ded around the father constantly. They listened to his
teachings with respectful and apparently with even joyful attention. He
was pale and emaciate. Even the Indian could perceive, from his feeble
voice and emaciate steps, that he was not far from the grave. On Easter
Sunday, the faithful missionary, with solemn and imposing ceremonies,
took, if we may so speak, spiritual possession of the land, in the name
of Jesus Christ.

The rapidly failing health of the missionary, rendered it expedient for
him to endeavor to return to his friends at Green Bay. The poor Indians
really mourned at the idea of his departure. Time hung heavily upon
their hands. They had but little to think of, and but little to do.
Loitering indolently around, from morning till night, it was a great
source of enjoyment to them, to crowd the large wigwam they had built
for the father, to listen to his words, to question him, and to witness
the ceremonies with which he was accustomed to conduct his devotions.
They were therefore much troubled at the thought of his departure, and
were but partially comforted by his repeated assurances that he would
either soon return again, or send some one else to continue the mission
which he had thus commenced.

Slowly and feebly he set out on his long journey back to Green Bay. It
was ninety miles from Kankakee to the southern extremity of Lake
Michigan. They could paddle in canoes over a portion of the route. But
there were also weary miles of portage which they had to pass over,
through Indian trails, carrying their canoe, and all their effects,
upon their backs. It was a severe undertaking for a sick man, who was
so feeble that even if a horse could have been provided for him to
ride, he could scarcely have held himself upon the saddle.

A large party of the Indians accompanied the father, on this weary
journey to the lake. They administered to his wants with the tenderest
care, relieving him of every burden, and aiding him over the rough
ways. At the night encampments, they provided for him a shelter,
kindled his fire, cooked his food, and spread for him a couch of leaves
and twigs. When they reached a small stream, which ran into the lake,
they placed him as comfortably as possible in his canoe, and intrusting
him to the care of his two faithful boatmen, Jacques and Pierre, bade
him an affectionate farewell.

The savages, after these deeds of almost Christian kindness, returned
to their wigwams, to sharpen t