"I know," said the old man; "he is good English, dose were bad."
Vesper smiled, and asked him whether he had ever heard of the Fiery Frenchman of Grand Pré.
The old man considered carefully and consulted with his cousins. Neither of them had ever heard of such a person. There were so many Acadiens, they said, in an explanatory way, so many different bands, so many scattering groups journeying homeward. But they would inquire.
"Here comes Father La Croix," said Rose, softly; "will you not ask him to help you?"
"You are very kind to be so much interested in this search of mine," said Vesper, in a low voice.
Rose's lip trembled, and avoiding his glance, she kept her eyes fixed steadily on the ex-colonel and present priest, who was expressing a courteous hope that Vesper had obtained the information he wished.
"Not yet," said Vesper, "though I am greatly indebted to these gentlemen," and he turned to thank the old men.
"I know of your mission," said Father La Croix, "and if you will favor me with some details, perhaps I can help you."
Vesper walked to and fro on the grass with him for some minutes, and then watched him threading his way in and out among the groups of his parishioners and their guests until at last he mounted the band-stand, and extended his hand over the crowd.