was first to bind and pinion them 'in such a manner that
it is as impossible for them to move as for an infant in
its swaddling-clothes.' They were then carried in a kind
of basket, 'crowded up in a heap.' Doubtless as a mark
of distinction, Champlain was carried separately on the
back of a savage. His wound was so severe that when the
retreat began he could not stand. But the transportation
proved worse than the wound. 'I never found myself in
such a gehenna as during this time, for the pain which
I suffered in consequence of the wound in my knee was
nothing in comparison with that which I endured while I
was carried bound and pinioned on the back of one of our
savages. So that I lost my patience, and as soon as I
could sustain myself got out of this prison, or rather
gehenna.'

The enemy made no pursuit, but forced marches were kept
up for twenty-five or thirty leagues. The weather now
grew cold, as it was past the middle of autumn. The fight
at the fort of the Onondagas had taken place on October
10, and eight days later there was a snowstorm, with hail
and a strong wind. But, apart from extreme discomfort,
the retreat was successfully accomplished, and on the
shore of Lake Ontario they found the canoes intact.

It had been Champlain's purpose to spend the winter at
Quebec, and when the Hurons were about to leave the east
end of Lake Ontario for their own country he asked them
for a canoe and an escort. Four Indians volunteered for
this service, but no canoe could be had, and in consequence