“I can’t do it!  As I have often told Captain Langlade, I intend to escape.”

“That is impossible.  If you could not do so when you were in Captain Langlade’s village, you have no chance at all now that you are surrounded by an army.  But since you will not give me your parole it will become necessary to keep you as a prisoner of war, and to send you to a safe place.”

“Many of our people in this and former wars with the French have been held prisoners in the Province of Quebec.  I know somewhat of the city of Quebec, and it is not wholly an unpleasant place.”

“I did not have Quebec, either the province or the city, in mind so far as concerns you, Mr. Lennox.  Three of our ships are to return shortly to France, and, not wishing to give us your parole, you are to go to France.”

“To France?”

“Yes, to France.  Where else?  And you should rejoice.  It is a fair and glorious land.  And I have heard there is a spirit in you, Mr. Lennox, which is almost French, a kindred touch, a Gallic salt and savor, so to speak.”

“I’m wholly American and British.”

“Perhaps there are others who know you better than you know yourself.  I repeat, there is about you a French finish.  Why should you deny it?  You should be proud of it.  We are the oldest of the great civilized nations, and the first in culture.  Your stay in France should be very pleasant.  You can drink there at the fountain of ancient culture and glory.  The wilderness is magnificent in its way, but high civilization is magnificent also in its own and another way.  You can see Paris, the city of light, the center of the world, and you can behold the splendid court of His Majesty, King Louis.  That should appeal to a young man of taste and discernment.”

Robert felt a thrill and his pulses leaped, but the thrill lasted only a moment.  It was clearly impossible that he should go even as a prisoner, though a willing one, to France, and he did not see any reason why the Marquis de Montcalm should take any personal interest in his future.  But responding invariably to the temperature about him his manner was now as polite as that of the French general.

“You have my thanks, sir,” he said, “for the kindly way in which you offer to treat a prisoner, but it is impossible for me to go to France, unless you should choose to send me there by sheer force.”

The slight smile passed again over the face of the Marquis de Montcalm.

“I fancied, young sir,” he said, “that this would be your answer, and, being what it is, I cannot say that it has lowered you aught in my esteem.  For the present, you abide with us.”

Robert bowed.  Montcalm inspired in him a certain liking, and a decided respect.  Then, still under the escort of Langlade, he withdrew.

CHAPTER IX

THE SIGN OF THE BEAR

Robert returned with Langlade to the partisan’s camp at the edge of the forest adjoining that of the main French army, where the Indian warriors had lighted fires and were cooking steaks of the deer.  He was disposed to be silent, but Langlade as usual chattered volubly, discoursing of French might and glory, but saying nothing that would indicate to his prisoner the meaning of the present military array in the forest.