"Pardon, Monsieur," said a voice at his elbow. "Surely I have seen you before this?"
Law turned. Joncaire, the ambassador of peace, stood by, smiling and extending his hand.
"Naturally, I could never forget you," said Law.
"Monsieur looks at the shipping," said Joncaire, smiling. "Surely he would not be leaving New France, after so luckily escaping the worst of her dangers?"
"Life might be the same for me over there as here," replied Law. "As for my luck, I must declare myself the most unfortunate man on earth."
"Your wife, perhaps, is ill?"
"Pardon, I have none."
"Pardon, in turn, Monsieur—but, you see—the child?"
"It is the child of a savage woman," said Law.
Joncaire pulled aside the infant's hood. He gave no sign, and a nice indifference sat in his query: "Une belle sauvage?"