They granted Champlain’s request of four canoes with great reluctance, and stated that the Nipissirini were sorcerers, and not their friends.  Champlain insisted on having the guides, and stated that he had brought with him a young man who would find no difficulty in visiting the country of the Nipissirini.

Tessoueat thereupon addressed the young man by name, and said:  “Nicholas, is it true that you were among the Nebicerini?” “Yes,” said he in Algonquin language, “I was there.”  “You are a downright liar,” replied Tessoueat, “you know well that you slept at my side every night, with my children, where you arose every morning; if you were among the people mentioned, it was while sleeping.  How could you have been as bold as to lead your chief to believe lies, and so wicked as to be willing to expose his life to so many dangers?  You are a worthless fellow and ought to be put to death, more cruelly than we do our enemies.”

Shortly after, Champlain advised the Indians that the young lad had confessed that he had lied concerning his visits to the Nipissirini country.  By telling them the facts Champlain hoped to ensure the life of Nicholas du Vignau, as the savages had said, “Give him to us, and we promise that he shall not lie any more.”

On June 10th Champlain took leave of Tessoueat, after making him presents and promising to return during the next year to assist in the war.  Continuing his course, Champlain again approached the Chaudiere Falls, where the savages went through a ceremony peculiar to them, which is thus described: 

“After carrying their canoes to the foot of the falls, they assembled in one spot, where one of them took up a collection in a wooden plate, into which each one placed a piece of tobacco.  The collection having been made, the plate was placed in the middle of the troupe, as they all danced around it, singing after their style.  Then one of them made a harangue, setting forth that for a long time they had been accustomed to make this offering, by means of which they were insured protection against their enemies, and that otherwise misfortune would befall them, as they were convinced by the evil spirit; and that they lived on in this superstition, as in many others.  This done, the maker of the harangue took the plate, and threw the tobacco into the midst of the caldron, whereupon they all raised a loud cry.”

Such was the superstition of these savages that they considered a favourable journey impossible without this uncouth ceremony.  It was at this portage that their enemies had been wont to surprise them.

On June 17th they arrived at Sault St. Louis on their return journey.  Captain L’Ange, who was the confidant of Champlain, brought news that Maisonneuve of St. Malo had arrived with a passport from the Prince de Conde for three vessels.  Champlain therefore allowed him to trade with the savages.

As the trade with the savages was now completed, Champlain resolved to return to France by the first vessel which was ready to start.  He accepted a passage in Maisonneuve’s vessel, which arrived at St. Malo on August 26th.  Champlain had an interview with the merchants, to whom he represented that a good association could be formed in the future.  The merchants resolved to follow the example of those of Rouen and La Rochelle.