Like a fool I questioned, and tried to get some explanation.
Eagle smoothed my arm, nested her hand in my neck.
"My little boy! He has grown to be a man—while his mother has grown down to be a child! Do you know what I am now, Paul?"
I choked a sob in my throat and told her I did not.
"I am your Cloud-Mother. I live in a cloud. Do you love me while I am in the cloud?"
I told her I loved her with all my strength, in the cloud or out of it.
"Will you take care of me as I used to take care of you?"
I swore to the Almighty that she should be my future care.
"I need you so! I have watched for you in the woods and on the water, Paul! You have been long coming back to me."
I heard Madame Ursule mounting the stairs to see if my room was in order.