|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 62
Long after the ships had crossed the bar and left the coast, R�n�,
still in his Indian dress, stood alone, his feelings respected by those
about him. With a swelling heart he watched the shores on which he had
suffered and enjoyed so much, and where his boyhood had been left, and
a noble manhood gained. As it finally disappeared in the gathering
darkness, he slowly turned and descended into the admiral's cabin.
When he again appeared he was at first unrecognized, for his Indian
costume had been exchanged for that of civilization, and the Flamingo
Feather was no longer to be seen in his hair.
The opening of the Spanish treasure-chests found in the underground
passage revealed their contents to be of astounding value, consisting
of jewels, gold coin, massive silver plate, and weapons of curious
design and great worth.
The tunnel had been discovered during the building of a house for the
Spanish commandant of the fort upon the site of that formerly occupied
by Laudonniere, and he had conceived the idea of constructing within it
his treasure-vault. The books and papers concealed there by R�n� had
been taken forth and burned with great rejoicing; for they were
supposed to be filled with heretic magic and sorceries. Upon the
sudden capture of the fort by De Gourges there had been no time to
remove the treasure from its underground chamber, and the few Spaniards
who escaped and fled to San Augustin had left it, hoping to return and
recover it when the French should have departed.
After much discussion concerning it, De Gourges consented to accept of
it an amount sufficient to recompense him for the sum expended in
fitting out his expedition. It was, however, decreed by him and those
with him that the balance belonged to R�n� de Veaux, and to none other.
Thus the lad, who had never in all his adventurous career dreamed of
acquiring worldly riches, neared his native land possessed of wealth so
great that it might be envied of princes.
The homeward voyage was quick and prosperous, and unmarked by incident
save their pursuit by a great Spanish fleet which they encountered in
the Bay of Biscay. This danger was escaped by their superior speed and
seamanship, and at length R�n� de Veaux saw the spires and roofs of
that same seaport from which he had sailed for the New World, in
company with his Uncle Laudonniere, nearly four years before.
Tidings of their return, and some rumors of the brave doings of De
Gourges and those who sailed with him, had preceded them. So, as the
three ships sailed into the harbor with banners flying, sails
glistening like white clouds in the bright sunlight, and strains of
martial music issuing from them, the bells of the little town rang a
merry peal of welcome, and the quay was thronged with people in holiday
attire, eager to learn of their voyage to the New World.
A triumphal procession and f�tes of various kinds had been arranged to
give honor to the victors; but R�n� de Veaux was too anxious to reach
his uncle and be the first to take to him the tidings of his own safe
return, to care for these things. So he eluded those who would have
made a hero of him, and, travelling by post, made all speed towards
Paris.
In the same little unpretentious dwelling in which he had first greeted
his nephew years before, the old soldier, R�n� de Laudonniere, sat one
chill autumn evening, musing beside a small fire. His surroundings
were poor, and his fine face was haggard and careworn. As he sat, in
his loneliness, his thoughts were in the New World, and with the brave
lad whom he had lost there.
His musings were interrupted by the entrance of an old servant, who was
none other than that Fran�ois who served the family of De Veaux for so
many years, and who had now joined his poor fortunes with those of the
old chevalier. As he quietly opened the door, he announced:
"There is one without who would have speech with thee, but he refuses
to give his name."
"What manner of person is he?"
"As well as I may judge, he is young, tall, dark, and has the air of
being from foreign parts."
"Well, show him in. His presence will at least divert my mind from
sorrowful thoughts."
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|