channels or independent
streams as it approached the Gulf. As the Indians considered thirty or
forty miles a good day's voyage in descending the river, it was
estimated that there was a journey of between three and four hundred
miles still before them. They were also informed that there were
numerous tribes upon the lower river, but that they were generally
well-disposed.

On the 2d of April, when the canoes had descended the river about
eighteen miles below Akoroa, the river branched into two arms or
channels, with an island between, which they estimated to be one
hundred and eighty miles in length. They had been directed to take the
channel on the left. But it so chanced that there was a heavy river
fog, and they did not see it. La Salle's canoe was in the advance, and
the canoe which held the guide happened to be far in the rear. Though
the keen eyes of the Indian pierced the fog, and he did all in his
power by signs to show them that they were wrong, the whole fleet
followed its leader, and were swept along in the channel on the right.

The reason why they were cautioned to take the left branch, was that
the eight or ten tribes on the western banks were friendly, and would
make them no trouble, while those upon the eastern branch were
ferocious, and would be likely to attack them. They soon experienced
the wisdom of the advice which had been given them.

On the 2d of April, when they had descended the river about one hundred
and twenty miles, they saw a number of Indians on the bank of the
river, fishing. The moment the savages caught sight of the fleet of
canoes they fled. Immediately the forest seemed filled with the clamor
of hideous war-whoops the beating of drums, and all other sounds of
hostility. The branch of the river which they were descending, was here
compressed into a narrow channel. A dense forest fringed both banks. It
was evident that there were populous villages near by, for the warriors
were seen rapidly gathering, as they ran from tree to tree to get good
positions to overwhelm the canoes with their arrows.

The bows were very strong. The muscular arms of the Indians would throw
an arrow with almost the velocity and precision of a rifle bullet.
These barbed weapons would tear their way through the birch bark of the
canoes as if they were but sheets of brown paper. With appalling
suddenness this cloud of war was marshalling its forces. It was
sufficiently menacing to alarm the bravest heart.