Standing there and looking westward over the foaming waters lashed by the August storm, he was able to realize that the goal of his search for the coast of Asia, or at least for an open passage to the west, might lie before him, but that, for the time being, it was beyond his reach.
Turning back, the party rejoined the ships which had drifted helplessly before the wind some twelve miles down the shore.

Arrived on board, Cartier called together his sailing-master, pilots, and mates to discuss what was to be done.

They agreed that the contrary winds forbade further exploration.

The season was already late; the coast of France was far away; within a few weeks the great gales of the equinox would be upon them.

Accordingly the company decided to turn back.