I was one, bearing ever with me the sacred fire, which I was sworn to guard.

We travelled across many rivers, suffering much from want, until those who lived wandered to this place, and here set up once more our fathers' ancient altars.

'T was thus I learned the words of the tongue, this accursed _Francais_, and learned also to hate those with white faces and black hearts who speak it." His voice ceased, and his chin sank wearily upon his breast.

My ear caught the heavy breathing of Cairnes, and I turned to mark him lying at full length upon the stone floor sound asleep.

Admiring his indifference to surroundings, I was yet so deeply engrossed in this tale of the old priest as to be myself insensible of fatigue.
"You are indeed of an old race," I said, hoping to make him talk further, "if the traditions of your people extend to those first Frenchmen who came floating south along the great river." The old eyes, now scanning my face, gleamed with awakened pride.
"'T is no more than a page out of our history I have related," he exclaimed hastily, evidently aroused by my interest.