"But it was no longer safe to remain in the green valley which had
sheltered them so long. They heard of the lands of the south, down
the great mysterious river, and they resolved to seek an asylum
there.

"With the company of La Salle, and yet not attached to it, was a
holy man whom all the world called Father Fritz; a priest, yet one
who followed not the Pope of Rome, but loved each Christian
brother, and recognized only one Church--the Church of the
baptized. He went with the little band, and they made themselves a
new home in the land of the south. They were beloved of the Indians
about them. Father Fritz taught them, baptized such as were truly
converted, and lived amongst them to a hoary old age, loving and
beloved; seeking always to hold them back from greed and
covetousness, and teaching them that the hope for which they must
look was the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself to reign upon
the earth."

Julian paused, looking thoughtfully into the fire. Humphrey heaved
a great sigh, and said half bitterly:

"But the Lord delayeth His coming, and men wage war against their
brethren."

"Yes, verily; yet I think that should make us long the more for the
day which will surely come. However, let me tell my tale. The great
enterprise of France in the south and west has come to but a very
small thing. No chain of forts guards the great river. The highway
from Canada to the south has never been opened up. France is