"Come, then; for had you not made the proposition, I intended to do so."
"In that case, father, all is for the best; and you are not vexed to see me so anxious to leave you, father."
"Not at all, be assured."
While talking thus, the three persons had descended the mountainside, and reached the ravine, where horses were awaiting them, held by an Indian.
"In the desert," the missionary said, "it is almost impossible to do without horses, owing to the great distance one has to go; you will therefore oblige me by keeping these."
"It is too much, father, you really overwhelm me with kindness."
Father Seraphin shook his head.
"Understand me, Red Cedar," he said; "in all I do for you there is far more calculation than you suppose."
"Oh!" Red Cedar said.
"Calculation in a good action!" Ellen exclaimed, incredulously; "you must be jesting, father."