sh. He
accordingly, accompanied by several officers, went out to meet the
Protestants. In the blandest style he could assume he assured them that
he wished to act fairly towards both parties. He therefore stated his
readiness to send Captain Beauport home for trial, and inquired whether
any of the colonists who were dissatisfied with his government would
wish to return to their native land. The idea had not before been
entertained by them. Several, however, at once replied that they were
willing to return home, and others said that they would take the matter
into consideration.

"Captain Beauport, then, will be kept in safe custody, till the ships
are ready to sail," said the governor. "They will be prepared in a few
days; and, before that time, I wish to be informed of the number who
desire to embark."

The Protestants, on receiving this announcement, returned to their
homes. These were mostly situated together, and, as they had now ample
proofs of the treachery of the governor, they stationed men on the
look-out to give notice, should he send a force to attack them, that
they might immediately reassemble and defend themselves. A meeting was
held to discuss their future prospects. A considerable number of the
most influential people resolved to return to France, hoping to live
there in obscurity, or to make their way to Geneva. Some, among whom
was the count, resolved to go to England, should he find France in the
same unsettled state as he left it. Nigel was now thankful that he had
not abandoned the naval service, as he hoped that the _Madeline_ would
be sent home, and that he might again have the happiness of having
Constance and her father on board. Still, the prospects of all the
party were gloomy enough: many of them had embarked all their fortunes
in the undertaking, and they would return without the means of support
to their native shores.

On the following day, a considerable number of the colonists sent in
their names as desirous of returning, when they were informed, to their
dismay, that the three smallest ships only would be got ready to receive
them. Reports had before been spread that so weatherbeaten and
unseaworthy were these ships, that they were not again to be sent to
Europe, but to be retained in the harbour for the protection of the
colony. Nigel was almost in despair at receiving this information. He
urged the count rather to remain than to run the risk of the voyage.
The count