Mother of God! what was it moved yonder ?" I glanced quickly about toward where he pointed, seeing the shadowed figure of our forgotten prisoner.
"'Tis only one of the savages we have captured and bound.

He guarded this altar, ministering to the superstition of the tribe; an old man, perchance the very chief priest who held you in the flame." I anticipated seeing the light of revenge leap into his eyes, but, instead, a rush of pity softened them, and before I could extend my hand to interfere, he crept across the intervening space, and bent over the fellow.
"A most cruel turn on the rope, Monsieur," he exclaimed, busying himself at the knot.

"Surely the man will rest easier, and no less safely, with back propped against the rock.

Nay, have no fear; I will keep him tied fast if that be your wish, yet I seek to relieve his pain so I may profitably converse with him upon the needs of his soul." "With him! Saint George! he had small enough mercy on you." "That is of the past, and abideth not in memory," and the white hands held up the crucifix into the light.

"He who died on this Cross prayed, 'Father forgive, they know not what they do,' and who is Andre Lafossier, to be harsher than his Master ?" Not until after he had prayed long and earnestly, holding the silver cross ever before the wicked eyes of the unrepentant savage, did he permit me to bathe his disfigured limbs, dressing them as best I could with what rude materials I found at hand.