“‘From France,’ Captain Bourdelais replied at once.
“‘What are you doing here?’
“‘We bring soldiers and supplies for a fort which the King of France has built and for many others which he will soon build.’
“‘Are you Catholics or Lutherans?’ said the voice.
“‘We are Lutherans! we are Lutherans! Who are you?’
“‘I am Pedro Menendez, general of the fleet of the King of Spain. At daybreak I will board your ships and every heretic shall die!’
“Then our men broke into laughter and jeering; ‘You are cowards,’ they shouted, ‘come at once.’
“Then they came down upon us. Captain Bourdelais ordered the cables cut, for we were at a disadvantage. All of the ships put to sea. My Captain has sent me to you. They fired upon this boat but we escaped. They are now fighting upon the sea—and this is my report.” When he had finished he bowed and stood silent.
The Admiral stroked his beard. The worst had happened and he saw that it would be war to the death. He told Bachasse to order his men upon deck and to make his boat fast to the stern of the Jesus. Then they came up carrying one who had been killed. So we sailed on down to the mouth of the river.