Vinnie took the photo out of his pocket.
"I think it's almost time for us to go home," he said.
Vinnie pointed to the glowing object.
It was glowing blue.
"But what is it?"
asked Mandy, looking at the photo.
"They are coming," said Magua.
He pointed to the village gate.
A long line of chiefs slowly walked in.
Each wore his traditional headdress.
Mandy was amazed by their colorful clothes.
"Should we hide?" whispered Mandy.
But it was too late.
One of the chiefs stopped when he saw the children.
"The enemy stands on our land," he said.
Vinnie gulped loudly.
Mandy felt tears in her eyes.
"We are a peaceful people," Clan Mother said.
"Remember Hiawatha's wampum belt."
"Yes, it is the belt of harmony among the Iroquois," the chief said to Clan Mother.
"But not harmony with the whites!"
He pointed to Vinnie and Mandy.
"These children have done no harm to us," said Clan Mother.
"What is a wampum belt?" whispered Vinnie.
"A wampum belt is made of small beads made from shells.
It is very important for the Iroquois," explained Magua.
"Hiawatha's belt was made long ago when the Five Nations was first formed."
Respectfully, Magua and Onatah came up to the chief.
"It is true," they said.
"Vinnie and Mandy came in peace."
Vinnie and Mandy were very moved by the words of their new friends.
"They're trying to help us, Vinnie,"
said Mandy, wiping her eyes.
"Very well. The children may stay," said the chief.
Onatah walked back to Mandy and Vinnie.
Magua stood behind the chief.
It took a very long time for all the chiefs to gather around the fire.
"Sorrow has come to our people," one of the chiefs said.
"There is a time for peace and a time for battle," said another.
"Oh, Vinnie," whispered Mandy, "there's going to be war."
"The Iroquois will not be divided," said another chief.
"We must stand strong against the whites."
He held up a purple and white belt in both hands.
"Wow!" cried Vinnie.
"That's Hiawatha's belt!
It's the one Magua told me about."
The belt was decorated with white and purple shells.
"The Great Tree of Peace is in the center of it," said Onatah.
"And the row of white shells is like a path for anyone who seeks peace."
"The Iroquois want peace," the chief said.
"But if we must fight, we will fight as one people!"
Everyone cheered.
"Vinnie! The photo! The wampum belt!" cried Mandy.
Sure enough, the belt in the photo was glowing red.
Mandy looked around for her friend.
But Onatah had disappeared into the crowd.
"Come on, Mandy,"
Vinnie said, gently taking his sister's hand.
They fell down the dark tunnel.
The children opened their eyes.
They were in the attic.
At that moment, Dad opened the door.