John's. A few casks
of Spanish wine yet remained, and nobles and soldiers, fraternizing in
the common peril of a halter, joined in a last carouse. As the wine
mounted to their heads, in the mirth of drink and desperation, they
enacted their own trial. One personated the judge, another the
commandant; witnesses were called, with arguments and speeches on either
side.
"Say what you like," said one of them, after hearing the counsel for the
defence; "but if Laudonniere does not hang us all, I will never call him
an honest man."
They had some hope of getting provisions from the Indians at the month
of the river, and then putting to sea again; but this was frustrated by
La Caille's sudden attack. A court-martial was called near Fort
Caroline, and all were found guilty. Fourneaux and three others were
sentenced to be hanged.
"Comrades," said one of the condemned, appealing to the soldiers, "will
you stand by and see us butchered?"
"These," retorted Laudonniere, "are no comrades of mutineers and
rebels."
At the request of his followers, however, he commuted the sentence to
shooting.
A file of men, a rattling volley, and the debt of justice was paid. The
bodies were hanged on gibbets, at the river's mouth, and order reigned
at Fort Caroline.
CHAPTER VI.
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