At length Rene succeeded in convincing the leader of the mutineers that he was no ghost, but a real flesh and blood Rene de Veaux.  He gave an evasive answer to Simon’s question as to how he obtained entrance to the fort, and hurried on to tell him, even more briefly than he had the commandant, of the successful journey he had made, and of the provisions that must be brought into the fort immediately.

“In good sooth, Master Rene,” said Simon, when he fully comprehended that which the other told him, “I am heartily disgusted with this mutineering, and if thy uncle would but hold our views as to leaving this country, I would gladly resign all authority to him.  Even as it is I am most willing to be guided in all such matters as this of thine by his judgment.  As he says receive the provisions, of which indeed we are sorely in need, and deliver the trinkets thou hast promised to the savages who bring them, why so it shall be done.  Thou canst vouch for them, though, and art certain that when the gate is once open they will not lush in with the intent of capturing the fort and murdering us in cold blood?”

“Of a surety I am,” answered Rene, indignantly.  “Would those who wished thee harm have fought for thee so valiantly as did these same friends of mine but a few hours since?  It was their brave onset delivered thee from the savages near yonder mound of shells, and enabled thee to gain the fort in safety.”

“What!  How sayest thou!  Was it indeed thy company who came so gallantly to our aid when we were so sorely beset by the savage ambush?  Heaven bless thee, lad!  These friends of thine shall be friends of mine as well for this day’s work.  Let us hasten to them.  It was no fancy, then, but thine own brave cry of ‘France to the Rescue!’ that rang so cheerily through the forest, though I did misdoubt mine own ears at the time, and wondered greatly who our unknown friends could be.  Thou art a noble lad and an honor to thy name.”

Thus saying, Simon led the way towards the water gate, turning out the guard and bidding them accompany him as he went.  At the gate they found Has-se, Yah-chi-la-ne, and the others awaiting them, according to agreement, and Simon and his soldiers rejoiced greatly when they saw the twelve canoe-loads of corn; for it had arrived just in time to avert a veritable famine within the walls of Fort Caroline.

While under Simon’s direction the provisions were transferred to the storehouse with all possible despatch, Rene and Le Moyne made up the twelve packages of trinkets which were to pay for them.  On his own account Rene also made up a package for Has-se, and another of such things as women prize for his sister, the beautiful Nethla.  Nor was the brave Yah-chi-la-ne forgotten, but received in the shape of knives and hatchets what seemed to him presents of inestimable value.

Rene also gratified the young Alachua warriors by taking them inside the fort, and showing them, as well as he was able by the light of lanterns, the great “thunder-bows” whose voices they had heard that morning when still many miles away.