Brebeuf had avoided the chief as much as possible, keeping mostly to the women and children. He now mustered courage as he approached the tribe's leader. He wasn't fluent in their language by any means, yet he was certain he knew enough to be able to plead his case.

"I'm Brother Brebeuf," he began, pointing to his sunken chest.

Chief Long Knife glanced at him quizzically. The pale white man in a black woman's dress had made a point to avoid him these many moons. ...