Page:Joutel's journal of La Salle's last voyage, 1684-7 (IA joutelsjournalof00jout).pdf/129

 gain their Affections, for a mischievous Design, which it is likely he had even then conceiv'd.

It was not long before, I had Intimation of the whole Affair, and I had done Monsieur de la Sale a singular Piece of Service, had I then put to Death the Person, who was to be his Murderer; but I rested satisfy'd with giving him a severe Reprimand, and threat'ning to cause him to be secur'd if he persisted, being able to do no other under my present Circumstances. However, I talk'd to all concern'd, and put them in such Hopes of Monsieur de la Sale's Return, and that Things would soon change to their Satisfaction, that they were all pacify'd.

But in Regard, that Idleness often occasions Uneasiness and Impatience, I us'd all possible Means to keep them employ'd, in the most obliging Manner I could, setting some to cut down the Bushes about our Dwelling, others to hew down Trees, that hinder'd the Prospect, others mow'd the Grass, that fresh might grow up for our Cattle, and at Night I made them divert themselves with Dancing and Singing.

Whilst we thus pass'd away the Time the best we could, Monsieur de la Sale had penetrated very far up into the Country, inclining towards the Northern Part of Mexico. He had travell'd through several Nations, the Inhabitants whereof were, for the most Part, sociable, and had concluded a Sort of Alliance with them, and particularly with the Cenis and others whose names I shall mention. He had discover'd charming Countries abounding in all Things that could be wish'd, as well for Sustenance, as for making of easy Settlements, and after he and his Nephew Moranget had escap'd two Dangerous Sicknesses, he return'd to our Habitation, with five Horses he had purchas'd, and arriv'd at it in August 1686.

Hearing of his Voice, I was one of the first that ran towards the River: We took our Canoes to bring him, his Luggage and some Provisions over, and the Horses swam. We were extraordinary glad to see our Commander in