He learned afterward that it was the uniform of a battalion of Languedoc.

He saw also that the boat carried sixteen men, all except the oarsmen being in uniform.
"Who are you ?" demanded the officer imperiously.
Robert, to whom the others conceded the position of spokesman, had decided already that his course should be one of apparent indifference.
"Travelers," he replied briefly, and the three bent to their paddles.
"What travelers are you and where are you going ?" demanded the officer, in the same imperious manner.
The wash of the heavy boat made the frail canoe rock perilously, but its three occupants appeared not to notice it.

Using wonderful skill, they always brought it back to the true level and maintained a steady course ahead.

On board the larger boat the oarsmen, rowing hard, kept near, and for the third time the officer demanded: "Who are you?
I represent the authority of His Majesty, King Louis of France, upon this river, and unless you answer explicitly I shall order my men to run you down." "But we are messengers," said Robert calmly.

"We bear letters of great importance to the Marquis Duquesne at Quebec.