We
have fully determined to leave this country of starvation and misery,
and at least to make an effort to lay our bones in fair France. Our
ship is ready for launching, and the provisions thou hast so bravely
fetched will serve to victual her. We no longer dare to show our faces
outside the walls of the fort, for the forest is full of red savages
who thirst for our blood; and if we remain here much longer we shall
die like rats in a trap. So put you the best possible face on the
matter, young master, and lend us thine aid in preparing for departure."
Although Rene could not do this and still remain loyal to has uncle, he
could and did prepare the chevalier for the abandonment of the fort
that was so fully determined upon, and he rendered the latter valuable
service in gathering together and packing his important papers for
immediate removal.
The newly built vessel, which was at best a poor affair in which to
undertake so tremendous a journey, was launched, and so speedily
equipped, that within two weeks from the time of Rene's return she was
pronounced ready for sea, and the business of getting her stores on
board was begun. It proceeded so rapidly that in one week more Fort
Caroline was dismantled of everything except its heavy guns and other
ponderous articles that must be left, and the day for departure was set.
Soon after daylight, one fine morning early in the new year, the
garrison marched on board the vessel.
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