It was a tribute less to
his office than to his appearance; for not one of them saw in his
coming aught else than a good presage and probable liberation.
Chaumonot was accompanied by Father Dablon, the Black Kettle,--now
famous among his Onondaga brothers as the one who had crossed the evil
waters, and two friendly Oneida chiefs. There ensued a prodigious
harangue; but at the close of it the smile on Chaumonot's face
signified that he had won his argument.
"You are free, my sons," he said. "It took some time to find you, but
there is nothing like perseverance in a good cause. At dawn you will
return with me to Onondaga. Monsieur," addressing the Chevalier; "and
how is the health of Monsieur le Marquis, your kind father?"
The smile died from the Chevalier's face. "Monsieur le Marquis is at
Quebec; I can not say as regards his health."
"In Quebec?"
"Yes, Father," Victor interposed.
"How did you know that we were here ?" asked the vicomte.
"Pauquet, in his wanderings, finally arrived at Onondaga two weeks ago.
Upon hearing his story I at once began a search. We are virtually at
peace with the Senecas and the Oneidas.
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