La Salle and the discovery of the great West - North Central ...

;230 TONTY AND THE IROQUOIS. [1680,and Membrd, who in their secluded hut, a leaguefrom the village, had but lately heard of what waspassing, and who now, with benedictions and thanksgiving,ran to embrace him as a man escaped fromthe jaws of death.The Illinois now withdrew, re-embarking in theiicanoes, and crossing again to their lodges; butscarcely had they reached them, when theirenemiesappeared at the edge of the forest on the oppositebank. Many found means to cross, and, under thepretext of seeking for provisions, began to hover inbands about the skirts of the town, constantly increasingin numbers. Had the Illinois dared to remain, amassacre would doubtless have ensued; but theyknew their foe too well, set fire to their lodges, embarkedin haste, and paddled down the stream to rejointheir women and children at the sanctuary amongthe morasses. The whole body of the Iroquois nowcrossed the river, took possession of the abandonedtown, building for themselves a rude redoubt or fortof the trunks of trees and of the posts and polesforming the framework ofthe lodges which escapedthe fire. Here they ensconced themselves, andfinished the work of havoc at their leisure.Tonty and his companions still occupied their hutbut the Iroquois, becoming suspicious of them, forcedthem to remove to the fort, crowded as it was withthe savage crew. On the second day, there was analarm.The Illinois appeared in numbers on the lowhills,half a mile behind the town; and the Iroquois,