ience may guide you. The way should not prove unduly
fatiguing after you pass the falls," with a wave of the hand downward,
and a slight smile. "I wandered here alone up that valley, seeking the
Indian village somewhat blindly, discovering much of interest on the
way. Would that my own future path led me through such ease; but 'tis
mine to go whithersoever the Lord wills. However, my discoveries will
be of value. Slightly below the falls, concealed beneath an
outcropping rock, you will find several stanch Indian boats. The
lightest one will transport safely the two of you, together with what
provisions you require. The current runs swiftly, yet a strong,
skilful hand on the steering oar should bring you through without
mishap."

We both stared at him, greatly puzzled by his strange speech. Eloise
was first to speak in protest.

"What do you mean by two of us? Do you deem us dastards enough to
leave you here alone?"

He smiled into her face with the tender smile of a woman, and held up
his shining silver crucifix.

"Daughter," he said modestly, "my work is not yet done. Upon this
symbol I took solemn oath to live and die in faithful service to the
heathen tribes of this river. Would you have me retreat in cowardice?
Would you have me false to the vows of my Order? to the voice of the
Master?"

"But you are crippled, helpless, in continual pain!" She crossed
hastily to him, dropping upon her knees at his side. "Oh, _pere_, we
cannot leave you; it would mean death."

His slender fingers stroked her brown hair, his eyes alight with the
fire of enthusiasm.

"Whether or not I am worthy of martyrdom, God knows. All I see is my
plain duty, and the beckoning hand of the bleeding Christ. Daughter,
you are a child of the true Church; your pleading should never retard
the labor of the priesthood. My suffering is nothing, my life nothing,
if only through such sacrifice souls may be rescued from the consuming
flames of hell."

She could not speak, but sobbed, her face hidden.

"Where do you go seeking other tribes?" I asked hoarsely, scarcely
believing his words.

He arose with difficulty to his feet, holding himself erect on the rude
crutches. I noticed now, for the first time, a bag of woven grass
hanging at his girdle.

"Yonder, Monsieur, to the westward," a new dignity in his manner as he
pointed up the narrow canyon. "There are tribes a few days' journey
away. I have learned of them, without be