cannot tell. We do not know what the council may decide. It may be
morning before they will come to an agreement. The Long Arrow will
fight to the last."

"And the other, M'sieu,--the one who attacked you,--he too will
fight?"

"He is nothing. When an Iroquois shows himself a coward his influence
is gone forever. It may be even that they will give him a new name
because of this."

"There are times when a small accident or a careless word will change
the mind of a nation," said Father Claude. "When we left the council
they were not unfriendly to us. But in an hour it may be that they
will renew the torture. Until their hearts have been touched by the
Faith there are but two motives behind the most of their actions,
expediency and revenge. But I think we may hope. Brother de
Lamberville has told of many cases of torture where the right appeal
has brought a complete change."

So they talked on, none having anything to say, and yet each dreading
the silences that came so easily and hung over them so heavily. They
could see the council-house some distance up the path. Its outlines
were lost in the shadows of the trees, but through the crevices in the
bark and logs came thin lines of light, and a glow shone through the
long roof opening upon the smoke that hung in the still air above it.
Sometimes they could hear indistinctly the voice of a speaker; but the
words could not be distinguished. At other times there was a low buzz
of voices. The children and women who had not been able to get into
the building could be seen moving about outside shutting off a strip
of light here and there.

Two braves came with some corn and smoked meat. Menard set it down on
a corner of the blanket.

"You will eat, Mademoiselle?"

She shook her head. "I am not hungry. Thank you, M'sieu."

"If I may ask it,--if I may insist,--it is really necessary,
Mademoiselle."

She reached out, with a weary little gesture, and took some of the
corn.

"And you too, Father."

They ate in silence, and later went together to the spring for a cool
drink.

"We ought to make an effort to sleep," Menard said; and added, "if we
can. Father, you had better lie down. In a few hours, if there is no
word, I will wake you."

"You will not forget, M'sieu? You will not let me sleep too long."

"No." The Captain smiled. "No, Father; you shall take your turn at
guard duty."

The priest said good-night, and went to a knoll not far from the door.
The maid