eated, they took to flight towards the bay where they had left their
boats. Nigel had landed with a naval force, and, feeling that he was
fighting for everything he held clear, he was regardless of his own
safety. Again and again he led his men on against greatly superior
numbers of the enemy, but till the arrival of Tecumah and his party all
his efforts had been in vain. Again he was leading them on, when he
felt himself struck by a bullet, and, staggering a few paces, fell to
the ground. Still he called on his men to advance. The Portuguese and
Tuparas every now and then faced about in order to cover the embarkation
of those who first reached the boats. Their bravery secured the retreat
of their friends, but the greater portion of the rear-guard were
overtaken and cut to pieces, while the main body shoved off from the
shore and made their escape.

Constance and her friends had been anxiously awaiting the issue of the
strife. When they heard the sounds of battle receding, their courage
rose, and they hoped that their countrymen were gaining the victory.
Still they were left for a long interval. At length Constance
determined to go out and ascertain what had taken place. They provided
themselves with lanterns, several of which had been brought to the house
by those who had taken refuge in it, and, aided by their light, they
went courageously forward. They had a higher motive also. They knew
too well that many must have fallen, and they hoped to carry succour to
some of the wounded, who might have been left behind by their advancing
comrades. After going some way, they reached a spot where the strife
had been hottest. Here lay friends and foes mingled together, Frenchman
and Portuguese; the Indians only being distinguished by their war-paint
and fantastic costume. On all the bullet, or arrow, or the deadly
hatchet, had done its work. As they cast their lanterns on the forms
stretched on the ground they saw that their help could not avail. The
wounded had either been carried off by their companions, or had dragged
themselves away to seek assistance. Still they persevered in their
mission of mercy, searching for others who might be still breathing.
They were attracted by the sound of a groan, which proceeded from a spot
not far off. Again all was silent.

"Here is a wounded man!" exclaimed one of the ladies, calling to
Constance. "He is a naval officer, I see, by his dress."

Constance and her other fr