which every great painter
desires."

"I am only too happy to please you," he said, with a sigh.

"My almost brother, William, I knew you would not refuse me the
favor."

Conversing in this manner, they had reached a turn in the road, which
led back to the village by a route different from that they had come,
when they saw Esther approaching, with her son. The boy walked in
advance of his mother, who seemed to tread in his steps, while that
unfailing companion of the semi-civilized red man, a dog, lounged by
his side.

Quadaquina was a handsome child, of thirteen or fourteen years of age,
with a perfectly oval face, and eyes deep set and keen, that glittered
like a snake's, resembling his mother, from whom he inherited his
beauty. His dress differed not from that of white boys, except
that there was thrown round his shoulders a piece of coarse blue
broadcloth, disposed like a shawl. Esther had on her head a dark
colored felt hat, such as is worn by laborers, from beneath which long
black hair fell down upon her shoulders. A shawl, like the boy's, was
thrown over her, a skirt, of the same material, extended half way down
between the knee and ankle, and crimson leggins completed the dress.

As they came up, Faith and Bernard stopped to speak to them, and
inquire after Holden. She had been apprised of his escape, and of the
visit of Pownal and Anne, but had refrained from going to his retreat
in consequence of its being thought advisable to attract as little
attention to it as possible. To her inquiries Esther returned the most
satisfactory answers. Holden appeared quite contented, and was engaged
in preaching to the Indians, and teaching them the principles of the
Christian faith.

"Do the Indians listen to what he says?" inquired Bernard.

"They listen; Indian always listen," said Esther, "and the wind blow
the words through the ears."

"I suppose so," said the young man, laughing. "Holden may now
truly call himself the voice of one crying in the wilderness, and a
wilderness it is likely to remain."

There was something both in the manner and language that jarred the
feelings of Faith, and she said:

"I will never give up the hope that these poor people may be
Christianized. Do you not think, Esther, that there has been an
improvement in the habits of the tribe within a few years?"

Esther hung down her head, and only answered, "Indian will be Indian."

"I will not despair," said Faith. "Be sure, Esther,