Ten days had passed since Nigel and Constance were united. He had not
ventured beyond the precincts of the garden; and it might have been
supposed that Captain Villegagnon had forgotten his existence, as no
order had been sent him to join his ship. He intended, should he
receive one again, to plead the admiral's permission to quit the
service, Coligny having indeed accepted his resignation. As long,
however, as he was not interfered with he resolved to remain quiet. He
employed his time in assisting the count in the cultivation of the
ground, and in devising plans for the future. Rumours were abroad that
the governor intended on the arrival of fresh colonists to found a town
on the north side of the harbour, to be named Nitherohy. The count
determined to move there, and to purchase a plot of land on which to
build a residence and form an estate, as he hoped before that time to
receive remittances from his steward.
"I should not have thought of it, my dear Nigel, had it not been for you
and Constance," he observed. "Though as regards myself all worldly
pride and ambition have been laid aside, I should like to see you the
master of a property suitable to your birth and education."
The idea was naturally consonant with Nigel's wishes, and he promised to
labour hard in bringing the proposed estate into cultivation.
"It will afford me ample employment for the future," he observed; "and
employment, of course, I must have."
Tecumah and Cora had during this time made frequent visits to the
island. Tecumah was welcomed by the governor, as he was always well
informed of the movements of the Portuguese and hostile Indians, besides
having already rendered important services to the colony. The governor
only looked on him in the light of an intelligent young savage and a
faithful ally to the French. He had, however, already advanced in a
knowledge of Christian truth, and had become an earnest and believing
follower of the Lord. He one day came over to report that a party of
the Tuparas had been seen on the high ground beyond the southern
extremity of the harbour, making their way to the Portuguese settlement.
He advised that boats should be sent out and advanced posts stationed,
to give due notice of an attack, should one be contemplated. These
arrangements having been made, the governor invited Tecumah to accompany
him in a walk to a part of the island which he was about to visit. The
strains of solemn music reached their ears. Tecumah attentively
listened with much delight, and inquired whence they proceeded.
"The ministers of our religion are performing a sacred service, my
friend," answered the governor. "If you please, we will enter and pay
our devotions to the Holy Virgin and saints."
"I thought that Christians worship God alone," observed the Indian.
"Of course, so we do," said the governor; "but we worship also, in a
different way, the mother of God and His holy saints and apostles."
"I have heard that God is a jealous God, and will have none other gods
worshipped but Himself," said the Indian.
"But the mother of God; surely He will have us worship her?" observed
the governor.
"The Bible does not say so," answered Tecumah, boldly. "When Jesus hung
on the cross He said to John, `Behold thy mother,' and to His mother,
`Behold thy son;' and looking round on His disciples, He once observed,
when He was told that His mother and brethren were near, `Behold My
mother, and My brethren.'"
"Where did you learn all that?" asked the governor, in an angry tone.
"From one of your good ministers; and I am sure he spoke the truth,"
answered Tecumah, innocently.
"He shall suffer for it," muttered the governor.
They had just then reached the door of the church, and Tecumah followed
the governor, who went up towards the so-called "holy altar." The
Indian gazed around with astonishment at the gorgeous drapery, the
images, the lighted candles, and the large silver crucifix, with the
figure of the Virgin on one side, and Saint John on the other, and the
vases of flowers, and numerous other ornaments. He said not a word
during the whole ceremony, but watched attentively what took place.
There was the usual chanting in Latin, and so-called prayers muttered
over in the same language; while the church was filled with incense from
censers waved to and fro. Then, during a solemn silence, the chief
officiating priest lifted up something (what it was he could not make
out) above his head. He then observed that they put something into
their mouths and drank wine, which they had mixed with water from a
silver cup. Then the people came up and the priests put something into
their mouths, and there was more chanting and prayers in an unknown
tongue. Then those who had been on their knees rose and filed out of
the church, laughing and talking and making jokes with each other.
Tecumah followed the governor, anxious to know what had taken place, and
inquired what the priests were about when they muttered prayers over the
silver dish and wine.
"They were then performing the greatest miracle of our Church," answered
the governor. "They were converting the wafer and wine into the body
and blood of Christ."
"What?" asked the Indian. "Christ has assumed His glorified body, and
is now in heaven at the right hand of God. Which body, may I ask, do
they think they eat, His human body or His glorified body? I cannot
understand the matter."
"Nor can I enlighten you," answered the governor, looking much
perplexed. "I am not fond of having such questions put to me."
"Pardon me if I ask one more," said the Indian, who was eager to gain
information on the subject. "What were they doing when they lifted the
wafer above their heads?"
"They were then offering up to God the great sacrifice, the real body
and blood of His dear Son."
"Christ was once offered up as a sacrifice for sinners on the cross,"
said the Indian; "surely they cannot offer Him again?"
"Our Church says they can; and that's all we know about the matter,"
answered the governor, in a tone of irritation.
"Let me then ask you another question," said Tecumah. "What were they
doing when they ate the wafers and drank the wine, and then put the
wafers into the mouths of the people?"
"They were eating the real body and drinking the blood of Christ,"
answered the governor, "and feeding the people with the body, for the
priests alone are allowed to drink the blood. They were, in other
words, performing the sacrifice of the mass."
"What?" exclaimed the Indian, starting back. "It is too solemn a thing
to joke about; but do you wish to make me believe that the people can
really believe that they eat the body of their God, and that human
beings can change pieces of paste into that body? No, no, no! Monsieur
Governor. We Indians have not a knowledge of the numerous arts you
Frenchmen possess, but we are not so foolish as to believe such a gross
imposture as that. I am afraid that your priests are like our
medicine-men, in whom we trusted till we found them to be rogues and
deceivers."
These words were uttered by Tecumah in a loud, indignant tone, and were
overheard by one of the priests, who, having changed his gorgeous robes,
had followed the governor out of the church in order to speak to him.
"Beware, young man, what you say!" he exclaimed, in an angry tone. "How
can you understand the mysteries of our faith? But I know well where
you received your instruction, and he who taught you shall have his just
reward."
Tecumah stood calmly listening to the priest's angry threats. "He who
taught me is under the protection of my tribe," he answered, "and those
who injure him will be our foes. I now see that you are one of the men
who played the tricks in the church hard by, and deceived the people by
persuading them that you have the power which belongs to God alone, to
work a miracle."
These words so enraged the priest, that he would have struck the Indian
had he dared. The governor observed his anger, and being well aware of
the importance of not offending their Indian allies, on whose support
their very existence depended, now interfered and tried to soothe the
angry priest as well as Tecumah. The latter, however, felt more scorn
than anger towards the man whom he, with his acute and unprejudiced
mind, looked upon as guilty of practising a gross imposture, and he was
therefore quickly pacified; but the priest, grinding his teeth,
continued to mutter threats of vengeance, till the governor, drawing him
aside, reminded him of the importance of not offending the Indians.
"You may do what you like with the heretic minister," he observed; "but
the services of these Indians are required, and we cannot afford to lose
them."
"The guilty one shall feel the vengeance of our Church, then," answered
the priest. "We cannot allow a doctrine which so greatly supports our
authority to be called in question."
"Of course not, my friend, of course not," said the governor; "though,
as men of sense, you and I no more believe in it than does that clever
young Indian."
"As to that, Monsieur Governor, we keep our opinions to ourselves," said
the priest, with as near an approach to a laugh as he ever indulged in.
"At the same time, the sooner we put that acute, clever-minded young
Indian out of the way, together with his instructor, Monsieur Laporte,
the better for the maintenance of our holy religion." The countenance
of the priest had assumed its usual undemonstrative expression as he
continued, "Listen, Monsieur Governor. I believe that the Count de
Tourville and his daughter and son-in-law are equally dangerous. That
young Indian and his sister are constantly at their house, and have
imbibed their pestiferous notions from them. I have had my eye on them
for some time, when they were not aware that they were watched. I do my
duty in looking after the spiritual interests of my countrymen,"--the
priest crossed his arms and cast his eyes on the ground--"but I feel
that my humble efforts unaided are not sufficient. When our community
increases, we shall have many of these accursed Protestants among us,
and it will be absolutely necessary to devise effectual means for the
preservation of our authority. I would therefore suggest the
establishment of the Holy Inquisition, by which alone heresy can be
rooted out. It will prove our zeal for religion, and gain the
approbation of our patrons, the excellent Duke de Guise and his brother,
the Cardinal of Lorraine."
"You will have my permission to carry out your plan as you may wish,
holy father," said the governor. "You may exercise your authority on
our countrymen as you may deem necessary to bring them under the
wholesome control of the Church; but I cannot have the Indians
interfered with until we are strong enough to do without them. When we
are, you will have my full permission to manage them as you think best
for the purpose of bringing them into the true fold; but in the mean
time their savage relatives may not understand your object in burning
them for the good of their souls, and may be apt in their ignorance to
revenge their deaths by cutting us to pieces."
"I understand your wise policy," answered the priest. "We will bide our
time, then, for commencing the conversion of the Indians. But I have
your permission to act towards the count and his family, and that
pestiferous heretic minister, as I may judge necessary for the full
establishment of the faith in our colony?"
"Certainly, certainly," answered the governor; "I willingly grant you
all the power you ask."
The priest returned into the church to hear the confessions of several
of his congregation, who were waiting to get absolution that they might
sin again without having too great a load on their shoulders; as also to
put out the candles, which he in his hurry had left burning. The
governor returned to the fort, while Tecumah went to pay his usual visit
to Monsieur Laporte. He naturally expressed his astonishment at what he
had seen and heard.
"Surely," he exclaimed, "sensible men do not really believe that, by the
words of a priest, Jesus Christ, sitting at the right hand of God,
really does allow His body to descend into the bits of paste which the
priest puts into the mouths of the people. The Bible, as you read it to
me, says that He is seated at the right hand of God, to make
intercession for us sinners, and that He acts as our great High Priest."
"I cannot tell what the poor ignorant people may really believe, though
it does seem astounding that they should be so imposed on by their
priests," answered Monsieur Laporte. "It was many centuries even before
the corrupted Church of Rome introduced the dogma or notion, which was
invented by a monk in the eighth century, when it was eagerly seized
upon by the Pope, who saw that it would enable him and his army of
subordinates to become sacrificing priests, which would give them
immense influence over the minds of people, if they could persuade them
to believe it. They had taught the great mass of the people to believe
in the power of dead men's bones and other relics to work miracles; in
the heathen notion of purgatory for cleansing the soul by fire; to
worship idols with the names of saints; to pray for the dead; and to
pray to dead men whom they had dubbed saints, as well as to put faith in
many other abominable falsehoods. They found, therefore, no difficulty
in persuading the more ignorant people to believe this most blasphemous
fable, which from henceforth became one of the most powerful engines for
increasing the influence of the priests over the minds of men, though
many, both learned and unlearned persons in our own and other countries
loudly protested against the novel doctrine, as contrary to the true
meaning of our Lord's language at the last supper and the teaching and
practice of the apostles."
"I thought that you and other sensible men could not possibly believe so
outrageous a notion, and so contrary to God's word," observed Tecumah.
"But how comes it that men can be so wicked as to teach what is in
direct opposition to the Bible?"
"Influenced by Satan, they make use of every means, however impious, to
gain an influence over their fellow-creatures. It has been the same
everywhere from the earliest ages of the world. They are like your
medicine-men, whom you now know to be gross impostors. In all countries
there have been found men, for their own ends, or for the support of the
authority they serve, willing to deceive their fellow men, in many
instances, as is often the case with these priests of Rome, being
deceived themselves. Our only sure guide and prevention against such
impostures is the study of God's Word and constant obedience to its holy
precepts. As Jesus withstood the temptations of Satan by replying to
him with the Scriptures, so must we arm ourselves, and ever be ready to
withstand our foes, in whatever form they come, by the same blessed word
of God. A sure sign that the Romish system is the invention of Satan is
that it dreads the Word, and whenever it has the power, keeps it from
the people or grossly misinterprets its meaning."
"I would that I could have that blessed Book translated into the
language of my people," exclaimed Tecumah. "I can now understand it in
French, and may be able to explain it to those who are willing to hear
me; but I should desire to send it throughout the whole country, that
all the native tribes might hear the glad tidings that there is a loving
Saviour ready to receive them into the kingdom."
The above conversation occupied a much longer time than we have in
repeating it, and both the minister and young chief used very different
language to that which has been employed. Tecumah showed by his
questions and replies how completely he understood it, and how his pure
unprejudiced mind revolted against the falsehoods of Rome, while it
quickly embraced the truth of the Gospel.
After quitting Monsieur Laporte, he paid a visit to the count. He found
Nigel hard at work in the garden, and Constance helping him. He
repeated to them what he had seen and the impression formed on his mind,
and they explained the truth much as the minister had done; to which
Constance added an account of the horrible system of the confessional,
which she had heard from some of her Papist friends, who had been
subjected to it, and the abominable questions which had been put to them
by the priests.
"That alone would have been sufficient to convince me that this system
is not of God. And He tells us from the mouth of the Apostle Paul that
we may come boldly to the throne of grace, trusting in the all cleansing
blood of Jesus; and Jesus Himself says, `Come unto Me, all ye that
labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' I am sure that
He never refuses to hear when a human being comes trusting to His blood
shed on Calvary. Monsieur Laporte was reading from the Epistle of
Timothy a prophecy that there should come `some who shall depart from
the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot
iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which
God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe
and know the truth,' who would advocate will-worship and their own good
deeds in opposition to the all perfect atonement of Jesus. Such truly
is what the priests of Rome teach, though nearly for a thousand years
after Christ came Christian ministers, whom they acknowledged as
belonging to their communion, were allowed to marry like other men; and
certainly those who did so were less corrupt than the celibates who,
having no family ties, became the servile tools of Rome's tyranny."
Constance had now to go in to prepare for dinner, and Nigel then asked
Tecumah what remarks he had made to the governor and the priest. The
Indian told him.
"You spoke truly; but knowing what these priests are, I fear much that
they will endeavour to entrap you; and if they find that they cannot
compel you to believe in their false doctrines and to acknowledge their
authority, they will use other means to bring about your destruction."
"I will be watchful, and keep out of their power," said Tecumah. "I
fear much, though, that they will equally endeavour to persecute you
whom they look upon as my instructor; but I will be on the watch, and
try to defend you as well as myself."
Tecumah spent the rest of the day with his friends, and it was late in
the evening when his canoe was seen gliding rapidly across the harbour
towards the mainland.
Villegagnon and the priests did not long allow the Protestant settlers
to remain in quiet. The governor announced that he had received orders
from France to allow no Bibles to remain in the hands of any of the
people, declaring that they made a bad use of them by seeking an excuse
from their pages for rebellion. The count resolved to go in person to
the governor, and reminding him that he had ever been loyal, to claim
exemption from the tyrannical law. He went, but was haughtily told that
rich and poor must be treated alike, and that no exception would be made
in his favour. Should he not deliver up all the Bibles in his house, he
must be prepared for the consequences. Monsieur Laporte and the good
surgeon were treated in the same manner. Nigel, however, resolved, as
he was not a Frenchman, not to part with his Bible; and, in case a
domiciliary visit should be paid by the "inquisitors," having placed it
in a box and buried it in the garden among some thick trees, he and
Constance could thus take it out and read it, which they did every day,
without risk, as they supposed, of being discovered. Before long a
party of men appeared, headed by an officer, with an authority from the
governor to collect all the Bibles and Protestant sermons and hymns to
be found. The count, knowing that resistance was vain, delivered up
those he possessed, protesting, however, against the injustice of the
act.
"That's not our affair, Count de Tourville," answered the officer; "but
I will report what you say to the governor. Now, let me ask you, have
you any other books?"
"I have given you all that are to my knowledge in the house," answered
the count. "If you are not satisfied you must search for them."
"We cannot take the word of an heretic," said the officer, insolently.
"We intend to search, and if we find any it will be the worse for you."
Providentially, Nigel was away, and thus escaped having questions asked
him. Poor Constance endeavoured to console her father while the
officers were searching in every corner and cranny of the house. No
books, however, were discovered; and at length, threatening to pay
another visit shortly, the inquisitors went away to search other houses
in the neighbourhood; and in two or three, meeting with opposition, they
carried the owners off to prison. The most severe sufferer was Monsieur
Laporte, the whole of whose library was carried off, all his books more
or less being of a theological character.
The following day, in an open space in front of the fort, a pile of
faggots was seen, when the books were brought forth from the house into
which they had been thrown. Most of the population turned out to
witness the expected sight, shouting and jeering as book after book was
thrown on the pile, to which fire had been set. As each fresh batch of
books began to burn they shouted loudly, and when it was seen that most
of the books were Bibles, their shouts and cries and fierce execrations
grew louder and louder. This went on till all were consumed. The
Protestants remained at home during the period, sorrowful and cast down.
No one knew what persecutions they might be doomed to bear. Monsieur
Laporte went from house to house, endeavouring to console and support
his flock, reminding them all of the sufferings Christ's people had been
called on to bear from the earliest days to the present time, and urging
them to keep in view that crown of glory which He had prepared for all
who hold fast to the truth. So much had his faithful and gentle
character won the love of all except the most brutal, that many even
among those who had been perverted regarded him with affection, while
the priests, hearing him so highly spoken of, were afraid for the
present to persecute him further. They were, however, very active among
his congregation, whom they endeavoured by soft words and plausible
arguments to win over; but finding that they did not succeed, as in
reality only the frivolous and irreligious had hitherto been gained to
their side, they determined to use harsher measures.
One evening Nigel and Constance had gone to their bower in the woods,
where, concealed by the thickness of the surrounding foliage, they took
out their Bible and sat down on a bench Nigel had placed there. He had
been reading for some time to his young wife, occasionally stopping to
explain a verse or to ask her opinion; now turning back and comparing
text with text, both of them being so absorbed that they did not know
how long they had been thus engaged, when they were suddenly aroused by
hearing a footstep, and looking up they saw a priest standing before
them, while a little way off appeared a party of armed men.
"You have been discovered engaged in an unlawful act, Monsieur Nigel, by
which you have made yourself liable to the just vengeance of the law!"
exclaimed the priest, in a triumphant tone. "You have been suspected
for some time. In the name of the governor, therefore, I order you to
yield yourself prisoner. Take this gentleman into custody," he added,
turning to the armed men, who, as he spoke, sprang eagerly forward.
Nigel was too much astonished for the moment to reply. Constance
uttered a cry of alarm, and clung to his arm.
"You cannot, you must not take him from me!" she exclaimed, in a
terrified tone.
"You are equally guilty, young lady, in listening to him," said the
priest. "In all probability _you_ will share his fate."
"Oh, let me go with him now, then, if you insist on taking him," she
said, still holding Nigel's arm.
"No, no, lady. Don't fancy that you will be allowed to keep him
company," said the priest, in a harsher tone. "For the present you may
remain with your father, till the governor thinks fit to summon you."
"Fly rather to the faithful Indians," whispered Nigel; "do not put
yourself in the traitor's power."
He could say no more, for the armed men seizing him took him off, while
the priest held Constance in his arms. She in vain struggled to free
herself from his loathsome grasp, while she entreated to be set free,
ever and anon uttering shrieks for help; but not till the priest was
sure that the party with Nigel were out of sight did he allow her to
escape, when seeing her father, who had been attracted by her cries,
coming from the house, she flew towards him, the priest in the mean time
hurrying after his companions. It was fortunate for him that he got
away, for the count, with a thick stick in his hand, forgetting the
danger of doing so, would have made him feel the effects of his just
anger.
"Oh, save him, save him! They have seized Nigel. What will they do to
him?" cried Constance, as she sank into her father's arms.
The count saw that pursuit was hopeless, for the priest, tucking up his
long dress to enable him to scramble over the fences, had already got to
a considerable distance; besides, it would have been vain to attempt
rescuing Nigel from a party of armed men. The count could only say,
"Trust in God, my child. He alone can help us."
Poor Constance, overcome with grief and terror, could scarcely, even
with her father's assistance, reach the house. He placed her on a couch
by his side, vainly endeavouring to console her. He indeed feared that
the priests would not allow them to escape with impunity, and he guessed
truly that it had been only for the sake of inflicting a greater cruelty
that Nigel had first been carried off.
Monsieur Laporte with the good doctor happily came in, having heard a
rumour of what had occurred. Both were required, for Constance became
seriously ill; but the words of the former were of more value than any
medicine the latter could prescribe. The minister at once turned to
God's word; not to the Book itself, for that he did not dare to carry
about, but to the numerous blessed texts which he had committed to
memory, and from these he was able to draw that effectual comfort which
could alone avail with the poor young wife. No one dared to speak of
the future, for they knew well the bitter hatred felt by the governor
and priests towards Nigel, and that they would rejoice at having a
victim in their power on whom they would wreak their vengeance. While
they were seated with Constance and the count, Tecumah and his sister
arrived, on their way to pay their usual visit to Monsieur Laporte.
They were overwhelmed with grief and indignation when they heard what
had occurred. Cora threw herself by the side of Constance, and poured
out her expressions of sympathy from her woman's heart. Indian as she
was, she could feel for her white sister, her affectionate tones tending
somewhat to soothe her friend's outraged feelings.
"Do not give up hope," she whispered. "We will gladly devote our lives,
if necessary, to save him. We Indians are accustomed to do many things
which would astonish the white people, and if a friend is in danger,
every one of our tribe is ready to help him."
"They dare not kill him!" exclaimed Tecumah, "and if a hair of his head
is injured I will arouse our people, and instead of being friends and
ready to fight on their side, we will come over with our strong bows and
attack them."
"Even for the sake of a friend we would not urge you to use violent
measures," said the minister. "Remember the precepts of our blessed
Lord and Master; He who was ever mild, gentle, and forgiving, doing good
to those who injured Him."
"Yes, I know that, and desire to obey our Saviour's law; but He does not
forbid us to help our friends," exclaimed the young Indian.