orses were abundant. A horse was readily exchanged for an
axe. La Salle could only converse with them by signs. They said no
Spaniards had ever yet visited them, though there was a settlement of
them at the distance of about six days' journey west. Several of their
most intelligent men drew a map of the country upon some bark. They
delineated a large river many days journey to the east, which La Salle
had no doubt was the Mississippi.

"The Chevalier La Salle," writes Father Douay, "who perfectly
understood the art of gaining the Indians of all nations, filled these
with admiration at every moment. He told them that the chief of the
French was the greatest chief in the world; that he was as far above
the Spaniards as the sun is above the earth. On his recounting the
victories of our monarch they burst into exclamations of astonishment.
I found them very docile and tractable. They comprehended well enough
what we told them of the truth of a God."

After the refreshment of this delightful visit, the explorers continued
their journey. After travelling about thirty miles, four of the men,
during a night's encampment, deserted and went back to cast in their
lot for life with the Indians. They were houseless and homeless
adventurers, with no ties to bind them to the cares, toils, and
restraints of civilized life. It is not surprising that they should
have been charmed with the ease, abundance, and freedom of life in the
wigwam. They probably became incorporated in the tribes, took Indian
wives, and were heard of no more.

At this encampment La Salle and his nephew, M. Moranget, were both
attacked with a violent fever. They had frequent relapses, so that two
weary months passed before the march could be resumed. During this long
delay they did not suffer for food, for there was abundance of game,
and of great variety. Their powder, however, began to fail them.
According to their estimate, they were about four hundred and fifty
miles, in a straight line, from their settlement. It was resolved now
to hasten back. Their horses, which found abundant pasturage on the
rich prairies, did them good service, bearing the sick upon their backs
and the burdens of all.

They came to a river which it was necessary to cross by a raft. Indeed
every few leagues they encountered such a stream. They generally swam
their horses over. In this case, La Salle, with one or two of his men,
was upon a light raft of canes. Suddenly an enormous croco