e, the other guests
following his example. Calling to Captain Villegagnon, he took him and
Nigel into the deep recess of a window to have some further conversation
on the subject of the proposed colony.

"Monsieur de Villegagnon sets out to-morrow to take command of the
squadron, and you will do well to accompany him, young sir," he said,
turning to Nigel. "You will thus be able to superintend the fitting out
of your ship, and see that the stores come on board, and that proper
accommodation is prepared for the emigrants; many are of rank and
position in society, and there are merchants, soldiers, and artificers,
and you will have to consider how best to find room for them. I am glad
to say that the king himself takes great interest in the success of the
colony, and under the able management of so skilled a leader as he who
has been appointed to the command, we may hope that the flag of France
will wave proudly ere long over many portions of the continent."

"It will not be my fault if the noble enterprise fails to succeed," said
the captain, drawing himself up proudly, and then bowing to the admiral
in acknowledgment of the compliment. "My chief satisfaction is,
however, that a home will be found for so many of the persecuted
Protestants who are compelled for conscience sake to leave their native
land."

"You are right, my friend; that is a noble sentiment," observed the
admiral; "and I would urge our friends who are dissatisfied with the
state of affairs at home to place themselves under your command."

"From the expressions our host has uttered, I may hope that he also will
render valuable aid to our undertaking," observed the captain.

"No one, be assured, more warmly enters into our views," answered the
admiral, "and he will both with his purse and influence assist us, if he
does not do so in a more effectual way."

They were soon after joined by the count, who requested the captain to
reserve two cabins for some persons who intended going on board just
before the squadron put to sea.

From the conversation which ensued, Nigel found that most of the persons
present purposed joining the expedition. They were all, he found from
the remarks they made, Protestants, and haters of the system of
persecution which had so long been the curse of France. Most of them
had already disposed of their possessions, and were only waiting till
the squadron was completely equipped to go on board. Among them was a
Protest