The first ranger shrugged. "That I know not. But having been maimed in European wars and fitted with a copper hand, he was yet recommended to Sieur de la Salle."
"But why hath an Italian the uniform of France?"
"He is a French officer, having been exiled with his father from his own country."
The coureur de bois, who had reached the settlement later than his companion, grunted.
"One would say thou wert of the Griffin crew thyself, with the latest news from Quebec and Montreal."
"Not I," laughed the first one. "I have only been in the woods with Greysolon du Lhut, who knows everything."
"Then he told thee the name of this Italian with the copper hand?"
"Assuredly. This Italian with the copper hand is Sieur Greysolon du Lhut's cousin, and his name is Henri de Tonty."
"I will say this for Monsieur Henri de Tonty: a better made man never stepped on the strand at St. Ignace."