demandent quand ils nous viennent veoir, combien de fois le Capitaine a
desia parle. Ils nous interrogent de son manger. Ils demeurent les
heures entieres, et quelquesfois plusieurs, afin de la pouuoir ouyr
parler."--Brebeuf, Relation des Hurons, 1635, 33. ]

"What does the Captain say?" was the frequent question; for by this title
of honor they designated the clock.

"When he strikes twelve times, he says, 'Hang on the kettle'; and when he
strikes four times, he says, 'Get up, and go home.'"

Both interpretations were well remembered. At noon, visitors were never
wanting, to share the Fathers' sagamite; but at the stroke of four,
all rose and departed, leaving the missionaries for a time in peace.
Now the door was barred, and, gathering around the fire, they discussed
the prospects of the mission, compared their several experiences, and
took counsel for the future. But the standing topic of their evening
talk was the Huron language. Concerning this each had some new discovery
to relate, some new suggestion to offer; and in the task of analyzing its
construction and deducing its hidden laws, these intelligent and highly
cultivated minds found a congenial employment. [ Lalemant, Relation des
Hurons, 1639, 17 (Cramoisy). ]

But while zealously laboring to perfect their knowledge of the language,
they spared no pains to turn their present acquirements to account.
Was man, woman, or child sick or suffering, they were always at hand with
assistance and relief,--adding, as they saw opportunity, explanations of
Christian doctrine, pictures of Heaven and Hell, and exhortations to
embrace the Faith. Their friendly offices did not cease here, but
included matters widely different. The Hurons lived in constant fear of