on the point of sailing.

"We may hope now, however, to get far away from the follies of courts
and the trickeries of politics to found a new home where, with none but
true Protestants around us, we may enjoy the exercise of our religion
undisturbed," she said, looking up at her companion with a smile.

"I trust that it may be so," said Nigel.

"What! have you any doubts on the subject?" she asked.

"I would not willingly throw a dark shade across the prospect you
contemplate," he answered, "but we should be prepared for
disappointment, and I believe few on board have thought sufficiently of
the difficulties and dangers we shall have to encounter."

Nigel had expressed his thoughts more plainly than he had intended, and
he regretted immediately afterwards having said so much. The
conversation he had overheard at the inn frequently recurred to him, and
considerably damped his ardour. To whom could he venture to communicate
the knowledge he had obtained of the commander's character?

Who would, indeed, believe the young foreigner thus bringing so serious
an accusation against the officer selected by Coligny himself, and of
considerable renown as a naval chief? If he were not accused of
malicious motives, the meeting would be looked upon as having only taken
place in his dreams, for he should have to confess that he remained
perfectly still during the time, with his eyes closed, as the captain
and priest entered and quitted the room. He resolved, therefore, simply
to keep a watch on Villegagnon, and to endeavour, if possible, to
counteract his schemes.

Sometimes he thought of speaking to Count de Tourville, for he had, at
all events, full confidence in his honour and discretion; but even he,
knowing how much the admiral esteemed Villegagnon, might disbelieve him.
He was compelled, therefore, to keep the knowledge he had obtained shut
up in his own bosom. His chief satisfaction arose from the thought that
Constance de Tourville was on board, and that it would be his joy and
pride to defend her from all danger.

The weather, which had hitherto been fine, gave signs of changing. The
wind shifted more to the west, and dark clouds came rolling up. The
vessels, instead of gliding smoothly on, were now tossed about. The
storm increased. The sails were reduced to the smallest proportions,
but yet the stout ships could with difficulty battle with the waves.

Under other circumstances, the emigrants would have lo