Langlade was king and Madame Langlade, otherwise the Dove, was queen, the two ruling with absolute sovereignty, their authority due to their superior intelligence and will and to the service they rendered to the little state, because a state it was, organized completely in all its parts, although composed of only a few hundred human beings.

In the bitter weather that came again, Langlade directed the hunting in the adjacent forest and the fishing conducted on the great lake.

He also made presents from time to time of gorgeous beads or of huge red or yellow blankets that had been sent from Montreal.

Robert could not keep from admiring his diplomacy and tact, and now he understood more thoroughly than ever how the French partisans made themselves such favorites with the wild Indians.
His own position in the village was tentative.

Langlade still seemed uncertain what to do with him, and held him meanwhile for a possible reward of great value.