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realized that M. de La Salle would now punish them severely and conse- quently decided to kill him as well. Having determined his death, they were anxious to put their resolution into effect, but an unforeseen circum- stance delayed them for two days. Between the hunting party and La Salle there was a small river, probably the Navasota, which had suddenly risen. The delay in crossing it proved most favorable to the execution of the contemplated murder. La Salle, worried at the absence of his nephew, decided to go in search of him, fearing he had fallen a victim to foul play. -He diligently inquired if Moranget had quarreled with anyone before leaving. He called Joutel and told him to remain in com- mand until his return. During his absence a watch should be kept, no one was to be allowed to leave, and the fires must be kept lighted to guide him back to camp. With evident misgivings, La Salle set out in search of his nephew on March 20, 1687, accompanied only by Father Anastasius and an Indian guide. A group of buzzards in the distance attracted his attention. Thinking there was a dead animal where they circled about, he directed his steps towards them. As he approached the spot he fired a shot and unwittingly warned the murderers of his approach. The river was still between them. Duhaut, Liotot and L 'Archeveque on hearing the shot, crossed the river to meet La Salle. Duhaut hid himself in the tall grass with Liotot while L'Archeveque went a few steps forward. When La Salle recognized him, he asked what had become of his nephew. L'Archeveque replied in an insolent tone, that he knew not where he had gone. As La Salle started to chastise him, a shot rang out, it pierced his head, and the great explorer of the Mississippi dropped dead. Such was the end of a man, who, because of his ability, his valor, and his constancy, was worthy of a better fate." Speaking of the circumstance that brought La Salle to this sad end, Morfi said: "There is no doubt, as Prevost reflects, that if his purpose had been only to establish a settlement at the [mouth of the] Mississippi, he could have accomplished it without so many misfortunes, and, perhaps, without exposing himself to the perfidy of his followers. Even if he had not penetrated to the country of the Asinais, or if these had not given him guides to lead him to the river, he could have reached it by sea. He knew he was west of the goal he was searching for, and he could not have
33Castai'ieda, op. cit., J 32-133.
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