“Not by canoe, Monsieur. I followed Sieur de la Salle by forest trail to the Straits, and planned to return that way, but ’tis a foot journey.”
“Not fitted for such a party as this?”
“Only as you trust to your rifles for food, bearing what packs we might on our backs. With the lady the trail is scarcely possible.”
“As to the lady I will make my own decision. Besides, our course is decided. We go to St. Ignace. What will be your course from Green Bay?”
“Along the west shore, Monsieur; it is dangerous only by reason of storms.”
“And the distance?”
“From St. Ignace?”
“Ay! from St. Ignace! What distance lies between there and this Fort St. Louis, on the Illinois?”
“’Twill be but a venture, Monsieur, but I think ’tis held at a hundred and fifty leagues.”