He undertook to talk with the other prisoners, but they were a melancholy lot, not to be cheered.  They were all thinking of a long, in truth, an indefinite, imprisonment in Canada, and they mourned.  Many people had been taken into Canada by French and Indians in former forays and had been lost forever.

Robert turned away from his comrades and sat down on a stone, where he speculated idly on what was passing about him.  He believed that the French would withdraw to Crown Point, at least, and might retreat all the way to Canada, leaving Lake Champlain, as well as Lake George, to the complete control of the Anglo-American forces.  He expected to see preparations to that effect, and, when he saw none, he concluded that they were merely postponed for a day or two.  So far as he could judge, the aspect of the French army was leisurely.  He did not observe any signs of trepidation, but then, withdrawal was always easy in the great North American wilderness.  There was yet plenty of time for it.

He noticed a complete absence of Indians, and the fact struck him with great surprise.  While he was advancing various theories to account for it, young Captain Louis de Galissonniere came, and greeted him cordially.

“I hope you understand that we French know how to treat a prisoner,” he said.

“I’ve nothing of which to complain,” replied Robert.  “This is the second time that I’ve been with you, and on this occasion, as on the first, I seem to be more of a guest than a captive.”

“You’re the special prisoner of Colonel de St. Luc, who stands extremely high with the Marquis de Montcalm.  The colonel wishes you to be treated well and seems to favor you.  Why is it?”

“Frankly, I don’t know, but I learned long since that he was a most chivalrous foe.  I suppose I am to be sent into Canada along with the other prisoners?”

“I suppose so, but there is no way for you to go just now.”

“Why can’t I go with your army?”

“With our army?”

“It retreats, of course, before our overwhelming force.”

De Galissonniere laughed.

“You are disposed to be facetious,” he said.  “You will observe that we are not retreating.  You see no preparations to do so, but that’s all I will tell you.  More would be valuable information for the enemy, should you escape.”

“I’ve warned Colonel de St. Luc that I mean to escape in due time.  I don’t like to reject such noble hospitality as you’re showing me, but my duty to my country demands it.”

Robert was now in a most excellent humor.  His sanguine temperament was asserting itself to the full.  What he wished to see he saw.  He was slipping away from the French; and he was advancing with the English and Americans to a great and brilliant victory.  His face was flushed and his eyes sparkled.  De Galissonniere looked at him curiously, but said nothing.

“I observe one very significant fact,” continued Robert.