our tale.  And so matters went on, and we were passed from place to place, always well treated and well cared for.  In the spring we went to France, though we were warned of danger, because of the war.  But we met with no hurt.  Humphrey passed as my servant, and I have French blood in my veins, and can speak the language as one born there.  Nor did we go to any large centres, but contented ourselves with the remote spots, where I found kinsfolk of mine own name living still.  And we reached England again only two months ago.”

“And then?”

“There was more excitement then.  The fleet had sailed for Louisbourg; men’s hearts were stirred within them.  Tales of fresh atrocities along the border had reached home.  Anger against France was stirred up by the war.  It was then we were brought before Sir Charles Graham, and told our tale to him.  He is the friend of Mr. Pitt, and he came back to us many times to learn more of what we had to tell of the difficulties of the provinces, and of the apathy that prevailed there, even though terrible things Were passing daily close by.

“It was he who at last bid us go to you.  He said you were his friend, and would make us welcome for his sake and ours.  And when he gave us this letter, he told us the words of Mr. Pitt respecting you.”

“And have you other news besides?” asked Wolfe eagerly.  “When left you London?  And is it yet known there whether this rumour of fresh disaster is true?  See, there is the Western news sheet; it speaks of a disquieting rumour as to the fall of Fort William Henry, our outpost on Lake George.  Have fresh tidings been received? for if that place fall, we are in evil case indeed.”

Julian gravely shook his head.

“The rumour is all too true.  Had you not heard?  A fast-sailing vessel has brought it to Southampton—­the evil tidings of disaster and death.  The fort held out bravely through a terrible cannonade; but no relief was sent, and the walls were battered down.  There was nothing for it but surrender.  The garrison obtained honourable terms; but the French either could not or would not restrain their Indian allies.  Surrender was followed by a brutal massacre of the hapless soldiers and their wives and children.  It is horrible to read the story of the atrocities committed.  We have seen Indians at their hideous work.  We know, as you in this land never can do, what it is like.”

Wolfe’s eyes flashed fire.

“A surrendered garrison massacred! and the French stood by and suffered it!”

“The account is confused.  Some say they did try without avail; some that they were callous and indifferent; some that they did much to avert the horrors, and saved large numbers of victims out of their clutches.  But they did not succeed in stopping an awful loss of life.  The pages of history will be stained dark when the story of that day is written!”

“Ay, truly!” cried Humphrey, in his deep, resonant voice, speaking for the first time; “the page of history should be written in characters of blood and fire.  I have seen the work of those savage fiends.  I have seen, and I shall remember to the last day of my life!”