But when they saw Cartier erect a great cross on the land at the entrance to Gaspe Bay (a cross bearing a shield with the arms of France and the letters "Vive le Roi de France"), they were ill at ease.

It is certain that not one word could be understood in language between the two parties, for there were as yet no interpreters; but the Amerindians were probably shrewd enough to perceive that Cartier was making some claim on the land, and they explained by signs that they considered all this country belonged to themselves.

Nevertheless, Cartier persuaded two youths, the sons of one of the chiefs, to go back with him to France on his ship, to learn the French language, to see what France looked like, and to return afterwards as interpreters.

The boys, though they were practically kidnapped at first, were soon reconciled to going, especially when they were dressed in French clothes! [Illustration: JACQUES CARTIER] When Cartier was on his way home he sailed in a north-easterly direction in such a way as to overlook the broad channel between the Gaspe Peninsula and Anticosti Island, but having rounded the easternmost extremity of that large island, he coasted along its northern shores until he caught sight of the opening of the Canadian channel to the west.

He believed then that he had discovered the long-looked-for opening of the trans-continental passage, and sailed for France with his wonderful news.
On the 19th of May, 1535, Cartier started again from St.Malo with three ships, the biggest of which was only 120 tons, while the others were respectively 60 and 40 tons capacity.