Julian and Humphrey were both filled with sorrow and anxiety at this piece of news.  Charles and Fritz were both likely, they thought, if living still, to be there with the army; and one was anxious for news of his brother, and the other of his comrade and friend.

“When Louisbourg is taken,” said Humphrey, “I shall ask leave of absence to go to seek my brother.  My sister in Philadelphia will give me tidings of him.  I shall go thither, and come back when the attempt upon proud Quebec is made.”

“If I had my way, we should sail from Louisbourg straight for Quebec,” cried Wolfe, with a flash in his eyes.  “I would follow up one blow by another.  Yet I know not whether our instructions will carry us thus far.  Nevertheless, I hope to live to see the day when the English flag shall wave over the ramparts of that city and fortress which has been called the Impregnable.”

The news, rumour though it was and unconfirmed, of fresh disaster to the English arms in the interior excited much feeling in the English ranks.  Had there been another massacre, such as had disgraced the struggle at Fort William Henry?  What would be the next tidings which would reach them of their brethren in arms?

There had been so many tales of horror told out in the wild west that strong men often shuddered at the bare thought of what they might have to bear.  So the faces of men and officers were alike stern and dark; and when the white flag fluttered at last from the walls of Louisbourg, and the news ran like wildfire through the camp that the fortress was about to surrender, there was a feeling in all hearts that the terms granted should not be too easy.  France owed England a deep and mighty debt, which sooner or later she must pay.

Wolfe was sent for to be with General Amherst when he received the deputation of the French, and he returned to his quarters looking grave and thoughtful.

“We have told them that they must surrender as prisoners of war, and send their reply within an hour.  If they refuse, we attack at once both by land and sea.  We are all resolved that the siege shall be brought to an end.  If we could have been here a month earlier, we might have effected a junction with our friends in the west, and have averted the calamity which has overtaken them there.”

“Will they accept?” asked Julian eagerly.  “They are in a sore strait, but yet they are brave men.  They might, perhaps, have looked to be permitted to march out with the honours of war after their bold defence.”

“Yes; and this would have been granted them had it not been for what happened at Fort William Henry.  But the memory of that day cannot be wiped out from the memory of our officers, The General was supported by the bulk of his officers.  They will have no conditions.  They will treat the sick and the wounded and the towns people with every consideration, but they will be absolute masters.  The Admiral was there, and he and the General signed the note.  They are resolved to abide by its contents.”