The mention of that name, so heedlessly pronounced by the brave but inconsiderate Erskine, produced a startling effect on the taller of the departing officers.  He struck his brow violently with his hand, uttered a faint groan, and bending his head upon his chest, stood in an attitude expressive of the deep suffering of his mind.  The governor, too, appeared agitated; and sounds like those of suppressed sobs came from one who lingered at the side of him who had accepted the offer of the canteen.  The remainder of the officers preserved a deep and mournful silence.

“It is times dat we should start,” again observed the Canadian, “or we shall be taken by de daylight before we can clear de river.”

This intimation once more aroused the slumbering energies of the taller officer.  Again he drew up his commanding figure, extended his hand to the governor in silence, and turning abruptly round, hastened to follow close in the footsteps of his conductor.

“You will not forget all I have said to you,” whispered the voice of one who had reserved his parting for the last, and who now held the hand of the younger adventurer closely clasped in his own.  “Think, oh, think how much depends on the event of your dangerous enterprise.”

“When you behold me again,” was the reply, “it will be with smiles on my lip and gladness in my heart; for if we fail, there is that within me, which whispers I shall never see you more.  But keep up your spirits, and hope for the best.  We embark under cheerless auspices, it is true; but let us trust to Providence for success in so good a cause,—­God bless you!”

In the next minute he had joined his companions; who, with light and noiseless tread, were already pursuing their way along the military road that led to the eastern extremity of the town.  Soon afterwards, the heavy chains of the drawbridge were heard grating on the ear, in despite of the evident caution used in restoring it to its wonted position, and all again was still.

It had at first been suggested their course should be held in an angular direction across the cleared country alluded to in our last chapter, in order to avoid all chance of recognition in the town; but as this might have led them into more dangerous contact with some of the outlying parties of Indians, who were known to prowl around the fort at night, this plan had been abandoned for the more circuitous and safe passage by the village.  Through this our little party now pursued their way, and without encountering aught to impede their progress.  The simple mannered inhabitants had long since retired to rest, and neither light nor sound denoted the existence of man or beast within its precincts.  At length they reached that part of the road which turned off abruptly in the direction of the Fleur de lis.  The rude hut threw its dark shadows across their path, but all was still and deathlike as in the village they had just quitted.  Presently, however, as they drew nearer, they beheld, reflected from one of the upper windows, a faint light that fell upon the ground immediately in front of the auberge; and, at intervals, the figure of a human being approaching and receding from it as if in the act of pacing the apartment.