Laforgue, a Jesuit priest, worriedly waits outside the Commandant’s quarters in a settlement in 17th century Québec. He recognizes a fur trader named Massé; previously, Massé shouted at Laforgue for trying to convert a local girl whom Massé “had been sleeping with” (16). The Commandant meets with “the Savages” (16). A journey to the Ihonatiria mission is three weeks behind schedule; the locals want six muskets as payment for their work as guides. A priest named Bourque translates for the Commandant. Laforgue is set to make the journey with a young man named Daniel who is “not yet twenty” (17), and they may arrive to find the mission burned down. Daniel is an exceptional student who has learned the local languages. Nevertheless, it is a “journey to almost certain death” (18). The Commandant offers the local six muskets and “no more” (18).

Outside, Laforgue waits for news. As the Savages wander away to their camp, Bourque leads Laforgue away to talk. They take their places in a canoe and paddle toward the Jesuit residence. Inside, Daniel is fetched. They attend a meeting with 12 “Savage men and women” (20), all gathered around a clock. When it strikes the hour, they let out “a cry of astonishment and delight” (20), bewitched by what they call Captain Clock, and then they leave.