rch with a war-party of Algonquins and Hurons against their deadly
foes, the Iroquois, thus penetrating the region which he wished to
explore.

Going up the St. Lawrence as far as the mouth of the Richelieu or Sorel
River, and then ascending this stream, the party entered the enemy's
country. On the way Champlain had opportunities of witnessing a most
interesting ceremony. {126} At every camp the medicine-man, or sorcerer,
pitched the magic lodge, of poles covered with dirty deerskin robes, and
retired within to hold communion with the unseen powers, while the
worshipers sat around in gaping awe. Soon a low muttering was heard, the
voice of the medicine-man invoking the spirits. Then came the alleged
answer, the lodge rocking to and fro in violent motion. Champlain could
see that the sorcerer was shaking the poles. But the Indians fully
believed that the Manitou was present and acting. Next they heard its
voice, they declared, speak in an unearthly tone, something like the
whining of a young puppy. Then they called on Champlain to see fire and
smoke issuing from the peak of the lodge. Of course, he did not see any
such thing but they did, and were satisfied.[2]

{127}

Soon the river broadened, and Champlain, first of all white men, gazed on
the beautiful lake that bears his name. Now traveling became dangerous,
and the party moved only in the night, for fear of suddenly encountering
a band of the enemy, whom they hoped to surprise. Their plan was to
traverse the length of Lake Champlain, then pass into Lake George and
follow it to a convenient landing, thence carry their canoes through the
woods to the Hudson River, and descend it to some point where they might
strike an outlying town of the Mohawks.[3]

{128}

They were saved the trouble of so long a journey. One night, while they
were still on Lake Champlain, they caught sight of dark objects moving on
the water. A fleet of Iroquois canoes they proved to be. Each party saw
the other and forthwith began to yell defiance. The Iroquois immediately
landed and began to cut down trees and form a barricade, preferring to
fight on shore. The Hurons remained in their canoes all night, not far
off, yelling themselves hoarse. Indeed, both parties incessantly howled
abuse, sarcasm, and threats at each other. They spoke the same language,
the Hurons being a branch of the Iroquois family.

When morning came the allies moved to the attack, Champlain encased