heir fort,
contrived to disconcert it. In the end the savages, who seem to have had
originally no very serious cause of offence, proposed a reconciliation,
which was acceded to by the French, on condition that the case of the
murderers should be decided on Champlain's return, and that in the mean
time hostages should be given.

Champlain's absence continued for the space of about three years, as he
did not return to Quebec until July, 1620. By this time the course of
events had taken a favorable turn. The Viceroy Conde regained his
liberty, and, in consideration of a sum of money, surrendered his
viceroyalty in favor of the Duke of Montmorency, a godson of the late
King. Montmorency confirmed Champlain in his post of lieutenant-general,
and the King himself, Louis XIII, favored him with royal letters
expressing his recognition of the appointment and of his services. Thus
fortified, and charged by the new viceroy to return to Quebec and improve
the defences of the colony, Champlain induced a number of persons to
embark with him for the purpose of settling in the country. He himself
arranged all his private affairs and took out with him his wife and
several relations.

The return of Champlain, accompanied by Madame Champlain, then only
twenty-two years of age, was celebrated at Quebec with all the
manifestations of rejoicing and of respect that it was possible for the
people to evince. It was an epoch in the history of the colony. The
Indian savages were especially delighted with the amiable demeanor and
the beauty of Madame Champlain,[4] who at once set about learning their
language, and in many ways testified her concern in their welfare. She
soon became able to instruct their children, using their native tongue,
in the principles of the Catholic religion; for, though formerly a
Huguenot, she was now a devout adherent of the church to which her
husband belonged. Champlain found the edifices at Quebec in a dilapidated
condition, so that his first care was to effect repairs on the magazine,
the old fort, and other buildings, as well as to provide temporary
quarters for his family. Steps were also taken for commencing a structure
extensive enough to afford protection to all the inhabitants and the
interests of the company, in case of serious attack from any enemy, and
so situated as to command the harbor. The site chosen was that now known
as "Durham Terrace," where, subsequently, when Champlain's design was
practically