Villegagnon stood waiting on shore to receive the new-comers, who landed
amid the cheers of their countrymen. He expressed himself highly
pleased with this accession of strength to the community, and loudly
declared that he believed ere long their Protestant colony would be
established on a firm basis. His letters, he said, informed him that
many thousands of French settlers were about to sail and join them.
Nigel hastened on shore as soon as his duties would allow, and was
welcomed with all the marks of affection he could desire by Constance,
and kindly greeted by her father. Great progress had been made, the
count told him, and he hoped that they should soon be able to form a
settlement on the mainland.
"But we have been so happy here, that I should be sorry to move," said
Constance, pointing to a pretty garden seen from the window of their
sitting-room. "Think of all the pains we have bestowed on it, and,
should it be deserted, in a few months, in this climate, it would again
become a wilderness."
"We must keep it as our country residence, and come here occasionally
from our house in the new city," observed the count; "or perhaps you and
Nigel will like to make it your home."
"Oh, that will be delightful," exclaimed Constance, "though I suspect
that Nigel will require a larger sphere of action than this little
island would afford."
They talked much more about the future, which, to the eyes of Constance,
looked bright and happy. The count, however, when alone with Nigel,
expressed his anxiety on several accounts. The governor had of late
shown especial favour to the men he had collected to supply the place of
those who had abandoned the expedition; and they were engaged in
erecting a building, which it was very evident was intended for a
church. Why there should be any secrecy about the matter the count
could not tell; but it was a suspicious circumstance, as chiefly those
who had refused to attend at the Protestant service were engaged on it.
Still the governor professed to be as warm a Protestant as ever.
"Have you any suspicions of the honesty of his intentions?" asked Nigel.
"From this circumstance, and others which may seem trifling, suspicions
have arisen in my mind," answered the count.
Nigel then told him the reason he himself had to doubt the governor's
honesty.
"I wish that you had told me of this before," said the count. "I should
probably have returned with you to Europe, rather than have supported
such a man by remaining. However, your explanations satisfy me that you
acted, as you thought, for the best. We must now endeavour to
counteract his designs."
They agreed not to speak to Constance about their suspicions of the
governor, as the matter would not fail to make her anxious.
Nigel had to return to his ship at night; but, early the next morning,
he again went on shore to visit his friends, intending also to apply to
the governor to be discharged from the naval service. As he was nearing
the landing-place, he observed a canoe, urged on towards the shore with
rapid strokes by an Indian who plied his paddle, now on one side, now on
the other. In the stern sat another person, a young girl, whose dark
tresses were ornamented with a wreath of natural flowers, which gave an
additional charm to her beautiful features, the rest of her costume
being also adorned with gaily-coloured feathers, further increasing the
picturesqueness of her appearance. She lightly stepped out of the
canoe, followed by her companion, who hauled it up on the beach at the
same time that Nigel landed. They together made their way to the
village as if well accustomed to traverse the path. Nigel was a few
paces behind them, and observed that they entered the house of the
minister, Monsieur Laporte. On reaching the count's house, he mentioned
the circumstance to his friends, and inquired who the Indians were.
"They must be, without doubt, the young chief Tecumah and his sister
Cora, who come frequently to receive from our good minister instruction
in the truths of Christianity, of which, I trust, they have gained
considerable knowledge," answered Constance. "First the young chief
came by himself, and then he begged permission to bring his sister. She
is a sweet young creature; a perfect child of nature; and has already
become even a more faithful believer than her brother, who cannot, as
yet, understand why he should not destroy his enemies wherever he can
find them."
Constance had before told Nigel of her meeting with Tecumah; she now
assured him that the young chief seemed to have got over any attachment
he might have felt for her, so Nigel felt no sensations of jealousy.
Nigel proceeded afterwards to call on the governor to present his letter
from the admiral. Villegagnon received him in his usual courteous
manner, and complimented him on his gallantry with the Portuguese.
When, however, he read the letter, his manner changed.
"The admiral does not command here," he observed, "and I require
officers on board my ships. I cannot accept your resignation."
Nigel expostulated in vain. Instead, however, of at once refusing to
serve, he resolved to take time to consider the matter. He went back to
consult the count, who advised him to do nothing rashly; as, should he
throw up his commission and come to live on shore, he would offend the
governor and put himself completely in his power.
While they were speaking, Tecumah and Cora, with Monsieur Laporte, came
to the house, to pay their respects, they said, to the count and his
daughter. Tecumah recognised Nigel, and spoke to him in a way which
showed that he desired his friendship. While Constance was conversing
with Cora in a mixture of their respective languages, each doing her
utmost to make herself understood and understand what the other said,
Nigel found that Tecumah had made considerable progress in his knowledge
of French; also, which was of more consequence, he was well acquainted
with the fundamental truths of Christianity. Had they, however, touched
his heart? There was the question; his actions alone would show that.
Nigel inquired about the state of the country. Tecumah assured him that
his own tribe and those in alliance with them were sincerely attached to
the French. "But others in the north, who have had emissaries from the
Portuguese among them, are not to be trusted," he observed. The
Portuguese themselves were also increasing rapidly in numbers, and their
town of Saint Vincente was already of some size.
"My people, however, will keep a vigilant watch on their proceedings,
and I will give you notice, should we gain any intelligence of an
expedition being prepared. Should one come, with your ship's and with
the assistance of our tribe, you will, without doubt, be able to drive
back your enemies," he added.
While the young people were speaking, the count drew Monsieur Laporte
aside, and was earnestly discussing with him the state of affairs.
The minister looked grave. "We must trust to Him who overrules all
things for His own wise purposes," he observed; "and should reverses
overtake us, we must not lose confidence in His love and justice."
Nothing occurred for some time to interrupt the usual occupations of the
colony. At length, one morning a signal from the fort announced that a
fleet was in sight. The gunners were summoned to the batteries; all the
men got under arms, and the ships prepared for battle; getting springs
on their cables, so as to haul themselves into a position to defend the
landing-place.
As the ships approached, they were, to the infinite satisfaction of
those on shore, seen to have the French flag flying at their mast-heads.
There were five large ships and two smaller ones. It was hoped that
they were bringing reinforcements of sound Protestants who would
establish their faith in the land, and contribute to the material
progress of the colony. As they drew nearer, salutes were exchanged,
and they came to an anchor close to the fleet. The voyagers when they
landed were warmly received by their countrymen, who did their best to
treat them hospitably. There were people of all ranks, and from all
parts of France. Several who had come in one of the larger ships were
known to the count, who received them into his house. They stated that
the fleet consisted originally of but three ships; but, as they were on
the point of sailing, they were joined by two others conveying persons
of whom they had been able to obtain no certain information.
Villegagnon received all in his usual courteous way, but it was observed
that he paid the most attention to those on board the latter ships.
Before long it was whispered that among those people had been seen two
men, who, though in secular dresses, were recognised as having been
Romish priests. Still, though the people who had come in these two
ships did not make their appearance at the Protestant place of worship
to return thanks for their safe voyage, they were not seen to practise
any of the rites of the Romish Church. Unpleasant rumours were,
however, going about among the settlers, and the people asked one
another how it was that the governor, who had professed to form a pure
Protestant colony, should have allowed Romanists to come out among them.
No satisfactory answer could be given to these questions, and some
thought that the new-comers were possibly lately converted from Rome,
and would soon come to receive instruction from Monsieur Laporte.
Others, however, shook their heads, and observed that, had they been new
converts, they would have exhibited more zeal, and would have been the
first to join hands with the older brethren; instead of that, they
associated entirely with the suspicious characters who had all along
shown a disrespect to the Protestant form of worship. All the settlers
were, however, so busy in erecting dwellings, and cultivating the
ground, that no one had time for polemical discussions.
Thus matters went on for some time till the church was finished. After
it was roofed over, no persons, except those employed on it, were
allowed to enter. Numerous cases, which had formed part of the cargo of
one of the ships, were landed and conveyed to it, and a large bell was
hoisted up into the tower. One Sunday morning the bell began to toll
forth in a way which astonished the Protestant settlers. The church was
thrown open, and those who had been suspected by their fellow-colonists
were seen with triumphant looks wending their way towards it. Some of
the Protestants, influenced by curiosity, went in, and, on their return,
reported that they had seen the two priests clad in their sacerdotal
dresses, standing before a richly adorned altar, with a crucifix over
it, and the figure of the Virgin and Child, with those of several saints
placed in chapels on either side. Mass, with all its accompaniments,
was being performed, while the governor himself was taking part in the
ceremony. The Count de Tourville, and several other leading
Protestants, called on him afterwards to express their astonishment and
regret at what had happened. He received them with a haughty air, and
declared that it was his intention, for the good of the colony, to
encourage both forms of worship equally.
The count expostulated. "The colony," he observed, "had been
established for the express purpose of affording a home to Protestants,
where they could, regarding religious matters, avoid those dissensions
which had sprung up in the old country."
"You may still worship as you think fit; but others, who discover that
they have erred in quitting the Catholic Church, have a right to enjoy
the form which suits them best. I, as governor of this colony, am bound
to please all parties, and I desire to hear no more complaints on the
subject," he answered.
The deputation, being thus dismissed, retired to consult what steps
should be taken. Though the Protestants still outnumbered the
Romanists, the whole of the former could not be relied on, while the
latter formed a compact body, most of them being thoroughly drilled by
the priests, who had done their utmost to excite their fanaticism, while
it was evident that they were supported by the governor. The
Protestants, therefore, arrived at the conclusion, as people often do
under similar circumstances, that nothing could be done, and that they
must wait the course of events. The two priests appeared to be quiet,
well-disposed men; they made no outward show, but were observed to be
going about quietly, from house to house, especially among the soldiers;
and every Sunday saw an increase in their congregation.
The count watched these proceedings with feelings of dismay. Monsieur
Laporte exerted himself among his congregation, and urged them to study
their Bibles, and to seek to live lives consistent with their Christian
profession. Many listened to him and followed his advice; but there
were not a few careless ones who went over to join the party of the
governor and the priests. The women were induced to go to the church to
listen to an organ which had been brought out from France, while one of
the priests, who was a good musician, instructed them in the art of
singing. Fresh saints were set up, and additional ornaments were
introduced, and on festal occasions the whole church was wreathed with
flowers, imitating the custom of the heathens at their feasts of
"Flora," and other festivals. These attracted the careless and giddy
among the young, who found the idolatrous system, which their fathers
had repudiated, well suited to their tastes. Thus rapidly the traitor
Villegagnon and his priests won over the larger part of the population.
In vain the elder people, who had seen the effects of Romanism in the
old country, warned them and protested against the fearful errors which
were being introduced. Many of the young girls and youths were induced
to go to confession and receive absolution for their past sins; the
result being that they sinned and sinned again with their eyes open,
under the belief that they could be again absolved. Morality, which had
been strictly maintained among the settlers, fast disappeared. The
priests now openly sold indulgences, and went from house to house
abusing those who refused to purchase them, and warned them that they
would be considered as Protestants and heretics. The count and other
Protestant elders, met and discussed what was to be done, but they had
to confess themselves powerless. The minister preached more earnestly,
and some few were won back to the truth; but the popular party still
increased daily. The governor, it was observed, promoted only professed
Romanists, and managed by degrees to dismiss the Protestant officers.
Villegagnon at length threw off the thin mask he had hitherto worn, and
declared that the majority being in favour of Rome, the settlement must
become what he called a Catholic colony. The Protestants complained
loudly of the governor's treachery; and several of them were arrested on
charge of mutiny, and for plotting against the established authorities.
Captain Beauport coming on shore one day, as he was on the point of
returning to his boat, was seized and carried off to a prison
Villegagnon had lately erected in the fortress. He was not informed of
the crime of which he was accused, nor could he conceive what it was, as
he had carefully abstained from making any remarks on the conduct of his
chief. The following day he was brought into the public hall of the
fort, where the governor was seated as judge, supported by several of
the officers whom he had promoted. One of the crew of the _Madeline_,
with the two priests, appeared as his accusers, and his officers and
several of his men were ordered on shore as witnesses, Nigel being among
them. When the priests were called on to make their statements, one of
them charged the brave captain with the crime of sacrilege, which, as it
had been brought to his notice, he said that he felt bound to make it
public. A seaman, then stepping forward, stated that by his orders, a
number of holy images, crucifixes, and sacred relics captured from the
Portuguese, intended for the conversion of the heathen and the comfort
of believers, had been sacrilegiously thrown overboard on their voyage
to Nitherohy.
"Of what immense value they would have been to us in the conversion of
the heathen had they been preserved!" exclaimed one of the priests.
"They were undoubtedly offered to us by Heaven, to enable us to convert
the barbarous natives."
Nigel and the other officers were then called on for their evidence.
They had to confess that they saw the articles mentioned thrown
overboard; but Nigel observed, as they were part of the cargo of the
prize, he could not suppose that the captain in any way acted contrary
to what he was fully justified in doing.
"Beware, lest you are made a party to his crime!" exclaimed one of the
priests. "I know well the malignant and impious disposition of your
countrymen, and, had you not been imbued by their sentiments, you would
have endeavoured to prevent so sacrilegious an act from being
committed."
The governor, as judge, declared that no further evidence was necessary.
In vain the captain asserted that he had acted as he believed right.
The priests shouted out that he deserved to die, and the traitor,
Villegagnon, forthwith pronouncing him guilty, condemned him to death.
Nigel, on quitting the court, hastened to the residence of the count, to
tell him of the result of the trial.
"This must not be," he said, on hearing it. "It would be a most
atrocious murder. Every Protestant in the settlement must unite, and
insist on having his life spared. It would be useless to petition; we
must _demand_ our rights."
Nigel fully agreed with the count, and other leading Protestants coming
in were of the same opinion.
"We must stake our lives on the issue," exclaimed one of the boldest.
The count observed, that as it was their lives and liberties were in
jeopardy, and that a bold front could alone save them. On separating
they went among their friends to stir them up to action. That night
every true Protestant capable of bearing arms assembled, and the next
morning marched together to the fort. On their way they met a Roman
Catholic, who thought that Captain Beauport had been unjustly condemned,
and willingly undertook to convey to the governor the resolution to
which they had arrived. They waited, advantageously posted for defence
on the brow of a hill a short distance outside the fort, while their
envoy went forward with their message to the governor. They had also
sent messages on board the ships, the officers and crews of most of
which were sound Protestants, and would, they had every reason to
believe, support them in their endeavour to rescue the brave officer,
who was loved and honoured by all, especially by his own crew. While
waiting the return of their envoy, a messenger arrived from the fleet
conveying the promise of the officers and men to afford them their full
support. This made them still more determined to remain firm to their
purpose. Their envoy soon afterwards returned with the reply of the
governor, stating that he would take their demands into consideration.
On hearing this, they desired him to go back again, insisting that
whether right or wrong, with regard to the act, it was committed on the
high seas, beyond the jurisdiction of the governor, and that, if guilty,
Captain Beauport must be sent to France to be tried. The governor,
finding so strong a force opposed to him, saw that he had been premature
in showing his colours, and that it would be his wisest course to try
and conciliate those whom he could not for the present crush. He
accordingly, accompanied by several officers, went out to meet the
Protestants. In the blandest style he could assume he assured them that
he wished to act fairly towards both parties. He therefore stated his
readiness to send Captain Beauport home for trial, and inquired whether
any of the colonists who were dissatisfied with his government would
wish to return to their native land. The idea had not before been
entertained by them. Several, however, at once replied that they were
willing to return home, and others said that they would take the matter
into consideration.
"Captain Beauport, then, will be kept in safe custody, till the ships
are ready to sail," said the governor. "They will be prepared in a few
days; and, before that time, I wish to be informed of the number who
desire to embark."
The Protestants, on receiving this announcement, returned to their
homes. These were mostly situated together, and, as they had now ample
proofs of the treachery of the governor, they stationed men on the
look-out to give notice, should he send a force to attack them, that
they might immediately reassemble and defend themselves. A meeting was
held to discuss their future prospects. A considerable number of the
most influential people resolved to return to France, hoping to live
there in obscurity, or to make their way to Geneva. Some, among whom
was the count, resolved to go to England, should he find France in the
same unsettled state as he left it. Nigel was now thankful that he had
not abandoned the naval service, as he hoped that the _Madeline_ would
be sent home, and that he might again have the happiness of having
Constance and her father on board. Still, the prospects of all the
party were gloomy enough: many of them had embarked all their fortunes
in the undertaking, and they would return without the means of support
to their native shores.
On the following day, a considerable number of the colonists sent in
their names as desirous of returning, when they were informed, to their
dismay, that the three smallest ships only would be got ready to receive
them. Reports had before been spread that so weatherbeaten and
unseaworthy were these ships, that they were not again to be sent to
Europe, but to be retained in the harbour for the protection of the
colony. Nigel was almost in despair at receiving this information. He
urged the count rather to remain than to run the risk of the voyage.
The count, influenced by his daughter, was greatly disposed to follow
the advice of Nigel, who observed that the _Madeline_ would probably
before long be sent home, and that he might then take a passage on board
her. The whole community were in a state of alarm; and it was increased
when the governor sent directing them to be prepared to embark on the
following day, with the information that only two of the ships could be
got ready.
That night the greater number of them met in their place of worship, to
offer up their prayers to God, that He would protect them from the
dangers they might have to encounter during their intended voyage. The
meeting was almost concluded; Monsieur Laporte, in a loving address, was
exhorting them to hold fast to the Gospel, whatever persecutions they
might have to endure, when a loud knocking was heard at the door of the
chapel. On its being opened, an Indian appeared in full war costume,
with one of those formidable bows in his hand, with which the Tamayas
boasted they could send a shaft through the mail-clad body of a foe and
fix him to a tree.
"I am Tecumah!" he exclaimed. "Many here know me as a faithful friend
of the French. I come to give you warning that a large force of your
enemies and ours are on their way down the harbour to attack the island.
They consist of Portuguese and their Indian allies the Tuparas, who
have transported their boats and canoes overland from the place where
they have been secretly built for the purpose. They come in expectation
of taking you by surprise, when, should they gain the victory, not a
human being they may discover will be left alive. They have sworn to
exterminate you and us by all the false saints they have taught their
Indian friends to worship."
Some doubted the information brought by Tecumah; but the count and
Monsieur Laporte urged their countrymen to believe him, as they well
knew the warm affection with which he regarded them, and were convinced
that he would not have alarmed them needlessly. Some time was thus
lost, but at length it was agreed that the count, with two other of the
principal persons, should at once haste with Tecumah to carry the
information to the governor, and urge him to take steps for the
protection of the settlement. Unhappily, the Protestant officers having
all been removed from their posts, there was no one of authority in the
congregation to send a direct order on board the ships to prepare for
action. The night was unusually dark; not a breath of wind rippled the
surface of the mighty estuary; and the ships, which were at anchor close
together off the usual landing-place near the fort, could not move to
any other position, where they might assist in the defence of the
island, three sides of which were thus left unprotected. The enemy
would certainly make their attack where they would not be exposed to the
fire of the ships or that of the fort.