So the matter was settled, and the Abbe gave his approval.  He himself would remain in Quebec, the friend and counsellor of the victorious English, whom he could not but regard with affection and respect.

Of the Brigadiers in command, Moncton was too much shattered to do aught but go home to recover of his wounds; Townshend was resolved to sail back, to receive the compliments and honours of the victory (since Wolfe had passed beyond these things); and Murray was left in command of Quebec.

There had been some talk of destroying it rather than facing the perils of keeping it in its shattered condition, and with a French army so near.  But English pluck had scorned this policy, and already the men were hard at work repairing its defences, and storing away a sufficient supply of provisions for the long, inclement winter that lay before them.

“We may have to fight for it yet,” spoke some as they cheerfully worked at their fascines; “but we have got Quebec, and we mean to keep it, let the French storm and rage as they will.  If we could take it from them almost without a blow, surely we can keep it now we have it!”

Chapter 4:  The Last.

“Fritz, Fritz! what do you think?  Who do you think has come to Quebec?  Why, my brother-in-law, good Benjamin Ashley, together with his wife and daughter.  They have come in charge of a trim little vessel, laden with provisions, sent as a gift from the citizens of Philadelphia to the victors of Quebec.  He has charge of the cargo, I mean, not of the sloop; and he says he has come to stop, but I had no time to hear all his story.  Others were flocking about him, and he had letters for the commanding officer.  I hastened away to find you and tell the news.  Let us go back together and learn more of this thing.”

Into Fritz’s face there had leaped a look of quick and keen interest.

“Benjamin Ashley,” he repeated, “with his wife and daughter!  Is little Susanna actually here in Quebec?”

“Yes, and my sister,” cried Humphrey eagerly, “looking but little changed from the day I left her in Philadelphia months ago.  And their first inquiry after kissing me was for you, Fritz.  Had you escaped the perils of the war? how were you? and were you here in the town also?”

“Let us go and see them,” cried Fritz, seizing his stick; “I would be one of the first to welcome them.  It is true that you said Benjamin Ashley spoke of coming to Quebec if it should fall to us, but I never thought to see him here so soon.  He must have a stout heart, for the perils of the place are not ended yet, I fear.”

“He has a stout heart, in truth,” answered Humphrey; “and right glad am I to see him.  Quebec will be more of a home to us if Benjamin Ashley and his wife and daughter are dwelling within its walls.”

“Indeed it will,” answered Fritz eagerly; and forthwith the pair started off together in search of their kinsfolk and friends.