themselves, and at the same
time to make such a show of their strength as might overawe the Indians,
in whom they were not inclined to place more than a very limited amount
of confidence. The Portuguese were at this time settled in a town which
they called Saint Vincente, about fifty miles to the south, the first
colony founded by them under Martin Alfonso de Souza; and as there were
many brave adventurers among them, Villegagnon thought it probable that
as soon as they heard of his arrival, they would send an expedition
against him.

The meeting with the chiefs having been brought to a conclusion, the
boats returned to the ships, on board which every one was now engaged in
landing stores for the construction of the proposed fort. As numerous
trees grew on the island, they were cut down, and formed an abundance of
material for the purpose. The artisans, who knew the importance of
speed, laboured assiduously, and the work made rapid progress. The
chief fort was built on the eastern side of the island, to resist the
attack of a hostile fleet; and in the course of a few days the guns were
mounted, and the colonists considered themselves fully prepared for
defence. Houses were also commenced, and those weary of their long
confinement on board ship hoped soon to take up their residence on
shore. The natives brought over in their canoes an abundant supply of
provisions, and, delighted with the beauty of the climate, the settlers
felt thankful that their steps had been directed to so happy a spot, and
looked forward with confidence to the time when they might see a
handsome city rise on the shores of the bay. Now, too, they could all
meet together to read God's Word, and to listen to the preaching of
their minister without dread of interruption.

The chief of the Tamoyos, with his son Tecumah, attended by a number of
the principal men of the tribe, arrived in a fleet of canoes to pay
their promised visit to the white men. Villegagnon received them at the
head of his seamen, and all the settlers drawn up under arms. The
Indians were evidently much struck by the martial appearance of their
new allies, and almost as much so by the progress which had been made in
the settlement, as the fort, with its guns, and the houses, were already
erected. It was a Sabbath morning, and at the usual hour a bell
summoned the settlers to worship. Tuscarora seemed to fancy that some
magical ceremony was going forward, and was afraid t