Thoreau spoke a last word to David, in a voice intended for his ears alone.
"It is a long way to God's Lake, m'sieu, and you are going with a strange man--a strange man.

Some day, if you have not forgotten Pierre Thoreau, you may tell me what it has been a long time in my heart to know.

The saints be with you, m'sieu!" He dropped back.

His voice rolled after them in a last farewell, in French, and in Cree, and as David followed close behind the Missioner he wondered what Thoreau's mysterious words had meant, and why he had not spoken them until that final moment of their departure.

"A strange man! The saints be with you!" That last had seemed to him almost a warning.
He looked at Father Roland's broad back; for the first time he noticed how heavy and powerful his shoulders were for his height.