The sentinels at the gates, and those who paced the walls, had been closely questioned, but declared they had seen nobody, nor had they heard any unusual sound.

For his part he believed there was magic in it, and that some of the old Indian witches had spirited the prisoner up the chimney, and flown away with him on a broomstick.
Although troubled to find that his prisoners could thus easily escape from the fort, Laudonniere was relieved that the disposal of Has-se's fate had thus been taken from his hands.

He said to Rene, "I am glad that thy friend has escaped, though I like not the manner of his going, and I trust he may come to no harm.

I would, however, that we had been able to send a company, or even one man, with him to this land of the Alachuas of which he told thee, for mayhap we might thus have obtained provision; but without a guide, I know not how it could be discovered." "Could I have gone, uncle ?" inquired Rene, eagerly.
"Thou, lad?
No, thou art too young and tender to be sent on such a perilous mission.

It should be one of double thy years and experience.
Let no such foolish thoughts fill thy head yet a while.".