Then we thought we were rid of the black-robes, and could again live as we had been taught of our fathers." He stopped speaking, his head bent low on his breast, his eyes on the altar name.

I waited without a word.
"But they were of strong heart," he went on at last, never looking at me, "and returned again, until finally war arose between my people and these white-faced _Francais_.

Many came up the great river from the salt water in big boats, and drove us forth from our village, the home of our fathers, and gave it up to fire, after killing many warriors.
We could not fight against their fire-sticks, yet we saved much that we valued, and wandered far toward the sunset, bearing along with us the bodies of our chiefs, and the sacred fire from our altar.

The _Francais_ lost us in the wilderness.

We came to a little river which flowed down to greet us from out the sunset.