he
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 effect a landing. Scarcely, however, had
the armed men collected, than the sound of firing was heard coming from
the end of the island, where a little bay was situated. It was a spot
which afforded an easy landing-place; but a fort had been built upon it,
which it was supposed was of sufficient strength to drive back any enemy
who might approach it. Several shots followed the first, and then came
through the calm night air the sounds of strife, the victorious
warwhoops of the Indians, and the shrieks and cries of the conquered.

"Forward, my men, and drive back the enemy," exclaimed Villegagnon.
"The fort has, I fear, been surprised, and the garrison cut to pieces,
and, if so, the enemy have landed, and we must be prepared to encounter
them on shore."

Saying this, the governor, who was not destitute of courage, led forward
the main body of his men, while he despatched a messenger to the ships
with an order for the seamen to advance to his support. The count with
a small number of his men was ordered to keep in the rear, to act as he
might think necessary. The darkness of the night prevented the French
from seeing their invaders. They had not got far when they found
themselves in the face of a force which they could only estimate by the
hot fire which was opened on them. They fired in return with equal
vigour, but it was soon evident that they were greatly outnumbered.
Several of them fell. Showers of bullets whistled amidst them, while
flights of arrows came flying into their ranks. In vain the governor
endeavoured to repel the foe. At last he gave the order to sound the
retreat, intending to fall back on the fort. The unseen enemy pressed
him hard, and their fire increased rather than diminished, showing that
more had landed. The count had now led his men up to take part in the
fight, but they could do no more than check the advance of the enemy,
and prevent them fro