Besides, why should he be suspected?  He looked in every respect a Frenchman.  And had he not risked his life more than once that night to save those left on board the vessels?

The next morning he was able to take an excellent view of the citadel and town.  He was amazed at the strength of the place.  In one sense of the word it was well nigh impregnable.  From the water it could scarcely be touched; but the ridges above, now in the possession of the English, were a source of weakness and peril; and now that the enemy was pushing nearer and nearer, under cover of their own guns, it was plain that the position was becoming one of grave peril.  A very little more and the English would be able to shell the whole town and fortress from the land side; and though the soldiers within the citadel were full of hope and confidence, the townsfolk were becoming more and more alarmed, and spoke openly together of the probable fall of the place.

They told Julian much that he desired to know, as did also the soldiers within the citadel.  He was listening to them, when a sudden cry reached them, and a cheer went up, mingled with cries of “Vive Madame! vive Madame le General!”

Julian looked round, and saw that Madame Drucour had come out upon the ramparts, and was preparing with her own hands to fire off one of the great guns.  This she did amid the applause of the soldiers, and the man standing beside Julian said with enthusiasm: 

“Madame comes here every day, no matter the weather or the firing, and walks round the ramparts, and fires off one or more of the guns, to keep us in heart.  She is a brave lady.  If all soldiers and townsfolk had her spirit, there would be no talk of surrendering Louisbourg.”

Chapter 3:  Victory.

“Julian!  Is that you I see?  Truly I had begun to fear that some misfortune had befallen you.  So you have been within the walls of the town, and have returned safe and sound?  Your face is a very welcome one, my friend!”

Wolfe stretched out his hand, which was eagerly grasped by Julian.  It was a still, close evening, and the sullen booming of the guns continued without abatement.  So used had the ears of besiegers and besieged grown to that sound of menace, that it was hardly heeded more than the roar of the surf upon the shore.

Wolfe was lying in his tent, looking white and worn, as was generally the case after the labours of the day were ended.  His indomitable spirit bore him gallantly through the working hours of the long, hot days; but night found him exhausted, and often too suffering to sleep.  Julian had been his best companion at such times as these, and he had missed him a good deal these past days.

“I have been within the city and citadel, and have returned safe and sound,” answered Julian, throwing off the cloak he wore over his white French uniform.  “It cannot be long before the place surrenders.  Our guns are doing fearful havoc.  Fires break out, as you must see, continually.  The King’s Bastion was almost all consumed yesterday.  The hearts of the townspeople are growing faint within them.  The officers and soldiers are bold, and show a cheerful front; but they begin to know that sooner or later they will have to throw up the game.”