As for a ruler, we have discovered that a man makes a most excellent sovereign for himself." "And excellent said," cried Castleton.
"None of ye know the West," went on the _coureur_.

"Your Virginia, we know well of it--a collection of beggars, prostitutes and thieves.

Your New England--a lot of cod-fishing, starving snivelers, who are most concerned how to keep life in their bodies from year to year.

New France herself, sitting ever on the edge of an icy death, with naught but bickerings at Quebec and naught but reluctant compliance from Paris--what hath she to hope?
I tell ye, gentlemen, 'tis beyond, in the land of the Messasebe, where I shall for my part seek out my home; and no man shall set iron on my soul again." He spoke bitterly.

The group about him, half amused, half cynical and all ignorant, as were their kind at this time of the reign of William, were none the less impressed and thoughtful.