“You will come back, Julian? you will not forsake these Western lands, which must always seem to me more like home than any country beyond the seas—­even England, which we call our home.  You will come back?”

“Yes, I shall come back; the lands of the great West ever seem to be calling me.  I do but go to make good my promise to him that is gone; then I shall return, and cast in my lot with the English subjects of Canada.”

“They say you are to receive promotion, Julian.  You will rise to be a man of place in this colony.  I am certain of it.  You have talents, address, courage; and you are always beloved of French and English alike.  I have heard men talk of you, and point you out as a rising man.  They will want such over here when Canada has passed into English keeping.”

“They will find me ready to do my best if ever they should desire to use me.  I want nothing better than to serve my country, and to heal the wound between the two nations who have struggled so long for supremacy in the West.”

“You will come back—­I am sure of it—­a man of place and importance.  But you will be the same Julian still, my brother and friend.  And, Julian (am I wrong in thinking it?), you will not come back alone?”

A slight flush rose in Julian’s face; but he answered quietly: 

“I hope not; I believe not.”

“Mademoiselle Corinne—­” began Fritz, but paused there; for the girl was close beside them, having come up with her aunt, Madame Drucour, to say goodbye to the group of friends gathered to see them off.

Fritz saw the quick glance which flashed between her and Julian as their eyes met, and he felt that he had got his answer.  When Julian came back to Canada, he would not come alone.

The last farewells were said; the deck was crowded by those who were to sail away; the musical call of the seamen rose and fell as the sails unfurled to the breeze, and the gallant vessel began to slip through the water.

“A safe voyage and a joyous return.  God be with you all!” cried those upon the quay.

The Abbe lifted his hands, and seemed to pronounce a benediction upon the departing ship, and those who saw the action bared their heads and bent the knee.

Then the sails swelled out, the pace increased; a salute boomed forth from the fortress behind, and was answered from the vessel now gliding so fast away; and the Royal William moved with stately grace through the wide waters of the St. Lawrence, and slowly disappeared in the hazy distance.

The end.