"The Frenchmen loaded ships with the furs they bought and sent them home to France. They wrote to their friends in the old country about the gentle and friendly Indians. Some good French priests heard the news. They said:
"'We will cross the ocean and go to live among the Indians. We will teach them about God and about Christ, the Savior.'"
Uncle Sam was so busy talking, he did not notice Joe making signs to his sister. These signs said: "We had better take off our coats and spend the evening. I know Uncle Sam feels like telling a story."
FUR-TRADING WITH THE FRENCH
Lucy understood her brother. In another minute she and Joe were sitting on either side of the old man as he began to tell of the good priest Father Marquette and what he found.
It was a long time ago that Father Marquette left France and came to Canada. Unlike the fur traders, he had no wish to get rich. He was a priest with a kind, loving heart. He cared only to teach and help the Indians.
As soon as he reached Canada, he asked many questions about the Red Men. The fur traders told him of some Indians who lived not far away. They said:
"These Indians are kind and honest. They will treat you well."
Marquette went to see them at once. They liked him because he was gentle and good. They took him into their homes. He lived with them for three years.