Let us
first take measures to remove these chests to the ships and discover
their contents. After that we shall have ample time to define their
ownership ere ever we reach France."
The grave wisdom of this speech, proceeding as it did from one whom he
still regarded as a mere boy amused De Gourges greatly. He, however,
admitted that Rene was right, and that they were foolish to waste time
in fruitless discussion, that might be better occupied in making good
their escape from a place in which they might at any time be attacked
by the Spaniards from San Augustin.
By an unusually high tide the ships had been enabled to cross the bar,
and now lay inside the mouth of the river. So the coffers were removed
to them, though the labor of so doing was so great that it occupied the
remainder of the day. By sunset it had been accomplished; and
everything was in readiness for their final departure from the River of
May and the New World.
As the tide turned and flowed outward to the sea, the white sails of
the ships were loosened, and they were made ready to go out over the
bar with it. Then came an affecting scene of farewell between the
Alachuas, who were to be left behind, and their chief. One by one the
stern warriors came forward and kissed his hand, while he had for each
some kind word that would long be cherished in the memory of him to
whom it was spoken. He had loaded their canoes with all that they
could contain of presents, furnished by the generosity of De Gourges,
for themselves, and to be taken to that distant western country in
which he had left so many friends.
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