re
officers on board my ships. I cannot accept your resignation."

Nigel expostulated in vain. Instead, however, of at once refusing to
serve, he resolved to take time to consider the matter. He went back to
consult the count, who advised him to do nothing rashly; as, should he
throw up his commission and come to live on shore, he would offend the
governor and put himself completely in his power.

While they were speaking, Tecumah and Cora, with Monsieur Laporte, came
to the house, to pay their respects, they said, to the count and his
daughter. Tecumah recognised Nigel, and spoke to him in a way which
showed that he desired his friendship. While Constance was conversing
with Cora in a mixture of their respective languages, each doing her
utmost to make herself understood and understand what the other said,
Nigel found that Tecumah had made considerable progress in his knowledge
of French; also, which was of more consequence, he was well acquainted
with the fundamental truths of Christianity. Had they, however, touched
his heart? There was the question; his actions alone would show that.
Nigel inquired about the state of the country. Tecumah assured him that
his own tribe and those in alliance with them were sincerely attached to
the French. "But others in the north, who have had emissaries from the
Portuguese among them, are not to be trusted," he observed. The
Portuguese themselves were also increasing rapidly in numbers, and their
town of Saint Vincente was already of some size.

"My people, however, will keep a vigilant watch on their proceedings,
and I will give you notice, should we gain any intelligence of an
expedition being prepared. Should one come, with your ship's and with
the assistance of our tribe, you will, without doubt, be able to drive
back your enemies," he added.

While the young people were speaking, the count drew Monsieur Laporte
aside, and was earnestly discussing with him the state of affairs.

The minister looked grave. "We must trust to Him who overrules all
things for His own wise purposes," he observed; "and should reverses
overtake us, we must not lose confidence in His love and justice."

Nothing occurred for some time to interrupt the usual occupations of the
colony. At length, one morning a signal from the fort announced that a
fleet was in sight. The gunners were summoned to the batteries; all the
men got under arms, and the ships prepared for battle; getting springs