They be of a savage nature, which God alone may beautify." He slightly lifted his long black robe as he spoke, and may the merciful Father forgive the oath which sprang to my lips as I gazed in horror at the disfiguration--two fleshless limbs, one without even the semblance of a foot, merely a blackened, charred stump rested on the rock floor.
"Mother of God!" I sobbed, "it has been burned off!" "Ay," he returned, in all gentleness, covering the awful sight.

"Yet were they gladly given for Christ's sake." "I doubt that not," gazing in wonder at his girlish face.

"But tell me, who were guilty of such fiendish cruelty--the savages of this tribe ?" "Two months ago it was done in the valley below, in the village of the Natchez," his eyes again upon the crucifix.

"Yet dwell not upon it, Monsieur, for it is so little I can hope to do for the glory of God.
It may be I am not even worthy of martyrdom." "So the Natchez did that!" the breath hissing between my teeth.

"Where was their gentle-hearted Queen ?" "I know not, Monsieur, if they have a Queen.