As he said to Perrot: "Well, Nick, they've saved us the trouble of lifting the treasure; we'll see now who shall beach it." He guessed that the English ships would sail to Boston for better arming ere they ventured to the English Channel.

He knew the chances were against him, but it was his cue to keep heart in his followers.

For days they sailed without seeing a single ship; then three showed upon the horizon and faded away.

They kept on, passing Florida and Carolina, hoping to reach Boston before the treasure-ships, and to rob them at their own door.

Their chances were fair, for the Maid of Provence had proved swift, good-tempered, and a sweet sailer in bad waters.
Iberville had reckoned well.