Sarah and Eben and Snow Walker stared at her in amazement. Nistenha stopped walking, turned back and stared at her in amazement. We are in need and we beg you to hear our petition.” Mercy called on her memory of every speech in every ceremony, every dignified phrase and powerful word. If Nistenha was not interested in Sarah and Eben’s plight, no Indian would be. Nistenha turned to walk away and Snow Walker turned with her. For a moment Mercy thought she must have spoken to them in English. He wants to save her from marriage to a French soldier she doesn’t want. Mercy said, “Eben asked her right here in the street, Snow Walker. Ransom would no longer be the first word in Sarah’s heart. “Isn’t it wonderful?” She couldn’t help laughing from the joy and the terror of it. “They want to get married,” she told them. Mercy translated what was going on for Nistenha and Snow Walker. But he might say no, and so might Eben’s Indian family. He could arrange anything if he chose he had power among all the peoples. Lorette Indians might find this a fine way to stab a French soldier in the back without drawing blood.

The Indians rather enjoyed being French allies one day and difficult neighbors the next.

“Not if I have Huron warriors behind me.” “Pierre might even summon his fellow officers and do something violent.”Įben grinned. “My French family will put up a terrible fuss,” said Sarah anxiously. Or because they know they will never get permission? They were yearning to touch, they were leaning forward, but they were holding back. But will they let us, Eben? We will need permission.” “Oh, yes, oh, thank you, I will marry you. She stood as if it had not occurred to her that she could be loved that an English boy could adore her. Tears came to Sarah’s eyes: she who had not wept over her own family. Wind shifted the lace of Sarah’s gown and the auburn of one loose curl. Who will one day take us both back home.” Eben was looking at Sarah in the way every girl prays some boy will one day look at her.

Code Orange by Caroline B. Cooney