all possible diligence, drew
the canoe well upon the shore, and had just reclothed himself, when he
saw, near by, a herd of sixty buffaloes, swimming across the river.
Anthony had the only gun. The father ran back into the prairie,
shouting for him with all his might. It was indeed a joyful cry which
reached the ears of Anthony. Eagerly he responded to it. They sprang
into the canoe, pursued the buffaloes, and succeeded in shooting one.
They towed him to the bank of the river. The father paddled, Anthony
holding the huge carcass by the horns. But they could not drag the
creature ashore. They could only cut off the tender morsels and leave
the remainder to float down the stream. In consequence of their great
hunger they ate so voraciously, that they were both made sick, and for
two days could not leave their camp. Father Hennepin writes:

"Never have we more admired God's providence than during this
voyage. We could not always find game. And when we did, could take
but little meat with us, as our canoe was so small, and besides,
the excessive heat spoiled it. When we embarked in the morning, we
seldom knew what we should have to eat during the day. But the
eagles, which were very common in those vast countries, frequently
dropped from their claws large fishes, which they were taking to
their nests!"

On the 11th of July, as they were paddling down the river in search of
the mouth of the Wisconsin, they were startled by the sudden appearance
of a large canoe descending rapidly upon them, containing eleven
warriors. They proved to be the chief Aquipaguetin, and ten of his
braves. This savage chieftain had been very unwilling that his adopted
son should leave the tribe for this voyage, though the other Indians
had given their consent. There was a frown on his brow, and severity in
his tones, as he asked whether they had yet found the Frenchmen, who
were to bring the goods. They all landed and ate together. Then the
chief and his party started off, leaving Father Hennepin behind, and
with vigorous paddling drove their canoe rapidly down the stream.
Rather menacingly the chief said that he would go to the Wisconsin
River, and that if the Frenchmen were there, he would take charge of
their goods.

After three days' absence, he again appeared, with his canoe of
warriors, on his return. He had been to the mouth of the river. There
were no signs of the Frenchmen there. He came back in a very una