274 VILLEMARIE. • [1644. 



lutely for a long time ; but the Iroquois pressed 

 them close, three of theu' number were killed, 

 others were wounded, and their ammunition began 

 to fail. Theu^ only alternatives were destruction or 

 retreat ; and to retreat was not easy. The order 

 was given. Though steady at first, the men soon 

 became confused, and over-eager to escape the 

 galling fire which the Iroquois sent after them. 

 Maisonneuve dhected them towards a sledge-track 

 which had been used in dragging timber for build- 

 ing the hospital, and where the snow was firm be- 

 neath the foot. He himself remained to the last, 

 encouraging his followers and aiding the wounded 

 to escape. The French, as they struggled through 

 the snow, faced about from time to time, and fired 

 back to check the pursuit ; but no sooner had they 

 reached the sledge-track than they gave way to 

 their terror, and ran in a body for the fort. Those 

 within, seeing this confused rush of men from the 

 distance, mistook them for the enemy ; and an 

 over-zealous soldier touched the match to a camion 

 which had been pointed to rake the sledge-track. 

 Had not the piece missed fire, from dampness of 

 the priming, he would have done more execution 

 at one shot than the Iroquois in all the fight of 

 that morning. 



Maisonneuve was left alone, retreating backwards 

 down the track, and holding his pursuers in check, 

 with a pistol in each hand. They might easily 

 have shot him ; but, recognizing him as the com- 

 mander of the French, they were bent on taking 

 him alive. Their chief coveted this honor for 



