the way to the Orient. For De Monts it was a key to the
commerce of the great river. None of his rivals would
begin the season of 1609 with a permanent post in Canada.
Thus part of the anticipated profits for 1608 was invested
to secure an advantage in the approaching competition.
The whole success of the plan depended upon the mutual
confidence of De Monts and Champlain, both of whom
unselfishly sought the advancement of French interests
in America--De Monts, the courageous capitalist and
promoter; Champlain, the explorer whose discoveries were
sure to enlarge the area of trading operations.

Pontgrave sailed from Honfleur on April 5, 1608. Champlain
followed eight days later, reaching Tadoussac at the
beginning of June. Here trouble awaited him. The Basque
traders, who always defied the monopoly, had set upon
Pontgrave with cannon and muskets, killing one man and
severely wounding two others, besides himself. Going
ashore, Champlain found Pontgrave very ill and the Basques
in full possession. To fight was to run the risk of
ruining De Monts' whole enterprise, and as the Basques
were alarmed at what they had done, Darache, their captain,
signed an agreement that he would not molest Pontgrave
or do anything prejudicial to the rights of De Monts.
This basis of compromise makes it clear that Pontgrave
was in charge of the season's trade, while Champlain's
personal concern was to found the settlement.

An unpleasant dispute was thus adjusted, but the incident
had a still more unpleasant sequel. Leaving Tadoussac on