there staring out,
watching the light fade across those leagues of water, until the
purple twilight descended like a veil of mist. Yet I heard the
questions and answers, and learned that nearly all the inhabitants
were away on various expeditions into the wilderness, none remaining
except the two priests in charge of the mission, and the few _engages_
necessary for their work. Only a few days before five priests had
departed to establish a mission at Green Bay, and visit the Indian
villages beyond.

The young Jesuit spoke freely when once convinced that our party
journeyed to the Illinois country, and was antagonistic to La Salle,
who had shown small liking for his Order. The presence of Pere Allouez
overcame his first suspicion at recognition of De Artigny, and he gave
free vent to his dislike of the Recollets, and the policy of those
adventurous Frenchmen who had dared oppose the Jesuits.

He produced a newly drawn map of the great lake we were to traverse,
and the men studied it anxiously while the two priests and the
_engage_ prepared a simple meal. For the moment I was forgotten, and
left alone on a rude bench beside the great fireplace, to listen to
their discussion, and think my own thoughts.

We remained at St. Ignace three days, busily engaged in repairing our
canoes, and rendering them fit for the long voyage yet before us. From
this point we were to venture on treacherous waters, as yet scarcely
explored, the shores inhabited by savage, unknown tribes, with not a
white man in all the long distance from Green Bay to the Chicago
portage. Once I got out the map, and traced the distance, feeling sick
at heart as I thus realized more clearly the weary journey.

Those were dull, lonely days I passed in the desolate mission house,
while the others were busy at their various tasks. Only at night time,
or as they straggled in, to their meals, did I see anyone but Pere
Allouez, who was always close at hand, a silent shadow from whose
presence I could not escape. I visited the priest's garden, climbed
the rocks overlooking the water, and even ventured into the dark
forest, but he was ever beside me, suave but insistent on doing his
master's will. The only glimpse I had of De Artigny was at a distance,
for not once did he approach the mission house. So I was glad enough
when the canoes were ready, and all preparations made for departure.

Yet we were not destined to escape thus easily from St. Ignace. Of
what occur