Auguste understood what Woodrow meant. Auguste had taken Nancy as his wife according to Sauk custom, and Woodrow knew it. He saw Elysee's puzzled look, and knew that he might have difficulty explaining later. But he must not hesitate now. He squeezed Woodrow's bony shoulder. "I'm proud." "I'm proud of you, White Bear. I'm glad you came back. I'm off to Miss Nancy's soon as I get my britches on." The boy scampered back up the ladder. "Guichard, go get Nicole and Frank," said Elysee as he drew Auguste across the room and gently pushed him into a chair. "They'll be sleeping, Grandpapa," Auguste protested. "They would be furious if we did not wake them," said Elysee, his falcon's face severe. "And it is safest that we meet late at night." Auguste wondered, was any time safe? Did not the enemy have eyes and ears for the night? Auguste threw off the riding coat Guichard had given him in Galena and sat down in a straight wooden chair by the chaise longue, close to the welcome warmth of the fire. He noticed a pistol and a rifle mounted on brackets over the mantel, with two powder horns hanging beside them. Guichard filled three small glasses with an inch of brandy apiece, drained one quickly and left the other two and the decanter on a small table within easy reach. "I felt ten years younger when I saw Raoul's face turn purple when he came into court with his rogues and heard that you had been spirited away." Elysee wiped his wet cheeks with a blue kerchief. "I cry so easily. I _am_ getting old." "I am crying, too, Grandpapa." Elysee turned a stern but still moist eye on him. "Enough crying, then. Tell me everything you have seen and done since the trial." Auguste described his journey to Washington City and the meeting with Andrew Jackson. Woodrow, dressed now for riding, lingered to listen as Auguste repeated Black Hawk's speech to Jackson. Then he solemnly shook hands with Auguste and left. "Be careful out there," Auguste called after him. Elysee said, "President Jackson, what sort of man is he?" "His nickname, Old Hickory, is apt. He's hard, very hard." Auguste told about his refusal of Jackson's offer of a post and being cut out of Black Hawk's touring party. Elysee shook his head doubtfully. "To take a position in the government might have opened up an excellent career for you." Auguste shook his head. "I knew what Jackson wanted to use me for. The Bear spirit would tear my heart out if I ever consented." Elysee raised an eyebrow. "You still believe in such things--bear spirits and all that?" Auguste thought of his resolve to succeed as a white man. Even so, the Bear spirit was as real as his grandfather. "I don't just believe, Grandpapa. I know."