"We shall have to get a larger canoe, Danton, and a stronger. Will you see to it, please? We shall have two more in our party from now on. Make sure that the canoe is in the best of condition. Also I wish you would see to getting the rope and the other things we may need in working through the rapids. Then spend your time as you like. We shall start early in the morning." Menard and Father Claude together went with the maid to the Superior, who arranged for her to pass the night with the sisters. Then Menard left the priest to make his final arrangements at the Mission, and went himself to see the Commandant, to whom he outlined the bare facts of his journey to Frontenac. "The thing that most concerns you," he said finally, "is a meeting I had a few days ago with three Indians down the river. One called himself the Long Arrow, and another was Teganouan, who, Father de Casson tells me, recently left the Mission at the Sault St. Francis Xavier. They claim to be Mission Indians. It will be well to watch out for them, and to have an eye on the Richelieu, and the other routes, to make sure that they don't slip away to the south with information." "Very well," replied the Commandant. "I imagine that we can stop them. Do you feel safe about taking this maid up the river just now?" "Oh, yes. Our men are scattered along the route, are they not?" Menard asked. "Quite a number are out establishing Champigny's transport system." "I don't look for any trouble. But I should like authority for one or two extra men." "Take anything you wish, Menard. I will get word over to the island at once, giving you all the authority you need." CHAPTER V. DANTON BREAKS OUT. When Menard reached the wharf, early on the following morning, he found Father Claude waiting for him. The new canoe lay on the wharf, and beside it was a heap of stores. Perrot and the two new _engages_ sat on the edge of the wharf. The sun had just risen over the trees on St. Helen's Island, and the air was clear and cool. "Well, Perrot," said Menard, as he unslung his musket and horn, "is everything ready?" "Everything, M'sieu." "Where is Guerin?" "I have not seen him, M'sieu." Menard turned to the priest. "Good-morning, Father. You are on time, I see; and that is more than we can say for Danton. Where is the boy?" "He has gone for Mademoiselle St. Denis, Captain. He was here before the sunrise, checking up the stores." "Learning to work, is he? That is a good sign. And how about yourself? Did you pick up anything yesterday?" "Yes," replied the priest. "I enquired at the Mission about Teganouan and his companions." "Well?" "Nothing is known of them. Teganouan had been one of the worst drunkards among the Onondagas, and his conversion, a year ago, was thought to be one of our greatest victories for the faith. His penances were among the most complete and purging ever--" "And the others?"