Within two weeks the men Brebeuf had sent for finally arrived - even more Jesuits. They spoke of hell and the coming judgment, Brebeuf himself continually speaking of his coming death. He would not live long, he predicted - killed for his faith, or so he continued to tell anyone within earshot.

Finding a moment alone with Dark Star and Brown Sparrow, he began again with his usual premonitions which by now were so common they had nearly tuned him out.

"You can't ...