It was the Manitou who had taken compassion on my sufferings, my heart
for an instant felt light and happy; but as death was near thee, very
near, the Good Spirit whispered his wishes, and I have saved thee for
happiness. It is I who must die! I am nothing, have no friends, no one
to care for me, to love me, to make pleasant in the lodge the dull hours
of night. Chief, farewell!"

He was going, but the chief grasped him firmly by the arm,--

"Where dost thou wish to go? Dost thou know the love of a brother? Didst
thou ever dream of one? I have said we must be brothers to each other.
Come to the wigwam."

They returned to the village in silence, and when they arrived before
the door of the council lodge, the chief summoned everybody to hear what
he had to communicate, and ordered the parents to bring the young girl.

"Flower of the magnolia," said he, taking her by the hand, "wilt thou
love me less as a brother than as a husband? Speak! Whisper thy thought
to me! Didst thou ever dream of another voice than mine, a younger one,
breathing of love and despair?"

Then leading the girl to where the young warrior stood,--

"Brother," said he, "take thy wife and my sister."

Turning towards the elders, the chief extended his right arm, so as to
invite general attention.

"I have called you," said he, "that an act of justice may be performed.