“Moses,” commanded the priest, “you must unfasten a boat and go with me. There are people on board yonder that I want to see.”
No other man being at hand, the request was a natural one, and Moses had been used to responding to such needs of the priest. But he cast a quick look at the black robe and sat sullenly until a stern repetition compelled him.
The priest had continued his signals, and the schooner came about and waited. It was not a long pull. Moses, rowing with his back towards the schooner, watched the face of his spiritual father.
“That will do,” said the priest, and almost instantly some one on the schooner deck hailed him:
“Good-day, your reverence! What can we do for you?”
And another voice that Moses knew well shouted:
“Hello, Moses, is that you? Where's Frank? Did you get back all right with the sail-boat?”
The Indian cowered over his oars without answering or turning his head.
“I have come out,” answered the priest, “to satisfy myself that I really see you here alive. We heard you were shipwrecked and drowned in Lake Superior.”