“And tell Monsieur Julian that if he should repeat his strategy of Louisbourg here at Quebec, and steal into the city in disguise, I hope he will come to see us here.  We are very well disposed towards the English, my aunt and I. We should have a welcome for him, and would see that he came to no harm.”

Madame Drucour laughed, and patted the cheek of her niece.

“Make no rash promises, little one.  The game of war is a fiercer and more deadly and dangerous one than thou canst realize as yet.  It may be our privilege to shelter and succour a hunted foe; but tempt not any man to what might be certain destruction.  Spies meet with scant mercy; and there are Indians in this city who know not the meaning of mercy, and have eyes and ears quicker and keener than our own.  Monsieur and his friends had better now remain without the city walls, unless the day should come when they can enter them as conquerors and masters of all.”

She drew herself together and gave a little, quick, shuddering sigh, as though realizing as those never could do who had not seen war what must inevitably be ere such an end could be accomplished.

Fritz took her hand and carried it to his lips.

“If such a day as that come, Madame,” he said, “be very sure that my first duty and privilege will be to protect you and yours from harm.  Adieu; and if I can ever repay your kindness to me, be sure the opportunity shall not be neglected.”

Chapter 2:  The Defences Of Quebec.

Excitement reigned in the city.  There had been a cry of fear earlier in the day.  Men had rushed through the streets, crying aloud in every tone of consternation: 

“The English fleet! the English fleet!”

But this had proved a false alarm.  The sails seen advancing up the great waterway were those of friendly vessels, laden with provisions for the city, and great rejoicings were held as the supplies were carried into the storehouses by the eager citizens and soldiers.  Colin, running hither and thither picking up news, came running back at short intervals with tidings for his sister and aunt.

“They all say the English fleet has sailed from England, and may be here any day; but at least we shall not starve yet.  We have a fine consignment of provisions brought in today.”

Next time he came he had another item of information to give.

“Our General, Monsieur de Montcalm, met me in the street just now, and bid me say that he purposed to take his supper with us this evening, as there are certain matters he would discuss with my uncle, and with you, dear aunt, who have seen so much of warfare.  He asked me if it would be convenient for you to receive him, and I said I was sure that it would.”

“Quite right, my child,” answered Madame Drucour; “I shall deem it an honour to entertain the brave Marquis.  I have a great respect for him, both as a man and a soldier.”