s and artisans, with materials for building the proposed
fort. Villegagnon, in his barge of state, proceeded towards the shore
to open negotiations with the native chiefs. He had requested the Count
de Tourville to accompany him, and Constance begged that she might also
go. As it was a mission of peace, no danger was apprehended; and it was
thought that a lady being seen in the boat would give further assurance
to the natives of the pacific intentions of their visit. Nigel, being
one of the tallest and best-looking of the officers, was selected to
steer the barge. Four other boats followed at a short distance. Their
crews were fully armed, but were ordered to keep their weapons out of
sight, and only to advance should the Indians show any sign of
hostility.

As the barge neared the shore, a tall and dignified chief, his dress of
the richest skins, and ornamented with gaily-coloured feathers, with a
circle of plumes on his head, holding an unstrung bow of great strength
in his hand, was seen standing on the beach to receive the new-comers.
By his side was a youth, strongly resembling him in features, bearing
his shield and quiver, and also handsomely dressed, while other chiefs
were drawn up in a semi-circle a short distance behind him, with the
rest of his people collected on either side. He advanced a few paces
with dignified steps, and, stretching forth his hand to offer a friendly
grasp to the captain as he landed, announced himself as Tuscarora, chief
of the Tamoyos. According to Indian custom, he made a long harangue,
welcoming the strangers to his country, and assuring them of his
friendship.

"You come at a fortunate moment, when your aid may render us essential
service in assisting us to defend ourselves against the assaults of a
tribe of white men, who, for some years past, have attempted to
establish themselves on our shores. They call us idolaters, and pretend
to be of a religion which hates idolaters; but they themselves have
numerous figures of men and women, before which they bow down and
worship, and they fail not to shoot or cruelly ill-treat those of our
people who fall into their hands; we, therefore, do not trust to their
religion or promises."

The chief concluded by assuring the French that they were welcome to
take possession of the island off which their ships lay, or of any other
they might select in the bay. Villegagnon replied that he and his
people came in the character of true fr