Aug. 1687 had some foul Weather, which made it late before we could reach Cappa. A great Number of Youth came to meet us, some of them conducted us to the Chief's Cottage, and others took Care of our Baggage, which was restor'd to us very honestly. We found the Elders waiting for us; a great Fire was kindled to dry us, and the Cottage was lighted by several burning Reeds,[1] which they make use of instead of Flambeaus; after which we were serv'd as in other Places.
The 31st, we receiv'd Visits from the Elders. Their Discourse ran upon the War they design'd to make, thinking to ingage us in it, and we return'd the same Answer as we had done to the others, that we would soon return with all Things we stood in Need of. We ask'd a Man of them, which was granted, and the Day ended in Feasting.
Entertainment given by the Indians. We would willingly have set out the First of August; but the Chief came and told us, it could not be, because the Women had not pounded our Corn, which however was done; but they made use of that Pretence to oblige us to stay, and to have Leisure to give us some Diversion, after their Manner. Accordingly, about Ten in the Morning, the Warriors and Youth came together to Dance. They were dress'd after their best Manner, some of them wearing Plumes of several Colours, wherewith they adorn their Heads, others, instead of Feathers, had two Bullocks Horns, and were all besmear'd with Clay, of Black or of Red, so that they really look'd like a Company of Devils or Monsters, and in those Figures they danc'd, as I have describ'd it, speaking of the other Nations.
The Second, we made ready to be going. The Indian given by the first Village for our Guide, would not go any farther. A Man, said to be an Hermaphrodite, offer'd to supply his Place, saying, he was willing to go to the Islinois. We took Leave of the Sieur Couture, to whom Monsr. Cavelier made an Exhortation, encouraging him to per-*
- ↑ Fr. "des Cannes seiches allumées"—dry reeds aflame.
