Then the Governor informed his audience that nothing was changed in the colony, which would continue to be governed by the laws in force among the filibusters, that everyone would live in the same liberty as in the past, and that the measures taken were solely intended to protect the interests of all, and in no way to annoy the colonists, or subject them to a humiliating yoke.
This final assurance produced the best effect on the crowd, and the Governor retired, amid shouts and the warmest protestations of devotion.
Although Montbarts had chosen to remain obstinately in the background, all these ameliorations were solely due to him; Belle Tête had merely been a passive and submissive agent in his hands.
When the Admiral, saw matters in the state he desired, he resolved to depart, and after a final interview with the Governor, he placed himself at the head of his filibusters, and left the town.
Michael the Basque had departed several hours previously, entrusted with a secret mission, and accompanied by ninety resolute men.
From this moment the expedition commenced; but what its result would be no one could as yet foretell.