CHAPTER XIII.

1680. FORT CRÈVEC[OE]UR. Building of the Fort.--Loss of the "Griffin."--A Bold Resolution.--Another Vessel.--Hennepin sent to the Mississippi.--Departure of La Salle. [Sidenote: BUILDING OF THE FORT.] La Salle now resolved to leave the Indian camp, and fortify himself for the winter in a strong position, where his men would be less exposed to dangerous influence, and where he could hold his ground against an outbreak of the Illinois or an Iroquois invasion. At the middle of January, a thaw broke up t…