t together, trying to come to terms. Each
time, the words that passed between us were more cruel. Then, a year
ago, he even boasted to me that he killed three Sauk Indians who were
taking lead from that mine he has been working, which they believe to be
theirs."

Auguste gasped.

_Sun Fish and the others! That must have been what happened to them._

Pierre said, "What is it?"

"I think I know those three. One of them was my age, and a friend of
mine." His hatred for Raoul burned fiercer than ever.

Pierre said, "For a long time now there have been no words at all
between Raoul and me."

Auguste said, "It was my coming here that turned you against each
other."

Nicole spoke up. "Not you. Raoul has had a grudge against Pierre for as
long as I can remember."

Elysee said, "Yes, Raoul has many quarrels with me--over land and how it
is to be used, our paying the Sauk and Fox for it, the Fort Dearborn
massacre. Yes, you are part of it, Auguste, but there is much more
besides."

Auguste shook his head. "But before I came, Father and Raoul were
speaking to each other and the question of who would get the estate was
settled. And it still can be. Father, after you are gone I will go back
to my people. You can tell Raoul that, and there will be peace between
you."

With pain that tore all through him like lightning burning through a
tree, Auguste realized that he had committed himself to stay here as
long as his father lived. His Sauk family and loved ones were in
terrible danger four days' ride from here, and he wanted to be with
them. But he couldn't leave Pierre now. His fear for Sun Woman and
Redbird and the others in peril, his shame at not going to help them,
would be a terrible torment, but he would have to endure it. He could
not leave his father to take his first steps on the Trail of Souls
alone.

Pierre reached out suddenly and seized him by the wrist.

"You must not leave, even after I am gone. You must stay here as my
heir."

Auguste gasped as the enormity of what Pierre was saying hit him. Heir!
He tried to stand up, but Pierre's grip held him fast. Just as this
huge house and all the land around it would hold him captive, forever
parted from his people.

"No!"

"Listen, please, Auguste. I cannot will the land to Raoul."

Auguste lifted his free hand pleadingly.

"You can't will it to _me_. I know nothing about managing farms and
raising livestock. Nothing about business. Raoul has been train