an affecting scene of farewell between the
Alachuas, who were to be left behind, and their chief. One by one the
stern warriors came forward and kissed his hand, while he had for each
some kind word that would long be cherished in the memory of him to
whom it was spoken. He had loaded their canoes with all that they
could contain of presents, furnished by the generosity of De Gourges,
for themselves, and to be taken to that distant western country in
which he had left so many friends.

So long as he remained in their sight Rene retained his costume as an
Indian chief, and in his hair gleamed the Flamingo Feather.

At length the anchors were lifted, and the stately ships moved slowly
down the broad river. As they drew away from the canoes in which, with
heavy hearts and sad faces, the motionless Indians watched the receding
form of their beloved young chief, of a sudden the banners of France
were flung to the breeze from each masthead, and a tremendous roar of
artillery gave voice to his final adieu.

Long after the ships had crossed the bar and left the coast, Rene,
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 Rene 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, hopin