Thus it happened
that the sunset of that eventful day found them in the very same place
from which they had so willingly departed that morning, and had never
expected to see again.
At this time Laudonniere made another earnest effort to induce his men
to return to Fort Caroline, and there await patiently the arrival of
Jean Ribault, now that they had a supply of provisions and a good ship,
but to no avail.
Simon, the armorer, expressing the sentiments of all the rest, save
only Le Moyne and Rene de Veaux, said,
"What with fightings and fevers, we are in no condition to drive out
the savages who have doubtless ere this entered into full possession of
Fort Caroline. If we did regain the fort, what could we do save remain
there until this heaven-sent store of provisions should be exhausted?
and then would we not be in as sad a plight as before? No, your
Excellency, let us return to our own land while we may, and not linger
here longer in the hope of succor which seems likely never to be sent."
So Laudonniere, having numbers against him, was forced to accept the
situation as he had done before, and the work of transfer from one
vessel to the other proceeded rapidly.
When it was accomplished, and they were ready to start on their second
venture, the elements were again against them, and for a week they were
confronted by an impassable wall of foam-crested billows, breaking and
roaring upon the bar in the most tumultuous confusion.
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