Thus ended the first act in our tragedy of plunder.
The second act was one of revenge. In France was found a second Dominique
de Gourgues to call to a harsh account the murderers of his countrymen.
France, indeed, was in a fury throughout when the news came of the inhuman
slaughter of its citizens. The man who played the part of De Gourgues was
a distinguished and able naval officer named M. de Guay-Trouin. He was
moved by a double motive. While hot for revenge, the hope for plunder was
an equally inspiring force. And the fame that might come to him with
victory added still another motive. The path was made easy for him, for
the government gave its approval to his enterprise, and certain wealthy
citizens of St. Malo, eager for gain, volunteered the money to fit out the
expedition.
It was important to keep the affair secret, and the vessels were fitted
out at different ports to avoid suspicion. Yet the rumor that an unusual
number of war-vessels were being got ready was soon afloat and reached
Portugal, where its purpose was suspected, and a fleet of merchant and
war-vessels was hurried to sea with supplies and reinforcements for Rio.
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