CHAPTER 30
His Message of Farewell
THE missionary was greatly interested over the arrival of the natives. He insisted upon sitting at the little window facing the village where through a small clear space he could watch all that was going on outside. Zell stood near and at times she would draw his attention to Indians who passed on their way to their lodges.
“Look, Gikhi, there are Slim Jim and his wife. They seem to be glad to get back. And, oh, there is Tommy Titsu with his mother! How big he is. He has grown so much since he left the school.”
And truly it was an inspiring scene upon which their eyes rested. The entire place had suddenly become animated as if by magic. Men, women, and children were hurrying to and fro, and dogs innumerable were scurrying about. But so far not one of the Indians had come to the mission house, although all had glanced in that direction in passing. At length Kate entered and approached the missionary. Upon her face was an expression of deep concern.
“What is the matter, Kate?” the missionary asked.
“Tom no come,” she replied. “Tom die, mebbe.”
“Why, what makes you think so, Kate?”
“Injun say Tom lost. Injun drink hootch, drive Tom from lodge. Injun no find Tom.”
“Where was that?”
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