gave it us. Having eaten, we ask'd the French Man whether we were safe, and he answering we were, we lay down, but yet could not sleep sound.
Apr. 1687
'A Horse sold for an Ax.
The next Day, being the first of April, the Elders came
to receive and conducted us to the Cottage where we had
been the Day before. After the usual Ceremonies, we
traded with them for Corn, Meal and Beans, giving in
Exchange for the same, Needles, Knives, Rings and other
Toys. We also purchased a very fine Stone Horse,[1] that
would have been worth twenty Pistoles in France, for an
Ax.
The Day was spent in driving our small Bargains and gathering Provisions, which the Women brought. When that was done, it was agreed, that I should remain there, to lay up more Store, and that the others should return to our Company, which we had left near the River, to carry the Provisions and satisfy them they might come safely.
Tho' I thought my self not over secure among the Indians, and besides had the Dissatisfaction of understanding none of their Language; yet was I not unwilling to stay, that I might have an Opportunity of seeing the two other French Men, who had forsaken the late Monsieur de la Sale, when he first travell'd into that Country, that I might enquire of them, whether they had heard no talk of the Missisipi River, for I still held my Resolution of parting from our wicked Murderers.
As soon as they were gone, I gave a young Indian a Knife, to go bid those two other French Men come to me, and whilst he was going I drove on my little Trade for Provisions, and had frequent Visits from the Elders, who entertain'd me by Signs, with an Account of their intended War; to which I still answer'd, nodding my Head, tho' very often I knew not what they meant. It was some Difficulty to me to secure my small Merchandize, especially at Night, for the Natives were covetous of them.
- ↑ Fr. un cheval entier et fort beau"—a very handsome entire horse. C. C. edit.: i. e., a stallion.
