It was not long before, I had Intimation of the whole Affair, and I had done Monsieur _de la Sale_ a singular Piece of Service, had I then put to Death the Person, who was to be his Murderer; but I rested satisfy’d with giving him a severe Reprimand, and threat’ning to cause him to be secur’d if he persisted, being able to do no other under my present Circumstances. However, I talk’d to all concern’d, and put them in such Hopes of Monsieur _de la Sale’s_ Return, and that Things would soon change to their Satisfaction, that they were all pacify’d. But in Regard, that Idleness often occasions Uneasiness and Impatience, I us’d all possible Means to keep them employ’d, in the most obliging Manner I could, setting some to cut down the Bushes about our Dwelling, others to hew down Trees, that hinder’d the Prospect, others mow’d the Grass, that fresh might grow up for our Cattle, and at Night I made them divert themselves with Dancing and Singing. [Sidenote: M. de la Sale_’s Discoveries_.] Whilst we thus pass’d away the Time the best we could, Monsieur _de la Sale_ had penetrated very far up into the Country, inclining towards the Northern Part of _Mexico_. He had travell’d through several Nations, the Inhabitants whereof were, for the most Part, sociable, and had concluded a Sort of Alliance with them, and particularly with the _Cenis_ and others whose names I shall mention. He had discover’d charming Countries abounding in all Things that could be wish’d, as well for Sustenance, as for making of easy Settlements, and after he and his Nephew _Moranget_ had escap’d two Dangerous Sicknesses, he return’d to our Habitation, with five Horses he had purchas’d, and arriv’d at it in _August 1686_. [Sidenote: _His Return._] [Sidenote: _Sept. 1686_] Hearing of his Voice, I was one of the first that ran towards the River: We took our Canoes to bring him, his Luggage and some Provisions over, and the Horses swam. We were extraordinary glad to see our Commander in Chief return safe, tho’ his Journey had not advanc’d his Design. Monsieur _de la Sale_ had not found out his River, nor been towards the _Islinois_ as we had hoped. Only eight Men return’d with him of twenty he carry’d out, and all the visible advantage of that Journey consisted in five Horses, laden with Indian Wheat, Beans and some other Grain, which was put into the Store. [Illustration: _7 Men lost and 4 desert._]