shout of "Vic!" opened his eyes; he not only submitted to be kissed, but
returned the embrace with tenfold interest, and mixed up the charcoal,
ochre, and vermilion with his mouth and pose and Tony's tears of joy.

Oh, it was an amazing sight, the meeting of these brothers. It is hard
to say whether the eyes or the mouth of the onlookers opened widest.
Petawanaquat was the only one who retained his composure. The eyes of
Meekeye were moistened despite her native stoicism, but her husband
stood erect with a grave sad countenance, and his blanket folded, with
his arms in classic fashion, on his breast. As for Rollin, he became,
and remained for some time, a petrifaction of amazement.

When the first burst was over, Victor turned to Petawanaquat, and as he
looked at his stern visage a dark frown settled on his own, and he felt
a clenching of his fists, as he addressed the Indian in his native
tongue.

"What made you take him away?" he demanded indignantly.

"Revenge," answered the red man, with dignified calmness.

"And what induces you now to bring him back?" asked Victor, in some
surprise.

"Forgiveness," answered Petawanaquat.

For a few moments Victor gazed at the calm countenance of the Indian in
silent surprise.

"What do you mean?" he asked, with a puzzled look.

"Listen," replied the Indian slowly. "Petawanaquat loves revenge. He
has tasted revenge. It is sweet, but the Indian has discovered a new
fountain. The old white father thirsts for his child. Does not the
white man's Book say, `If your enemy thirst, give him drink?' The red
man brings Tonyquat back in order that he may heap coals of fire on the
old white father's head. The Great Spirit has taught Petawanaquat that
forgiveness is sweeter than revenge."

He stopped abruptly. Victor still looked at him with a puzzled
expression.

"Well," he said, smiling slightly, "I have no doubt that my father will
forgive you, now that you have brought back the child."

A gleam, which seemed to have a touch of scorn in it, shot from the
Indian's eye as he rejoined--

"When Petawanaquat brings back Tonyquat, it is a proof that _he_
forgives the old white father."

This was all that the Indian would condescend to say. The motives which
had decided him to return good for evil were too hazy and complex for
him clearly to understand, much less explain. He took refuge,
therefore, in dignified silence.

Victor was too happy in the recovery of his br