“Good,” said the Indian emphatically. “That is like the child, to be sorry when she has done wrong.”
“And I have heard that the young man who took her away is very fond of her—so fond that he will do whatever she likes to please her. His name is Cheenbuk. She asked him to take her home again, and he has promised to do so when the hot sun and the open water come back.”
“Good. The young man must be a good man. Will he keep his promise?”
“Yes. I know him well. He loves truth, and he will do what he says.”
“It is a long time till the open water comes. Will the young Eskimo’s mind not change?”
“Cheenbuk’s mind will not change. He loves Adolay better than himself.”
Nazinred pondered this statement for some time in silence, caressing the sleek head of Attim as he did so.
“Will this young man, this Cheenbuk, be willing, do you think, to leave her in the lodges of her people and give her up altogether?” he asked, with a somewhat doubtful look.
“If Adolay wishes to be given up, he will,” replied the Eskimo confidently.
“And you know him well?”