"That is not what I was going to say."
"Monsieur Crooks, you speak all languages, don't you?"
"Not all. A few. I know a little of nearly every one of our Indian dialects."
"Monsieur, what does 'malatat' mean?"
"'Malatat'? That's a Chippewa word. You will often hear that. It means 'good for nothing.'"
"But I have heard that the chief Pontiac was an Ottawa."
The young man was not interested in Pontiac.
"A chief would know a great many dialects," he replied. "Chippewa was the tongue of this island. But what I wanted to say is that I have had a serious talk with the agent. He is entirely willing to have me settle down. And he says, what is the truth, that you are the best and prettiest girl at the straits. I have spoken my mind often enough. Why shouldn't we get married right away?"
Jenieve set her bowl and spoon inside the house, and folded her arms.
"Monsieur, have I not told you many times? I cannot marry. I have a family already."