over the river, but seems to have deserted you." "He left because he didn't think we had further need of his aid; we can get along without him." "Now, see here," added Zitner, straightening up on the log and slapping his knee; "I'll tell you what I've made up my mind to do. I am willing to give in to Mrs. Ripley that far, that I won't harm that youngster--that is, I will leave it to her father whether I shall or shan't." Neither mother nor son could understand the meaning of this strange remark. They waited for the man to explain.