low me to read the letter brought by this
young gentleman," said the admiral, turning to the count; "I never defer
looking at an epistle if it can possibly be helped."

The count bowed his acquiescence, and the admiral quickly glanced over
the letter which Nigel had presented to him.

"I shall be glad to forward your object," he said, turning round with a
calm smile, and playing with a straw, which he was wont to carry in his
mouth.

"Fortunately, I have an opportunity of doing so. I am about to fit out
an expedition to form a settlement in the southern part of America, and
if your qualifications are such as I am led to believe, I will appoint
you as an officer on board one of the ships. You will have but little
time to remain idle in France, as we wish the ships to sail as soon as
the emigrants who are going on board them can be collected. They will
undoubtedly be anxious without delay to leave our unhappy country, where
they are constantly subjected to the cruel persecutions of their
opponents in religious opinions. Would the service I propose suit your
taste?"

"Though I might wish to engage in some more warlike expedition, yet I am
willing and glad to go wherever you, sir, may think fit to send me,"
answered Nigel.

"Well spoken, young man," said the admiral. "War is a necessity which
cannot be avoided, but there are other employments in which a person may
nobly engage with far greater advantage to himself and his
fellow-creatures. Such is the work in which I desire to employ you--the
noble undertaking of founding a new colony, and planting the banner of
pure religion and civilisation in the far-off wilds of the Western
world."

The admiral spoke on for some time in the same strain, till Nigel felt
inspired with the same noble enthusiasm which animated the bosom of the
brave and enlightened nobleman who was speaking to him.

Many questions were put to him concerning his nautical knowledge and
religious belief, to which he answered in a satisfactory manner.

"I believe you are well suited for the undertaking, and I will forthwith
make you known to the commander of the expedition, my friend Captain
Villegagnon," said the admiral.

The dark man Nigel had remarked, hearing his name mentioned, looked
toward him. Nigel bowed. The admiral, after explaining Nigel's
qualifications, went on to inquire what posts were vacant in the
squadron?

"That of the second officer on board my own ship, the _Madeline_