This was the Colonel's way of showing his long-established affection for and confidence in Hector. The temptation was immense. Hector decided to see Father Duval and abide by his decision. He had been fretting out his soul for action; but without a clear conscience, it was—of course—impossible to leave.
"Father Duval, can you control Bear Tooth without me? Is it safe for me to go to Broncho?"
"Mon enfant," the priest smiled, "you 'ave don' your share. Today, Bear Tooth an' me—we 'old de 'ole tribe in our two fists—so! Go—and de Lord go wit' you!"
There was no doubt of it. Between them, they actually had kept the most dangerous tribe in the North-West in check for good and all.
"If you feel, as I do, that Father Duval is capable of dealing with the situation henceforward," Hector wrote to his chief, "I would recommend that Colonel Stern's request be granted."
This answer placed his fate in jeopardy. But he was honest to the last.
Came, after torturous suspense, the following:
"In view of Father Duval's opinion and yours, you will withdraw to Broncho with your detachment forthwith."
Conscience was satisfied and the Road to Glory laid open! When Hector told the men, they cheered like mad.
"Tak' good care yourself, mon petit ami!" said Father Duval. "An' don' worry about us no more!"