1906-7. TRANSACTIONS. 89 



with eyes alert scanning the horizon. The little flotilla drew 

 rapidly across the lake. 



At the same time there was approaching from the opposite 

 direction a fleet of canoes manned by a hundred or more savages — 

 fierce and implacable Sioux of the Prairie. They were nearing 

 the Lake of the Woods by way of a stream which bore the 

 significant name, The Road of War. This was the war-path of 

 the Sioux from their own country to that of the Christinaux 

 and Assiniboins. When they followed it they were upon no 

 peaceful errand. 



As the flotilla entered the lake a mist was slowly rising 

 from the water, but before it completely enshrouded them a 

 keen-sighted savage discovered the three canoes of the French 

 about to land on the far side of an island out in the lake. 

 Cautiously the Sioux felt their way across, and landed unperceived. 

 They glided noiselessly through the thick underbrush, and as 

 they approached the other side, crept from tree to tree, finally 

 wriggling snake- wise to the very edge of the thicket. 



Beneath lay a narrow beach, on which some of the voya- 

 geurs had built a fire and were preparing the morning meal. 

 Others lay about, smoking and chatting idly. La Verendrye 

 sat a little apart, perhaps recording the scanty particulars of 

 the journey. The Jesuit walked up and down, deep in his 

 breviary. 



The circumstances could hardly have been more favorable 

 for a sudden attack. The French had laid aside their weapons, 

 or left them in the canoes. They had no reason to expect an 

 attack. They were at peace with the western tribes — even with 

 those Ishmaelites of the prairie, the Sioux. 



Presently a twig snapped under the foot of a savage. La 

 Verendrye turned quickly, caught sight of a waving plume, 

 and shouted to his men. The war-whoop rang out immediately 

 from a hundred fierce throats. The Sioux leaped to their feet. 

 Arrows showered down upon the French. La Verendrye, Aulneau, 

 and a dozen voyageurs fell. The rest snatched up their guns and 

 fired. Several of the Sioux_, who had incautiously left, cover, 

 fell; but the odds were now overwhelmingly against the French. 

 They must fight in the open, while the Indians remained com- 

 paratively secure among the trees. An attempt was made to 

 reach the canoes, but had to be abandoned. The Sioux com- 

 pletely commanded the approach, and no man could reach the 



