Some writers are agreed, however, that the Indians had no hostile intentions whatever.

The new-comers seemed to them wondrous beings, floating on the surface of the water in great winged houses, causing the thunder to roll forth from their abode at will and, more than all, feasting their friends and giving to them such gifts as could only come from heaven.
Such guests were too valuable to lose.

The Indians knew well of the settlement at Hochelaga, and of the fair country where it lay.

They feared that if Cartier once sailed to it, he and his presents--the red caps and the brass bowls sent direct from heaven--would be lost to them for ever.
Be this as it may, no further opposition was offered to the departure of the French.

The two larger ships, with a part of the company as guard, were left at their moorings.