The books and papers concealed there by Rene had
been taken forth and burned with great rejoicing; for they were
supposed to be filled with heretic magic and sorceries. Upon the
sudden capture of the fort by De Gourges there had been no time to
remove the treasure from its underground chamber, and the few Spaniards
who escaped and fled to San Augustin had left it, hoping to return and
recover it when the French should have departed.
After much discussion concerning it, De Gourges consented to accept of
it an amount sufficient to recompense him for the sum expended in
fitting out his expedition. It was, however, decreed by him and those
with him that the balance belonged to Rene de Veaux, and to none other.
Thus the lad, who had never in all his adventurous career dreamed of
acquiring worldly riches, neared his native land possessed of wealth so
great that it might be envied of princes.
The homeward voyage was quick and prosperous, and unmarked by incident
save their pursuit by a great Spanish fleet which they encountered in
the Bay of Biscay. This danger was escaped by their superior speed and
seamanship, and at length Rene de Veaux saw the spires and roofs of
that same seaport from which he had sailed for the New World, in
company with his Uncle Laudonniere, nearly four years before.
Tidings of their return, and some rumors of the brave doings of De
Gourges and those who sailed with him, had preceded them.
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