This plan was accomplished during the night; and when De Valette and Stanhope approached the fort, at an early hour, they were surprised to find that D’Aulney had drawn his men on shore, and thrown up intrenchments to defend the landing-place.  Though baffled in their first design by this artifice, they were but the more zealous to effect some object which might realize the expectations of La Tour.  With this intention, they passed up the narrow channel to the north of the peninsula, in boats; and landing a portion of their men, attacked M. d’Aulney in his intrenchments.  The assault was so sudden and determined, that every obstacle yielded to its impetuosity, and D’Aulney in vain endeavored to rally his soldiers, who fled in confusion to the shelter of the fort, leaving several of their number dead and wounded in the trenches.  Convinced, that it would be rashness to pursue, as the fort was well manned, and capable of strong resistance, the young officers drew off their men in good order, and returned to their vessels without the loss of an individual.  They remained in the bay of Penobscot for several days, when, convinced that nothing more could be done at that time, they thought it advisable to return to St. John’s.

Night was closing in, as the vessels drew near the entrance of the river; every sail was set, and a stiff breeze bore them swiftly onward.  A bright streak still lingered in the western horizon, and in the east, a few stars began to glimmer through the hazy atmosphere.  The watch-lights of the fort at length broke cheerfully on the gloom, and strongly contrasted with the dark line of forests, which frowned on the opposite shore.  The boding notes of the screech-owl, and the howling of wild beasts, which came from their deep recesses, were silenced by the animating strains of martial music, which enlivened the solitary scene.  They anchored before the walls, and the friendly signal of De Valette was quickly answered by the sentinel on duty.  With light footsteps the young Frenchman sprang on shore, and followed by Arthur Stanhope, passed the gateway, which led to the interior of the fort.

“Methinks the garrison have retired early to-night,” said De Valette; “there is scarcely a face to be seen, except a few long-favored Presbyterians;—­it is a Catholic holiday, too, and our soldiers are not wont to let such pass by without a merry-making.  Ho, Ronald!” he continued, addressing the guard, “what is in the wind now, my honest fellow? are you all dead, or asleep within here?”

“Neither, please your honor,” he answered, in a dolorous accent; “but what is worse, they have all gone astray, and are, even now, looking with sinful eyes upon the wicked ceremonies of that abominable church of Rome.”

“You are warm, good Ronald; but where is your lord?”

“Even gone with the multitude, in this evil matter; and, as our worthy teacher, Mr. Broadhead, hath observed, it is a double condemnation for one like him—­”