desire. Accordingly I embarked with the savages in their
canoes, taking with me two men, who went cheerfully.
After making known my plan to Des Marais and others in
the shallop, I requested the former to return to our
settlement with the rest of our company, giving them the
assurance that in a short time, by God's grace, I would
return to them.'

Having convinced himself, Champlain was next forced to
convince the Indians, whose first impulse was to abandon
the campaign when they found that they would be accompanied
by only three of the Frenchmen. Champlain's firmness,
however, communicated itself to them, and on July 12 they
set out from Chambly Basin to commence the portage. At
the top of the rapid a review of forces was held, and it
proved that the Indians numbered sixty men, equipped with
twenty-four canoes. Advancing through a beautifully wooded
country, the little war-party encamped at a point not
far below the outlet of Lake Champlain, taking the
precaution to protect themselves by a rough fortification
of tree trunks.

At this point Champlain introduces a graphic statement
regarding the methods which the Indians employ to guard
against surprise. On three sides they protect the camp
by fallen trees, leaving the river-bank without a barricade
in order that they may take quickly to their canoes.
Then, as soon as the camp has been fortified, they send
out nine picked men in three canoes to reconnoitre for
a distance of two or three leagues. But before nightfall