"If no one offers him an indignity. The Iroquois is a proud man. But
I see Monsieur Nicot calling to you; Monsieur Nicot, whose ancestor,
God bless him! introduced this weed into France;" and Du Puys refilled
his pipe, applied an ember, took off his faded baldric and rapier, and
reclined full length on the bench. Maitre le Borgne hurried away to
attend to the wants of Monsieur Nicot. Presently the soldier said:
"Shall we sail to-morrow, Master Mariner?"
"As the weather wills." Bouchard bent toward the fire and with the aid
of a pair of tongs drew forth the end of a broken spit, white with
heat. This he plunged into a tankard of spiced port; and at once there
arose a fragrant steam. He dropped the smoking metal to the floor, and
drank deeply from the tankard. "Zachary, we shall see spring all
glorious at Quebec, which is the most beautiful promontory in all the
world. Upon its cliffs France will build her a new and mighty Paris.
You will become a great captain, and I shall grow as rich as our host's
cousin."
"Amen; and may the Holy Virgin speed us to the promised land." Du Puys
blew above his head a winding cloud of smoke.
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