A drop of the liquid was allowed to fall upon the metal, which at once became discoloured.
"No, no!" exclaimed Roberval. "You will have to try some other bait. I will not go to Canada hoping for gold."
"I do not wish to contradict you, Sieur, but test this lump;" and Cartier, as he spoke, handed him a nugget the size of an egg.
Nervously Roberval seized it. It stood the test.
"Where!" he exclaimed in an excited voice, "did you get this?"
"From Donnacona, of whom you have heard, and whom indeed you have seen for yourself."
"And where did Donnacona get it?"
"Far west of his home at Stadacona, and of Hochelaga, too."
"I must see him at once," said Roberval.