The 17th, we pass'd a small River, with some Difficulty, and incamp'd beyond it. The 18th, one of our Horses going along the Edge of an upright Bank, fell into the Water, and came off with only a Hurt on the Shoulder; but we were fain to unload him, and distribute his Burden among us, every one making a Pack; and thus we cross'd a curious Plain,[1] diversify'd with Woods, Hills, Rivulets, and delightful Meadows.
The 19th, we travell'd along the Tops of those Hills, to avoid the Bottoms, and found a Difficulty to get down, by reason of the Rocks we met with at the End of them, and a River we were to cross. Whilst we were passing that River, we heard Dogs hunting the Bullocks, two of which coming near us, one of them was shot dead. The Natives who were hunting spying us, sent out two of their Number, who creeping from Tree to Tree, drew near, and then stood still, without daring to proceed any farther. We made Signs to them to come, which they did, and we made them smoke, till Monsieur de la Sale return'd, being gone a little Way to observe the Body of those People.
When come, he told them, he would entertain Peace with them, that we were going to the Cenis, and he believ'd, that these very Men were of their Nation, because they had their Accent and some of their Words. They told him their Village was near that Place, and bore us Company to our Camp, where after some small Presents given them, they were dismiss'd.
Account given by a Native. The 20th, Monsieur de la Sale sent Monsieur Moranget and some others to the Village of those Natives, to try whether they could barter with them for some Horses. In the mean Time two Savages came to us, one of them being the same that was with us the Night before, and they express'd much Friendship for us. That particular Indian told us, his name was Palaquechaune, that they were Allies to the Cenis, that their Chief had been among the Choumans,
- ↑ Fr. "belle campagne."
