"So be it. I will give orders to have your friends conducted here."
The battered remnants of our war-party appeared with Ta-wan-ne-ars walking in the lead, his face once more a study in impassive rigor.
"Murray says we are free, brother," he said, stepping to my side.
"It is true."
The sadness shone momentarily in his eyes.
"I have had a bad dream, brother," he went on.
"'Twas no dream," I cried. "Do not doubt your sorrow, Ta-wan-ne-ars. It was——"
"It was a dream," he answered steadily. "My Lost Soul is redeemed by Ha-wen-ne-yu and is gone on before me for a visit to Ata-ent-sic. But in a little time, when I am rested, I shall go after her and fetch her back to dwell happily with me in my lodge."
"But how can you, a mortal, journey into the hereafter?" I protested.
"Did I not tell you an old tale of my people of a warrior who ventured to the Land of Lost Souls? O my brother, the Great Spirit is generous. He recognizes courage and true love. If I am daring of everything, surely he will stand my aid and help me into Ata-ent-sic's country."