THE THIRD VOYAGE Nearly five years elapsed after Cartier's return to St Malo before he again set sail for the New World.

His royal master, indeed, had received him most graciously.

Francis had deigned to listen with pleasure to the recital of his pilot's adventures, and had ordered him to set them down in writing.

Moreover, he had seen and conversed with Donnacona and the other captive Indians, who had told of the wonders of their distant country.

The Indians had learned the language of their captors and spoke with the king in French.