By placing little sticks upon the ground they gave Cartier to understand that a third rapid was to be passed, and that the river was not navigable to the country of Saguenay.
Convinced that further exploration was not possible for the time being, the French returned to their boats.

As usual, a great concourse of Indians had come to the spot.

Cartier says that he 'understood afterwards' that the Indians would have made an end of the French, but judged them too strong for the attempt.

The expedition started at once for the winter quarters at Cap Rouge.

As they passed Hochelay--the abode of the supposed friendly chief near Portneuf--they learned that he had gone down the river ahead of them to devise means with Agouhanna for the destruction of the expedition.
Cartier's narrative ends at this most dramatic moment of his adventures.