"I rejoice to hear that you, and others, have resolved to submit no longer to this tyranny. It was not the desire of food, or friendship, only, that strengthened me to throw myself into the sea, in the desperate desire to see the garrison once more. But while my head flamed beneath the sun's downward blaze upon that waste of sand, while mine eyes burned like living coals fresh from the furnace, and my blood leaped and bounded like a mad thing about my temples and in all my veins, I saw all the terrible sufferings of our poor Guernache anew. I heard his voice--his bitter reproaches--and then the terrible scream of the poor Indian woman when the heavy rods descended upon her shoulder. Then I felt that I had not done what my soul commanded!--that I had abandoned my innocent comrade like a lamb to the butcher. I swore to do myself justice--to seek the garrison at Fort Charles, if, for no other purpose, to have revenge upon Albert. I verily believe, _mes amis_, that it was that oath that strengthened me in the sea--that lifted me when the waves went over me, and my heart was sinking with my body. I thought of the blows which might yet be struck for vengeance and freedom. I thought of Guernache and his murderer,--and I rose,--I struck out. I had no fear! I got a strength which I had not at the beginning; and I am here; the merciful God be praised forever more--ready to strike a fair blow at the tyrant, though I die the moment after!" "That blow must now be struck very soon," said Nicholas Barré. "We are no longer safe. Albert rules us just as it pleases him, by his mere humor, and not according to the laws or usages of France. Every day witnesses against him. Some new tyranny--some new cruelty--adds hourly to our afflictions, and makes life, on such terms, endurable no longer. We are not men if we submit to it." "Hear me," said Lachane; "you have not laid the plan for his overthrow?" "Not yet! But we are ready for it. All's ripe. The proper spirit is at work." "Let it work! All right; but look you, comrades, it is for this hand to strike the blow. I demand the right, because Guernache was my closest friend. I demand it in compensation for my own sufferings." "It is yours, Lachane! You have the right!" "Thanks, _mes amis_! And now for the plan. You have resolved on none yourselves. Hearken to mine."