to sail for home.

The return voyage was a safe one, and Verrazzano was greeted with joy
when he arrived in France. Upon his discoveries the French based their
claim to all the country in the New World between Carolina and
Newfoundland, extending westward as far as land continued.

Verrazzano wished very much to go again to this new land and try to
plant a colony and to convert the Indians to the Christian religion.
But France at this time was plunged into war at home, and all trace
of Verrazzano is lost. Some say that he made a second voyage, and that
while exploring a wild country he was taken prisoner and killed by
a savage tribe of Indians. The story that is most likely true is that
he did return to the New World, and that while there he was taken
prisoner by the Spaniards and hanged as a pirate.

THE FAMOUS VOYAGE OF SIR FRANCIS DRAKE--1577.

Under the rule of Queen Elizabeth England became noted for her bold
and daring seamen. These seamen were really pirates, or sea robbers;
but their occupation in those days was looked upon as a lawful one
by all except the people whom they plundered.

[Illustration: Sir Francis Drake.]

Queen Elizabeth encouraged the seafaring men to make voyages to the
New World, and also to attack the Spanish ships, because she was
displeased at the way the Spaniards were behaving.

The Spaniards had grown very rich and powerful by means of the wealth
they had obtained in America, and in their pride they did not treat
the other nations properly. They had no idea of fairness. They were
selfish and wanted everything for Spain.

The English people thought that the best place to attack the Spaniards
was in the New World. They well knew that if they could cut off the
supply of gold and silver which the Spanish nation was receiving from
South America and the Indies, that nation would suffer.

Sir Francis Drake, a brave young knight of Elizabeth's court, formed
a plan to teach the Spaniards a lesson. This plan was approved by the
queen, and Drake was promised glory and riches if he should succeed
in carrying it out.

In November, 1577, Drake sailed from Plymouth, England, with a fleet
of five vessels and one hundred and sixty-four men. He told every one
that he was going to make a voyage to Alexandria, as he did not wish
the Spaniards to know that he intended to cross the Atlantic.

After a voyage of about five months, as they were sailing quietly along
one evening, the crew sa