THE VERENDRYE EXPLORATIONS

113 cut off his head, I noticed men on horseback, who were blocking the way, I escaped with difficulty; I kept nothing to carry off; I threw away everything I had even to my blanket, in my flight. What I say is true, and I will have it told to thee by others who were with me the fol- lowing spring. They are not here now, but thou shalt see them. What I have said I repeat; the other side of the river cannot be seen; the water is salt; it is a country of mountains; a great extent between the mountains of fine land; many cattle, big and stout, white and of dif- ferent colors, many stags and deer; I have seen their wheat fields, where no women are to be seen; what I tell thee is without deceit; thou wilt learn further of it after- wards. I continued my journey after three days' rest. I reached the first mountain on the 9th of January 26 , where we remained a long time. Mr. de la Marque made up his mind to go on, seeing me still very ill, in order to send me assistance. He arrived on the first of February; I arrived only on the 10th27 , greatly fatigued and very ill. I met the assistance he sent me at thirty-five leagues from the fort, which gave me great pleasure, having great need of it. I have never endured so much wretch- edness in my life, from illness and fatigue, as in that journey. I found myself, after a fortnight's rest, a little restored. Mr. de la Marque waited my arrival to carry out his design of going to Fort Maurepas, having learned that there were no provisions. I told him that I thought his presence would be very useful in his post. He deter- mined to set out, asking me to leave his brother with a large party of hired men for provisions at my fort, flatter- ing themselves that there was more hope there of seeing people. We were nearly starving, when fortunately two huts of Indians came, whom I stopped at the fort. They supplied us by their hunting moose and deer. We num- M 26 Should be February 9th. 27 March 10.