The Journeys of Rene Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, Volume 2 Page: 56 of 268

LA SALLE

quainted with their ways, ordered us to
observe their behavior and to take nothing
from them, which nevertheless did not hinder
some of our men from receiving some
pieces of meat. Some time after, when the
Indians were about departing, they made
signs to us to go a-huntng with them; but,
besides that there was sufficient cause to
suspect them, we had enough other business
to do. However, we asked whether
they would barter for any of their canoes,
which they agreed to. The Sieur Barbier
Went along with them, purchased two for
hatchets and brought them.
Some days after we perceived a fire in the
Country, which spread itself and burnt the
dry weeds, still drawing towards us; whereUpon
M. de la Salle made all the weeds and
herbs that were about us be pulled up, and
Particularly all about the place where the
Powder was. Being desirous to know the
Occasion of that fire, he took about twenty
of us along with him, and we marched that
Way, and even beyond the fire, without seeing
anybody. We perceived that it run toWards
the W. S. W., and judged it had begun
about our first camp and at the village
next the fire.
Having spied a cottage near the bank of
a lake, we drew towards it, and found an
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