The Savage Innocents

Missionary: The Lord be with you.

Inuk: No, just Asiak, Powtee and me. We do not know Lord.

Missionary: A very short sleep ago, you both offended Him.

Inuk: Oh, we did not know. One must apologize.

Missionary: If you will listen to my words and believe in me,the Lord will come and stay with you and follow you in all your travels.

Asiak: [whispers to Inuk] We do not want another with us.

Inuk: Maybe he good hunter.

[to Missionary]

Inuk: We will be pleased if your friend comes with us.

Asiak: He must bring his own sled. Will this Lord bring everything He needs?

Missionary: He will bring you faith.

Inuk: [Puzzled look on face] Faith?

Missionary: That wonderful light that drives back the shadows of sin.

Inuk: [after a moment's thought] OH, light, LIGHT, ahhh...

Asiak: It is good, Inuk,if it is the kind at the trading post, we could save it up for the winter, and our eyes will not get tired anymore...

Inuk: [Offering missionary a bowl of food with live worms wriggling in it] Here is something you will like...

Missionary: [Pushing bowl away] I come to give, not to receive.

Asiak: It is old marrow, it is much better, it is old and full of worms...

Missionary: Maybe another time, not right now.

Inuk: [whispers to Asiak] Has this white man come to insult us?

Missionary: Men don't live by bread alone.

Asiak: [to Inuk] Maybe he wants to laugh with a woman.