human
Netawis, said she,
gpt
I have no thought of leaving.
human
You are not telling me the truth, now.
gpt
Indeed, I believe I am,
human
But what, then, of the girl yonder, whom you wanted to marry? Has she married another man, or is she dead? Yes, I know something about it, Azoka went on, as he stood staring amazedly.
gpt
For a long time I have wanted to tell you. That night, after you had killed the bear and Ononwe took you aside--I was afraid that you two would be quarrelling, and so I crept after you--
human
I see,
gpt
Tell me what has become of her.
human
I suppose that she is living still with her own people; and there is nothing more to tell, Azoka, except that she cannot be mine, and would not if she could.
gpt
Whose fault was it, Netawis? Yours or hers?
human
There was much fault indeed, and all of it mine; but against my marrying her it did not count, for that was impossible from the beginning. Suppose, now, your nation were at war with the Ottawas, and a young Ottawa brave fell in love with you. What would you do?
gpt
That is idle talk, for of course I should do nothing, said Azoka composedly.
human
But if I were a man and fell in love with an Ottawa maiden, it would be simple. I should carry her off.
gpt
Was she an Englishwoman then?
human
An Englishwoman? He looked up in surprise; then, with a glance around at the sleepers, he leaned forward until his eyes met the girl's at close range across the flame.
gpt
Since you have learnt one secret, Azoka, I will tell you another. She was a Frenchwoman, and it is I who am English.
human
My father is always wise, she said quietly.
gpt
If he had told the truth, you would have been in great danger; for many had lost sons and brothers in the fighting, and those who came back were full of revenge. You heard their talk.
human
Then you have only to tell them, Azoka, and they may take their revenge. I shall not greatly care.
gpt
I am no babbler, Netawis; and, moreover, the men have put their revenge away. When the summer comes very few will want to go fighting. For my part I pay little heed to their talk of killing and scalping; to me it is all boys' play, and I do not want to understand it. But from what I hear they think that the Englishmen will be victorious, and it is foolishness to fight on the losing side. If so--
human
If so?
gpt
If the English win, why then you may carry off your Frenchwoman, Netawis! I do very much want you to be happy.
human
And I thank you a thousand times, Azoka, for your good wishes; but I fear it will not happen in that way.
gpt
Oh yes, it will, she assured him.
human
My father told me that you would be leaving us, some day; and now I know what he meant. He has seen her, has he not?
gpt
He has seen her.
human
My father is never mistaken. You will go back when the time comes, and take her captive. But bring her back that I may see her, Netawis.
gpt
But if she should resist?
human
You men never understand us. She will not resist when once you have married her; and I do very much want you to be happy.