The murderer was a Montagnais, and the tribe consequently approved of this lack of justice.  Champlain, however, desired a more severe imposition of the law.  The Montagnais were perhaps the most dangerous of Champlain’s allies, especially as their treachery was marked by the outward appearance of serious friendship.  In the Montagnais were united all the vices of the other Indian tribes as well as the bad features of some of the Europeans, especially those of the Rochelois and Basques.  They were bold and independent, but Champlain soon showed them, by ceasing to care for them, that he was not to be imposed upon.  Fearing to lose the friendship of Champlain, they endeavoured to regain the position which they had in a measure lost; but instead of remaining passive, they boasted of the ease with which they could find protectors and advocates amongst the French.  This conduct did not please Champlain, who would have preferred to find a people more amenable to natural laws, which are in themselves a defence against murder.

The Montagnais who had been sent to the Iroquois returned to Quebec in July, 1624.  They had been courteously received, and as a result of their negotiations, a general meeting of the Indians was held at Three Rivers.  There might be seen Hurons, Algonquins, Montagnais, Iroquois, and the French with their interpreters.  The meeting was conducted with perfect order.  There were many speeches, followed by the feast pantagruelic.  The war hatchet was buried, so that Champlain could leave for France without being very anxious as to the fate of his compatriots.

The alliance of 1624 did not last long, however, owing to the imprudence of the Montagnais who had journeyed to the Dutch settlement on the banks of the Hudson and promised to assist the settlers in their wars against the Mohicans and Iroquois.  Champlain interfered, and reminded the Montagnais that they were bound to observe the treaty of 1624, and there was no reason to break it.  “The Iroquois,” said Champlain, “ought to be considered as our friends as long as the war hatchet is not disinterred, and I will go myself to help them in their wars, if necessary.”

This language pleased the chief of the Montagnais, and he asked Champlain to send some one to Three Rivers, if he could not go himself, in order to prevent the other nations from fighting against the Iroquois.  Etienne Brule was sent on this delicate mission, but as opinion was divided as to the advisability of the war, it was decided to wait until the arrival of the vessels.  Emery de Caen arrived soon after, and hastened to meet the allies, who, according to rumour, were preparing to go to war against the Iroquois.  In addition to this a party had gone to Lake Champlain, where they had made two Iroquois prisoners, who were, however, delivered by the murderer of Pillet.