from the invisible bolt, they would all be emboldened; and thus a
general and prolonged attack, following them up the river, would cause
their entire destruction.

The utmost wisdom was still requisite, to rescue the party from these
perils. La Salle loaded one of the women with rich presents of axes,
knives, and beads, and sent her across the river in one of his canoes.
By signs he told her to inform her tribe that he wished for friendship
with them; that if they would be friendly, and bring him in a supply of
corn, he would liberate his three other captives, and pay liberally for
the corn, in articles which would be of great value to the Indians.

The next morning a large number of Indian warriors were seen
approaching the encampment, where the Frenchmen had thrown up defences
which would enable them to sell their lives dearly, were the savages
determined upon their destruction. La Salle, as bold as he was humane,
advanced alone to meet them, presenting the calumet. The Indians
assumed a friendly attitude, entered into a treaty of peace, and
invited La Salle, with his party, to visit their village. They also
brought him a considerable store of corn. Though their manner was such
as to lead La Salle greatly to doubt their sincerity, he accepted their
invitation, first exacting hostages to remain in the camp until his
return. He took with him Father Membre, his invariable companion on
such occasions. The mild, fearless, heroic missionary writes:

"We went up to the village where these Indians had prepared us a
feast in their fashion. They had notified their allies and
neighbors; so that when we went to enjoy the banquet, in a large
square, we saw a confused mass of armed savages arrive, one after
another. We were however welcomed by the chiefs; but, having ground
for suspicion, each kept his gun ready, and the Indians, seeing it,
durst not attack us."

Toward evening, La Salle and his companion returned to the camp, still
apprehensive that the Indians meditated treachery. They released the
three women, whom they made very happy, with rich presents. A careful
watch was kept through the night. Before the dawn of the next morning
the sentinels reported that they heard a noise, as if a multitude of
men were stealthily gathering in a dense growth of canes, but a short
distance from the encampment. All were instantly summoned to arms.

It was a gloomy morning, very dark, with moaning wind and ga