e strangers to land. They waded out into the surf and
beckoned to them. Apparently the boat could not pass safely through the
surf. There was a large amount of drift-wood lining the shore. Several
of the savages selected a large smooth log. This they pushed through
the surf. Ranging themselves on each side, they clung to the log with
one arm, while, with the other, they paddled. Without any hesitancy,
unarmed and helpless, they clambered into the boat.

When five were in, the seamen motioned to the others to go to another
boat which was then approaching, and which conveyed La Salle. The
savages seemed not to entertain the slightest suspicion of danger. La
Salle was very glad to receive them. He hoped that they could give him
some information respecting the river he sought. But all his efforts
were in vain. Though he spoke several Indian languages, he could not
make them understand him. They were all taken on board the vessel. With
much curiosity they examined its wonders. They were feasted, and seemed
quite at home in smoking the pipe of fragrant tobacco. The sheep, the
swine, and the poultry, they had evidently never seen before. But when
they were shown the skin of a cow, which had recently been killed, they
seemed much delighted, and indicated that they had seen such animals
before, doubtless referring to the buffaloes.

Having received many presents, a boat was sent to carry them as near
the shore as it was safe to go. The savages bound their presents upon
their heads, and letting themselves gently down into the water, swam to
the land. Marvellous must have been the stories which they narrated
that night, in their wigwams, to admiring crowds. Quite a large group
of Indians was seen gathered upon the shore to greet them, as they came
back.

La Salle had found it impossible to understand their signs. But his
apprehensions were somewhat excited by the thought that they might have
endeavored to indicate to him that he had already passed the mouth of
the Mississippi.

That evening the wind rose fresh and fair. Raising their anchors, and
keeping near the shore, with frequent soundings, they pressed on toward
the southwest. The next day came a dead calm. Each vessel floated on
the glassy sea, "like a painted ship on a painted ocean." Thus they
moved along, day after day, encountering calms, when not a ripple was
to be seen on the mirrored expanse, and fresh breezes, which tossed the
ocean in billowy foam, and storms wh