Page:Joutel's journal of La Salle's last voyage, 1684-7 (IA joutelsjournalof00jout).pdf/155



When we had travell'd some Time, we discover'd three Men a Horseback, coming towards us from the Village, and being come near them, saw one dress'd after the Spanish Fashion, with a little Doublet, the Body whereof was of blue, and the Sleeves of white Fustian, as it were imbroider'd, with very streight Breeches, white worsted Stockings, Woollen-Garters, a broad-brim'd, flat-crown'd Hat, and long Hair. We presently concluded he was a Spaniard, and the rather because we had been told, that some of them were to come to join in League with the Cenis, against an Enemy nation, and we were at a Nonplus; for if we fell into their Hands, we must never expect to get away, but be condemn'd to serve either in the Mines, or in the Quarries, in the Kingdom of Mexico, for which Reason we provided to give the pretended Spaniard an unkind Reception, and then to make the best of our Way back.

Being come up to him, I spoke some Words of Spanish and Italian, to which he return'd no Answer; but on the contrary, made use of the Word Coussica, which in the Language of the Cenis, signifies, I do not understand you; which Answer of his remov'd our Apprehensions. The two others were quite naked, one of them being mounted on a fine grey Mare, and on her were besides two Panniers, handsomely made of Reeds, full of very fine Meal parch'd, or roasted. After several Questions, to which we had no very satisfactory Answers, we lighted Fire to make them smoke, and then they presented us with the two Panniers full of Meal, giving us to understand, that their Chief expected us in the Village, and having signify'd, that they were sent to meet us, we gave them some Knives and Strings of Beads.

We ask'd them, whether they had any Men among them like him that was a Horseback in the Spanish Habit, they answer'd, there were two in a Neighboring Nation, call'd Assony, and that he who was clad, had been in their Country, and brought thence the Cloaths we saw him wear. That Man then shew'd us a Spanish printed Paper, con