were astonished at this scene. They were not at all
prepared for it. But Hiens explained to them that it was done to avenge
murders which they had committed; and that as Duhaut and Liotot had
resolved to take with them all the guns and ammunition, it was
necessary to kill them that Hiens and his associates might join the
Indians in their war party. This statement seemed to give entire
satisfaction.

Hiens was now the leader of the rapidly dwindling band. He informed
them that he should take several of his companions, with the guns and
ammunition, and accompany the Indians on their military expedition. In
the meantime, until his return, they were to remain in charge of
friendly Indians. Thus they were virtually prisoners. Their means for
continuing the journey were taken from them. Probably Hiens intended
that they should never return to France.

Early in May, the war party commenced its march. Hiens accompanied the
warriors, with four of his party, and two of the French deserters. This
made seven Frenchmen, well armed with powder and ball. As they were to
encounter foes who bore only bows and arrows, the French allies became
an immense acquisition to the force of the expedition. Each one of
these had a horse. Hiens exacted a promise, from those he left behind,
that they would not leave the village until his return.

A fortnight passed away. Those who remained were encamped at a little
distance outside of the village. They were frequently visited by the
men and the women, who ever manifested the most friendly feelings. They
could converse only by signs, and their attempted communication of
ideas was not very satisfactory.

On the 18th of the month a great crowd came rushing out to the
encampment. The men and women were painted and decorated. Their smiling
faces, songs, and dances indicated plainly that they had received
tidings of a great victory. For several hours, there was exhibited a
very picturesque scene of feasting, smoking, and barbarian jollity. In
the midst of these wild festivities, a courier arrived, stating that
the victorious army was returning, and that they had killed more than
forty of their enemies. The next day they arrived.

They brought very glowing accounts of the achievements of the French
with their muskets. They found the foe drawn up in battle array in a
dense grove. Approaching within musket-shot, but not within arrow-shot,
the French with deliberate aim shot down forty-eight of the foe.