Radisson did not give their ardor time to
cool. They embarked at once. The fleet of canoes crossed the head of
the lakes and came to the Upper Ottawa without adventure. Scouts went
ahead to all the _portages_, and great care was taken to avoid an
ambush when passing overland. Below the Chaudiere Falls the scouts
reported that four Iroquois boats had crossed the river. Again
Radisson did not give time for fear. He sent the lightest boats in
pursuit; and while keeping the enemy thus engaged with half his own
company on guard at the ends of the long _portage_, he hurriedly got
cargoes and canoes across the landing. The Iroquois had fled. By that
Radisson knew they were weak. Somewhere along the Long Sault Rapids,
the scouts saw sixteen Iroquois canoes. The Indians would have thrown
down their goods and fled, but Radisson instantly got his forces in
hand and held them with a grip of steel. Distributing loaded muskets
to the bravest warriors, he pursued the Iroquois with a picked company
of Hurons, Algonquins, Sautaux, and Sioux. Beating their paddles,
Radisson's company shouted the war-cry till the hills rang; but all the
warriors were careful not to waste an ounce of powder till within
hitting range. The Iroquois were not used to this sort of defence.
They fled. The Long Sault was always the most dangerous part of the
Ottawa. Radisson kept scouts to rear and fore, but the Iroquois had
deserted their boats and were hanging on the flanks of the company to
attempt an ambush.
Pages:
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102