CHAPTER VIII
La Pommeraye had been left in charge of _La Grande Hermine_ whileCartier paid his visit to Roberval's ship. He anxiously awaited the newswhich Cartier brought, and his first enquiries naturally were for hisfriend, De Pontbriand.
"Ill, and in danger?" he exclaimed, when Cartier had repeated to him DeRoberval's words. "I must go to him at once."
"Have I not just told you," said Cartier, "that no one can see him? DeRoberval refused me that privilege, and think you that he will grant youpermission? It is at the command of the leech, and doubtless there isneed for his care. But we are ordered to return to Canada," added he,sharply.
"Never!" exclaimed Charles with energy. "The last year has taught us alesson. No success can attend the efforts of France to plant a colony onthe rugged shores of the Hochelaga."
"I fear me," said Cartier, "that there will be trouble if we refuse togo back. De Roberval would not hesitate to attempt force; and our menare so disheartened and weary after the hardships they have endured,that they will resist to the death any effort to compel them to return."
"Would it not be possible to return for a short time, and leaveCharlesbourg before winter sets in? Another winter I will not spend inCanada--especially not with the scoundrels we have brought with us. And,if I mistake not, we shall have henceforth to contend with the Indians,who will now be aided by our wretched deserters."
"Were we once more on shore," returned Cartier, "it would be very hardto get away again. Roberval is a determined man, and he has full twohundred armed men on his ships. We should be outnumbered, and easilyoverpowered. If the colonists he has brought were of a better class thanour own, there might be some hope of ultimate success; but the wretchedcrew who line his decks are of the lowest type. See, one of them swingsfrom yonder yard even now! I fear the gallows we erected as a warning toour fellows will bear goodly and abundant fruit as soon as he becomesestablished in Canada. No, Charles, we must give him the slip undercover of darkness, and make away for France. I would not desert him ifthere were any chance of success; but with his following of lawlessoutcasts, even if he should succeed in forming a colony, it would be buta plague spot on the earth."
"But," interrupted La Pommeraye, "have you forgotten that De Pontbriandis lying ill on board that vessel? I cannot be so base as to desert myfriend."
"I have thought of that also. But what good can you do by remaining?There is a physician on board, and priests, I believe. If he were to dieyou could do nothing by your presence; but he is young and strong, andwill doubtless recover. I have a plan in my mind, besides, to save ourfriends and the honour of France. King Francis trusts me. He venturedon this enterprise to fill the depleted treasury of France, and tospread the blessed kingdom of Christ. I will convince him that theefforts to establish a colony on the Hochelaga will only be a drain onhis resources, and that he might as well try to keep a Malouin fromgoing to sea as attempt to lead the red man into the kingdom of Heaven.Pere Grand and Pere Boisseau will bear me out in what I say; and I willthen ask for a ship to go to the New World and compel Roberval and hiscolonists to return, if they have not in the meantime ended theexistence of the colony by cutting each others' throats. There will beno other way of getting Claude back again; and, once in France, we canput all our energies into more profitable voyages to the Indies; or youmay find an outlet for your ardour in using your sword against Englandand Spain. Francis will not long be able to keep out of war."
"But to desert one's friend, and that friend ill and helpless! I cannotdo it," said La Pommeraye.
"It is no desertion. You can do no good by going on board _L'Heureux_,and you may do much harm. In the present mood of De Roberval I fear theonly way to prevent unnecessary bloodshed is to depart before he knowsof our intention. Once safely in France, it will not be long before weare back in Canada to put an end to this foolish scheme of colonisation.To get permission to return, and a vessel to return in, I shall needyour assistance."
"You are right, I suppose; but it goes hard with me to turn my back onClaude. And how shall I ever break the news of his illness to Mdlle. deVignan?"
"Mdlle. de Vignan? I thought it was the black-eyed niece of that madtyrant yonder."
"So did I, at first; but had you seen as much as I have, you would thinkotherwise. But that reminds me--I thought I saw women on board DeRoberval's vessel when we hove to."
"Your eyes deceived you not. There was a sprinkling of them on thedeck--miserable creatures, fitting mates for the hang-dogs who are to bethe backbone of New France. There are some of them on all the vessels;they, too, have been recruited from the prisons. What a breed of sinnerswill spring up at Charlesbourg Royal if we allow this colony to takeroot!"
"Remember, then, I go on the understanding that we return as soon as wecan get the King to recall the expedition. I shall not know a happymoment till I grasp Claude's hand once more."
If the truth must be owned, the prospect of seeing Marguerite so soon,and without the vigilant supervision of her uncle, considerablyinfluenced La Pommeraye in consenting to the departure. Still he wasloyal to his friend; and could any means have been devised of rescuingClaude from the fate that awaited him in the new colony, he would nothave gone without making the attempt. But if their plan was to succeed,it must be put into effect immediately. A day's delay might be fatal.
Cartier sent for the captains of the other ships to come on board _LaGrande Hermine_. On their arrival he pointed to the body which stillswung from the yards of De Roberval's vessel, and told them what theymight expect if they were to return.
They had had enough of Canada, and eagerly concurred in Cartier's planof flight. They returned to their vessels, to make preparations to startat once on a signal from their leader.
Night dropped down upon the harbour; and in the calm June evening thesailors, jubilant at reaching a haven after the dangers of the broadAtlantic, began to sing some of the chansons of their Old World home.The fishermen in the boats caught up the song, and a glad chorus swelledout upon the still waters; but on Cartier's vessels there was silence.The crews had learned that Roberval had commanded their return, and theyalso knew that Cartier had no intention of obeying. Indeed, had heattempted to do so, so disgusted had they become with the dreary andtoilsome life at Charlesbourg Royal, that they would undoubtedly havemutinied. Their determined faces peered through the gathering darkness.None went to rest that night. They knew that if a breeze sprang upCartier meant to take advantage of it, and steal out of the harbour.
One singer after another grew weary, and towards midnight only a fewintermittent notes broke the stillness. Soon all was silent as thegrave, save for the occasional cry of some animal prowling in search offood upon the shore.
About one in the morning a gentle breeze swept across the water from theland. A silent signal passed between Cartier's vessels, and instantlydark forms moved hither and thither about their decks. No sound washeard, but preparations were being made to sail immediately. It wasimpossible to raise the anchors without alarming De Roberval; so thecables were quietly slipped, the sails were as quietly hoisted, and thethree vessels swung round simultaneously, swept within a hundred yardsof De Roberval's ship, and bore away for the harbour mouth. The lookoutsaw them, but, half asleep and deeming them part of the fishing fleet,said not a word.
In the meantime Marguerite, worn out with all she had undergone duringthe day, had fallen into an uneasy sleep, broken by troubled dreams.After the scene with her uncle, which had ended in the hanging of theill-fated Bruneau, she had sent for her confessor, the good Pere Lebeau,the only priest on board _L'Heureux_. This good man, by using hisinfluence with De Roberval, had gained admission to Claude's prison, andhad repeatedly visited him, administering comfort and consolation, andencouraging him to wait with hope and patience for the end of thevoyage. It so happened that he had left the ship in one of the boatswhich had put off to procure fresh water; and so was not present duringthe stormy scene in the hold, or the interview between Cartier andRoberval which fo
llowed. On his return, however, he received from thelips of Marguerite a full account of all that had taken place. Heremained with her some time, consoling and reassuring her, and left hersomewhat comforted by his promises to see De Roberval, and endeavouronce more to convince him of the mistaken course he was pursuing.
After dark, Marguerite, with Mdlle. De Vignan and old Bastienne, stoleon deck for a breath of fresh air, and to gaze with wistful eyes onCartier's ships. The body of Bruneau still swung from the yards, aghastly vision in the dim twilight. They shuddered as they saw it.
"But courage, Marguerite," whispered Marie. "Cartier is close at hand,and he and La Pommeraye will surely be able to influence your uncle. Ifeel certain that to-morrow will bring us better things."
"I hope so," said Marguerite sadly. "It is indeed time. If Charles de laPommeraye learns the fate of his friend, he will not rest until he hasfreed Claude, I am certain. But my uncle will brook no opposition; and Ifear there will be more blood shed before anything can be accomplished."
She sighed as she spoke; and after a little the three women returned totheir narrow, cramped quarters below, where Marie, clasping her friendin her arms, tried to comfort her with hopes of what the morrow held instore. Just as they fell asleep, cheered a little in their loneliness bythis gleam of hope, _La Grande Hermine_ stole silently past in thedarkness outside, and bore away for France.
When De Roberval came on deck the next morning he swept his eye aboutthe harbour, but looked in vain for Cartier's ships.
"Send the lookouts of last night to me at once," shouted he to hissailing-master, Jehan Alfonse. "What watch did you take?" sternlyenquired he of a young Malouin who stood trembling before him.
"From eight to twelve, Sieur."
"And saw you the vessels leaving the harbour?"
"No, Sieur; no vessel passed us while I was at my post."
"And I, Sieur," said a tanned old sailor who had explored every part ofthe then known world, "went on at four this morning, but not a mousestirred after that time; and indeed they could not have escaped withoutmy knowledge, for it has been broad day since that hour."
"I fear, Sieur," timidly said a young Picard from Roberval's estate, whohad stood silent in the background, "that I am to blame for not alarmingthe ship, if blame there be on any one. I had scarce gone on my watchwhen the three vessels swept by us. So noiselessly did they go that Ideemed them some sleepy fishermen on their way to the banks."
"_Sacre Dieu!_" shouted Roberval; "you have ruined us all! Did I giveyou the fate you deserve, I would hang you as high as I did Bruneauyesterday! Take him below," exclaimed he to the men who stood by, "andkeep him in irons for the rest of the voyage."
"Be not too hard upon the young man, Sieur," interposed Jehan Alfonse,stepping forward; "he is a faithful sailor, and a true; and we have toofew reliable men on board to turn those against us on whom we candepend."
"Silence!" roared De Roberval, now in a towering passion. "Have I askedfor your advice? I know on what I can depend--my own will and yonderrope. Have a care lest you find your own head in it."
"Sieur," rejoined the sailing-master, with firmness, "you may insultme--you may hang me if you will--but I must speak. I warn you that ifyou pursue your present course the expedition will be ruined before wereach Charlesbourg Royal, if it is not already ruined. Your hasty wordsto Jacques Cartier yesterday have lost us the best seaman in the world,for he has doubtless set sail for France."
"You will find, at least," exclaimed De Roberval, who was by this timein a white heat, "that I am commander in my own ship. Leave the vesselat once. Board the _Francois_, and take with you this villain whosecarelessness has ruined our fortunes. And stay. I will be generous. Youare possessed by a mad idea that by going north you will find a way toChina and the Indies. Go, then, and when you have finished your fool'serrand return to Charlesbourg Royal, and prepare to obey my commands."
Jehan Alfonse's heart leaped with delight. He cared not for insults now;he was free, in command of a ship, and could follow out the cherishedscheme of his life! He would find what Columbus had failed todiscover--the long-sought north-west passage. This great polar currentwhich swept down from the north must come from somewhere. He wouldfollow the coast of Labrador. This mighty continent could not go on forever; there must be a way round it, and his name would be handed down asits discoverer. He was not long in leaving _L'Heureux_, and before theday closed was out of sight on his northward journey.
De Roberval had a sinister motive in sending him away. He had spent asleepless night. The evening before Pere Lebeau had had a long interviewwith him, and had pleaded the cause of Marguerite and her lover,assuring De Roberval of their innocence, and begging him to persist nolonger in his cruel imprisonment of Claude. But De Roberval's insensaterage was only increased. He refused to listen to arguments, and orderedthe priest from his presence. The good father, seeing that his effortswere only making the situation worse, was obliged to desist from hisentreaties, and left the cabin with a heavy heart. During the wholenight De Roberval lay awake, brooding over some means of avenging hisinsulted authority; and by morning he had decided that De Pontbriandshould be made an example to the crew. The form of Bruneau kept swingingback and forth before his disordered mental vision, and as he gazed uponit he resolved that De Pontbriand's should take its place. At first, asthe diabolical thought took shape, he recoiled from it. Hang a gentlemanof France! But a madness seized him, and crushing down his betterimpulses he decided to put his resolve into execution, and teach all onboard that the same fate awaited every man--be he noble or peasant--whodisobeyed his will.
But he feared Jehan Alfonse. He knew the staunch and courageoussailing-master would oppose his action; and he determined to get rid ofhim. He smiled a grim smile as he saw his vessel fleetly winging her wayout to the Atlantic. He dreaded Cartier, too; and had made up his mindto delay the execution until he had sent him on his way towardsCharlesbourg Royal. Now, however, he could proceed with his scheme; boththe obstacles had been removed, and nothing need prevent his carryingout his plan at once. But he feared lest Paul d'Auxhillon, and the oneor two friends of Claude who had accompanied him, might oppose hisdesign; and, accordingly, he consulted with Gaillon before putting itinto execution.
That villain was delighted with the turn things were taking.
"You are acting wisely, noble Sieur," he said. "I have long felt that DePontbriand there in the hold was the gravest menace to the success ofour colony. Already I have discovered several plots for his release, andI have long known that only his death could bring us safety. But do notproceed with his execution till the morrow. To-night I will sound thefaithful, and have them ready to strike down any one offering the leastresistance. Would it not be well to have all on board witness thismeting-out of justice?"
"All," exclaimed De Roberval. "Every soul, including his paramour. Leaveme now, and have everything in readiness by the morning."
When the first grey of dawn was beginning to chase away the mists of thenight the bell on _L'Heureux_ began to toll out across the water. Itswarning notes sent a thrill of expectancy through the ship. The majorityof those on board knew the meaning of that solemn knell; and the rest,when, after the accustomed eight strokes which marked the end of thewatch, the bell continued its measured clanging, were filled with avague alarm of they knew not what. The fishermen in the harbour wereroused by the sound, and the crews of the boats lined their rigging,prepared, after the ghastly spectacle which had greeted them on thearrival of _L'Heureux_, to behold some new example of De Roberval'sdiscipline.
Soon every soul on board the vessel stood on the deck, with theexception of the three women, and De Roberval, noting their absence,went below himself, and roughly ordered them to dress and come above atonce.
When all were assembled, De Roberval addressed them. His face was paleand set, and his eye glittered with a cold and cruel resolve.
"You have come," said he, "to see a crime receive its just punishment,and though shame has come upon my ow
n kindred, my hand shall not relax.Bring the prisoner on deck."
As Gaillon and two of the crew departed to fetch Claude, Pere Lebeau,who had witnessed with horror the development of events, hastened toRoberval's side, and with his hand on his arm besought him to consider.
"Your niece is guiltless, Monsieur," he cried. "Will you bring dishonouron your name, and murder an innocent man without a trial?"
De Roberval shook him angrily off, and bade him interfere no further, orhe should share Claude's fate.
"I care not for myself," said the intrepid priest. "I cannot stand byand witness a murder in cold blood. Is there no brave man in all thisthrong who will help me to resist this tyrant?"
Paul d'Auxhillon, and the one or two other gentlemen on board, who nowfor the first time realised what was about to happen, sprang forwardwith drawn swords, and were joined by a couple of Roberval's Picardretainers. For a moment it looked as if Claude's fate might be averted.
But Gaillon had done his work well. At a signal from De Roberval, themen who were drawn up on both sides of the deck rushed forward; thehalf-dozen volunteers were quickly overpowered, and after a shortstruggle were pinioned and rendered helpless.
Just at this moment Gaillon appeared with the prisoner. The sight of hispale face and unkempt hair, his worn, almost emaciated limbs, andbruised and swollen wrists, awakened a murmur of sympathy even among thelawless wretches who composed the crew.
Marguerite, who had stood like one in a dream while these events weretaking place, realised for the first time, at the sight of her lover,what Roberval's intentions were. Her proud spirit, which had so noblysustained her throughout the voyage, gave way at last, and she threwherself at her uncle's feet, beseeching him to have mercy.
Roberval vouchsafed her no answer, but, raising her with an iron grip,he bore her half-swooning to where Marie and Bastienne were coweringtogether at the side of the vessel.
"Do your duty," said he to Gaillon; "and if any man raises a word ofprotest he shall swing from the other end of the yard."
Gaillon needed no second bidding. The noose was swiftly thrown overClaude's neck; the rope was drawn tight, and the priest, on whom no manhad ventured to lay a hand, stood holding the crucifix before his eyes,and murmuring the last offices of the Church. Just as the young man wasabout to be swung aloft, he turned with unflinching calmness to DeRoberval, and with firm, unwavering tones said:
"The son of Louise d'Artignan curses you with his dying breath! May youperish miserably by your own murderous hand!"
De Roberval's whole expression changed on the instant from coldimpassiveness to wild fury. He made one step forward as if he himselfwould have ended Claude's life with a blow, then paused--and held up hishand.
"Stay, Gaillon," he thundered. "Take the dog down! Send him back to hiskennel! Your mother's cursed eyes have saved you!" he hissed at Claude."I shall find another way to make you suffer."
He turned on his heel, and those nearest him heard him mutter "Louised'Artignan!" under his breath. As the words left his lips he fellheadlong on the deck, foaming at the mouth.
Gaillon sent his prisoner below, drew a phial from his pocket, andforced a few drops between the nobleman's tightly clenched teeth. Thenhe carried him to his berth, and remained by his side, watching andtending him alone; while on deck every man drew his breath more freely,and whispered words of astonishment passed from lip to lip.