I wish he were out
of the way. Granted that his errand is fair, he will still see too
much. For all men, in whatever state they are born, lack neither
vanity nor ambition, and this man is accustomed to command. It is a
crack in the dike, and I do not like it.
"But enough. I hear that you trussed Father Blackgown like a pigeon
for the spit the night that you went away. I would have given my best
tobacco box to have seen it. There was some excitement here over the
loss of the prisoner, but no talk of pursuit. Indeed, the Hurons
seemed relieved to have him spirited out of the way. Which is odd, for
they took great pains to obtain him. But I am wonted to the
unexpected; it is the usual that finds me unprepared. Even Father
Blackgown surprises me. He has not complained to me of you, though
heretofore I have found him as ready to shout his wrongs as a crow in a
cornfield. But again, enough.
"And I have the honor to be, with great respect, monsieur,
"Your very obedient servant,
"ANTOINE DE LA MOTHE-CADILLAC."
I read the letter through twice. Then I turned to Singing Arrow. I
was glad she was a savage. If she had been white, man or woman, I
should have been obliged to go through a long explanation, and I was
not in the mood for it.
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