ssed them in
Huron, to which they gave no answer, but made signals to them to land,
and accept some food. They consequently disembarked, and, entering their
cabins, were presented with buffalo's meat, bear's oil, and fine plums.
These savages had guns, hatchets, knives, hoes and glass bottles for
their gunpowder. They informed Father Marquette, that he was within ten
days' journey of the sea; that they purchased their goods of Europeans,
who came from the east, that these Europeans had images and beads,
played on many instruments, and were dressed like himself; and that they
had treated them with much kindness. As they had no knowledge of
Christianity, the worthy Father gave them what instruction he could, and
made them a present of some medals. Encouraged by the information
received from these savages, the party proceeded with renewed ardor on
their voyage, between banks covered with thick forests, that intercepted
their view of the prairies; in which, however, they heard at no great
distance the bellowing of buffaloes. They also saw quails upon the
shores, and shot a small parrot.

They had nearly reached the thirty-third degree of latitude,[134-22]
steering toward the south, when they discovered a village on the river's
side, called _Metchigamea_. The natives, armed with bows and arrows,
clubs, and tomahawks, prepared to attack them; some in canoes, trying to
intercept their course, others remaining on shore. Father Marquette in
vain presented his calumet of peace. They were ready to attack, when the
elders, perceiving at last the calumet, commanded the young warriors to
stop, and, throwing their arms at the feet of the strangers, as a sign
of peace, entered their canoes, and constrained them to land, though not
without some uneasiness.

As the savages were not acquainted with any of the six languages spoken
by Father Marquette, he addressed them by signs, until an old man was
found, who understood a little Illinois. Through this interpreter, he
explained their intention of going to the borders of the sea, and gave
the natives some religious instruction. In reply they answered that
whatever information he desired might be obtained at _Akamsca_
(Arkansas), a village ten leagues lower down the river; and presented
them with food. After passing a night of some anxiety, they embarked the
following morning with their interpreter; a canoe with ten savages
preceding them. About half a league from Akamsca, they were met by