“Revenge,” answered the red man, with dignified calmness.
“And what induces you now to bring him back?” asked Victor, in some surprise.
“Forgiveness,” answered Petawanaquat.
For a few moments Victor gazed at the calm countenance of the Indian in silent surprise.
“What do you mean?” he asked, with a puzzled look.
“Listen,” replied the Indian slowly. “Petawanaquat loves revenge. He has tasted revenge. It is sweet, but the Indian has discovered a new fountain. The old white father thirsts for his child. Does not the white man’s Book say, ‘If your enemy thirst, give him drink?’ The red man brings Tonyquat back in order that he may heap coals of fire on the old white father’s head. The Great Spirit has taught Petawanaquat that forgiveness is sweeter than revenge.”
He stopped abruptly. Victor still looked at him with a puzzled expression.
“Well,” he said, smiling slightly, “I have no doubt that my father will forgive you, now that you have brought back the child.”
A gleam, which seemed to have a touch of scorn in it, shot from the Indian’s eye as he rejoined—
“When Petawanaquat brings back Tonyquat, it is a proof that he forgives the old white father.”