The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1913-01-04

of the canton; thou knowest that /
indulge not in the f1re-water of the
white traders; that | kill only in war;
and thou knowest, too, that none dare
provoke me to tests of endurance or
skill. Yet I love thee as the breeze
loves the flower or the eagle its mate.
He drew himself up to his full height,
perfect type of the Indian, tall and
swarthy, boastful and naughty, though
suppliant for her hand. Katherine
answered.
"All that thou sayest, know. The
old chiefs praise thy cunning, the
young speak of the swiftness Of thy
arrow and the strength of thy arm.
'Dost thou doubt?" he asked quick
ly. bid me scale yon peake and
shall bear away the eagles brood;
bid me off to the hunt and l shall
bring thee back a garment of the She
bears skin; bid me kill, and even
this I will do, to prove myself worthy
of thy hand"
His eyes flashed. Katherine trem-
bled at his earnestness.
Il doubt not thy prowess," she
said, "but I cannot encourage thee.
She paused for a moment, and then
hurriedly continued
For l believe in Mics of the white
men and thou dost not, nor does Te-
gakwita, my uncle. Already is his
hand heavy upon me. But I fear him
not. I tremble only lest in his rage
he follow me to the cabin of the
Black Gown and wreak his vengeance
on one who has harmed him not.
Hot Cinders, shall flee to the North.
There at La Prairie I shall find many
of the Iroquois who have left the
ways of superstition and renounced
the teachings of the medicine men to
serve tHawenniio."
She paused again. Hot Cinders
made no reply.
81 have spoken to thee as friend, .
she added, "for thou hast told me
what thou wouldst do for me. Should
my uncle hear of my flight, he would
kill me. Wilt thou keep my secret?'
i "Yea, even more I will do for thee.
No one shall harm thee and live
Saying this, Hot Cinders left her.
Father de Lamberville had early
seen what tender flower in the per-
son of Katherine had been confided
to his care He knew that her uncle
was a reckless and vicious man who
derided the practices of the Chris
tian woman as he called his niece.
The missionary had been urging her
to leave her uncle's cabin and to pro-
coed to the Christian mission at La
Prairie in Canada, where she might
practice her devotions unmolested.
Katherine having finally consented,
he anticipated some difficulty in secur-
ing her a suitable escort Not every
brave cared to incur the enmity of
Tegakwita by spiriting away his niece,
for his vengeance would be swift and
terrible. The good priest was think
ing over the matter when light tap
was heard at his cabin door.
"Come in," he cried, and Hot Gin
ders entered Father de Lamberville
motioned him to seat, but the young
brave needed not
''Black Gown" he began abruptly,
ct am not of thy flock. have stalked
the deer in the forest when the
squaws Che dwelt half CONTEMPORARY
upon the word) and the youths of the
canton were gathered here to listen
to thy words. I have not believed in
thy Milo. Yet one whom / love has
knelt here and thou wouldst send her
away"
The good father could not divine
the intention of his visitor. Why had
he come? Was he friend or foe?
Does the maiden wish to go?''
Hot Cinders asked. The father nodded
assent.
"Even as the nest is empty when
the birds have gone to the sunny land
behind the hills; even as the hart is
sorrowful when the doe has fled, sc
will my heart be vacant and spirit
sad when the maiden goes. Yet wilt
thou that take her to La Prairie?"
The priest gave him one quick
searching glance. He felt that he
could trust him.
cart thou aware of the danger?" he
asked. Hot Cinders smiled. IT know
no fear" he answered
when wilt thou be ready?"
IT am ready now"
The two proceeded in silence tc
Tegakwitas hut. Katherine was in
the field, but messenger brought
her quickly to her visitors.
when does the chief return
asked the priest.
"He may come at any moment" she
replied.
"Then no time must be lost"
Briefly the priest repeated to the
maiden the offer of Hot Cinders tt
conduct her to La Prairie, and asked
her if she would trust herself to hi!
guidance.
"Knowest thou the danger?" she il
turn asked the young brave. Ho
Cinders turned his face to hers, bu
, no reply did he vouchsafe. Katherine
placed her hand on his arm.
II will co. she said simply. Quick
,, ly she gathered her few possession
and prepared to depart. She knel
before the priest, who blessed her ant
placed a medal of the Virgin in hel
! hand. She babe him farewell, but Ho
Cinders strobe from the room withou
word, and their journey began.
Avoiding the Mohawk, they as
cended the Sacondaga and made fol
the north In due time they reached
La Prairie, where Katherine was re
ceived with delight. Her fame hat
, preceded her. His mission fulfilled
Hot Cinders prepared at once to re
. turn. Nor would he accept any pro
visions for his march.
81 have my bow" he said.
He saw Katherine once more be
fore leaving; he looked into her fac
and was satisfied with what he reat
|, there.
ct is WELL" he said, and departed
, He reported at once to Father d.
. Lamberville upon his return, and thel