as certain death. To attempt to kill
all those not implicated in the murder, would be a very serious
undertaking; especially as they were now on their guard, and the
assassins had begun to quarrel among themselves.

Duhaut formed the plan of turning back, with his confederates, to the
settlement which they had left at the bay of St. Louis. Where he
designed to build a vessel and to sail for the West India Islands, The
persons whom Duhaut greatly feared were Father Douay, M. Joutel, La
Salle's brother, M. Chevalier, and a young man who was called Young
Chevalier. The head murderer now adopted the policy of separating these
men from the rest of the company, that he might freely talk with his
confederates of his plans. M. Joutel and his associates were also well
pleased with this arrangement, for they too could now talk freely.
Duhaut tried to compel the other party to go back with him. But they
absolutely refused. Finding that he could not force them, and that they
were resolved to continue their journey to the French settlements, and
that thus they might send an armed ship to capture the murderers; he
resolved to continue in their company. Probably he hoped that some
opportunity would occur in which he could cut them off.

There were five men who were active participants in the assassination.
Duhaut, the instigator, Hiens, who was the next most prominent in the
plot, and three others, who were rather their tools, Liotot, Tessier,
and Larcheveque. The rage of Hiens was kindled only against Moranget.
He was willing to kill Moranget's two companions that they might not be
witnesses against the murderers. He would conceal their bodies, and
would have it understood that they had wandered away and become lost,
or that they had been captured by the Indians.

Liotot was appointed to strike the fatal blows upon Moranget and his
companions with the hatchet, while the others stood ready, with their
guns, to aid, should it be necessary. The subsequent murder of La Salle
was contrary to the wishes of Hiens. Duhaut and Larcheveque waylaid
him. They both fired nearly at the same moment. The bullet of
Larcheveque, either intentionally or by accident, passed wide of its
mark. Duhaut's bullet pierced the brain.

There was no sympathy between Hiens and Duhaut. When the latter so
arrogantly assumed the command, Hiens became very restive, and was
waiting for an opportunity to dethrone him. Trembling in view of the
peril of approaching th