“Yes,” he said, “perhaps you are right, M’sieu. At any rate I will give the matter thought and prayer.”
“And the Indians,” Menard questioned, “in the canoe; are they coming toward the chapel or going away from it? It seems to me that any doubt on that point should be removed.”
“Ah,” said the priest; “that very doubt is allegorical. It typifies the workings of the human mind when first confronted by the truth. When the seeker first beholds the light, as shown through the devotion of such a woman as Catherine Outasoren, there arises in his mind––” 17
“Very true, very true! But I never yet have seen a canoe-load of Indians in doubt whether they were moving forward or backward.”
Father Claude held the canvas at arm’s length and gazed long at it.
“Tell me, M’sieu,” he said at last, “do you think it deserving of a place in the College?”
“I do not see why not.”
“And you think I would be justified in laying a request before the Superior?”
Menard shrugged his shoulders.
“That is your decision, Father.”