s an' cowards. Tell
them come no more into Meegum-Ahgee,--in Micmac land,--for two Micmac
men an' a squaw have kill all your people. Go! You are too young to die.
Your flesh is soft. Come back when your scalps are fit for a Micmac's
belt.'

"So Tamegun got home all light, an' Quedetchque come no more for many
years. But my people no more fight. Many die in battle long ago. Many
die of small-pox an' fever, and now we are few. So it will be until He
comes for whom all Indians wait. The story is ended."

* * * * *

Thus in rude English, Peter related one of the many tales, which still
serve to keep alive a people's pride in the glories of bygone days, so
unlike their present degradation, that to the general observer the
civilized Indian _seems_ to know nothing of the past, to be scarcely
conscious of his ignoble surroundings and circumstances, and to have no
care or hope for a brighter future. La Salle knew well the wild legend
of the Deliverer, in whom, in spite of his Catholic faith, the Indian
everywhere has an inherent trust, as the slowly but surely-coming
protector and restorer, of his ancient happiness.

"Thank you, Peter," said he, kindly. "Your people were a brave race, and
true as steel to your _Wenooch_ (i.e., French). They fought as long as
their allies dared to strive; and it was long after the last French
fortress surrendered that the warriors met at Bay Verte, to become true
subjects to the king they had fought against for years."

"Yes," said Peter, sadly. "My people once strong and brave; now they
waste away like the snow. I know many families almost gone, an' but few
pure Indian live this end of island. We see it, if 'hite people think
not, but we do not care to let them see our tears."

There was a simple pathos in the broken words of this unlearned man--for
he was no savage--which went to the hearts of his hearers; and La Salle
felt more strongly than ever, the cruel cowardice of that popular
outcry, which denies a whole people all share of innate nobility and
virtue, and visits on a deceived and wronged race, both their own sins
and the short-comings of those who should be their natural protectors.

The party finished their various undertakings, carefully removing their
litter. La Salle and Regnar went outside to take a last look at the sea
and sky. The stars were visible here and there, through the dispersing
clouds, and the drip of melting ice was no longer heard