"The daughters of Onontio are worth a thousand beaver skins."
"Well, then," said leather Chaumonot, reaching down and taking a musket from the ground, "this with powder and ball to go with it."
The Corn Planter wavered. He took the gun and inspected it, turned it over to his companions that they might also pass judgment upon it; and they whispered among themselves for a space.
"Corn Planter accepts the thunderer for himself and ten beaver skins for his brave warriors," and the barter was consummated.
It was now that madame saw four familiar faces beyond the fire. These men, these men; even here, in the heart of the wilderness! With an odd little smile she extended her hands, swayed, and became limp upon Brother Jacques's arm.
CHAPTER XXVIII
THE FLASH FROM THE SPURT OF FLAME
The presence of the women in the settlement brought about a magic change. Beards were clipped, locks were trimmed, clothes overhauled, and the needle and thread performed an almost forgotten office; the jest was modified, and the meal hours were quiet and decorous. The women were given a separate cabin in which they were to sleep, and every one contributed something toward their comfort. Father Le Mercier even went so far as to delay mass the first morning in order that the women might be thoroughly rested. Thus, a grain of humor entered into the lives of these grim men.
"Madame," said the Chevalier, "permit me to felicitate you upon your extraordinary escape." This was said during the first morning.