Gering had delayed a day too long. He had
intended leaving the day before, but the arrival of the governor of the
company had induced him to remain another day; entertaining his guest at
supper, and toasting him in some excellent wine got in Hispaniola. So
palatable was it that all drank deeply, and other liquors found their way
to the fo'castle. Thus in the dead of night there was no open eye on the
Valiant.
The Frenchmen pushed out gently from the shore, paddled noiselessly over
to the ship's side, and clambered up. Iberville was the first to step on
deck, and he was followed by Perrot and De Casson, who had, against
Iberville's will, insisted on coming. Five others came after. Already
they could hear the other party at the gate of the fort, and the cries of
the besiegers, now in the fortyard, came clearly to them.
The watch of the Valiant, waking suddenly, sprang up and ran forward,
making no outcry, dazed but bent on fighting. He came, however, on the
point of Perrot's sabre and was cut down. Meanwhile Iberville, hot for
mischief, stamped upon the deck. Immediately a number of armed men came
bundling up the hatch way. Among these appeared Gering and the governor,
who thrust themselves forward with drawn swords and pistols.
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