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

1687.] TWELFTH NIGHT. 417returned to Texas. A new obstacle was presentlyinterposed. La Salle, whose constitution seems tohave suffered from his long course of hardships, wasattacked in November with hernia. Joutel offeredto conduct the party in his stead; but La Sallereplied that his own presence was indispensable atthe Illinois. He had the good fortune to recover,within four or five weeks, sufficiently to undertakethe journey; and all in the fort busied themselves inpreparing an outfit. In such straits were they forclothing,that the sails of the " Belle " were cut up tomake coats for the adventurers. Christmas came,and was solemnly observed.There was a midnightmass in the chapel, where Membre*, Cavelier, Douay,and their priestly brethren stood before the altar, investments strangely contrasting with the rude templeand the ruder garb of the worshippers. And asMemore* elevated the consecrated wafer, and thelamps burned dim through the clouds of incense, thekneeling group drew from the daily miracle suchconsolation as true Catholics alone can know.WhenTwelfth Night came, all gathered in the hall, andcried, after the jovial old custom, "The Kingdrinks," with hearts, perhaps, as cheerless as theircups, which were filled with cold water.On the morrow, the band of adventurers musteredfor the fatal journey. 1 The five horses, bought byi I follow Douay's date, who makes the day of departure theseventh of January, or the day after Twelfth Night.Joutel thinksit was the twelfth of January, but professes uncertainty as to allhis dates at this time, as he lost his notes.27