"
"Tell me of him, Francois; for though he is my only uncle, I have but
little knowledge of him or his deeds. Of what nature are they?"
"Well, then, he is a mighty navigator, and 'tis but little more than a
year since he returned from the New World, whither he sailed in company
with his Excellency Admiral Jean Ribault. He brings strange tales of
those wonderful lands beyond the sea, and rumor has it that he is shortly
to set forth again for them with a noble company, who will establish
there a sanctuary for our blessed Protestant faith."
The boy's interest was thoroughly aroused by this, and he plied the old
servant with questions concerning his uncle and the New World. Francois
answered these to the best of his ability, and even drew largely upon his
imagination to aid his glowing descriptions of those distant lands of
which the men of that day held such vague knowledge.
With such talk they beguiled much of the tedious journey, that occupied a
week ere it was ended and they entered Paris. Here they were finally set
down before a modest dwelling near the King's palace, in which
Laudonniere was lodged.
Upon meeting his nephew, the chevalier embraced him warmly, and then
holding him forth at arm's-length to gain a better view of him,
exclaimed, "In good sooth, Rene, thou'rt a likely lad; and if thy heart
be as true and bold as thy face promises, we'll soon make a man of thee
such as even thy noble father would approve.
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