Excitement reigned everywhere.  The firing had ceased, and the stillness of the air was like that which sometimes precedes the bursting of a thunderstorm, What reply would the fort return? and how quickly would it arrive?  It was understood that, in the event of delay, a general assault would be made, and some of the soldiers would have eagerly welcomed the order for the advance.

Keen excitement prevailed when it became known that a messenger had come, not bringing the expected reply, but one asking for less rigorous terms.

“The General would not see him,” was the cry.  “He was sent back to say that nothing would be changed from the last letter addressed to the Governor.  The Admiral and General are alike agreed.  There will be no wavering from that.”

It was plain that there was some variance in the city itself.  In the ranks of the besieging force there was intense excitement and stir.  Every man was looking to his arms, save when he was asking news and gazing towards the walls of the city.  That something decisive must soon be settled was apparent to all.

The white flag again!  A messenger was coming out towards the camp with the reply.  He appeared in no haste, and paused again and again to look back.  Suddenly another man appeared running hastily after him.  The first messenger paused, consulted with him, and then turned back towards the city.  The second man ran on alone, making vehement signs, as though afraid there might yet be some misunderstanding.

“We accept! we accept!” he shouted out, waving a paper above his head, beside himself with excitement.

Two men followed him; they were taken into the tent of the General, who, with the Admiral, was awaiting the final answer.  But the first messenger remained without, panting and exhausted, and Julian instantly recognized him as an officer who had shown him some kindness during his short stay within the fortress.

He came up to him now, and the recognition was mutual.

“So you were a spy all the while, my friend!” said the Frenchman, with something like a grim laugh.  “Had we known that, you would have received a different welcome.  Ah well, it matters little now.  And it is a pity for brave men to die like dogs.  We were in a sad pass before.  You could not have told much that was not already known.”

“The fortress is ready to capitulate?”

“Not the fortress, but the town.  Bad as our condition is, we would not have surrendered on those terms.  We had indeed dispatched a messenger to say as much.  But the Provost and the citizens were too many for us.  They ran to the citadel, and made such work that the Governor yielded, and I offered, being fleet of foot, to run after the messenger and stop him if it could be done.  Luckily his own heart misgave him, and he had not hurried.  And close upon my heels were sent others with more definite instructions.  And thus Louisbourg passes into the hands of gallant foes.  But I trust they will show every courtesy to our brave Madame.”