. Even now he
feared that there would be barely time for the French to assemble and
prevent the enemy from landing. Once on shore both parties would be on
equal terms, and the most numerous would probably gain the victory. He
had despatched a messenger, however, he said, to his father, to come
with his warriors to the assistance of their friends, as, unfortunately,
they were at a distance from their usual dwelling-place, engaged in
hunting, and might not be able quickly to collect. The count had sent
word to Nigel to warn him and the other officers of the squadron to be
prepared for an attack, and also to entreat as many as could be spared
to come on shore to be in readiness for the defence of the island. The
Protestants had also got under arms, so that they might be able to march
in any direction where their presence might be required.

The governor received the count and his companions in the haughty and
insolent manner he had of late assumed, and at first appeared inclined
to discredit the account Tecumah had brought; but when the young Indian,
with all the eloquence of his race, assured him of the truth of his
statement, and warned him of the danger of delay, he changed his tone.
He was too sagacious an officer not to see in reality that the warning
must not be despised, but, without deigning to thank the count and his
companions for the information they had brought, he desired them to go
back to their friends. They obeyed his orders; while Tecumah, having
fulfilled his mission, hurried away to his canoe, intending to cross to
the mainland for the purpose of urging his tribe to use all speed in
coming to the assistance of the French. The governor, meantime, ordered
the troops to get under arms, and sent off a despatch to the ships,
directing the captains, some to get under weigh and to sail round to the
other side of the island, others to remain ready for an attack near the
landing-place. The calm, however, prevented the first part of his order
from being obeyed.

The whole population of the island was speedily aroused, and began to
assemble at a central spot appointed by the governor. Scouts were also
sent out along the shore, and every precaution was taken which the
sagacity of an experienced officer like Villegagnon could suggest. The
women and children, whose houses were in the more exposed situations,
were brought to the fort, though it was hoped that the enemy might be
driven back before they could