Clark laughed and signaled to the blockhouse, where the Japanese cook
waited, peering from a window. Presently the latter came out carrying
a tray. His narrow eyes were expressionless as he laid it on the
masonry beside the canoe. Shingwauk glanced at him, puzzled over the
flat, oriental features for a moment, and looked away. He seemed but a
minor spirit in this great mystery. The old woman ate greedily, but
her husband had no desire for food. He was experiencing a transition
so breathless that it could but mark the day of his own passing. He
waited till Naqua finished such a meal as she had never seen before,
his face gaunt but his eyes large and profound with the shadow of
unspeakable thoughts. Presently he dipped his blade in the untroubled
water, and the canoe backed out of the lock.