bignesse and Pycks of seaven foot long," probably the well-known
muscalonge.[4]

Now the long canoe voyage had come to an end, and as the Indians said
that five days' journey would be needed to bring them to their homes,
and the two white men had heavy packs which they were loth to carry so
long a distance, they {211} decided to remain where they were and let
their red friends either come or send back for them. Then, being but
two men, surrounded by wild tribes, they built themselves a little
triangular log fort by the water-side, with its door opening toward the
water. All around it, at a little distance, was stretched a long cord,
to which were fastened some small bells, "which weare senteryes"
(sentries), Radisson says.[5]

Having thus fortified themselves with a perfect armory within, namely,
"5 guns, 2 musquetons, 3 fowling-peeces, 3 paire of great pistoletts,
and 2 paire of pocket ons, and every one his sword and daggar," they
might feel reasonably safe in a country in which the natives as yet
stood in awe of fire-arms. They had some friendly visitors, but would
never admit more than one person at a time. Radisson says, in his
droll way, "During that time we had severall alarums in ye night. The
squerels and other small beasts, as well as foxes, came in and
assaulted us." For food there was an abundance of fish and of
"bustards" (wild geese), of which Radisson shot a great number.

{212}

When, after twelve days, some of their traveling companions reappeared,
they were astounded at the sight of the fort and complimented the two
Frenchmen by calling them "every foot devills to have made such a
machine." They had brought a quantity of provisions, imagining the two
white men to be famishing. But, lo! here was a supply of game more
than sufficient for the whole party. The Indians wondered how it
chanced that the Frenchmen's baggage was so greatly reduced. These
accounted for it by saying that, fearing lest the sight of so much
wealth should lead to their being murdered, they had taken a great part
of their merchandise and sunk it in the water, committing it to the
care of their "devill," who was charged "not to lett them to be wett
nor rusted, wch he promised faithlesse" that he would do; all of which
the simple creatures believed "as ye Christians the Gospell." Radisson
explains that he and his brother had really burled the goods across the
river. "We told them that lye," he says, "that they should n