disappointment. His former malady returned, and assumed
a type of so alarming a nature, that he was satisfied his labors on
earth would soon come to an end.

Thoughts of his beloved mission at Mackinaw, where he had spent so
many days in preaching to Ottawas and Hurons, and in teaching their
youth Christian science, filled his mind; and the Christian, not to
say natural, desire of his heart, was again to bow in the Chapel of
St. Ignatius, and again behold the parents and children of his former
charge. Having received the last rites of the church he set out to the
lake, accompanied by the Kaskaskias who sorrowed much at his
departure, but who were comforted by the dying missionary, who
assured them that another would soon be sent to take his place. When
they reached the shore of Lake Michigan the Indians returned, and with
his two French companions Marquette embarked in a canoe upon its
waters. As they coasted along the eastern shore of the lake the health
of Marquette continued to fail, and he at last became so weak that
when they landed to encamp for the night they had to lift him out of
the canoe. Much further they could not proceed, as the journey of life
with the missionary was rapidly drawing to a close.

Conscious of his approaching dissolution, as they were gently gliding
along the shore, he directed his companions to paddle into the mouth
of a small river which they were nearing, and pointing to an eminence
not far from the bank, he languidly said, "Bury me there." That river,
to this day, bears the name of the lamented Marquette. On landing they
erected a bark cabin, and stretched the dying missionary as
comfortably as they could beneath its humble roof. Having blessed some
water with the usual ceremonies of the Catholic Church, he gave his
companions directions how to proceed in his last moments. He
instructed them also in regard to the manner in which they were to
arrange his body when dead, and the ceremonies to be performed when
it was committed to the earth. He then, for the last time, heard the
confessions of his companions, encouraging them to rely on the mercy
and protection of God, and then sent them away to take the repose they
so much needed. After a few hours he felt that he was about taking his
last sleep, and calling them, he took his crucifix and placing it in
their hands, pronounced in a clear voice his profession of faith,
thanking the Almighty for the favor of permitting him to die a Jesuit