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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: Cameron of Lochiel - -Author: Philippe Aubert de Gaspé - -Illustrator: H. C. Edwards - -Translator: Charles G. D. Roberts - -Release Date: September 27, 2016 [EBook #53154] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAMERON OF LOCHIEL *** - - - - -Produced by Jana Palkova and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="bbox"> - -<p class="center">Works of -Charles G. D. Roberts</p> - -<p> -The Prisoner of Mademoiselle<br /> -The Watchers of the Trails<br /> -The Kindred of the Wild<br /> -The Heart of the Ancient Wood<br /> -Earth Enigmas<br /> -Barbara Ladd<br /> -The Forge in the Forrest<br /> -A Sister to Evangeline<br /> -By the Marshes of Minas<br /> -A History of Canada<br /> -The Book of the Rose<br /> -Poems<br /> -New York Nocturnes<br /> -The Book of the Native<br /> -In Divers Tones (Out of print)<br /> -Songs of the Common Days (Out of print)<br /> -</p> - -<p class="center">Cameron of Lochiel</p> - -<p class="center">(<i>Translated from the French of Philippe Aubert -de Gaspé</i>)</p> - -<p class="center"> -L. C. PAGE & COMPANY<br /> -New England Building<br /> -Boston, Mass.<br /> -</p></div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 242px;"> -<img class="mtop2" src="images/i_003.jpg" width="242" height="420" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p><i>Cameron of Lochiel.</i></p> - -<p class="center"> -(<i>See page 68.</i>)<br /> -</p></div> -</div> - -<div class="bbox1 break-before"> -<h1>CAMERON OF LOCHIEL</h1> - -<p class="center">BY<br /> -PHILIPPE AUBERT DE GASPÉ<br /> -<br /> -TRANSLATED BY<br /> -CHARLES G. D. ROBERTS<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -NEW EDITION<br /> -<i>With a frontispiece by</i><br /> -H. C. EDWARDS</p> - -<p class="center">BOSTON -L. C. PAGE & COMPANY -<i>MDCCCCV</i></p> -</div> - -<p class="center break-before"><i>Copyright, 1890</i><br /> -<span class="smcap">By D. Appleton and Company</span><br /> -——<br /> -<i>Copyright, 1905</i><br /> -<span class="smcap">By L. C. Page & Company</span><br /> -(INCORPORATED)<br /></p> - -<p class="center break-before" id="PREFACE_TO_NEW_EDITION">PREFACE TO NEW EDITION</p> - -<p>This leisurely and loose-knit romance of de Gaspé's, -which he called "Les Anciens Canadiens," has for hero -one who was not a Canadian, but a Scotch exile sojourning -in Canada. It is on the creation of this character, -consistently developed and convincingly presented, that -the book must mainly base its claim to be called a work -of fiction, rather than a volume of memoirs and folklore. -I have ventured, therefore, at the suggestion of my publishers, -to take a liberty with the author's title, and name -the story after this young Scotch exile, "Cameron of -Lochiel." I am the more willing to take this liberty -because I feel that de Gaspé has not hitherto been -granted the place he is entitled to in the ranks of Canadian -fictionists. Considered purely as a romance, it -seems to me that the sincerity, simplicity, and originality -of this work quite outweigh its sprawling looseness of -structure, and make it one of the unique ornaments of the -composite literature which we are building up in Canada. -If by so changing its title as to emphasize the fictional -character of the work I can the better call attention to the -worth of de Gaspé's achievement, I feel that I am justified, -even in the face of such anticipatory protest as may -seem to be implied in the author's too modest introduction.</p> - -<p>When all this has been said, however, the fact remains -that it was not its many merits as a romance that induced -me to translate this work, but the riches of Canadian tradition, -folk-lore, and perished customs embalmed in the -clear amber of its narrative, coupled with my own anxiety -to contribute, in however humble a way, to the increase -of understanding and confidence between the two great -branches of the Canadian people. It is a beautiful and -gracious life, that of old French Canada, as depicted in -de Gaspé's lucent pages,—a life of high ideals, and -family devotion, and chivalry, and courage. This is an -atmosphere it is wholesome to breathe. These are people -it is excellent to know; and the whole influence of the -story makes for trust and a good understanding.</p> - -<p class="right"> -C. G. D. R.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Fredericton, N. B.</span>, <i>May, 1905</i>.<br /> -</p> - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="PREFACE">PREFACE.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">——</p> - -<p>In Canada there is settling into shape a nation of -two races; there is springing into existence, at the same -time, a literature in two languages. In the matter of -strength and stamina there is no overwhelming disparity -between the two races. The two languages are admittedly -those to which belong the supreme literary achievements -of the modern world. In this dual character of -the Canadian people and the Canadian literature there -is afforded a series of problems which the future will be -taxed to solve. To make any intelligent forecast as to -the solution is hardly possible without a fair comprehension -of the two races as they appear at the point of contact. -We, of English speech, turn naturally to French-Canadian -literature for knowledge of the French-Canadian -people. The romance before us, while intended -for those who read to be entertained, and by no means -weighted down with didactic purpose, succeeds in throwing, -by its faithful depictions of life and sentiment -among the early French Canadians, a strong side-light -upon the motives and aspirations of the race.</p> - -<p>In spite of the disclaimer with which the author -begins, the romance of Les Anciens Canadiens is a -classic. From the literary point of view it is markedly -the best historical romance so far produced in French -Canada. It gathers up and preserves in lasting form<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">iv</a></span> -the songs and legends, the characteristic customs, the -phases of thought and feeling, the very local and personal -aroma of a rapidly changing civilization. Much -of what de Gaspé has so vividly painted from his boyish -reminiscences had faded out of the life upon which his -alert eyes rested in old age. The origin of the romance, -as given by his biographer, the Abbé Casgrain, is as -follows:</p> - -<p>When, in 1861, that patriotic French-Canadian publication -the <i>Soirées Canadiennes</i> was established, its inaugurators -adopted as their motto the words: "Let -us make haste to write down the stories and traditions -of the people, before they are forgotten." M. de Gaspé -was struck with the idea; and seeing that the writers -who were setting themselves the laudable task were all -young men, he took the words as a summons to his old -age, and so the book came to be written.</p> - -<p>Patriotism, devotion to the French-Canadian nationality, -a just pride of race, and a loving memory for his -people's romantic and heroic past—these are the dominant -chords which are struck throughout the story. Of -special significance, therefore, are the words which are -put in the mouth of the old seigneur as he bids his son -a last farewell. The father has been almost ruined by -the conquest. The son has left the French army and -taken the oath of allegiance to the English crown. -"Serve thy new sovereign," says the dying soldier, "as -faithfully as I have served the King of France; and -may God bless thee, my dear son!"</p> - -<p>In the present day, when nationalism in Quebec appears -rather given to extravagant dreams, it would be -well for the distant observer to view the French Canadians -through the faithful medium which de Gaspé's -work affords him. Under constitutional forms of government -it is inevitable that a vigorous and homogeneous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">v</a></span> -minority, whose language and institutions are more -or less threatened by the mere preponderance of the -dominant race, should seem at times overvehement in -its self-assertion. A closer knowledge leads us to conclude -that perhaps the extreme of Quebec nationalism is -but the froth on the surface of a not unworthy determination -to keep intact the speech and institutions of -French Canada. However this may be, it is certain that -the point of contact between the two races in Canada is -at the present day as rich a field for the romancer as de -Gaspé found it at the close of the <i>old régime</i>.</p> - -<p>According to the Histoire de la littérature Canadienne -of Edmond Lareau, Philippe Aubert de Gaspé -was born in Quebec on the 30th of October, 1786. He -died in 1871. He belonged to a noble French-Canadian -family. At the manor of St. Jean-Port-Joli, of which he -was seigneur, he passed a large part of his life; and -there he laid the chief scenes of his great romance. He -was educated at the seminary of Quebec, and then studied -law in the city, under Sewell, afterward chief-justice. -Only for a few years, however, did he devote himself -to his profession—one from which so many a poet -and man of letters has broken loose. He accepted the -position of sheriff of Quebec, and afterward came misfortunes -which Lareau passes over with sympathetic -haste. His lavish generosity to his friends and the -financial embarrassments into which he fell, his four -years' confinement in the debtors' prison, his sufferings -of soul and body, all doubtless contributed to the poignant -coloring with which he has painted the misfortunes -of M. d'Egmont, <i>le bon gentilhomme</i>. On his release from -prison he retired to his estate of St. Jean-Port-Joli, but -not to the solitude and benevolent melancholy of D'Egmont. -The romancer was of too sunny a disposition, he -was too genuine and tolerant a lover of his kind, to run<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">vi</a></span> -much risk of becoming a recluse. A keynote to his -nature may be found in the bright <i>Bonsoir la compagnie</i> -with which, in the words of an old French-Canadian -song, he closed his literary labors at the age of seventy-nine, -when the last page of the Mémoires was completed.</p> - -<p>The story we have translated, under the title of The -Canadians of Old, was published in 1862. It is accompanied -in the original by a mass of curious information, -in the shape of notes and <i>addenda</i>, such as would hardly -interest the general reader. They will more than repay, -however, the attention of any one who wishes to study -the French-Canadian people as they were in their early -days. The story itself has the air of being the product -of a happy leisure. The style is quaint and unhurried, -with no fear of the printer's devil before its eyes. The -stream of the narrative, while swift enough and direct -enough at need, is taught to digress into fascinating -cross-channels of highly colored local tradition, or to -linger felicitously in eddies of feast and song.</p> - -<p>The work begun in Les Anciens Canadiens De -Gaspé carried to completion in his second and last composition, -the Mémoires, published in 1866. As the former -work is a vivid epitome of life at the <i>seigneuries</i> -and among the <i>habitants</i> of those days, so the latter reproduces -and fixes for us the picturesque effects of life -in the city of Quebec itself in the generation or two -succeeding the conquest—a period during which the -French-Canadian <i>noblesse</i> yet maintained, about the person -of the English governor, something of the remembered -splendor of the old vice-regal court.</p> - -<p class="right"> -C. G. D. R.</p> -<p> -<i>Windsor, Nova Scotia, 1890.</i><br /> -</p> - -<h2>CONTENTS.</h2> - - -<table summary="table of contents"> - <tr> - <td> - CHAPTER - </td> - <td> - - </td> - <td class="right"> - PAGE - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - - </td> - <td> - <span class="smcap">Foreword</span> - </td> - <td class="right"> - <a href="#Page_ix">ix</a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - I. - </td> - <td> - <span class="smcap">D'Haberville and Cameron of Lochiel</span> - </td> - <td class="right"> - <a href="#Page_19">19</a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - II. - </td> - <td> - <span class="smcap">A Night with the Sorcerers</span> - </td> - <td class="right"> - <a href="#Page_31">31</a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - III. - </td> - <td> - <span class="smcap">La Corriveau</span> - </td> - <td class="right"> - <a href="#Page_45">45</a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - IV. - </td> - <td> - <span class="smcap">The Breaking up of the Ice</span> - </td> - <td class="right"> - <a href="#Page_56">56</a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - V. - </td> - <td> - <span class="smcap">A Supper at the House of a French-Canadian Seigneur</span> - </td> - <td class="right"> - <a href="#Page_76">76</a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - VI. - </td> - <td> - <span class="smcap">D'Haberville Manor House</span> - </td> - <td class="right"> - <a href="#Page_99">99</a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - VII. - </td> - <td> - <span class="smcap">The May-Feast</span> - </td> - <td class="right"> - <a href="#Page_115">115</a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - VIII. - </td> - <td> - <span class="smcap">The Feast of St. Jean-Baptiste</span> - </td> - <td class="right"> - <a href="#Page_124">124</a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - IX. - </td> - <td> - <span class="smcap">The Good Gentleman</span> - </td> - <td class="right"> - <a href="#Page_137">137</a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - X. - </td> - <td> - <span class="smcap">Madame D'Haberville's Story</span> - </td> - <td class="right"> - <a href="#Page_154">154</a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - XI. - </td> - <td> - <span class="smcap">The Burning of the South Shore</span> - </td> - <td class="right"> - <a href="#Page_167">167</a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - XII. - </td> - <td> - <span class="smcap">A Night Among the Savages</span> - </td> - <td class="right"> - <a href="#Page_180">180</a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - XIII. - </td> - <td> - <span class="smcap">The Plains of Abraham</span> - </td> - <td class="right"> - <a href="#Page_198">198</a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - XIV. - </td> - <td> - <span class="smcap">The Shipwreck of the Auguste</span> - </td> - <td class="right"> - <a href="#Page_213">213</a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - XV. - </td> - <td> - <span class="smcap">Lochiel and Blanche</span> - </td> - <td class="right"> - <a href="#Page_228">228</a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - XVI. - </td> - <td> - <span class="smcap">The Family Hearth</span> - </td> - <td class="right"> - <a href="#Page_254">254</a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td> - XVII. - </td> - <td> - <span class="smcap">Conclusion</span> - </td> - <td class="right"> - <a href="#Page_269">269</a> - </td> -</tr> -</table> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">ix</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="FOREWORD">FOREWORD.</h2> -</div> - -<p>As my story lays no claim to classicism, either in -style or structure, this foreword may as well be made -to play the part of a preface. My acquaintances will, -doubtless, open their eyes on seeing me thus enter, -at the age of seventy-six, on the perilous paths of authorship. -Possibly I owe them an explanation. Although -tired of reading all these years with so little profit either -to myself or others, I yet dreaded to pass the Rubicon. -A matter small enough in itself in the end decided -me.</p> - -<p>One of my friends, a man of parts, whom I met last -year in St Louis Street, in our good city of Quebec, -grasped me warmly by the hand and exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"Awfully glad to see you! Do you know, my dear -fellow, I have talked this morning with no fewer than -eleven people, not one of them with half an idea in his -noddle!" And he wrung my arm almost out of joint.</p> - -<p>"Really," said I, "you are very complimentary; for I -perceive by the warmth of your greeting that I am the -exception, the man you—"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, indeed," he cried, without letting me finish<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">x</a></span> -my sentence, "those are the only sensible words I have -heard this morning." And he crossed the street to -speak to some one, probably his addle-pate number -twelve, who was seeking to attract his attention.</p> - -<p>"The devil!" thought I to myself, "if what I just -said is in any way brilliant, it would seem easy enough to -shine. Though I have never yet been suspected of it, I -must be rather a clever fellow."</p> - -<p>Much elated with this discovery, and congratulating -myself that I had more brains than the unhappy eleven -of whom my friend had spoken, I hurry to my library, -I furnish myself, perhaps all too appropriately, with a -ream of the paper called "foolscap," and I set myself -to work.</p> - -<p>I write for my own amusement, at the risk of wearying -the reader who may have the patience to go through -this volume. But, as Nature has made me compassionate, -I will give this dear reader a little good advice. He had -better throw away the unlucky book without taking the -trouble to criticise it, which would be making it much -too important, and would be, moreover, but wasted labor -for the serious critic; for, unlike that old Archbishop -of Granada, so touchy on the subject of his sermons, of -whom Gil Blas has told us, I am, for my part, blessed -with an easy humor, and, instead of retorting to my -critic, "I wish you good luck and very much better -taste," I will frankly admit that my book has a thousand -faults, of most of which I have a lively consciousness.</p> - -<p>As for the unfriendly critic, his work will be all in -vain, debarred as he will be from the privilege of -dragging me into a controversy. Let me say beforehand -that I grieve to deprive him of his gentle diversion, and -to clip his claws so soon. I am old and indolently content, -like Figaro of merry memory. Moreover, I have -not enough self-conceit to engage in any defense of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">xi</a></span> -my literary productions. To record some incidents of -a well-loved past, to chronicle some memories of a youth -long flown—this is my whole ambition.</p> - -<p>Many of the anecdotes, doubtless, will appear insignificant -and childish to some readers. Let these lay the -blame upon certain of our best men-of-letters, who besought -me to leave out nothing which could illustrate -the manners and customs of the early Canadians. "That -which will appear insignificant and childish to the eyes -of strangers," they urged, "in the records of a septuagenarian, -born but twenty-eight years after the conquest -of New France, will yet not fail to interest true Canadians."</p> - -<p>This production of mine shall be neither very dull -nor surpassingly brilliant. An author should assuredly -have too much self-respect to make his appeal exclusively -to the commonplace; and if I should make the -work too fine, it would be appreciated by none but the -<i>beaux esprits</i>. Under a constitutional government, a -candidate must concern himself rather with the number -than the quality of his votes.</p> - -<p>This work will be Canadian through and through. -It is hard for an old fellow of seventy to change his -ancient coat for garb of modern pattern.</p> - -<p>I must have also plenty of elbow-room. As for rule -and precept—which, by the way, I am well enough acquainted -with—I can not submit myself to them in a -work like this. Let the purists, the past masters in the -art of literature, shocked at my mistakes, dub my book -romance, memoir, annals, miscellany, hotch-potch. It -is all the same to me.</p> - -<p>Having accomplished my preface, let me make a -serious beginning with the following pretty bit of verse, -hitherto unpublished, and doubtless now much surprised -to find itself in such unworthy company:</p> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii">xii</a></span></p> - - - - -<p class="center" id="QUEBEC_1757">QUEBEC, 1757.</p> - - - -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">An eagle city on her heights austere,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Taker of tribute from the chainless flood,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">She watches wave above her in the clear<br /></span> -<span class="i2">The whiteness of her banner purged with blood.<br /></span> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Near her grim citadel the blinding sheen<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Of her cathedral spire triumphant soars,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Rocked by the Angelus, whose peal serene<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Beats over Beaupré and the Lévis shores.<br /></span> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Tossed in his light craft on the dancing wave,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">A stranger where he once victorious trod,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">The passing Iroquois, fierce-eyed and grave,<br /></span> -<span class="i2">Frowns on the flag of France, the cross of God.<br /></span> -</div></div></div> - - -<p>Let him who knows this Quebec of ours betake himself, -in body or in spirit, to the market of the Upper -Town, and consider the changes which the region has -undergone since the year of grace 1757, whereat my -story opens. There was then the same cathedral, minus -its modern tower, which seems to implore the charitable -either to raise it to its proper height or to decapitate its -lofty and scornful sister.</p> - -<p>The Jesuits' College, at a later date transformed into -a barrack, looked much the same as it does to-day; -but what has become of the church which stood of old -in the place of the present halls? Where is the grove of -venerable trees behind the building, which adorned the -grounds, now so bare, of this edifice sacred to the education -of Canadian youth? Time and the axe, alas! -have worked their will. In place of the merry sports, -the mirthful sallies of the students, the sober steps of -the professors, the high philosophic discourse, we hear -now the clatter of arms, the coarse jest of the guard.</p> - -<p>Instead of the market of the present day, some low-built -butchers' stalls, perhaps seven or eight in number, -occupied a little plot between the cathedral and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiii" id="Page_xiii">xiii</a></span> -college. Between these stalls and the college prattled -a brook, which, after descending St. Louis Street and -dividing Fabrique, traversed Couillard and the hospital -garden, on its way to the river St. Charles. Our fathers -were bucolic in their tastes!</p> - -<p>It is the end of April. The brook is overflowing; -children are amusing themselves by detaching from its -edges cakes of ice, which, shrinking as they go, overleap -all barriers, and lose themselves at last in the -mighty tide of the St. Lawrence. A poet, who finds -"sermons in stones, books in the running brooks," -dreaming over the scene, and marking the descent of -the ice-cakes, their pausings, their rebuffs, might have -compared them to those ambitious men who, after a -restless life, come with little wealth or fame to the end -of their career, and are swallowed up in eternity.</p> - -<p>The houses neighboring the market-place are, for -the most part, of but one story, unlike our modern -structures, which tower aloft as if dreading another -deluge.</p> - -<p>It is noon. The Angelus rings out from the cathedral -belfry. All the city chimes proclaim the greeting -of the angel to the Virgin, who is the Canadian's patron -saint. The loitering <i>habitants</i>, whose calashes surround -the stalls, take off their caps and devoutly murmur -the Angelus. All worshiping alike, there is none -to deride the pious custom.</p> - -<p>Some of our nineteenth-century Christians seem -ashamed to perform before others an act of worship; -which is proof, to say the least, of a shrinking or cowardly -spirit. The followers of Mohammed, who have the -courage of their convictions wherever they may chance -to be, will seven times daily make their prayers to Allah -under the eyes of the more timid Christians.</p> - -<p>The students of the Jesuits' College, noisy enough<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiv" id="Page_xiv">xiv</a></span> -on ordinary occasions, move to-day in a serious silence -from the church wherein they have been praying. What -causes this unusual seriousness? They are on the eve -of separation from two beloved fellow-students. The -younger of the two, who, being more of their age, was -wont to share more often in their boyish sports, was the -protector of the feeble against the strong, the impartial -arbitrator in all their petty disagreements.</p> - -<p>The great door of the college opens, and two young -men in traveling dress join the group of their fellow-students. -Two leathern portmanteaus, five feet long, -adorned with rings, chains, and padlocks which would -seem strong enough for the mooring of a ship, lie at -their feet. The younger of the two, slight and delicate-looking, -is perhaps eighteen years old. His dark -complexion, great black eyes, alert and keen, his abruptness -of gesture, proclaim his French blood. His name -is Jules D'Haberville. His father is one of the seigneurs, -captain of a company in the colonial marine.</p> - -<p>His companion, who is older by two or three years, -is much taller and more robust of frame. His fine blue -eyes, his chestnut hair, his blonde and ruddy complexion -with a few scattered freckles on face and hands, -his slightly aggressive chin—all these reveal a foreign -origin. This is Archibald Cameron of Lochiel, commonly -known as Archie of Lochiel, a young Scotch Highlander -who has been studying at the Jesuits' College in -Quebec. How is it that he, a stranger, finds himself in -this remote French colony? We will let the sequel -show.</p> - -<p>The young men are both notably good looking. -They are clad alike with hooded overcoat, scarlet leggings -edged with green ribbon, blue woolen knitted garters, -a broad belt of vivid colors embroidered with glass -beads, deer-hide moccasins tied in Iroquois fashion, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xv" id="Page_xv">xv</a></span> -insteps embroidered with porcupine-quills, and, finally, -caps of beaver-skin fastened over the ears by means of -a red silk handkerchief knotted under the chin.</p> - -<p>The younger betrays a feverish eagerness, and keeps -glancing along Buade Street.</p> - -<p>"You are in a hurry to leave us, Jules," said one of -his friends, reproachfully.</p> - -<p>"No," replied D'Haberville, "oh, no, indeed, my -dear De Laronde, I assure you; but, since this parting -must take place, I wish it over. It unnerves me; and -it is natural that I should be in a hurry to get back -home again."</p> - -<p>"That is right," said De Laronde; "and, moreover, -since you are a Canadian, we hope to see you again before -very long."</p> - -<p>"But with you the case is different, my dear Archie," -said another. "I fear this parting will be forever, if you -return to your own country."</p> - -<p>"Promise us that you will come back," cried all the -students.</p> - -<p>During this conversation Jules darts off like an arrow -to meet two men, each with an oar on his right shoulder, -who are hastening along by the cathedral. One of them -wears the costume of the <i>habitants</i>—capote of black -homespun, gray woolen cap, gray leggings and garters, -belt of many colors, and heavy cowhide larrigans tied -in the manner of the Iroquois. The dress of the other -is more like that of our young travelers, although much -less costly. The first, tall and rough-mannered, is a -ferryman of Point Lévis. The second, shorter, but of -athletic build, is a follower of Captain D'Haberville, -Jules's father. In times of war, a soldier; in peace, he -occupies the place of a favored servant. He is the -captain's foster-brother and of the same age. He is the -right hand of the family. He has rocked Jules in his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xvi" id="Page_xvi">xvi</a></span> -arms, singing him the gay catches of our up-river boatmen.</p> - -<p>"Dear José, how are you? How have you left them -all at home?" cried Jules, flinging his arms about him.</p> - -<p>"All well enough, thank God," replied Jose; "they -send you all kinds o' love, and are in a great way to see -you. But how you have grown in the last few months! -Lord! Master Jules, but it is good to set eyes on you -again."</p> - -<p>In spite of the familiar affection lavished upon José -by the whole D'Haberville family, he never forgot to be -scrupulously respectful.</p> - -<p>Jules overwhelms him with eager inquiries. He asks -about the servants, about the neighbors, and about the -old dog whom, when in his thirty-sixth lesson, he had -christened <i>Niger</i> to display his proficiency in Latin. -He has forgiven even the greedy cat who, the year before, -had gobbled up a young pet nightingale which he -had intended to take to college with him. In the first -heat of his wrath, it is true, he had hunted the assassin -with a club, under tables, chairs, and beds, and finally -on to the roof itself, which the guilty animal had sought -as an impregnable refuge. Now, however, he has forgiven -the creature's misdeeds and makes tender inquiry -after its health.</p> - -<p>"Hello there!" grumbles the ferryman, who takes -very little interest in the above scenes, "when you have -done slobbering and chattering about the cat and dog, -perhaps you'll make a move. The tide won't wait for -nobody."</p> - -<p>In spite of the impatience and ill-humor of the ferryman, -it took long to say farewell. Their instructors embraced -them affectionately.</p> - -<p>"You are to be soldiers, both of you", said the principal. -"In daily peril of your life upon the battle-field,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xvii" id="Page_xvii">xvii</a></span> -you must keep God ever before you. It may be the -will of Heaven that you fall. Be ready, therefore, at all -times, that you may go before the judgment-seat with a -clear conscience. Take this for your battle-cry—'God, -the King, and Fatherland!'"</p> - -<p>"Farewell!" exclaimed Archie—"you who have -opened your hearts to the stranger. Farewell, kind -friends, who have striven to make the poor exile forget -that he belonged to an alien race. Farewell, perhaps -forever."</p> - -<p>"This parting would be hard indeed for me," said -Jules, deeply moved, "had I not the hope that my -regiment will soon be ordered to Canada." Then, turning -to his instructors, he said:</p> - -<p>"I have tried your patience sorely, gentlemen, but -you know that my heart has always been better than my -head; I beg that you will forgive the one for the sake -of the other.—As for you, my fellow-students," he continued, -with a lightness that was somewhat forced, "you -must admit that, if I have tormented you sadly with my -nonsense during the last ten years, I have at least succeeded -in sometimes making you laugh."</p> - -<p>Seizing Archie by the arm, he hurried him off in order -to conceal his emotion.</p> - -<p>We may leave our travelers now to cross the St. -Lawrence, and rejoin them a little later at Point Lévis.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="smcap">The Author.</span><br /> -</p> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">19</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="center" id="CAMERON_OF_LOCHIEL">CAMERON OF LOCHIEL</p> - -<p class="center">——</p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.<br /> -<span class="chapsmall">D'HABERVILLE AND CAMERON OF LOCHIEL.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poetry">Give me, oh! give me back the days<br /> -When I—I too—was young,<br /> -And felt, as they now feel, each coming hour,<br /> -New consciousness of power....<br /> -<br /></div> -<div class="poetry">The fields, the grove, the air was haunted,<br /> -And all that age has disenchanted....<br /> -<br /></div> -<div class="poetry">Give me, oh! give youth's passions unconfined,<br /> -The rush of joy that felt almost like pain.<br /></div></div> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Goethe.</span></p> - - -<p>Archibald Cameron of Lochiel, son of a Highland -chief who had wedded a daughter of France, was but -four years old when he lost his mother. Brought up by -his father, who was, in the language of the Scriptures, a -valiant hunter in the sight of God, ever since ten years -old he had followed him in the chase of the roebuck and -other wild beasts, scaling the highest mountains, swimming -the icy torrents, making his couch on the wet sod -with no covering but his plaid, no roof but the vault of -heaven. Under such a Spartan training the boy came to -find his chief delight in this wild and wandering life.</p> - -<p>When Archie was but twelve years old, in the year -1745, his father joined the standard of that unhappy -young prince who, after the old romantic fashion, threw -himself into the arms of his Scottish countrymen, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">20</a></span> -called upon them to win him back a crown which the -bloody field of Culloden forced him to renounce forever.</p> - -<p>In the early days of this disastrous struggle, courage -was triumphant over numbers and discipline, and their -mountains re-echoed to their outmost isles the songs of -victory. The enthusiasm was at its height. The victory -seemed already won. But short-lived was their triumph. -After achievements of most magnificent heroism they -were forced to bow their necks to defeat. Lochiel shared -the fate of the many brave whose blood reddened the -heather on Culloden.</p> - -<p>An uncle of Archie's, who had also followed the -standard and fortunes of the unhappy prince, had the -good fortune, after the disaster of Culloden, to save his -head from the scaffold. Through a thousand perils, -over a thousand obstacles, he made good his flight to -France with his orphan nephew. The old gentleman, -ruined in fortune and under sentence of banishment, -was having a hard struggle to support himself and his -charge, when a Jesuit, an uncle of the boy on his -mother's side, undertook a share of the burden. Archie -was sent to the Jesuits' College in Quebec. Having completed -a thorough course in mathematics, he is leaving -college when the reader makes his acquaintance.</p> - -<p>Archibald Cameron of Lochiel, whom the harsh hand -of misfortune had brought to an early maturity, knew -not at first what to make of a boy noisy, troublesome -and mocking, who seemed the despair alike of masters -and students. To be sure, the boy had not all the fun -on his own side. Out of twenty canings and impositions -bestowed upon his class, Jules D'Haberville was -sure to pocket at least nineteen for his share.</p> - -<p>It must be acknowledged, also, that the older pupils, -driven to the end of their patience, bestowed upon him -sometimes more knocks than nuts; but you would have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">21</a></span> -thought the youngster regarded all this as an encouragement, -so ready was he to resume his tricks. We may -add that Jules, without being vindictive, never wholly -overlooked an injury. In one way or another he always -made matters even. His satire, his home thrusts, which -could bring a flush to the face of even the most self-possessed, -served his purpose very effectually with the -masters or with those larger students whom he could -not otherwise reach.</p> - -<p>He had adopted it as his guiding principle, that he -would never acknowledge himself beaten; and it was -necessary, therefore, for his opponents, when weary of -war, to make him proposals of peace.</p> - -<p>The reader will doubtless conclude that the boy was -cordially disliked; on the contrary, every one was fond -of him; he was the pet of the college. The truth is, -Jules had such a heart as pulses all too rarely in the -breast of man. To say that he was generous to a fault, -that he was ever ready to defend the absent, to sacrifice -himself in order to conceal the faults of others, would -not give an adequate description of his character. The -following incident will reveal him more effectively: When -he was about twelve years old, a senior student got out -of patience and kicked him; with no intention, however, -of hurting him much. It was contrary to Jules's code -of honor to carry complaints to the masters. He contented -himself with replying to his assailant: "You are -too thick-headed, you big brute, for me to waste any -sarcasm on you. You would not understand it. One -must pierce your hide in some other way; but be patient, -you will lose nothing by waiting!"</p> - -<p>After rejecting certain more or less ingenious schemes -of vengeance, Jules resolved to catch his enemy asleep -and shave his eyebrows—a punishment which would be -easy to inflict, as Dubuc, the youth who had kicked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">22</a></span> -him, was a mighty heavy sleeper. This plan had the -further advantage of touching him on a most sensitive -point, for he was a handsome fellow and a good deal of -a dandy.</p> - -<p>Jules had just decided on this revenge, when he heard -Dubuc say to one of his friends, who had rallied him on -looking gloomy:</p> - -<p>"Indeed, I have good reason to be, for I expect my -father to-morrow. I have got into debt with the shop-keepers, -hoping that my mother would come to Quebec -ahead of him, and would relieve me without his knowing -anything about it. Father is close-fisted and violent. -He will probably strike me in the first heat of his anger; -and I don't know where to hide my head. I have a -mind to run away until the storm is over."</p> - -<p>"Oh," said Jules, "why don't you let me help you -out of the scrape?"</p> - -<p>"The devil you say!" exclaimed Dubuc, shaking -his head.</p> - -<p>"Why," said Jules, "do you think that on account -of a kick, more or less, I would leave a fellow-student -in a scrape and exposed to the violence of his amiable -papa? To be sure, you almost broke my back, but that -is another affair, which we will settle later. How much -cash do you want?"</p> - -<p>"My dear fellow," answered Dubuc, "that would be -abusing your kindness. I need a large sum, and I know -you are not in funds just now; for you emptied your -purse to help that poor woman whose husband was -killed the other day."</p> - -<p>"A pretty story," said Jules. "As if one could not -always find money to save a friend from the wrath of a -father who is going to break his neck! How much do -you want?"</p> - -<p>"Fifty francs!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">23</a></span></p> - -<p>"You shall have them this evening," said the boy.</p> - -<p>Jules, an only son, belonging to a rich family, indulged -by everybody, had his pockets always full of -money. Father and mother, uncles and aunts, godfathers -and godmothers, they all kept loudly proclaiming -that boys should not have too much money to spend. -At the same time they outdid each other in surreptitiously -supplying his purse!</p> - -<p>Dubuc, however, had spoken truly; the boy's purse -was empty for the moment. Fifty francs was, moreover, -quite a sum in those days. The King of France was -paying his red allies only fifty francs for an English -scalp. His Britannic Majesty, richer or more generous, -was paying a hundred for the scalp of a Frenchman!</p> - -<p>Jules did not care to apply to his uncles and his -aunts, the only relations he had in the city. His first -thought was to borrow fifty francs by pawning his gold -watch, which was worth at least twenty-five louis. Revolving -the matter, however, he bethought himself of a -certain old woman, a servant of the house, whom his -father had dowered at her marriage, and to whom he had -afterward advanced enough money to set her up in business. -The business had prospered in her hands. She -was a widow, rich and childless.</p> - -<p>There were difficulties to surmount, however. The -old dame was rather avaricious and crusty; and on the -occasion of Jules's last visit they had not parted on the -best terms possible. She had even chased him into the -street with a broomstick. The boy had done nothing -more, however, than play her a little trick. He had given -her pet spaniel a dose of snuff, and when the old lady -ran to the help of her dog, who was conducting himself -like a lunatic, he had emptied the rest of the snuff-box -into a dandelion salad which she was carefully picking -over for her supper.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">24</a></span></p> - -<p>"Hold on, mother," he cried, as he ran away, "there -is a good seasoning for you."</p> - -<p>Jules saw that it was very necessary to make his -peace with the good dame, and hence these preliminaries. -He threw his arms about her neck on entering, in spite -of the old woman's attempt to shield herself from these -too ardent demonstrations, after the way he had affronted -her.</p> - -<p>"See, my dear Madeleine," he cried, "I am come to -pardon thine offenses as thou must pardon all who have -offended against thee. Everybody says thou art stingy -and revengeful, but that is no business of mine. Thou -wilt get quit of it by roasting a little while in another -world. I wash my hands of it entirely."</p> - -<p>Madeleine hardly knew whether to laugh or be angry -at this fantastic preamble; but, as she was fond of the -boy, for all his tricks, she took the wiser course and -smiled good-naturedly.</p> - -<p>"Now that we are in a better humor," continued -Jules, "let us proceed to business. I have been a little -foolish and have got into debt, and I dread to trouble -my good father about it. In fact, I want fifty francs to -settle the unfortunate business. Can you lend me that -much?"</p> - -<p>"Indeed, now, Master D'Haberville," answered the -old dame, "if that were all I had in the world, I would -give it all to save your father any trouble. I owe so -much to your father."</p> - -<p>"Tut!" said Jules, "if you talk of those ha'pennies, -there's an end of business. But listen, my good Madeleine, -since I might break my neck when I least expect -it, or still more probably when climbing on the roof or -among the city bells, I must give you a bit of writing for -security. I hope, however, to pay you back in a month -at latest."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">25</a></span></p> - -<p>At this Madeleine was seriously offended. She refused -the note, and counted him out the money. Jules -almost choked her with his embrace, sprang through the -window into the street and hurried back to the college.</p> - -<p>At recess time that evening Dubuc was freed from -all anxiety on the score of his amiable papa.</p> - -<p>"But remember," said D'Haberville, "I still owe -you for that kick."</p> - -<p>"Hold on, dear boy," exclaimed Dubuc, with feeling. -"I wish you would settle that right now. Break -my head or my back with the poker, only let us settle -it. To think that, after all you have done for me, you -are still bearing me a grudge, would be nothing less than -torture."</p> - -<p>"A fine idea that," exclaimed the boy, "to think -that I bear any one a grudge because I am in his debt -in regard to a little exchange of compliments! So that -is how you take it, eh? Shake, then, and let us think -no more about it. You may brag of being the only one -to scratch me without my having drawn his blood in return."</p> - -<p>With these words he sprang upon the young man's -shoulders like a monkey, pulled out a few hairs to satisfy -his conscience, and scampered off to join the merry -group which was waiting for him.</p> - -<p>Archibald of Lochiel, matured by bitter experiences, -and on that account more self-contained and more reserved -than other boys of his age, on his first coming to -college hardly knew whether to smile or be angry at the -frolics of the little imp who seemed to have taken him -for his special butt, and who hardly left him any peace. -He could not be expected to divine that this was Jules's -manner of showing his affection for those he loved the -most. One day, driven to the end of his forbearance, -Archie said to him:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">26</a></span></p> - -<p>"Do you know, you would try the patience of a -saint! Verily I don't know what to do with you."</p> - -<p>"But you have a way out of your difficulties," answered -Jules. "My skin itches; give me a good hiding, -and I'll leave you in peace. That will be easy enough -for you, you young Hercules."</p> - -<p>Lochiel, indeed, accustomed from his infancy to the -trying sports of the young Highlanders, was at fourteen -marvelously strong for his years.</p> - -<p>"Do you think," exclaimed Archie, "that I am such -a coward as to strike a boy younger and weaker than -myself?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, no," said Jules; "I see we agree on that score—never -a knock for a little fellow. What suits me is a -good tussle with a fellow of my own age, or even a little -older; then shake hands and think no more about it. -By the way," continued Jules, "you know that comical -dog De Chavigny? He is older than I am, but so weak -and miserable that I have never had the heart to punch -him, although he has played me such a trick as even -St. Francis himself would hardly pardon. Just think of -him running to me all out of breath and exclaiming: -'I've just snatched an egg from that greedy Letourneau, -who had stolen it out of the refectory. Here, hide it; -he's after me!'</p> - -<p>"'Where do you want me to hide it?' said I.</p> - -<p>"'Oh, in your hat,' he answered; 'he'll never think -of looking for it there.'</p> - -<p>"As for me, I was fool enough to do it. I ought to -have mistrusted him.</p> - -<p>"In a moment Letourneau came up and jammed -my cap down over my eyes. The accursed egg nearly -blinded me, and I swear did not smell like a rose-garden! -It was an addled egg found by Chavigny -in a nest which the hen had probably abandoned a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">27</a></span> -month before. I got out of that mess with the loss of -a cap, a vest, and other garments. Well, after the first -of my fury was over, I could not help laughing; and if -I bear him any grudge at all, it is for having got ahead -of me with so neat a trick. I should love to get it off -on Derome, who keeps his hair so charmingly powdered. -As for Letourneau, since he was too stupid to have invented -the trick myself, I contented myself with saying -to him, 'Blessed are they of little wit'; and he -professed himself proud of the compliment, being glad -enough, after all, to get off so cheaply.</p> - -<p>"And now, my dear Archie," continued Jules, "let -us come to terms. I am a kindly potentate, and my -conditions shall be most easy. To please you, I undertake, -on the word of a gentleman, to diminish by one -third those tricks of mine which you lack the good -taste to appreciate. Come, now, you ought to be satisfied -with that if you are not utterly unreasonable, for -you see, my dear boy, I love you. I would not have -made peace with any one else on such advantageous -terms."</p> - -<p>Lochiel could not help laughing as he shook the -irrepressible lad. It was from this conversation that -the friendship between the two boys took its beginning—on -Archie's part with a truly Scottish restraint, on the -side of Jules with the passionate warmth of which the -French heart is capable.</p> - -<p>A few weeks later, about a month before the vacation, -which began then on the 15th of August, Jules -seized his friend's arm and whispered:</p> - -<p>"Come into my room. I have just had a letter from -father which concerns you."</p> - -<p>"Concerns me!" exclaimed the other in astonishment.</p> - -<p>"Why are you surprised?" retorted D'Haberville.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">28</a></span> -"Do you think you are not of sufficient importance for -any one to concern himself about you? Why, all New -France is talking about the handsome Scotchman. The -mammas, fearing your influence on the <ins title="Transcriber's note: original reads 'imflammable'">inflammable</ins> -hearts of their daughters, talk seriously of petitioning our -principal never to let you appear in public except with -a veil on, like the women of the East."</p> - -<p>"Come, stop your fooling, and let me go on with my -reading."</p> - -<p>"But I am very much in earnest," said Jules. And, -dragging his friend along with him, he read him part of -a letter from his father, which ran as follows:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"What you tell me about your young friend, Master de Lochiel, -interests me very much. I grant your request with the greatest -pleasure. Give him my compliments, and beg him to come and spend -his next vacation with us, and all his vacations so long as he is attending -college. If he does not consider this invitation sufficiently -formal, I will write to him myself. His father sleeps upon a glorious -field. Soldiers are brothers everywhere; so should their sons -be likewise. Let him come to our own hearth-stone, and our hearts -shall open to him as to one of our own blood."</p></blockquote> - -<p>Archie was so affected by the warmth of this invitation -that for some moments he could not answer.</p> - -<p>"Come, my haughty Scotlander, will you do us the -honor?" said his friend. "Or must my father send, on -a special embassy, his chief butler, José Dubé, with -the bagpipes slung on his back in the form of a St. -Andrew's cross—as is the custom, I believe, among your -Highland chiefs—to present you his invitation with all -due formality?"</p> - -<p>"As, fortunately, I am no longer in my Highlands," -said Archie, laughing, "we can dispense with these formalities. -I shall write at once to Captain D'Haberville, -and thank him with my whole heart for his noble generosity -to the exiled orphan."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">29</a></span></p> - -<p>"Then, let us speak reasonably for once," said Jules, -"if only for the novelty of the thing. You think me very -light, silly, and scatter-brained. I acknowledge that -there is a little of all that in me, which does not prevent -me from being in earnest more often than you think. I -have long been seeking a friend, a true and high-hearted -friend. I have watched you very closely, and I find you -all I could wish. Lochiel, will you be my friend?"</p> - -<p>"Without a moment's question, my dear boy," answered -Archie, "for I have always felt strongly attracted -toward you."</p> - -<p>"Well, then," cried Jules, grasping his hand warmly, -"it is for life and death with us Lochiel!"</p> - -<p>Thus, between a boy of twelve and a boy of fourteen, -was ratified a friendship which in the sequel will be exposed -to the crudest tests.</p> - -<p>"Here's a letter from mother," said Jules, "in which -there is a word for you":</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"I hope your friend, Master de Lochiel, will do us the pleasure -of accepting your father's invitation. We are all eager to meet him. -His room is ready, alongside of your own. In the box which José -will hand you there is a parcel for him which he would grieve me -greatly by refusing. In sending it I am thinking of the mother he -has lost."</p></blockquote> - -<p>The box contained equal shares for the two boys of -cakes, sweetmeats, jams, and other dainties.</p> - -<p>The friendship between the two boys grew stronger -day by day. They became inseparable. Their college-mates -dubbed them variously Damon and Pythias, Orestes -and Pylades, Nisus and Euryalus. At last they -called them the brothers.</p> - -<p>All the time Lochiel was at college he spent his -vacations with the D'Habervilles, who made no difference -between the two boys unless to lavish the more -marked attentions upon the young Scotchman who had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">30</a></span> -become as it were a son of the house. It was most -natural, then, that Archie, before sailing for Europe, -should accompany Jules on his farewell visit to his -father's house.</p> - -<p>The friendship between the two young men, as we -have already said, is destined to be put to the bitterest -trial, when that code of honor which has been substituted -by civilization for the truest sentiments of the -human heart, shall come to teach them the obligations -of men who are fighting under hostile flags. But why -anticipate the dark future? Have they not enjoyed -during almost ten years of college life the passing griefs, -the little jealousies, the eager pleasures, the differences -and ardent reconciliations which characterize a boyish -friendship?</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">31</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"><h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.<br /> -<span class="chapsmall">A NIGHT WITH THE SORCERERS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry"><div class="stanza">Angels and ministers of grace, defend us!<br /> -Be thou a spirit of health, or goblin damned,<br /> -Bring with thee airs from heaven, or blasts from hell.</div></div> - -<p class="right"><i>Hamlet.</i></p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="center">Ecoute comme les bois crient. Les hiboux fuient épouvantés.... -Entends-tu ces voix dans les hauteurs, dans le lointain, ou près de nous?... -Eh! oui! la montagne retentit, dans toute sa longueur, d'un furieux -chant magique.</p> - -<p class="right"><i>Faust.</i></p></blockquote> - -<p class="center"> -Lest bogles catch him unawares....<br /> -<br /> -Where ghaits and howlets nightly cry....<br /> -<br /> -When out the hellish legion sallied.<br /> -</p> -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Burns.</span> -</p> - - -<p>As soon as our young travelers, crossing the St. -Lawrence opposite Quebec, have reached Point Lévis, -José makes haste to harness a splendid Norman horse -into one of those low sledges which furnish the only -means of transport at this season, when the roads are -only covered here and there with snow or ice, and when -overflowing streams intercept the way at intervals. When -they come to one of these obstacles José unharnesses the -horse, all three mount, and the brook is speedily forded. -It is true that Jules, who clasps José around the waist, -tries every now and then to throw him off, at the risk of -partaking with him the luxury of a bath at a little above -zero. He might as well have tried to throw Cape Tourmente -into the St. Lawrence. José, who, in spite of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">32</a></span> -comparatively small stature, is as strong as an elephant, -laughs in his sleeve and pretends not to notice it. The -brook forded, José goes back for the sledge, reharnesses -the horse, climbs into the sledge with the baggage in -front of him lest he should get it wet, and speedily overtakes -his fellow-travelers, who have not halted a moment -in their march.</p> - -<p>Thanks to Jules, the conversation never flags during -the journey. Archie does nothing but laugh over the -witticisms that Jules perpetrates at his expense. He -has long given up attempting any retort.</p> - -<p>"We must hurry," exclaimed D'Haberville; "it is -thirty-six miles from here to St. Thomas. My uncle -De Beaumont takes supper at seven. If we get there -too late, we shall probably make a poor meal. The good -things will be all gobbled up. You know the proverb, -<i>tarde venientibus ossa</i>."</p> - -<p>"Scotch hospitality is proverbial," exclaimed Archie. -"With us the welcome is the same day or night. That -is the cook's business."</p> - -<p>"Verily," said Jules, "I believe it as if I saw it with -my own eyes; were it otherwise it would show a plentiful -lack of skill or good-will on the part of your peticoated -cooks. It is delightfully primitive, that Scotch -cookery of yours. With a few handfuls of oatmeal -sodden in cold water—since you have neither wood -nor coal in your country—you can make an excellent -soup at little cost and with no great expenditure of -culinary science, and feast your guests as well in the -night as in the daytime. It is quite true that, when -some distinguished personage seeks your hospitality—which -often happens, since Scotland is loaded down -with enough coats-of-arms to crush a camel—it is true -I say, that you set before him, in addition to your oatmeal -soup, the head, feet, or nice, juicy tail of a sheep,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">33</a></span> -with salt for sauce; the other parts of the animal never -seem to grow in Scotland."</p> - -<p>Lochiel contented himself with glancing at Jules -over his shoulder and repeating:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"'Quis talia fando Myrmidonum, -Dolopumve'—"</p></blockquote> - -<p>"What's that?" exclaimed Jules, in assumed indignation; -"you call me a Myrmidon, a Dolopian—me, the -philosopher! And, moreover, my worthy pedant, you -abuse me in Latin—you who so murder the accent with -your Caledonian tongue that Virgil must squirm in his -grave! You call me a Myrmidon—me, the geometrician -of my class! You remember that the Professor of -Mathematics predicted that I should be another Vauban—"</p> - -<p>"Yes, indeed," interrupted Archie, "in recognition -of your famous perpendicular line, which leaned so -much to the left that all the class trembled lest it should -fall and crush its base; seeing which, our professor -sought to console you by predicting that your services -would be required in case of the reconstruction of the -Tower of Pisa."</p> - -<p>Jules struck a tragic attitude and cried:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"'Tu t'en souviens, Cinna! et veux m'assassiner.'</p></blockquote> - -<p>"You are going to stab me upon the king's highway, -beside this mighty St. Lawrence, untouched by all the -beauty of nature which surrounds us—untouched by -yon lovely cascade of Montmorency, which the <i>habitants</i> -call 'The Cow,' a title very much the reverse of poetic, -but which, nevertheless, expresses well enough the exquisite -whiteness of the stream which leaps from its -bosom like the rich and foaming flow from the milch-cow's -udder. You are going to stab me right in sight of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">34</a></span> -the Isle of Orleans, which, as we go on, conceals from -our view the lovely waterfall which I have so poetically -described! Heartless wretch! will nothing make you relent—not -even the sight of poor José here, who is touched -by all this wisdom and eloquence in one so young, as -Fénelon would have said could he have written my adventures?"</p> - -<p>"Do you know," interrupted Archie, "you are at -least as remarkable in poetry as you are in geometry?"</p> - -<p>"Who can doubt it?" answered Jules. "No matter, -my perpendicular made you all laugh and myself most -of all. You know, however, that that was only another -trick of that scamp De Chavigny, who had stolen my -exercise and rolled up another in place of it, which I -handed in to the teacher. You all pretended not to -believe me, since you were but too glad to see the -trickster tricked."</p> - -<p>José, who ordinarily took little part in the young -men's conversation, and who, moreover, had been unable -to understand what they had just been talking about, -now began to mutter under his breath:</p> - -<p>"What a queer kind of a country that, where the -sheep have only heads, feet, and tails, and not even a -handful of a body! But, after all, it is none of my business; -the men who are the masters will fix things to -suit themselves; but I can't help thinking of the poor -horses!"</p> - -<p>José, who was a regular jockey, had a most tender -consideration for these noble beasts. Then, turning to -Archie, he touched his cap and said:</p> - -<p>"Saving your presence, sir, if the gentry themselves -eat all the oats in your country, which is because they -have nothing better to eat, I suppose, what do the poor -horses do? They require to be well fed if they do much -hard work."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">35</a></span></p> - -<p>The young men burst out laughing. José, a little -abashed by their ridicule, exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"Excuse me if I have said anything foolish. One -may make mistakes without being drunk, just like Master -Jules there, who was telling you that the <i>habitants</i> -call Montmorency Falls 'The Cow' because their foam -is white as milk. Now, I have a suspicion that it is because -they bellow like a cow in certain winds. At least -that is what the old bodies say when they get chattering."</p> - -<p>"Don't be angry, old boy," answered Jules, "you -are probably quite right. We were laughing because -you thought there were horses in Scotland. The animal -is unknown in that country."</p> - -<p>"What! no horses, sir? What do the folks do when -they want to travel?"</p> - -<p>"When I say no horses," answered D'Haberville, -"you must not understand me too literally. They have -an animal resembling our horses, but not much taller -than my big dog Niger. It lives in the mountains, wild -as our caribous, and not altogether unlike them. When -a Highlander wants to travel, he sounds his bagpipe; -all the villagers gather together and he unfolds to them -his project. Then they scatter through the woods, or -rather through the heather, and after a day or two of -toil and tribulation they succeed, occasionally, in capturing -one of these charming beasts; then, after another -day or two, if the brute is not too obstinate, and if the -Highlander has enough patience, he sets out on his -journey, and sometimes even succeeds in coming to the -end of it."</p> - -<p>"Well, I must say," retorted Lochiel, "you are a -pretty one to be making fun of my Highlanders! You -have good right to be proud of this princely turn-out of -your own! It will be hard for posterity to believe that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">36</a></span> -the high and mighty lord of D'Haberville sends for his -son and heir in a sort of dung-cart without wheels! -Doubtless he will send some outriders on ahead of us, in -order that nothing shall be lacking in our triumphal approach -to the manor of St. Jean Port Joli!"</p> - -<p>"Well done, Lochiel! you are saved, brother mine," -cried Jules. "A very neat home thrust. Claws for -claws, as one of your Scottish saints exclaimed -one day, when he was having a scrimmage with the -devil."</p> - -<p>José, during this discussion, was scratching his head -disconsolately. Like Caleb Balderstone, in The Bride of -Lammermoor, he was very sensitive on all subjects -touching his master's honor.</p> - -<p>"What a wretched fool I am!" he cried in a piteous -voice. "It is all my fault. The seigneur has four carryalls -in his coach-house, of which two are brand new and -varnished up like fiddles, so that I used one for a looking-glass -last Sunday. So, then, when the seigneur said -to me yesterday morning, 'Get ready, José, for you must -go to Quebec to fetch my son and his friend Mr. de -Lochiel; see that you take a proper carriage'—I, like -a fool, said to myself that when the roads were so bad -the only thing to take was a sled like this! Oh, yes, I'm -in for a good scolding! I shall get off cheap if I have -to do without my brandy for a month! At three -drinks a day," added José, "that will make a loss -of ninety good drinks, without counting extras. But -it's all the same to me; I'll take my punishment like a -man."</p> - -<p>The young men were greatly amused at José's ingenious -lying for the honor of his master.</p> - -<p>"Now," said Archie, "since you seem to have emptied -your budget of all the absurdities that a hair-brained -French head can contain, try and speak seriously, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">37</a></span> -tell me why the Isle of Orleans is called the Isle of the -Sorcerers."</p> - -<p>"For the very simple reason," answered Jules, "that -a great many sorcerers live there."</p> - -<p>"There you begin again with your nonsense," said -Lochiel.</p> - -<p>"I am in earnest," said Jules. "These Scotch are -unbearably conceited. They can't acknowledge any -excellence in other nations. Do you think, my dear -fellow, that Scotland has the monopoly of witches and -wizards? I would beg you to know that we too have -our sorcerers; and that two hours ago, between Point -Lévis and Beaumont, I might as easily as not have introduced -you to a very respectable sorceress. I would -have you know, moreover, that on the estate of my -illustrious father you shall see a witch of the most remarkable -skill. The difference is, my dear boy, that in -Scotland you burn them, while here we treat them in a -manner fitting their power and social influence. Ask -José if I am not telling the truth?"</p> - -<p>José did not fail to confirm all he said. In his eyes -the witches of Beaumont and St. Jean Port Joli were -genuine and mighty sorceresses.</p> - -<p>"But to speak seriously," continued Jules, "since -you would make a reasonable man of me, <i>nolens volens</i>, -as my sixth-form master used to say when he gave me a -dose of the strap, I believe the fable takes its rise from -the fact that the <i>habitants</i> on the north and south shores -of the river, seeing the islanders on dark nights go out -fishing with torches, mistake their lights for will-o'-the-wisps. -Then, you know that our country folk regard -the will-o'-the-wisps as witches, or as evil spirits who -endeavor to lure the wandering wretch to his death. -They even profess to hear them laugh when the deluded -traveler falls into the quagmire. The truth is, that there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">38</a></span> -is an inflammable gas continually escaping from our bogs -and swampy places, from which to the hobgoblins and -sorcerers is but a single step."</p> - -<p>"Impossible," said Archie; "your logic is at fault, -as the professor so often had to tell you. You see the -inhabitants of the north and south shores themselves go -fishing with torches, whence, according to your reasoning, -the islanders should have called them sorcerers; which -is not the case."</p> - -<p>While Jules was shaking his head, with no answer -ready, José took up the word.</p> - -<p>"If you would let me speak, gentlemen, I might explain -your difficulty by telling you what happened to -my late father who is now dead."</p> - -<p>"Oh, by all means, tell us that; tell us what happened -to your late father who is now dead," cried Jules, -with a marked emphasis on the last four words.</p> - -<p>"Yes, my dear José, do us the favor of telling us -about it," added Lochiel.</p> - -<p>"I can't half tell the story," answered José, "for, -you see, I have neither the fine accent nor the splendid -voice of my lamented parent. When he used to tell us -what happened to him in his vigil, our bodies would -shake so, as if with ague, as would do you good to see. -But I'll do my best to satisfy you:</p> - -<p>"It happened one day that my late father, who is -now dead, had left the city for home somewhat late. He -had even diverted himself a little, so to speak, with his -acquaintances in Point Lévis. Like an honest man, he -loved his drop; and on his journeys he always carried a -flask of brandy in his dogfish-skin satchel. They say -the liquor is the milk for old men."</p> - -<p>"<i>Lac dulce</i>," interjected Archie, sententiously.</p> - -<p>"Begging your pardon, Mr. Archie," answered José, -with some warmth, "it was neither <i>sweet water</i> (<i>de l'eau</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">39</a></span> -<i>douce</i>) nor <i>lake-water</i> (<i>eau de lac</i>), but very good, unadulterated -brandy which my late father, now dead, was -carrying in his satchel."</p> - -<p>"Capital, upon my word!" cried Jules. "It serves -you right for your perpetual Latin quotations!"</p> - -<p>"I beg your pardon, José," said Lochiel, very seriously. -"I intended not the shadow of disrespect to -your late father."</p> - -<p>"You are excused, sir," said José, entirely mollified. -"It happened that it was quite dark when my father at -last got under way. His friends did their best to keep -him all night, telling him that he would have to pass, all -by himself, the iron cage wherein <i>La Corriveau</i> did penance -for having killed her husband.</p> - -<p>"You saw it yourselves, gentlemen, when leaving -Point Lévis at one o'clock. She was quiet then in her -cage, the wicked creature, with her eyeless skull. But -never you trust to her being blind. She is a cunning -one, you had better believe! If she can't see in the -daytime, she knows well enough how to find her way -to torment poor folks at night. Well, as for my late -father, who was as brave as his captain's sword, he told -his friends that he didn't care—that he didn't owe <i>La -Corriveau</i> a farthing—with a heap more reasons which I -can not remember now. He put the whip to his horse, -a fine brute that could travel like the wind, and was -gone in a second.</p> - -<p>"As he was passing the skeleton, he thought he heard -a noise, a sort of wailing; but, as a heavy southwest -wind was blowing, he made up his mind it was only the -gale whistling through the bones of the corpse. It gave -him a kind of a start, nevertheless, and he took a good pull -at the flask to brace himself up. All things considered, -however, as he said to himself, Christians should be ready -to help each other; perhaps the poor creature was wanting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">40</a></span> -his prayers. He took off his cap and devoutly recited -a <i>de profundis</i> for her benefit, thinking that, if it -didn't do her any good, it could at least do her no harm, -and that he himself would be the better for it. Well, -then he kept on as fast as he could; but, for all that, he -heard a queer sound behind him—tic-tac, tic-tac, like a -piece of iron striking on the stones. He thought it was -the tire of his wheel, or some piece of the wagon, that -had come unfastened. He got out to see, but found -everything snug. He touched the horse to make up for -lost time, but after a little he heard again that tic-tac, -tic-tac, on the stones. Being brave, he didn't pay much -attention.</p> - -<p>"When he got to the high ground of St. Michel, -which we passed a little way back, he grew very drowsy. -'After all,' said my late father, 'a man is not a dog! let -us take a little nap; we'll both be the better for it, my -horse and I.' Well, he unharnessed his horse, tied his -legs so he would not wander too far, and said: 'There, -my pet, there's good grass, and you can hear the brook -yonder. Good-night.'</p> - -<p>"As my late father crawled himself into the wagon to -keep out of the dew, it struck him to wonder what time -it was. After studying the 'Three Kings' to the south'ard -and the 'Wagon' to the north'ard, he made up his -mind it must be midnight. 'It is time,' said he, 'for -honest men to be in bed.'</p> - -<p>"Suddenly, however, it seemed to him as if Isle d'Orléans -was on fire. He sprang over the ditch, leaned on -the fence, opened his eyes wide, and stared with all his -might. He saw at last that the flames were dancing up -and down the shore, as if all the will-o'-the-wisps, all the -damned souls of Canada, were gathered there to hold the -witches' sabbath. He stared so hard that his eyes which -had grown a little dim grew very clear again, and he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">41</a></span> -saw a curious sight; you would have said they were a -kind of men, a queer breed altogether. They had a -head big as a peck measure, topped off with a pointed -cap a yard long; then they had arms, legs, feet, and -hands armed with long claws, but no body to speak of. -Their crotch, begging your pardon, gentlemen, was split -right up to their ears. They had scarcely anything in -the way of flesh; they were kind of all bone, like skeletons. -Every one of these pretty fellows had his upper -lip split like a rabbit's, and through the split stuck out a -rhinoceros tusk a foot long, like you see, Mr. Archie, in -your book of unnatural history. As for the nose, it was -nothing more nor less, begging your pardon, than a long -pig's snout, which they would rub first on one side and -then on the other of their great tusk, perhaps to sharpen -it. I almost forgot to say that they had a long tail, -twice as long as a cow's, which they used, I suppose, to -keep off the flies.</p> - -<p>"The funniest thing of all was that there were but -three eyes to every couple of imps. Those that had but -one eye, in the middle of the forehead, like those Cyclopes -that your uncle, who is a learned man, Mr. Jules, -used to read to us about out of that big book of his, all -Latin, like the priest's prayer-book, which he called his -Virgil—those that had but one eye held each by the claw -two novices with the proper number of eyes. Out of all -these eyes spurted the flames which lit up Isle d'Orléans -like broad day. The novices seemed very respectful to -their companions, who were, as one might say, half -blind; they bowed down to them, they fawned upon -them, they fluttered their arms and legs, just like good -Christians dancing the minuet.</p> - -<p>"The eyes of my late father were fairly starting out of -his head. It was worse and worse when they began to -jump and dance without moving from their places, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">42</a></span> -to chant in a voice as hoarse as that of a choking cow, -this song:</p> - - -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="poem"> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"Hoary Frisker, Goblin gay,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Long-nosed Neighbor, come away!<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Come my Grumbler in the mud,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Brother Frog of tainted blood!<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Come, and on this juicy Christian<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Let us feast it while we may!"<br /></span> -</div></div></div> - -<p>"'Ah! the accursed heathens,' exclaimed my late -father, 'an honest man can not be sure of his property -for a moment! Not satisfied with having stolen my -favorite song, which I always keep to wind up with at -weddings and feasts, just see how they've played the -devil with it! One would hardly recognize it. It is -Christians instead of good wine that they are going to -treat themselves to, the scoundrels!'</p> - -<p>"Then the imps went on with their hellish song, glaring -at my late father, and curling their long snouts -around their great rhinoceros tusks:</p> - - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"Come, my tricksy Traveler's Guide,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Devil's Minion true and tried.<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Come, my Sucking-Pig, my Simple,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Brother Wart and Brother Pimple;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Here's a fat and juicy Frenchman<br /></span> -<span class="i0">To be pickled, to be fried!"<br /></span> -</div></div></div> - - -<p>"'All that I can say to you just now, my darlings,' -cried my late father, 'is that if you get no more fat to -eat than what I'm going to bring you on my lean carcass -you'll hardly need to skim your broth.'</p> - -<p>"The goblins, however, seemed to be expecting -something, for they kept turning their heads every moment. -My late father looked in the same direction. -What was that he saw on the hill-side? A mighty devil, -built like the rest, but as long as the steeple St. Michel,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">43</a></span> -which we passed awhile back. Instead of the pointed -bonnet, he wore a three-horned hat, topped with a big -thorn bush in place of a feather. He had but one eye, -blackguard that he was, but that was as good as a dozen. -He was doubtless the drum-major of the regiment, for he -held in his hand a saucepan twice as big as our maple-sugar -kettles, which hold twenty gallons, and in the -other hand a bell-clapper, which no doubt the dog of a -heretic had stolen from some church before its consecration. -He pounded on his saucepan, and all the -scoundrels began to laugh, to jump, to flutter, nodding -to my late father as if inviting him to come and amuse -himself with them.</p> - -<p>"'You'll wait a long time, my lambs,' thought my late -father to himself, his teeth chattering in his head as if -he had the shaking fever—'you will wait a long time, -my gentle lambs. I'm not in any hurry to quit the good -Lord's earth to live with the goblins!'</p> - -<p>"Suddenly the tall devil began to sing a hellish -round, accompanying himself on the saucepan, which -he beat furiously, and all the goblins darted away like -lightning—so fast, indeed, that it took them less than a -minute to go all the way around the island. My poor -late father was so stupefied by the hubbub that he could -not remember more than three verses of the song, which -ran like this:</p> - -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -"Here's the spot that suits us well<br /> -When it gets too hot in hell—<br /> -Toura-loura;<br /> -Here we go all round,<br /> -Hands all round,<br /> -Here we go all round.<br /> -<br /> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -"Come along and stir your sticks,<br /> -You jolly dogs of heretics—<br /> -Toura-loura;<br /> -<br /> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">44</a></span> -Here we go all round,<br /> -Hands all round,<br /> -Here we go all round.<br /> -<br /> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -"Room for all, there's room for all<br /> -That skim or wriggle, bounce or crawl—<br /> -Toura-loura;<br /> -Here we go all round,<br /> -Hands all round,<br /> -Here we go all round."<br /> -</div></div> - -<p>"My late father was in a cold sweat; he had not -yet, however, come to the worst of it."</p> - -<p>Here José paused. "But I am dying for a smoke, -and, with your permission, gentlemen, I'll light my pipe."</p> - -<p>"Quite right, my dear José," answered D'Haberville. -"For my own part, I am dying for something else. My -stomach declares that this is dinner-hour at college. -Let's have a bite to eat."</p> - -<p>Jules enjoyed the privilege of aristocratic descent—he -had always a magnificent appetite. This was specially -excusable to-day, seeing that he had dined at -noon, and had had an immense deal of exercise since.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">45</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.<br /> -<span class="chapsmall">LA CORRIVEAU.</span></h2> -</div> - -<blockquote> -<p>Sganarelle.—Seigneur commandeur, mon maitre, Don Juan, vous demande -si vous voulez lui faire l'honneur de venir souper avec lui.</p> - -<p>Le même.—La statue m'a fait signe.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="smcap">Le Festin de Pierre.</span><br /> -</p></blockquote> - - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza">What? the ghosts are growing ruder,<br /> -How they beard me....<br /> -<br /></div> -<div class="stanza">To-night—why this is Goblin Hall,<br /> -Spirits and specters all in all.<br /> -<br /></div></div></div> -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Faustus.</span><br /> -</p> - - -<p>José, after having unbridled the horse and given him -what he called a mouthful of hay, made haste to open a -box which he had ingeniously arranged on the sled to -serve, as needs might be, both for seat and larder. He -brought out a great napkin in which were wrapped up -two roast chickens, a tongue, a ham, a little flask of -brandy, a good big bottle of wine. He was going to -retire when Jules said to him:</p> - -<p>"Come along and take a bite with us, José."</p> - -<p>"Yes, indeed, come and sit here by me," said Archie.</p> - -<p>"Oh, gentlemen," said José, "I know my place too -well—"</p> - -<p>"Come now, no affectations," said Jules. "We are -here like three soldiers in camp; will you be so good as -to come, you obstinate fellow?"</p> - -<p>"Since you say so, gentlemen, I must obey my officers," -answered Jules.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">46</a></span></p> - -<p>The two young men seated themselves on the box -which served them also for a table. José took his place -very comfortably on a bundle of hay, and all three began -to eat and drink with a hearty appetite.</p> - -<p>Archie, naturally abstemious, had soon finished his -meal. Having nothing better to do, he began to philosophize. -In his lighter moods he loved to propound -paradoxes for the pleasure of the argument.</p> - -<p>"Do you know, brother mine, what it was that interested -me most in my friend's story?"</p> - -<p>"No," exclaimed Jules, attacking another drumstick; -"and what's more, for the next quarter of an -hour I don't care. The hungry stomach has no ears."</p> - -<p>"Oh, that's no matter," said Archie. "It was those -devils, goblins, spirits, or whatever you choose to call -them, with only one eye; I wish that the fashion could -be adopted among men; there would be fewer hypocrites, -fewer rogues, and therefore fewer dupes. Assuredly, -it is some consolation to see that virtue is held in -honor even among hobgoblins. Did you notice with -what respect those one-eyed fellows were treated by the -other imps?"</p> - -<p>"That may be," said Jules, "but what does it -prove?"</p> - -<p>"It proves," answered Lochiel, "that the one-eyed -fellows deserved the special attentions that were paid -them; they are the <i>haute noblesse</i> among hobgoblins. -Above all they are not hypocrites."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense," said Jules, "I begin to be afraid your -brain is softening."</p> - -<p>"Oh, no, I'm not so crazy as you think," answered -Archie. "Just watch a hypocrite with somebody he -wants to deceive. With what humility he keeps one eye -half shut while the other watches the effect of his words. -If he had but one eye he would lose this immense ad<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">47</a></span>vantage, -and would have to give up his <i>rôle</i> of hypocrite -which he finds so profitable. There, you see, is one vice -the less. My Cyclops of a hobgoblin has probably many -other vices, but he is certainly no hypocrite; whence -the respect to which he is treated by a class of beings -stained with all the vices in the category."</p> - -<p>"Here's your health, my Scottish philosopher," exclaimed -Jules, tossing off a glass of wine. "Hanged if -I understand a word of your reasoning though."</p> - -<p>"But it's clear as day," answered Archie. "The -heavy and indigestible stuff with which you are loading -down your stomach must be clogging your brains. If -you ate nothing but oatmeal, as we Highlanders do, -your ideas would be a good deal clearer."</p> - -<p>"That oatmeal seems to stick in your throat, my -friend," said Jules; "it ought to be easy enough to digest, -however, even without the help of sauce."</p> - -<p>"Here's another example," said Archie. "A rogue -who wishes to cheat an honest man in any kind of a -transaction always keeps one eye winking or half shut, -while the other watches to see whether he is gaining or -losing in the trade. One eye is plotting while the other -watches. That is a vast advantage for the rogue. His -antagonist, on the other hand, seeing one eye clear, -frank, and honest, can not suspect what is going on behind -the eye which blinks, and plots, and calculates, -while its fellow keeps as impenetrable as fate. Now let -us reverse the matter," continued Archie. "Let us suppose -the same rogue in the same circumstances, but -blind of one eye. The honest man watching his face -may often read in his eye his inmost thoughts; for my -Cyclops, being himself suspicious, is constrained to keep -his one eye wide open."</p> - -<p>"Rather," laughed Jules, "if he doesn't want to -break his neck."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">48</a></span></p> - -<p>"Granted," replied Lochiel, "but still more for the -purpose of reading the soul of him he wants to deceive. -He finds it necessary, moreover, to give his eye an expression -of candor and good-fellowship in order to divert -suspicion—which must absorb a portion of his wits. -Then, since there are few men who can follow, without -the help of both their eyes, two different trains of -thought at the same time, our rogue finds that he has -lost half of his advantage. He renounces his wicked -calling, and society is the richer by one more honest -man."</p> - -<p>"My poor Archie," murmured Jules, "I see that we -have exchanged <i>rôles</i>; that I am now the Scotch philosopher, -as I so courteously entitle you, while you are -the crazy Frenchman, as you irreverently term me. -For, don't you see, my new Prometheus, that this one-eyed -race of men, endowed with all the virtues which you -intend to substitute, might very readily blink, if that is -an infallible recipe for deception, and for the purpose -of taking observations just open their eye from time to -time."</p> - -<p>"Oh, you French, you frivolous French, you deluded -French, no wonder the English catch you on the hip in -diplomacy!"</p> - -<p>"It would seem to me," interrupted Jules, "that the -Scotch ought to know something by this time about -English diplomacy!"</p> - -<p>Archie's face saddened and grew pale; his friend -had touched a sore spot. Jules perceived this at once -and said:</p> - -<p>"Forgive me, dear fellow, if I have hurt you. I -know the subject is one that calls up painful memories. -I spoke, as usual, without thinking. One often thoughtlessly -wounds those one best loves by a retort which -one may think very witty. But come, let us drink to a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">49</a></span> -merry life! Go on with your remarkable reasoning; that -will be pleasanter for both of us."</p> - -<p>"The cloud has passed over, and I resume my argument," -said Lochiel, repressing his emotion. "Don't -you see that my rascal could not shut his eye for an -instant without the risk of his prey escaping him? Do -you remember the squirrel that we saved last year from -that great snake, at the foot of the old maple-tree in -your father's park; remember how the snake kept its -glowing eyes fixed upon the poor little creature in order -to fascinate it; how the squirrel kept springing from -branch to branch with piteous cries, unable to remove -its gaze for an instant from that of the hideous reptile? -When we made it look away it was saved. Do you remember -how joyous it was after the death of its enemy? -Well, my friend, let our rogue shut his eye and his prey -escapes him."</p> - -<p>"Verily," said Jules, "you are a mighty dialectician. -I shouldn't wonder if you would some day eclipse, if -you don't do it already, such prattlers as Socrates, Zeno, -Montaigne, and other philosophers of that ilk. The -only danger is lest your logic should some day land you -in the moon."</p> - -<p>"You think you can make fun of me," said Archie. -"Very well, but only let some pedant, with his pen behind -his ear, undertake to refute my thesis seriously, and -a hundred scribblers in battle array will take sides for -and against, and floods of ink will flow. The world has -been deluged with blood itself in defense of theories -about as reasonable as mine. Why such a thing has -often been enough to make a man famous."</p> - -<p>"Meanwhile," answered Jules, "your argument will -serve as one of those after-pieces with which Sancho -Panza used to put Don Quixote to sleep. As for me, I -greatly prefer the story of our friend José."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">50</a></span></p> - -<p>"You are easily pleased, sir," said the latter, who -had been taking a nap during the scientific discussion.</p> - -<p>"Let us listen," said Archie; "<i>Conticuêre omnes, intentique -ora tenebant.</i>"</p> - -<p>"<i>Conticuêre</i> ... you irrepressible pedant," cried -D'Haberville.</p> - -<p>"It's not one of the priest's stories," put in José -briskly; "but it is as true as if he had told it from the -pulpit; for my late father never lied."</p> - -<p>"We believe you, my dear José," said Lochiel. -"But now please go on with your delightful narrative."</p> - -<p>"Well," said José, "it happened that my late father, -brave as he was, was in such a devil of a funk that -the sweat was hanging from the end of his nose like -a head of oats. There he was, the dear man, with his -eyes bigger than his head, never daring to budge. Presently -he thought he heard behind him the 'tic tac,' -'tic tac,' which he had already heard several times on -the journey; but he had too much to occupy his attention -in front of him to pay much heed to what might -pass behind. Suddenly, when he was least expecting it, -he felt two great bony hands, like the claws of a bear, -grip him by the shoulders. He turned around horrified, -and found himself face to face with La Corriveau, who -was climbing on his back. She had thrust her hands -through the bars of her cage and succeeded in clutching -him; but the cage was heavy, and at every leap she fell -back again to the ground with a hoarse cry, without -losing her hold, however, on the shoulders of my late -father, who bent under the burden. If he had not held -tight to the fence with both hands, he would have been -crushed under the weight. My poor late father was so -overwhelmed with horror that one might have heard the -sweat that rolled off his forehead dropping down on -the fence like grains of duck-shot.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">51</a></span></p> - -<p>"'My dear Francis,' said La Corriveau, 'do me the -pleasure of taking me to dance with my friends of Isle -d'Orléans?'</p> - -<p>"'Oh, you devil's wench!' cried my late father. -That was the only oath the good man ever used, and -that only when very much tried."</p> - -<p>"The deuce!" exclaimed Jules, "it seems to me that -the occasion was a very suitable one. For my own part, -I should have been swearing like a heathen."</p> - -<p>"And I," said Archie, "like an Englishman."</p> - -<p>"Isn't that much the same thing," answered D'Haberville.</p> - -<p>"You are wrong, my dear Jules. I must acknowledge -that the heathen acquit themselves very well; but -the English? Oh, my! Le Roux who, soon as he got -out of college, made a point of reading all the bad books -he could get hold of, told us, if you remember, that that -blackguard of a Voltaire, as my uncle the Jesuit used -to call him, had declared in a book of his, treating of -what happened in France in the reign of Charles VII, -when that prince was hunting the islanders out of his -kingdom—Le Roux told us that Voltaire had put it on -record that 'every Englishman swears.' Well, my boy, -those events took place about the year 1445—let us say, -three hundred years ago. Judge, then, what dreadful -oaths that ill-tempered nation must have invented in the -course of three centuries!"</p> - -<p>"I surrender," said Jules. "But go on, my dear -José."</p> - -<p>"'Devil's wench!' exclaimed my late father, 'is that -your gratitude for my <i>de profundis</i> and all my other -prayers? You'd drag <i>me</i> into the orgie, would you? I -was thinking you must have been in for at least three or -four thousand years of purgatory for your pranks; and -you had only killed two husbands—which was a mere<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">52</a></span> -nothing. So having always a tender heart for everything, -I felt sorry for you, and said to myself we must -give you a helping hand. And this is the way you thank -me, that you want to straddle my shoulders and ride me -to hell like a heretic!'</p> - -<p>"'My dear Francis,' said La Corriveau, 'take me -over to dance with my dear friends;' and she knocked -her head against that of my late father till her skull rattled -like a dry bladder filled with pebbles.</p> - -<p>"'You may be sure,' said my late father, 'You hellish -wench of Judas Iscariot, I'm not going to be your -jackass to carry you over to dance with those pretty -darlings!'</p> - -<p>"'My dear Francis,' answered the witch, 'I can not -cross the St. Lawrence, which is a consecrated stream, -except with the help of a Christian.'</p> - -<p>"'Get over as best you can, you devilish gallows -bird,' said my late father. 'Get over as best you can; -every one to his own business. Oh, yes, a likely thing -that I'll carry you over to dance with your dear friends; -but that will be a devil of a journey you have come, the -Lord knows how, dragging that fine cage of yours, which -must have torn up all the stones on the king's highway! -A nice row there'll be when the inspector passes -this way one of these days and finds the road in such a -condition! And then, who but the poor <i>habitant</i> will -have to suffer for your frolics, getting fined for not having -kept the road properly!'</p> - -<p>"The drum-major suddenly stopped beating on his -great sauce-pan. All the goblins halted and gave three -yells, three frightful whoops, like the Indians give when -they have danced that war-dance with which they always -begin their bloody expeditions. The island was shaken -to its foundation, the wolves, the bears, all the other -wild beasts, and the demons of the northern mountains<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">53</a></span> -took up the cry, and the echoes repeated it till it was -lost in the forests of the far-off Saguenay.</p> - -<p>"My poor, late father thought that the end of the -world had come, and the Day of Judgment.</p> - -<p>"The tall devil with the sauce-pan struck three -blows; and a silence most profound succeeded the -hellish hubbub. He stretched out his arm toward my -late father, and cried with a voice of thunder: 'Will you -make haste, you lazy dog? will you make haste, you cur -of a Christian, and ferry our friend across? We have -only fourteen thousand four hundred times more to -prance around the island before cock-crow. Are you -going to make her lose the best of the fun?'</p> - -<p>"'Go to the devil, where you all belong,' answered -my late father, losing all patience.</p> - -<p>"'Come, my dear Francis,' said La Corriveau, 'be a -little more obliging. You are acting like a child about -a mere trifle. Moreover, see how the time is flying. -Come, now, one little effort!'</p> - -<p>"'No, no, my wench of Satan,' said my late father. -'Would to Heaven you still had on the fine collar which -the hangman put around your neck two years ago. You -wouldn't have so clear a wind-pipe.'</p> - -<p>"During this dialogue the goblins on the island resumed -their chorus:</p> - - -<div class="poetry"><div class="stanza">"'Here we go all round,<br /> -Hands all round,<br /> -Here we go all round.'"<br /></div></div> - - -<p>"'My dear Francis,' said the witch, 'if your body -and bones won't carry me over, I'm going to strangle -you. I will straddle your soul and ride over to the festival.' -With these words, she seized him by the throat -and strangled him."</p> - -<p>"What," exclaimed the young men, "she strangled -your poor, late father, now dead?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">54</a></span></p> - -<p>"When I said strangled, it was very little better -than that," answered José, "for the dear man lost his -consciousness."</p> - -<p>"When he came to himself he heard a little bird, -which cried <i>Qué-tu</i>? (Who art thou?)</p> - -<p>"'Oh, ho!' said my late father, 'it's plain I'm not -in hell, since I hear the dear Lord's birds!' He opened -first one eye, then the other, and saw that it was broad -daylight. The sun was shining right in his face; the -little bird, perched on a neighboring branch, kept crying -<i>qué-tu</i>?'</p> - -<p>"'My dear child,' said my late father, 'it is not very -easy to answer your question, for I'm not very certain -this morning just who I am. Only yesterday I believed -myself to be a brave, honest, and God-fearing man; but -I have had such an experience this night that I can -hardly be sure that it is I, Francis Dubé, here present in -body and soul. Then the dear man began to sing:</p> - -<div class="poetry"><div class="stanza">'Here we go all round,<br /> -Hands all round,<br /> -Here we go all round.'<br /></div></div> - -<p>"In fact, he was half bewitched. At last, however, -he perceived that he was lying full length in a ditch -where, happily, there was more mud than water; but for -that my poor, late father, who now sleeps with the saints, -surrounded by all his relations and friends, and fortified -by all the holy sacraments, would have died without absolution, -like a monkey in his old tree, begging your -pardon for the comparison, young gentlemen. When -he had got his face clear from the mud of the ditch, in -which he was stuck fast as in a vise, the first thing he -saw was his flask on the bank above him. At this he -plucked up his courage and stretched out his hand to -take a drink. But no such luck! The flask was empty! -The witch had drained every drop."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">55</a></span></p> - -<p>"My dear José," said Lochiel, "I think I am about -as brave as the next one. Nevertheless, if such an adventure -had happened to me, never again would I have -traveled alone at night."</p> - -<p>"Nor I either," said D'Haberville.</p> - -<p>"To tell you the truth, gentlemen," said José, "since -you are so discriminating, I will confess that my late -father, who before this adventure would not have turned -a hair in the graveyard at midnight, was never afterward -so bold; he dared not even go alone after sunset to do -his chores in the stable."</p> - -<p>"And very sensible he was; but finish your story," -said Jules.</p> - -<p>"It is finished," said José. "My late father harnessed -his horse, who appeared, poor brute, to have noticed -nothing unusual, and made his way home fast as -possible. It was not till a fortnight later that he told us -his adventure."</p> - -<p>"What do you say to all that, my self-satisfied skeptic -who would refuse to Canada the luxury of witches -and wizards?" inquired D'Haberville.</p> - -<p>"I say," answered Archie, "that our Highland -witches are mere infants compared with those of New -France, and, what's more, if ever I get back to my Scottish -hills, I'm going to imprison all our hobgoblins in -bottles, as Le Sage did with his wooden-legged devil, -Asmodeus."</p> - -<p>"Hum-m-m!" said José. "It would serve them just -right, accursed blackguards; but where would you get -bottles big enough? There'd be the difficulty."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">56</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.<br /> -<span class="chapsmall">THE BREAKING UP OF THE ICE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<blockquote> -<p>On entendit du côté de la mer un bruit epouvantable, comme si des torrents -d'eau, mêlés à des tonnerres, eussent roulé du haut des montagnes; -tout le monde s'écria: voilà l'ouragan.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="smcap">Bernardin de Saint-Pierre.</span><br /> -</p></blockquote> - -<p class="center"> -Though aged, he was so iron of limb<br /> -Few of your youths could cope with him.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Byron.</span></p> - -<p class="center"> -Que j'aille à son secours, s'écria-t-il, ou que je meure.<br /> -</p> -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Bernardin de Saint-Pierre.</span><br /> -</p> - -<p> -Les vents et les vagues sont toujours du côté du plus habile nageur.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Gibbon.</span> -</p> - - -<p>The travelers merrily continued their journey. The -day drew to a close, and they kept on for a time by starlight. -At length the moon rose and shone far over the -still bosom of the Saint Lawrence. At the sight of her, -Jules broke out into rhapsodies, and cried:</p> - -<p>"I feel myself inspired, not by the waters of Hippocrene, -which I have never tasted and which, I trust, I -never shall taste, but by the kindly juice of Bacchus, -dearer than all the fountains in the world, not even excepting -the limpid wave of Parnassus. Hail to thee, fair -moon! Hail to thee, thou silvern lamp, that lightest -the steps of two men free as the children of our mighty -forests, two men but now escaped from the shackles of -college! How many times, O moon, as thy pale rays -pierced to my lonely couch, how many times have I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">57</a></span> -longed to break my bonds and mingle with the joyous -throngs at balls and routs, while a harsh and inexorable -decree condemned me to a sleep which I abhorred! -Ah, how many times, O moon, have I sighed to traverse, -mounted upon thy crescent at the risk of breaking my -neck, the regions thou wast illuminating in thy stately -course, even though it should take me to another hemisphere! -Ah, how many times—"</p> - -<p>"Ah, how many times in thy life hast thou talked -nonsense!" exclaimed Archie. "But, since frenzy is infectious, -listen now to a true poet, and abase thyself, -proud spirit. O moon, thou of the threefold essence, -thou whom the poets of old invoked as Artemis the -Huntress, how sweet it must be to thee to forsake the -dark realms of Pluto, and not less the forests wherein, -with thy baying pack, thou raisest a din enough to deafen -all the demons of Canada! How sweet it must be to -thee, O moon, to journey now in tranquil dominance, in -stupendous silence, the ethereal spaces of heaven! Repent -of thy work, I beseech thee! Restore the light of -reason to this poor afflicted one, my dearest friend, who—"</p> - -<p>"O Phoebe, patron of fools," interrupted Jules, -"not for my friend have I any prayer to make thee. -Thou art all guiltless of his infirmity, for the mischief -was done—"</p> - -<p>"I say, gentlemen," exclaimed José, "when you are -done your conversation with my lady moon—I don't -know how you find so much to say to her—would it -please you to notice what a noise they are making in -St. Thomas yonder?"</p> - -<p>All listened intently. It was the church bell pealing -wildly.</p> - -<p>"It is the Angelus," exclaimed Jules D'Haberville.</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes," exclaimed José, "the Angelus at eight -o'clock in the evening."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">58</a></span></p> - -<p>"Then it's a fire," said Archie.</p> - -<p>"But we don't see any flames," answered José. -"Whatever it is let's make haste. There is something -unusual going on yonder."</p> - -<p>Driving as fast as they could, half an hour later -they entered the village of St. Thomas. All was silence. -The village appeared deserted. Only the dogs, shut up -in some of the houses, were barking madly. But for the -noise of the curs they might have thought themselves -transported into that city which we read of in the Arabian -Nights whose inhabitants had all been turned into -marble.</p> - -<p>Our travelers were on the point of entering the -church, the bell of which was still ringing, when they -noticed a light and heard shouts from the bank by the -rapids near the manor house. Thither they made their -way at full speed.</p> - -<p>It would take the pen of a Cooper or a Chateaubriand -to paint the scene that met their eyes on the -bank of South River.</p> - -<p>Captain Marcheterre, an old sailor of powerful frame, -was returning to the village toward dusk at a brisk pace, -when he heard out on the river a noise like some heavy -body falling into the water, and immediately afterward -the groans and cries of some one appealing for help. It -was a rash <i>habitant</i> named Dumais, who, thinking the ice -yet sufficiently firm, had ventured upon it with his team, -about a dozen rods southwest of the town. The ice -had split up so suddenly that his team vanished in the -current. The unhappy Dumais, a man of great activity, -had just succeeded in springing from the sled to a -stronger piece of ice, but the violence of the effort had -proved disastrous; catching his foot in a crevice, he -had snapped his leg at the ankle like a bit of glass.</p> - -<p>Marcheterre, who knew the dangerous condition of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">59</a></span> -the ice, which was split in many places, shouted to him -not to stir, and that he was going to bring him help. -He ran at once to the sexton, telling him to ring the -alarm while he was routing out the nearest neighbors. -In a moment, all was bustle and confusion. Men ran -hither and thither without accomplishing anything. -Women and children began to cry. Dogs began to -howl, sounding every note of the canine gamut; so that -the captain, whose experience pointed him out as the -one to direct the rescue, had great difficulty in making -himself heard.</p> - -<p>However, under the directions of Marcheterre, some -ran for ropes and boards while others stripped the fences -and wood-piles of their cedar and birch bark to make -torches. The scene grew more and more animated, and -by the light of fifty torches shedding abroad their fitful -glare the crowd spread along the river bank to the spot -pointed out by the old sailor.</p> - -<p>Dumais waited patiently enough for the coming of -help. As soon as he could make himself heard he implored -them to hurry, for he was beginning to hear under -the ice low grumbling sounds which seemed to come -from far off toward the river's mouth.</p> - -<p>"There's not a moment to lose, my friends," exclaimed -the old captain, "for that is a sign the ice is going -to break up."</p> - -<p>Men less experienced than he wished immediately to -thrust out upon the ice their planks and boards without -waiting to tie them together; but this he forbade, for the -ice was already full of cracks, and moreover the ice cake -which supported Dumais was isolated, having on the one -side the shattered surface where the horse had been engulfed, -and on the other a large air-hole which cut off -all approach. Marcheterre, who knew that the breaking -up was not only inevitable, but to be expected at any<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">60</a></span> -moment, was unwilling to risk the life of so many people -without taking every precaution that his experience could -dictate.</p> - -<p>Some thereupon with hatchets began to notch the -planks and boards; some tied them together end to end; -some, with the captain at their head, dragged them out -on the ice, while others were pushing from the bank. -This improvised bridge was not more than fifty feet from -the bank when the old sailor cried: "Now, boys, let -some strong active fellows follow me at a distance of ten -feet from one another, and let the rest keep pushing as -before!"</p> - -<p>Marcheterre was closely followed by his son, a young -man in the prime of life, who, knowing his father's boldness, -kept within reach in order to help him in case of -need, for lugubrious mutterings, the ominous forerunners -of a mighty cataclysm, were making themselves -heard beneath the ice. But every one was at his post -and every one doing his utmost; those who broke -through, dragged themselves out by means of the floating -bridge, and, once more on the solid ice, resumed their -efforts with renewed zeal. Two or three minutes more -and Dumais would be saved.</p> - -<p>The two Marcheterres, the father ahead, were within -about a hundred feet of the wretched victim of his own -imprudence, when a subterranean thunder, such as precedes -a strong shock of earthquake, seemed to run the -whole length of South River. This subterranean sound -was at once followed by an explosion like the discharge -of a great piece of artillery. Then rose a terrible cry. -"The ice is going! the ice is going! save yourselves!" -screamed the crowd on shore.</p> - -<p>Indeed the ice cakes were shivering on all sides under -the pressure of the flood, which was already invading the -banks. Then followed dreadful confusion. The ice<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">61</a></span> -cakes turned completely over, climbed upon each other -with a frightful grinding noise, piled themselves to a -great height, then sank suddenly and disappeared beneath -the waves. The planks and boards were tossed -about like cockle-shells in an ocean gale. The ropes -and chains threatened every moment to give away.</p> - -<p>The spectators, horror-stricken at the sight of their -kinsfolk exposed to almost certain destruction, kept crying: -"Save yourselves! save yourselves!" It would -have been indeed tempting Providence to continue any -longer the rash and unequal struggle with the flood.</p> - -<p>Marcheterre, however, who seemed rather inspired -than daunted by the appalling spectacle, ceased not to -shout: "Forward boys! forward, for God's sake!"</p> - -<p>This old sea-lion, ever cool and unmoved when on -the deck of his reeling ship and directing a manœuvre on -whose success the lives of all depended, was just as calm -in the face of a peril which froze the boldest hearts. -Turning round, he perceived that, with the exception of -his son and Joncas, one of his sailors, the rest had all -sought safety in a headlong flight. "Oh, you cowards, -you cowards!" he cried.</p> - -<p>He was interrupted by his son, who, seeing him rushing -to certain death, seized him and threw him down on -a plank, where he held him some moments in spite of -the old man's mighty struggles. Then followed a terrible -conflict between father and son. It was filial love -against that sublime self-abnegation, the love of humanity.</p> - -<p>The old man, by a tremendous effort, succeeded in -throwing himself off the plank, and he and his son rolled -on to the ice, where the struggle was continued fiercely. -At this crisis, Joncas, leaping from plank to plank, from -board to board, came to the young man's assistance.</p> - -<p>The spectators, who from the shore lost nothing of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">62</a></span> -the heart-rending scene, in spite of the water already -pursuing them, made haste to draw in the ropes, and -the united efforts of a hundred brawny arms were successful -in rescuing the three heroes. Scarcely, indeed, -had they reached a place of safety, when the great sheet -of ice, which had hitherto remained stationary in spite of -the furious attacks of the enemy assailing it on all sides, -groaning, and with a slow majesty of movement, began -its descent toward the falls.</p> - -<p>All eyes were straightway fixed upon Dumais. He -was a brave man. Many a time had he proved his courage -upon the enemies of his country. He had even faced -the most hideous of deaths, when, bound to a post, he -was on the point of being burned alive by the Iroquois, -which he would have been but for the timely aid of his -friends the Melicites. Now he was sitting on his precarious -refuge calm and unmoved as a statue of death. -He made some signs toward the shore, which the spectators -understood as a last farewell to his friends. Then, -folding his arms, or occasionally lifting them toward -heaven, he appeared to forget all earthly ties and to -prepare himself for passing the dread limits which divide -man from the eternal.</p> - -<p>Once safely ashore, the captain displayed no more -of his anger. Regaining his customary coolness he gave -his orders calmly and precisely.</p> - -<p>"Let us take our floating bridge," said he, "and follow -yonder sheet of ice down river."</p> - -<p>"What is the use?" cried some who appeared to -have had experience. "The poor fellow is beyond the -reach of help."</p> - -<p>"There's one chance yet, one little chance of saving -him," said the old sailor, giving ear to certain sounds -which he heard far off to the southward, "and we must -be ready for it. The ice is on the point of breaking up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">63</a></span> -in the St. Nicholas, which, as you know, is very rapid. -The violence of the flood at that point is likely to crowd -the ice of South River over against our shore; and what's -more, we shall have no reason to reproach ourselves."</p> - -<p>It fell out as Captain Marcheterre predicted. In a -moment or two there was a mighty report like a peal of -thunder; and the St. Nicholas, bursting madly from its -fetters, hurled itself upon the flank of the vast procession -of ice floes which, having hitherto encountered no -obstacle, were pursuing their triumphant way to the St. -Lawrence. It seemed for a moment that the fierce and -swift attack, the sudden thrust, was going to pile the -greater part of the ice cakes upon the other shore as the -captain hoped. The change it wrought was but momentary, -for the channel getting choked there was an abrupt -halt, and the ice cakes, piling one upon another, took the -shape of a lofty rampart. Checked by this obstacle, the -waves spread far beyond both shores and flooded the -greater part of the village. This sudden deluge, driving -the spectators from the banks, destroyed the last hope -of poor Dumais.</p> - -<p>The struggle was long and obstinate between the -angry element and the obstacle which barred its course; -but at length the great lake, ceaselessly fed by the main -river and the tributaries, rose to the top of the dam, -whose foundations it was at the same time eating away -from beneath. The barrier, unable to resist the stupendous -weight, burst with a roar that shook both banks. -As South River widens suddenly below its junction with -the St. Nicholas, the unchained mass darted down -stream like an arrow, and its course was unimpeded to -the cataract.</p> - -<p>Dumais had resigned himself to his fate. Calm amid -the tumult, his hands crossed upon his breast, his eyes -lifted heavenward, he seemed absorbed in contemplation.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">64</a></span></p> - -<p>The spectators crowded toward the cataract to see -the end of the tragedy. Numbers, roused by the alarm -bell, had gathered on the other shore and had supplied -themselves with torches by stripping off the bark from -the cedar rails. The dreadful scene was lighted as if -for a festival.</p> - -<p>One could see in the distance the long, imposing -structure of the manor house, to the southwest of the -river. It was built on the top of a knoll overlooking the -basin and ran parallel to the falls. About a hundred -feet from the manor house rose the roof of a saw mill, -the sluice of which was connected with the fall itself. -Two hundred feet from the mill, upon the crest of the fall, -were sharply outlined the remnants of a little island upon -which, for ages, the spring floods had spent their fury. -Shorn of its former size—for it had once been a peninsula—the -islet was not now more than twelve feet square.</p> - -<p>Of all the trees that had once adorned the spot there -remained but a single cedar. This veteran, which for so -many years had braved the fury of the equinoxes and -the ice floods of South River, had half given way before -the relentless assaults. Its crown hung sadly over the -abyss in which it threatened soon to disappear. Several -hundred feet from this islet stood a grist mill, to the -northwest of the fall.</p> - -<p>Owing to a curve in the shore, the tremendous mass -of ice which, drawn by the fall, was darting down the -river with frightful speed, crowded all into the channel -between the islet and the flour mill, the sluice of which -was demolished in a moment. Then the ice cakes, piling -themselves against the timbers to the height of the -roof, ended by crushing the mill itself as if it had been -a house of cards. The ice having taken this direction, -the channel between the saw mill and the island was -comparatively free.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">65</a></span></p> - -<p>The crowd kept running along the bank and watching -with horrified interest the man whom nothing short -of a miracle could save from a hideous death. Indeed, -up to within about thirty feet of the island, Dumais was -being carried farther and farther from his only hope of -rescue, when an enormous ice cake, dashing down with -furious speed, struck one corner of the piece on which -he was sitting, and diverted it violently from its course. -It wheeled upon the little island and came in contact -with the ancient cedar, the only barrier between Dumais -and the abyss. The tree groaned under the shock; its -top broke off and vanished in the foam. Relieved of -this weight, the old tree recovered itself suddenly, and -made ready for one more struggle against the enemies it -had so often conquered.</p> - -<p>Dumais, thrown forward by the unexpected shock, -clasped the trunk of the cedar convulsively with both -arms. Supporting himself on one leg, he clung there -desperately while the ice swayed and cracked and threatened -every instant to drag him from his frail support.</p> - -<p>Nothing was lacking to the lurid and dreadful scene. -The hurrying torches on the shores threw a grim light -on the ghastly features and staring eyes of the poor -wretch thus hanging by a hair above the gulf of death. -Unquestionably Dumais was brave, but in this position -of unspeakable horror he lost his self-control.</p> - -<p>Marcheterre and his friends, however, still cherished -a hope of saving him.</p> - -<p>Descrying on the shore near the saw mill two great -pieces of squared timber, they dragged these to a rock -which projected into the river about two hundred feet -above the fall; to each of these timbers they attached a -cable and launched them forth, in hopes that the current -would carry them upon the island. Vain attempt! -They could not thrust them far enough out into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">66</a></span> -stream, and the timbers, anchored, as it were, by the -weight of the chains, kept swaying mid way between -shore and island.</p> - -<p>It seemed impossible to add to the awful sublimity -of the picture, but on the shore was being enacted a -most impressive scene. It was religion preparing the -Christian to appear before the dread tribunal; it was -religion supporting him to endure the final agony.</p> - -<p>The parish priest, who had been at a sick bed, was -now upon the scene. He was a tall old man of ninety. -The burden of years had not availed to bend this modern -Nestor, who had baptized and married all his parishioners, -and had buried three generations of them. -His long hair, white as snow and tossed by the night -wind, made him look like a prophet of old. He stood -erect on the shore, his hands stretched out to the miserable -Dumais. He loved him; he had christened him; he -had prepared him for that significant rite of the Catholic -Church which seems suddenly to touch a child's nature -with something of the angelic. He loved him also -as the husband of an orphan girl whom the old priest -had brought up. He loved him for the sake of his two -little ones, who were the joy of his old age. Standing -there on the shore, like the Angel of Pity, he not only -administered the consolations of his sacred office, but -spoke to him tender words of love. He promised him -that the seigneur would never let his family come to -want. Finally, seeing the tree yield more and more before -every shock, he cried in a loud voice, broken with -sobs: "My son, make me the 'Act of Contrition' and I -will give you absolution." A moment later, in a voice -that rang clear above the roaring of the flood and of the -cataract, the old priest pronounced these words: "My -son, in the name of God the Father, in the name of -Jesus Christ, his Son, by whose authority I speak, in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">67</a></span> -name of the Holy Ghost, your sins are forgiven you. -Amen." And all the people sobbed, "Amen."</p> - -<p>Then Nature reasserted herself, and the old man's -voice was choked with tears. Again he regained his -self-control, and cried: "Kneel, brethren, while I say -the prayers for the dying."</p> - -<p>Once more the old priest's voice soared above the -tumult, as he cried:</p> - -<p>"Blessed soul, we dismiss you from the body in the -name of God the Father Almighty who created you, in -the name of Jesus Christ who suffered for you, in the -name of the Holy Ghost in whom you were regenerate -and born again, in the name of the angels and the archangels, -in the name of the thrones and the dominions, -in the name of the cherubim and seraphim, in the -name of the patriarchs and prophets, in the name of -the blessed monks and nuns and all the saints of God. -The peace of God be with you this day, and your dwelling -forever in Sion; through Jesus Christ our Lord. -Amen." And all the people wailed "Amen."</p> - -<p>A death-like silence fell upon the scene, when suddenly -shrieks were heard in the rear of the crowd, and a -woman in disordered garments, her hair streaming out -behind her, carrying a child in her arms and dragging -another at her side, pushed her way wildly to the river's -edge. It was the wife of Dumais.</p> - -<p>Dwelling about a mile and a half from the village, -she had heard the alarm bell; but being alone with her -children, whom she could not leave, she had resigned -herself as best she could till her husband should return -and tell her the cause of the excitement.</p> - -<p>The woman, when she saw her husband thus hanging -on the lip of the fall, uttered but one cry, a cry so terrible -that it pierced every heart, and sank in a merciful -unconsciousness. She was carried to the manor house,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">68</a></span> -where every care was lavished upon her by Madame de -Beaumont and her family.</p> - -<p>As for Dumais, at the sight of his wife and children, -a hoarse scream, inarticulate and like the voice of a -wounded beast, forced its way from his lips and made -all that heard it shudder. Then he appeared to fall -into a kind of stupor.</p> - -<p>At the very moment when the old priest was administering -the absolution our travelers arrived upon the -scene. Jules thrust through the crowd and took his -place between the priest and his uncle de Beaumont. -Archie, on the other hand, pushed forward to the water's -edge, folded his arms, took a rapid survey of the situation, -and calculated the chances of rescue.</p> - -<p>After a moment's thought, he bounded rather than -ran toward the group surrounding Marcheterre. He -began to strip off his clothes and to give directions at -the same time. His words were few and to the point: -"Captain, I am like a fish in the water; there is no danger -for me, but for the poor fellow yonder, in case I should -strike that block of ice too hard and dash it from its -place. Stop me about a dozen feet above the island, -that I may calculate the distance better and break the -shock. Your own judgment will tell you what else to -do. Now, for a strong rope, but as light as possible, -and a good sailor's knot."</p> - -<p>While the old captain was fastening the rope under -his arms, he attached another rope to his body, taking -the coil in his right hand. Thus equipped, he sprang -into the river, where he disappeared for an instant, but -when he came to the surface the current bore him rapidly -toward the shore. He made the mightiest efforts to -gain the island, but without succeeding, seeing which -Marcheterre made all haste to draw him back to land -before his strength was exhausted. The moment he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">69</a></span> -was on shore, he made his way to the jutting rock. -The spectators scarcely breathed when they saw Archie -plunge into the flood. Every one knew of his giant -strength, his exploits as a swimmer during his vacation -visits to the manor house of Beaumont. The anxiety -of the crowd, therefore, had been intense during the -young man's superhuman efforts, and, on seeing his failure, -a cry of disappointment went up from every breast.</p> - -<p>Jules D'Haberville was all unaware of his friend's -heroic undertaking. Of an emotional and sympathetic -nature, he could not endure the heart-rending sight that -met his view. After one glance of measureless pity, he -had fixed his eyes on the ground and refused to raise -them. This human being suspended on the verge of -the bellowing gulf, this venerable priest administering -from afar under the open heaven the sacrament of -penance, the anguished prayers, the sublime invocation, -all seemed to him a dreadful dream.</p> - -<p>Absorbed in these conflicting emotions, Jules D'Haberville -had no idea of Archie's efforts to save Dumais. -He had heard the lamentations which greeted the first -fruitless effort, and had attributed them to some little -variation in the spectacle from which he withheld his -gaze.</p> - -<p>The bond between these two friends was no ordinary -tie; it was the love between a David and a Jonathan, -"passing the love of woman."</p> - -<p>Jules, indeed, spared Archie none of his ridicule, but -the privilege of tormenting was one which he would permit -no other to share. Unlucky would he be who should -affront Lochiel in the presence of the impetuous young -Frenchman!</p> - -<p>Whence arose this passionate affection? The young -men had apparently little in common. Lochiel was -somewhat cold in demeanor, while Jules was exuberantly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">70</a></span> -demonstrative. They resembled one another, however, -in one point of profoundest importance; they were -both high-hearted and generous to the last degree.</p> - -<p>José, who had been watching Lochiel's every movement, -and who well knew the extravagance of Jules's devotion, -had slipped behind his young master, and stood -ready to restrain, by force, if necessary, this fiery and -indomitable spirit.</p> - -<p>The anxiety of the spectators became almost unendurable -over Archie's second attempt to save Dumais, -whom they regarded as utterly beyond hope. The convulsive -trembling of the unhappy man showed that his -strength was rapidly ebbing. Nothing but the old priest's -prayers broke the deathly silence.</p> - -<p>As for Lochiel, his failure had but strengthened -him in his heroic purpose. He saw clearly that the -effort was likely to cost him his life. The rope, his only -safety, might well break when charged with a double -burden and doubly exposed to the torrent's force. Too -skillful a swimmer was he not to realize the peril of endeavoring -to rescue one who could in no way help himself.</p> - -<p>Preserving his coolness, however, he merely said to -Marcheterre:</p> - -<p>"We must change our tactics. It is this coil of rope -in my right hand which has hampered me from first to -last."</p> - -<p>Thereupon he enlarged the loop, which he passed -over his right shoulder and under his left armpit, in order -to leave both arms free. This done, he made a -bound like that of a tiger, and, disappearing beneath the -waves, which bore him downward at lightning speed, he -did not come to the surface until within about a dozen feet -of the island, where, according to agreement, Marcheterre -checked his course. This movement appeared likely to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">71</a></span> -prove fatal, for, losing his balance, he was so turned over -that his head remained under the waves while the rest -of his body was held horizontally on the surface of the -current. Happily his coolness did not desert him in this -crisis, so great was his confidence in the old sailor. The -latter promptly let out two more coils of rope with a -jerky movement, and Lochiel, employing one of those -devices which are known to skillful swimmers, drew his -heels suddenly up to his hips, thrust them out perpendicularly -with all his strength, beat the water violently -on one side with his hands, and so regained his balance. -Then, thrusting forward his right shoulder to protect -his breast from a shock which might be as fatal to himself -as to Dumais, he was swept upon the island in a -flash.</p> - -<p>Dumais, in spite of his apparent stupor, had lost -nothing of what was passing. A ray of hope had struggled -through his despair at sight of Lochiel's tremendous -leap from the summit of the rock. Scarcely had the -latter, indeed, reached the edge of the ice, where he -clung with one hand while loosening with the other the -coil of rope, than Dumais, dropping his hold on the cedar, -took such a leap upon his one uninjured leg that -he fell into Archie's very arms.</p> - -<p>The torrent at once rose upon the ice, which, borne -down by the double weight, reared like an angry horse. -The towering mass, pushed irresistibly by the torrent, -fell upon the cedar, and the old tree, after a vain resistance, -sank into the abyss, dragging with it in its fall a -large portion of the domain over which it had held sway -for centuries.</p> - -<p>Mighty was the shout that went up from both banks -of South River—a shout of triumph from the more distant -spectators, a heart-rending cry of anguish from -those nearer the stage whereon this drama of life and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">72</a></span> -death was playing itself out. Indeed, all had disappeared, -as if the wand of a mighty enchanter had been waved -over scene and actors. From bank to bank, in all its -breadth, the cataract displayed nothing but a line of -gigantic waves falling with a sound of thunder, and a -curtain of pale foam waving to the summit of its crest.</p> - -<p>Jules D'Haberville had not recognized his friend till -the moment when, for the second time, he plunged into -the waves. Having often witnessed his exploits as a -swimmer, and knowing his tremendous strength, Jules -had manifested at first merely a bewildered astonishment; -but when he saw his friend disappear beneath the -torrent, he uttered such a mad cry as comes from the -heart of a mother at sight of the mangled body of an -only son. Wild with grief, he was on the point of springing -into the river, when he felt himself imprisoned by -the iron arms of José.</p> - -<p>Prayers, threats, cries of rage and despair, blows and -bites—all were utterly wasted on the faithful José.</p> - -<p>"There, there, my dear Master Jules," said José, -"strike me, bite me, if that's any comfort to you, but, -for God's sake, be calm. You'll see your friend again -all right enough; you know he dives like a porpoise, -and one never knows when he is going to come up again -when once he goes under water. Be calm, my dear little -Master Jules, you wouldn't want to be the death of -poor José, who loves you so, and who has so often carried -you in his arms. Your father sent me to bring you -from Quebec. I am answerable for you, body and soul, -and it won't be my fault if I don't hand you over to -him safe and sound. Otherwise, you see, Master Jules, -why just a little bullet through old José's head! But, -hold on, there's the captain hauling in on the rope with -all his might, and you may be sure Master Archie is on -the other end of it and lively as ever."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">73</a></span></p> - -<p>It was as José said; Marcheterre and his companions, -in furious haste, were running down the shore and -by mighty armfuls dragging in the rope, at the end of -which they felt a double burden.</p> - -<p>In another moment the weight was dragged ashore. -It was all that they could do to set Lochiel free from -the convulsive clasp of Dumais, who gave no other sign -of life. Archie, on the other hand, when delivered from -the embrace which was strangling him, vomited a few -mouthfuls of water, breathed hoarsely, and exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"He is not dead; it is nothing more than a swoon; -he was lively enough a minute ago."</p> - -<p>Dumais was carried in all haste to the manor house, -where everything that the most loving care could suggest -was done for him. At the end of a half-hour some drops -of wholesome moisture gathered upon his brow, and a -little later he reopened haggard eyes. After staring -wildly around the room for a time, he at length fixed his -regard upon the old priest. The latter placed his ear to -Dumais's lips, and the first words he gathered were: -"My wife! My children! Mr. Archie!"</p> - -<p>"Be at ease, my dear Dumais," said the old man. -"Your wife has recovered from her swoon; but, as she -believes you to be dead, I must be careful how I tell her -of your deliverance, lest I kill her with joy. As soon as -prudent I will bring her to you. Meanwhile, here is Mr. -de Lochiel, to whom, through God, you owe your life."</p> - -<p>At the sight of his deliverer, whom he had not yet -recognized among the attendants who crowded about -him, a change came over the sick man. He embraced -Archie, he pressed his lips to his cheek, and a flood of -tears broke from his eyes.</p> - -<p>"How can I ever repay you," said he, "for all you -have done for me, for my poor wife, and for my children?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">74</a></span></p> - -<p>"By getting well again as soon as possible," answered -Lochiel gayly. "The seigneur has sent a messenger -post-haste to Quebec to fetch the most skillful surgeon, -and another to place relays of horses along the whole -route, so that by midday to-morrow, at the latest, your -leg will be so well set that within two months you will -be able again to carry the musket against your old enemies -the Iroquois."</p> - -<p>When the old priest entered the room whither they -had taken his adopted daughter, the latter was sitting up -in bed, holding her youngest child in her arms while the -other slept at her feet. Pale as death, cold, and unresponsive -to all that was said by Madame de Beaumont -and the other women, she kept repeating incessantly: -"My husband! my poor husband! I shall not even be -allowed to kiss the dead body of my husband, the father -of my children!"</p> - -<p>When she saw the old priest she stretched out her -arms to him and cried: "Is it you, my father, you who -have been so kind to me since childhood? Is it you -who can have the heart to come and tell me all is over? -No, I know your love too well; you can not bring -such a message. Speak, I implore you, you whose lips -can utter nothing but good!"</p> - -<p>"Your husband," said the old man, "will receive -Christian burial."</p> - -<p>"He is dead, then," cried the unhappy woman; and -for the first time she burst into tears.</p> - -<p>This was the reaction which the old priest looked -for.</p> - -<p>"My daughter," said he, "but a moment ago you -were praying as a peculiar favor that you might be permitted -once more to embrace the body of your husband, -and God has heard your petition. Trust in him, for the -mighty hand which has plucked your husband out of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">75</a></span> -abyss is able also to give him back to life." The young -woman answered with a fresh storm of sobs.</p> - -<p>"He is the same all-merciful God," went on the old -priest, "who said to Lazarus in the tomb, 'Friend, I say -unto you arise!' All hope is not yet lost, for your husband -in his present state of suffering—"</p> - -<p>The poor woman, who had hitherto listened to her -old friend without understanding him, seemed suddenly -to awaken as from a horrible nightmare, and clasping -her sleeping children in her arms she sprang to the -door.</p> - -<p>On the meeting between Dumais and his family we -will not intrude.</p> - -<p>"Now, let us go to supper," said the seigneur to his -venerable friend. "We all need it, but more especially -this heroic young man," added he, bringing Archie forward.</p> - -<p>"Gently, gently, my dear sir," said the old priest. -"We have first a more pressing duty to fulfill. We have -to thank God, who has so manifested his favor this -night."</p> - -<p>All present fell on their knees; and the old priest in -a short but touching prayer rendered thanks to Him -who commands the sea in its fury, who holds His creatures -in the hollow of His hand.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">76</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.<br /> -<span class="chapsmall">A SUPPER AT THE HOUSE OF A FRENCH-CANADIAN SEIGNEUR.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza">Half-cut-down, a pasty costly made,<br /> -Where quail and pigeon, lark and leveret, lay<br /> -Like fossils of the rock, with golden yolks<br /> -Imbedded and injellied.<br /></div></div></div> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Tennyson.</span></p> - - - -<p>The table was spread in a low but spacious room, -whose furniture, though not luxurious, lacked nothing -of what an Englishman calls comfort.</p> - -<p>A thick woolen carpet, of Canadian manufacture and -of a diamond pattern, covered the greater part of the -dining-room floor. The bright woolen curtains, the -backs of the mahogany sofa, ottomans, and chairs were -embroidered with gigantic birds, such as it would have -puzzled the most brilliant ornithologist to classify.</p> - -<p>A great sideboard, reaching almost to the ceiling, -displayed on its many shelves a service of blue Marseilles -china, of a thickness to defy the awkwardness of -the servants. Over the lower part of this sideboard, -which served the purpose of a cupboard and which -might be called the ground floor of the structure, projected -a shelf a foot and a half wide, on which stood a -sort of tall narrow cabinet, whose drawers, lined with -green cloth, held the silver spoons and forks. On this -shelf also were some bottles of old wine, together with a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">77</a></span> -great silver jar of water, for the use of those who cared -to dilute their beverage.</p> - -<p>A pile of plates of the finest porcelain, two decanters -of white wine, a couple of tarts, a dish of whipped -cream, some delicate biscuits, a bowl of sweetmeats, on -a little table near the sideboard covered with a white -cloth, constituted the dessert. In one corner of the -room stood a sort of barrel-shaped fountain of blue and -white stone china, with faucet and basin, where the -family might rinse their hands.</p> - -<p>In an opposite corner a great closet, containing -square bottles filled with brandy, absinthe, <i>liqueurs</i> of -peach kernel, raspberry, black currant, anise, etc., for -daily use, completed the furnishing of the room.</p> - -<p>The table was set for eight persons. A silver fork -and spoon, wrapped in a napkin, were placed at the left -of each plate, and a bottle of light wine at the right. -There was not a knife on the table during the serving of -the courses; each was already supplied with this useful -instrument, which only the Orientals know how to do -without. If the knife one affected was a clasp knife, it -was carried in the pocket; if a sheath-knife, it was worn -suspended from the neck in a case of morocco, of silk, -or even of birch-bark artistically wrought by the Indians. -The handles were usually of ivory riveted with -silver; those for the use of ladies were of mother-of-pearl.</p> - -<p>To the right of each plate was a silver cup or goblet. -These cups were of different forms and sizes, some being -of simple pattern with or without hoops, some with -handles, some in the form of a chalice, some worked in -relief, and very many lined with gold.</p> - -<p>A servant, placing on a side-table the customary appetizers, -namely, brandy for the men and sweet cordials -for the women, came to announce that the supper was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">78</a></span> -served. Eight persons sat down at the table—the Seigneur -de Beaumont and his wife; their sister, Madame -Descarrières; the old priest; Captain Marcheterre and -his son Henri; and lastly Archie and Jules. The lady -of the house gave the place of honor at her right to the -priest, and the next place, at her left, to the old captain. -The <i>menu</i> opened with an excellent soup (soup was then -<i>de rigueur</i> for dinner and supper alike), followed by a -cold pasty, called the Easter pasty, which, on account of -its immense proportions, was served on a great tray covered -with a napkin. This pasty, which would have -aroused the envy of Brillat-Savarin, consisted of one -turkey, two chickens, two partridges, two pigeons, the -backs and thighs of two rabbits, all larded with slices of -fat pork. The balls of force-meat on which rested, as on -a thick, soft bed, these gastronomic riches, were made of -two hams of that animal which the Jew despises, but -which the Christian treats with more regard. Large -onions scattered here and there and a liberal seasoning -of the finest spices completed the appetizing marvel. -But a very important point was the cooking, which was -beset with difficulty; for should the gigantic structure -be allowed to break, it would lose at least fifty per cent -of its flavor. To guard against so lamentable a catastrophe, -the lower crust, coming at least three inches up the -sides, was not less than an inch thick. This crust itself, -saturated with the juices of all the good things inside, -was one of the best parts of this unique dish.</p> - -<p>Chickens and partridges roasted in slices of pork, -pigs feet <i>à la Sainte-Ménéhould</i>, a hare stew, very different -from that with which the Spanish landlord regaled -the unhappy Gil Blas—these were among the other -dishes which the seigneur set before his friends.</p> - -<p>For a time there was silence with great appetites; but -when dessert was reached, the old sailor, who had been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">79</a></span> -eating like a hungry wolf and drinking proportionately, -and all the time managing to keep his eyes on Archie, -was the first to break the silence.</p> - -<p>"It would seem, young man," said he facetiously, -"that you are not much afraid of a cold in your head. -It would seem, also, that you don't really need to breathe -the air of heaven, and that, like your cousins the beaver -and otter, you only put your nose out of water every -half-hour, for form sake, and to see what's going on in -the upper world. You are a good deal like a salmon—when -one gives him line he knows how to profit by it. -It's my opinion, however, that gudgeons like you are -not found in every brook."</p> - -<p>"It was only your presence of mind, captain," said -Archie, "your admirable judgment in letting out the exact -quantity of rope, that prevented me smashing my -head or my stomach on the ice; and but for you, poor -Dumais, instead of being warm in bed would now be -rolling under the St. Lawrence ice."</p> - -<p>"A nice joke," cried Marcheterre; "to hear him -talk as if I had done the thing! It was very necessary -to give you line when I saw that you threatened to -stand on your head, which would have been a very uncomfortable -position in those waves. I wish to the d—Beg -pardon, your reverence, I was just going to swear; it -is a habit with us sailors."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense," laughed the old priest, "you have been -accustomed to it so long, you old sinner, that one more -or less hardly matters; your record is full, and you no -longer keep count of them."</p> - -<p>"When the tally-board is quite full, reverend father," -said Marcheterre, "you shall just pass the plane over it, -as you have done so often before, and we'll run up another -score. Moreover, I am sure not to escape you, -for you know so well when and where to hook me and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">80</a></span> -drag me into a blessed harbor with the rest of the sinners."</p> - -<p>"You are too severe, sir," said Jules. "How could -you wish to deprive our dear captain of the comfort of -swearing a little, if only against his darky cook, who -burns his fricassees as black as his own phiz?"</p> - -<p>"You hair-brained young scoundrel," cried the captain -with a comical assumption of anger, "do you dare -talk to me so after the trick you played me?"</p> - -<p>"I!" said Jules innocently, "I played you a trick? -I am incapable of it, dear captain. You are slandering -me cruelly."</p> - -<p>"Just listen to the young saint!" said Marcheterre. -"I slandering him! No matter, let us drop the subject -for a moment. 'Lay to' for a bit, boy; I shall -know how to find you again soon. I was going to say," -continued the captain, "when his reverence tumbled my -unfortunate exclamation to the bottom of the hold and -shut the hatch down on it, that if out of curiosity, Mr. -Archie, you had gone down to the foot of the fall, then, -like your <i>confrère</i> the salmon, you would probably have -shown us the trick of swimming up it again."</p> - -<p>The spirit of mirth now ruled the conversation, and -in repartee and witticism the company found relief from -the intense emotions to which they had been subjected.</p> - -<p>"Fill your glasses! Attention, everybody," cried the -Seigneur de Beaumont. "I am going to propose a -health which will, I am very sure, be received with acclamation."</p> - -<p>"It is very easy for you to talk," said the old priest, -whom they had honored especially by giving him a goblet -richly carved, but holding nearly double what those -of the other guests could contain. "I am over ninety, -and I have no longer the hard head of a twenty-five year -old."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">81</a></span></p> - -<p>"Come, my old friend," said the seigneur, "you will -not have far to go, for you must sleep here to-night. -Moreover, if your legs should become unsteady, it will -pass for the weakness of old age, and no one will be -shocked."</p> - -<p>"You forget, seigneur," said the priest, laughing, -"that I have accepted your kind invitation to help take -care of poor Dumais to-night. I intend to sit up with -him. If I take too much wine, what use do you think -I could be to the poor fellow?"</p> - -<p>"Indeed, you shall go to bed," said the seigneur. -"The master of the house decrees it. We will rouse -you in case of need. Have no anxiety as to Dumais -and his wife; their friend Mrs. Couture is with them. -I am even sending home, after they have supped, a lot -of their gossips and cronies, who wanted to be in the -way all night and use up the fresh air which the sick -man is so much in need of. We will all be up if necessary."</p> - -<p>"You argue so well," answered the priest, "that I -must even do as you say," and he poured a fair quantity -of wine into his formidable cup.</p> - -<p>Then the Seigneur de Beaumont said to Archie, with -solemn emphasis: "What you have done is beyond all -praise. I know not which is most admirable, the splendid -spirit of self-sacrifice which moved you to risk your -life for that of a stranger, or the courage and coolness -which enabled you to succeed. You possess all the -qualities most requisite to the career you are to follow. -A soldier myself, I prophesy great success for you. Let -us drink to the health of Mr. de Lochiel!"</p> - -<p>The toast was drunk with ardent enthusiasm.</p> - -<p>In returning thanks, Archie said modestly:</p> - -<p>"I am bewildered by so much praise for so simple a -performance. I was probably the only one present who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">82</a></span> -knew how to swim; for any one else would have done -as I did. It is claimed that your Indian women throw -their infants into the water and let them make the best -of their way to shore; this teaches them to swim very -early. I am tempted to believe that our mothers in the -Scottish Highlands follow the same excellent custom. -As long as I can remember I have been a swimmer."</p> - -<p>"At your fooling again, Mr. Archie," said the captain. -"As for me, I have been a sailor these fifty years, -and I have never yet learned how to swim. Not that I -have never fallen into the water, but I have always had -the good luck to catch hold of something. Failing that, -I always kept my feet going, as cats and dogs do. -Sooner or later some one always hauled me out; and -here I am.</p> - -<p>"That reminds me of a little adventure which happened -to me when I was a sailor. My ship was anchored -by the banks of the Mississippi. It might have been -about nine o'clock in the evening, after one of those suffocating -days which one can experience only in the -tropics. I had made my bed up in the bows of my ship, -in order to enjoy the evening breezes. But for the <ins title="Transcriber's note: original reads 'musquitoes'">mosquitoes</ins>, -the sand flies, the black flies, and the infernal -noise of the alligators, which had gathered, I think, -from the utmost limits of the Father of Streams to give -me a good serenading, a monarch of the East might -have envied me my bed. I am not naturally timid, but -I have an unconquerable horror of all kinds of reptiles, -whether they crawl on land or wriggle in the water."</p> - -<p>"Captain, you have a refined and aristocratic taste -which does you much honor," said Jules.</p> - -<p>"Do you dare to speak to me again, you disreputable," -cried Marcheterre, shaking his great fist at him. I -was about forgetting you, but your turn will come very -soon. Meanwhile, I go on with my story. I was feeling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">83</a></span> -very safe and comfortable on my mat, whence I could -hear the hungry monsters snapping their jaws. I derided -them, saying: 'You would be delighted, my lambs, -to make a meal off my carcass, but there's one little -difficulty in the way of it; though you should have to -fast all your lives through like hermits I would never be the -one to break your fasting, for my conscience is too tender.'</p> - -<p>"I don't know exactly how the thing happened, but -I ended by falling asleep, and when I awoke I was in -the midst of these jolly companions. You could never -imagine the horror that seized me, in spite of my customary -coolness. I did not lose my presence of mind, -however. While under water I remembered that there -was a rope hanging from the bowsprit. As I came to -the surface I had the good fortune to catch it. I was -as active as a monkey in those days; but I did not -escape without leaving as a keepsake in the throat of a -very barbarous alligator one of my boots and a valued -portion of the calf of my leg.</p> - -<p>"Now for your turn, you imp," continued the captain, -turning to Jules. "I must get even with you, sooner -or later, for the trick you played me. On my return -from Martinique last year, I met monsieur one morning -in Quebec Lower Town as he was on the point of crossing -the river to return home for his vacation. After a -perfect squall of embraces, from which I escaped with -difficulty by sheering off to larboard, I commissioned -him to tell my family of my arrival, and to say that I -could not be at St. Thomas for several days. What did -this young saint do? He went to my house at eight -o'clock in the evening, shouting, like all possessed: 'Oh, -joy! oh, rapture! Three cheers and a tiger!'</p> - -<p>"'My husband has come!' exclaimed Madame -Marcheterre. 'Father has come!' cried my two daughters.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">84</a></span></p> - -<p>"'Certainly,' said he; 'what else could I be making -all this fuss about?'</p> - -<p>"Then he kissed my good wife—there was no great -difficulty in that. He wanted to kiss the girls, too, but -they boxed his ears and sheered off with all sails set. -What does your reverence think of this for a beginning, -to say nothing of what followed?"</p> - -<p>"Ah, Mr. Jules," cried the old priest, "these are -nice things I am hearing about you. Queer conduct this -for a pupil of the Jesuit fathers."</p> - -<p>"You see, Mr. Abbé," said Jules, "that all that was -only a bit of fun to enable me to share the happiness of -that estimable family. I knew too well the ferocious -virtue, immovable as the Cape of Storms, of these daughters -of the sea. I well knew that they would box my -ears soundly and sheer off with all sails set."</p> - -<p>"I begin to believe that you are telling the truth, -after all," said the old priest, "and that there were no -evil designs on your part. I know my Jules pretty thoroughly."</p> - -<p>"Worse and more of it," said the captain. "Take -his part, do; that's all he was wanting. But we'll see -what you think when you hear the rest. When my young -gentleman had finished his larking, he said to my wife: -'The captain told me to say he would be here to-morrow -evening, in the neighborhood of ten o'clock, and -that, as his business had prospered exceedingly (which, -indeed, was all true), he wished that his friends should -celebrate his good luck with him. He wished that there -should be a ball and supper going on at his house when -he arrived, which would be just as the guests were sitting -down to table. Make ready, therefore, for this -celebration, to which he has invited myself and my -brother de Lochiel. This puts me out a little,' added -the young hypocrite, 'for I am in a great hurry to get<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">85</a></span> -home, but for you ladies there is nothing that I would -not do.'</p> - -<p>"'My husband does not consider that he is giving -me too little time,' said Madame Marcheterre. 'We -have no market here. My cook is very old to undertake -so much in one day. The case is desperate, but -to please him we must accomplish the impossible.'</p> - -<p>"'Perhaps I can be of some use to you,' said the -hypocrite, pretending to sympathize with her. 'I will -undertake with pleasure to send out the invitations.'</p> - -<p>"'My dear Jules,' said my wife, 'that would be the -greatest help. You know our society. I give you <i>carte -blanche</i>.'</p> - -<p>"My wife ran all over the parish to get provisions -for the feast. She and the girls spent the greater part -of the night helping the old cook make pastries, whipped -creams, blanc-mange, biscuits, and a lot of sweet stuff -that I wouldn't give for one steak of fresh codfish, such -as one gets on the Banks of Newfoundland. Mr. Jules, -for his part, did things up in style. That night he sent -out two messengers, one to the northeast, the other to the -southwest, carrying invitations; so that by six o'clock -the next evening, thanks to his good management, my -house was full of guests, who were whirling around like -so many gulls, while I was anchored in Quebec, and -poor madame, in spite of a frightful cold, was doing the -honors of the house with the best grace possible. What -do you think, gentlemen, of a trick like that; and what -have you to say in your defense, you wolf in sheep's -clothing?"</p> - -<p>"I wished," said Jules, "that everybody should share -beforehand in the joy of the family over the good fortune -of so dear and so generous a friend. Also, if you -could have seen the regret and general consternation -when, toward eleven o'clock, it was found necessary to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">86</a></span> -sit down at table without waiting for you any longer, -you would certainly have been moved to tears. The -morrow, you will remember, was a fast day. As for -your wife, she seems to be without the smallest idea of -gratitude. Observing, a little before eleven, that she -was in no hurry to bring on the supper, and that she -was beginning to be anxious about her dear husband, I -whispered a word in her ear, and for thanks she broke -her fan over my back."</p> - -<p>Everybody, the captain himself included, burst out -laughing.</p> - -<p>"How is it you never told us of this before, Marcheterre?" -said the Seigneur de Beaumont.</p> - -<p>"It was hardly necessary," said the captain, "to publish -it to the world that we had been tricked by this -young rascal. Moreover, it would have been no particular -satisfaction to us to inform you that you owed the -entertainment to the munificence of Mr. Jules D'Haberville; -we preferred to have the credit of it ourselves. -I only tell it to you to-day because it is too good to -keep any longer."</p> - -<p>"It seems to me, Mr. Diver," continued Marcheterre, -addressing Archie, "that, in spite of your reserved -and philosophical demeanor, you were an accomplice of -Master Jules."</p> - -<p>"I give you my word," replied Lochiel, "that I -knew nothing of it whatever. Not till the next day did -Jules take me into his confidence, whereupon I gave -him a good scolding."</p> - -<p>"You could hardly say much," said Jules, "after the -rate at which you kicked round your great Scotch legs -with great peril to the more civilized shins of your neighbors. -You have doubtless forgotten that, since you -were not content with French cotillons, such as are accepted -among all civilized people, to please you we had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">87</a></span> -to have Scotch reels. The music for these our fiddler -picked up by ear in an instant. It was a very simple -matter; he merely had to scrape his strings till they -screeched as if a lot of cats were shut up in a bag and -some one were pulling their tails."</p> - -<p>"Oh, you are a bad lot," said the captain; "but -won't you come and take supper with us to-morrow, -you and your friend, and make your peace with the -family?"</p> - -<p>"That's the way to talk, now!" said Jules.</p> - -<p>"Listen to the irrepressible," retorted Marcheterre.</p> - -<p>As it was now very late, the party broke up, after -drinking the health of the old sailor and his son and -pronouncing the eulogies they deserved for the part -they had played that night.</p> - -<p>The young men had to stay some days at St. Thomas. -The flood continued. The roads were deluged. -The nearest bridge, even supposing it had escaped the -general disaster, was some leagues southwest of the village, -and the rain came down in torrents. They were -obliged to wait till the river should be clear of ice, so as -to cross in a boat below the falls. They divided their -time between the seigneur's family, their other friends, -and poor Dumais, whom the seigneur would not permit -to be moved. The sick man entertained them with -stories of his fights against the English and their savage -allies, and with accounts of the manners and customs of -the aborigines.</p> - -<p>"Although I am a native of St. Thomas," said Dumais -one day, "I was brought up in the parish of Sorel. -When I was ten years old and my brother nine, while we -were in the woods one day picking raspberries a party of -Iroquois surprised and captured us. After a long march, -we came to the place where their canoe was hidden -among the brambles by the water's edge; and they took<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">88</a></span> -us to one of the islands of the St. Lawrence. My father -and his three brothers, armed to the teeth, set out to -rescue us. They were only four against ten; but I -may say without boasting that my father and my uncles -were not exactly the kind of men to be trifled with. -They were tall, broad-chested fellows, with their shoulders -well set back.</p> - -<p>"It might have been about ten o'clock in the evening. -My brother and I, surrounded by our captors, were -seated in a little clearing in the midst of thick woods, -when we heard my father's voice shouting to us: 'Lie -flat down on your stomachs.' I immediately seized my -little brother around the neck and flattened him down -to the ground with me. The Iroquois were hardly on -their feet when four well-aimed shots rang out and four -of the band fell squirming like eels. The rest of the -vermin, not wishing, I suppose, to fire at hazard against -the invisible enemies to whom they were serving as targets, -started for the shelter of the trees; but our rescuers -gave them no time. Falling upon them with the butts -of their muskets, they beat down three at the first charge, -and the others saved themselves by flight. Our mother -almost died of joy when we were given back to her -arms."</p> - -<p>In return, Lochiel told the poor fellow about the -combats of the Scottish Highlanders, their manners and -customs, and the semi-fabulous exploits of his hero, the -great Wallace; while Jules amused him with the story -of his practical jokes, or with such bits of history as he -might appreciate.</p> - -<p>When the young men were bidding Dumais farewell, -the latter said to Archie with tears in his eyes:</p> - -<p>"It is probable, sir, that I shall never see you again, -but be sure that I will carry you ever in my heart, and -will pray for you, I and my family, every day of our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">89</a></span> -lives. It is painful for me to think that even should you -return to New France, a poor man like me would have -no means of displaying his gratitude."</p> - -<p>"Who knows," said Lochiel, "perhaps you will do -more for me than I have done for you."</p> - -<p>Was the Highlander gifted with that second sight of -which his fellow-countrymen are wont to boast? Let us -judge from the sequel.</p> - -<p>On the 30th day of April, at ten o'clock in the morning, -with weather magnificent but roads altogether execrable, -our travelers bade farewell to their friends at St. -Thomas. They had yet six leagues to go before arriving -at St. Jean-Port-Joli, and the whole distance they -had to travel afoot, cursing at the rain which had removed -the last traces of ice and snow. In traversing -the road across the plain of Cape St. Ignace it was even -worse. They sank to their knees, and their horse was -mired to the belly and had to be dug out. Jules, the -most impatient of the three, kept grumbling:</p> - -<p>"If I had had anything to do with the weather we -would never have had this devil of a rain which has -turned all the roads into bogholes."</p> - -<p>Perceiving that José shook his head whenever he -heard this remark, he asked him what he meant.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Master Jules," said José, "I am only a poor -ignorant fellow, but I can't help thinking that if you -had charge of the weather we shouldn't be much -better off. Take the case of what happened to Davy -Larouche."</p> - -<p>"When we get across this cursed boghole," said -Jules, "you shall tell us the story of Davy Larouche. -Oh, that I had the legs of a heron, like this haughty -Scotchman who strides before us whistling a pibroch -just fit for these roads."</p> - -<p>"What would you give," said Archie, "to exchange<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">90</a></span> -your diminutive French legs for those of the haughty -Highlander?"</p> - -<p>"Keep your legs," retorted Jules, "for when you -have to run away from the enemy."</p> - -<p>Once well across the meadow, the young men asked -José for his story.</p> - -<p>"I must tell you," said the latter, "that a fellow -named Davy Larouche once lived in the parish of St. -Roch. He was a good enough provider, neither very -rich nor very poor. I used to think that the dear fellow -was not quite sharp enough, which prevented him making -great headway in the world.</p> - -<p>"It happened that one morning Davy got up earlier -than usual, put through his chores in the stable, returned -to the house, fixed his whiskers as if it were Sunday, -and got himself up in his best clothes.</p> - -<p>"'Where are you going, my good man?' asked his -wife. 'What a swell you are! Are you going to see -the girls?'</p> - -<p>"You must understand that this was a joke of hers; -she knew that her husband was bashful with women, and -not at all inclined to run after them. As for La Thèque -herself, she was the most facetious little body on the -whole south side, inheriting it from her old Uncle Bernuchon -Castonguay. She often used to say, pointing to -her husband, 'You see that great fool yonder?' Certainly -not a very polite way to speak of her husband. -'Well, he would never have had the pluck to ask me in -marriage, though I was the prettiest girl in the parish, if -I had not met him more than half-way. Yet, how his -eyes used to shine whenever he saw me! I took pity -on him, because he wasn't making much progress. To -be sure, I was even more anxious about it than he; he -had four good acres of land to his name, while I had -nothing but this fair body of mine.'</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">91</a></span></p> - -<p>"She was lying a little to be sure, the puss," added -José. "She had a cow, a yearling bull, six sheep, her -spinning-wheel, a box so full of clothes that you had to -kneel on it to shut it, and in the box fifty silver francs.</p> - -<p>"'I took pity on him one evening,' said she, 'when -he called at our house and sat in the corner without -even daring to speak to me. "I know you are in love -with me, you great simpleton," said I. "Go and speak to -my father, who is waiting for you in the next room, and -you can get the banns published next Sunday." Moreover, -since he sat there without budging and as red as a -turkey-cock, I took him by the shoulders and pushed -him into the other room. My father opened a closet -and brought out a flask of brandy to encourage him. -Well, in spite of all these hints, he had to get three -drinks into his body before he found his tongue.'</p> - -<p>"Well, as I was saying," continued José, "La Thèque -said to her husband: 'Are you going to see the girls, -my man? Look out for yourself! If you get off any -pranks I will let you into the soup.'</p> - -<p>"'You know very well I'm not,' said Larouche -laughingly, and flicking her on the back with his whip. -'Here we are at the end of March, my grain is all thrashed -out, and I'm going to carry my tithes to the priest.'</p> - -<p>"'That's right, my man,' said his wife, who was a -good Christian; 'we must render back to God a share -of what he has just given us.'</p> - -<p>"Larouche then threw his sacks upon the sled, lit -his pipe with a hot coal, sprang aboard, and set off in -high spirits.</p> - -<p>"As he was passing a bit of woods he met a traveler, -who approached by a side path.</p> - -<p>"This stranger was a tall, handsome man of about -thirty. Long fair hair fell about his shoulders, his blue -eyes were as sweet as an angel's, and his countenance<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">92</a></span> -wore a sort of tender sadness. His dress was a long -blue robe tied at the waist. Larouche said he had never -seen any one so beautiful as this stranger, and that the -loveliest woman was ugly in comparison.</p> - -<p>"'Peace be with you, my brother,' said the traveler.</p> - -<p>"'I thank you for your good wishes,' answered -Davy; 'a good word burns nobody's mouth. But that -is something I don't particularly need. I am at peace, -thank God, with everybody. I have an excellent wife, -good children, we get on well together, all my neighbors -love me. I have nothing to desire in the way of peace.'</p> - -<p>"'I congratulate you,' said the traveler. 'Your sled -is well loaded; where are you going this morning?'</p> - -<p>"'It is my tithes which I am taking to the priest.'</p> - -<p>"'It would seem, then,' said the stranger, 'that you -have had a good harvest, reckoning one measure of -tithes to every twenty-six measures of clean grain.'</p> - -<p>"'Good enough, I confess; but if I had had the -weather just to my fancy it would have been something -very much better.'</p> - -<p>"'You think so,' said the traveler.</p> - -<p>"'No manner of doubt of it,' answered Davy.</p> - -<p>"'Very well,' said the stranger; 'now you shall have -just what weather you wish, and much good may it do -you.'</p> - -<p>"Having spoken thus, he disappeared around the -foot of a little hill.</p> - -<p>"'That's queer now,' thought Davy. 'I know very -well that there are wicked people who go about the -world putting spells on men, women, children, or animals. -Take the case of the woman, Lestin Coulombe, -who, on the very day of her wedding, made fun of a -certain beggar who squinted in his left eye. She had -good cause to regret it, poor thing; for he said to her -angrily: "Take care, young woman, that your own children<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">93</a></span> -don't turn out cross-eyed." She trembled, poor -creature, for every child she brought into the world, and -not without good cause; for the fourteenth, when looked -at closely, showed a blemish on its right eye.'"</p> - -<p>"It seems to me," said Jules, "that Madame Lestin -must have had a mighty dread of cross-eyed children if -she could not be content to present her dear husband -with one even after twenty years of married life. Evidently -she was a thoughtful and easy-going woman, who -took her time about whatever she was going to do."</p> - -<p>José shook his head with a dubious air and continued:</p> - -<p>"'Well,' thought Larouche to himself, 'though bad -folk go about the country putting spells on people, I -have never heard of saints wandering around Canada to -work miracles. After all, it is no business of mine. I -won't say a word about it, and we'll see next spring.'</p> - -<p>"About that time the next year Davy, very much -ashamed of himself, got up secretly, long before daylight, -to take his tithes to the priest. He had no need -of horse or sleigh. He carried the whole thing in his -handkerchief.</p> - -<p>"As the sun was rising he once more met the stranger, -who said to him:</p> - -<p>"'Peace be with you, my brother!'</p> - -<p>"'Never was wish more appropriate,' answered Larouche, -'for I believe the devil himself has got into my -house, and is kicking up his pranks there day and night. -My wife scolds me to death from morn till eve, my children -sulk when they are not doing worse, and all my -neighbors are set against me.'</p> - -<p>"'I am very sorry to hear it,' said the traveler, 'but -what are you carrying in that little parcel?'</p> - -<p>"'My tithes,' answered Larouche, with an air of -chagrin.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">94</a></span></p> - -<p>"'It seems to me, however,' said the stranger, 'that -you have been having just the weather you asked for.'</p> - -<p>"'I acknowledge it,' said Davy. 'When I asked for -sunshine, I had it; when I wanted rain, wind, calm -weather, I got them; yet nothing has succeeded with -me. The sun burned up the grain, the rain caused it to -rot, the wind beat it down, the calm brought the night -frosts. My neighbors are all bitter against me; they regard -me as a sorcerer, who has brought a curse on their -harvests. My wife began by distrusting me, and has -ended by heaping me with reproaches. In a word, it is -enough to drive one crazy.'</p> - -<p>"'Which proves to you, my brother,' said the traveler, -'that your wish was a foolish one; that one must -always trust to the providence of God, who knows what -is good for man better than man can know it for himself. -Put your trust in him, and you will not have to endure -the humiliation of having to carry your tithes in a handkerchief.'</p> - -<p>"With these words, the stranger again disappeared -around the hill.</p> - -<p>"Larouche took the hint, and thenceforth acknowledged -God's providence, without wishing to meddle -with the weather."</p> - -<p>As José brought his tale to an end, Archie said: "I -like exceedingly the simplicity of this legend. It has a -lofty moral, and at the same time it displays the vivid -faith of the <i>habitants</i> of New France. Shame on the -heartless philosopher who would deprive them of that -whence they derive so many a consolation in the trials -of life!</p> - -<p>"It must be confessed," continued Archie later, -when they were at a little distance from the sleigh, "that -our friend José has always an appropriate story ready; -but do you believe that his father really told him that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">95</a></span> -marvelous dream that was dreamed on the hillsides of -St. Michel?"</p> - -<p>"I perceive," said Jules, "that you do not yet know -José's talents; he is an inexhaustible <i>raconteur</i>. The -neighbors gather in our kitchen on the long winter evenings, -and José spins them a story which often goes on -for weeks. When he feels his imagination beginning to -flag he breaks off, and says: 'I'm getting tired; I'll tell -you the rest another day.'</p> - -<p>"José is also a much more highly esteemed poet than -my learned uncle the chevalier, who prides himself on -his skill in verse. He never fails to sacrifice to the -Muses either on flesh days or on New Year's Day. If -you were at my father's house at such times, you would -see messengers arrive from all parts of the parish in -quest of José's compositions."</p> - -<p>"But he does not know how to write," said Archie.</p> - -<p>"No more do his audience know how to read," replied -Jules. "This is how they work it. They send -to the poet a good chanter (<i>chanteux</i>), as they call -him, who has a prodigious memory; and, presto! inside -of half an hour said chanter has the whole poem in -his head. For any sorrowful occasion José is asked to -compose a lament; and if it be an occasion of mirth he -is certain to be in demand. That reminds me of what -happened to a poor devil of a lover who had taken his -sweetheart to a ball without being invited. Although -unexpected, they were received with politeness, but the -young man was so awkward as to trip the daughter of -the house while dancing, which raised a shout of laughter -from all the company. The young girl's father, being -a rough fellow and very angry at the accident, took -poor José Blais by the shoulders and put him out of -the house. Then he made all manner of excuses to the -poor girl whose lover had been so unceremoniously dismissed,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">96</a></span> -and would not permit her to leave. On hearing -of this, our friend José yonder was seized with an inspiration, -and improvised the following naïve bit of verse:</p> - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"A party after vespers at the house of old Boulé;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">But the lads that couldn't dance were asked to stay away:<br /></span> -<span class="i6">Mon ton ton de ritaine, mon ton ton de rité.<br /></span> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"The lads that couldn't dance were asked to stay away,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">But his heart was set on going, was the heart of José Blai:<br /></span> -<span class="i6">Mon ton ton, etc.<br /></span> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">His heart was set on going, was the heart of José Blai.<br /></span> -<span class="i0">'Get done your chores,' said his mistress, 'and I will not say you<br /></span> -<span class="i4">nay':<br /></span> -<span class="i6">Mon ton ton, etc.<br /></span> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"'Get done your chores,' said his mistress, 'and I will not say you<br /></span> -<span class="i6">nay':<br /></span> -<span class="i0">So he hurried out to the barn to give the cows their hay:<br /></span> -<span class="i6">Mon ton ton, etc.<br /></span> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"He hurried out to the barn to give the cows their hay.<br /></span> -<span class="i0">He rapped Rougett' on the nose, and on the ribs Barré:<br /></span> -<span class="i6">Mon ton ton, etc.<br /></span> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"He rapped Rougett' on the nose, and on the ribs Barré,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">And then rubbed down the horses in the quickest kind of way:<br /></span> -<span class="i6">Mon ton ton, etc.<br /></span> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"He rubbed down the horses in the quickest kind of way;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Then dressed him in his vest of red and coat of blue and gray:<br /></span> -<span class="i6">Mon ton ton, etc.<br /></span> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"He dressed him in his vest of red and coat of blue and gray,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">And black cravat, and shoes for which he had to pay:<br /></span> -<span class="i6">Mon ton ton, etc.<br /></span> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"His black cravat, and shoes for which he had to pay;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">And he took his dear Lizett', so proud of his display:<br /></span> -<span class="i6">Mon ton ton, etc.<br /></span> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"He took his dear Lizett', so proud of his display;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">But they kicked him out to learn to dance, and call another day:<br /></span> -<span class="i6">Mon ton ton, etc.<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">97</a></span> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"They kicked him out to learn to dance, and call another day;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">But they kept his dear Lizett', his pretty <i>fiancée</i>:<br /></span> -<span class="i6">Mon ton ton de ritaine, mon ton ton de rité."<br /></span> -</div> -</div></div> - -<p>"Why, it is a charming little idyl!" cried Archie, -laughing. "What a pity José had not an education! -Canada would possess one poet the more."</p> - -<p>"But to return to the experiences of his late father," -said Jules, "I believe that the old drunkard, after having -dared La Corriveau (a thing which the <i>habitants</i> consider -very foolhardy, as the dead are sure to avenge themselves, -sooner or later)—I believe the old drunkard fell -asleep in the ditch just opposite Isle d'Orléans, where -the <i>habitants</i> traveling by night always think they see -witches; I believe also that he suffered a terrible nightmare, -during which he thought himself attacked by the -goblins of the island on the one hand and by La Corriveau -on the other. José's vivid imagination has supplied -the rest, for you see how he turns everything to -account—the pictures in your natural history, for instance, -and the Cyclopes in my uncle's illustrated Virgil, -of which his dear late father had doubtless never -heard a word. Poor José! How sorry I am for the -way I abused him the other day. I knew nothing of it -until the day following, for I had entirely lost my senses -on seeing you disappear in the flood. I begged his pardon -very humbly, and he answered: 'What! are you -still thinking about that trifle? Why, I look back upon -it with pleasure now all the racket is over. It made me -even feel young again, reminding me of your furies when -you were a youngster—when you would scratch and bite -like a little wild cat, and when I would carry you off in -my arms to save you from the punishment of your parents. -How you used to cry! And then, when your -anger was over, you would bring me your playthings to -console me."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">98</a></span></p> - -<p>"Faithful José! what unswerving attachment to our -family through every trial! Men with hearts as dry as -tinder often look with scorn on such people as José, -though possessed of none of their virtues. A noble -heart is the best gift of God to man."</p> - -<p>As our travelers drew near the manor house of St. -Jean-Port-Joli, whose roof they could see under the -starlight, the conversation of Jules D'Haberville, ordinarily -so frivolous and mocking, grew more and more -thoughtful and sincere.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">99</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.<br /> -<span class="chapsmall">D'HABERVILLE MANOR HOUSE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<blockquote> -<p>Je bénis le soleil, je bénis la lune et les astres qui étoilent le ciel. Je -bénis aussi les petits oiseaux qui gazouillent dans l'air.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Henri Heine.</span><br /></p> - -</blockquote> -<p><span class="smcap">D'haberville Manor House</span> was situated at the -foot of a bluff which covered about nine acres of the -seigniory, on the south side of the highway. This bluff -was about a hundred feet high and very picturesque. -Its summit was clothed with pines and firs, whose perpetual -green formed a cheerful contrast with the desolation -of the winter landscape. Jules D'Haberville used -to compare these trees, triumphing on their height and -flaunting their fadeless green in the face of the harshest -seasons, to the mighty ones of the earth whose strength -and happiness are beyond the reach of vicissitude, however -much the poor may shiver at their feet.</p> - -<p>One might well believe that the brush of a Claude -Lorraine had exercised itself in adorning the flanks and -base of this hill, so endless was the variety of the trees -which had gathered thither from all the neighboring -woodlands. Elm, maple, birch, and beech, red thorn, -cherry, ash, and cedar, sumach, and all the other native -trees which are the glory of our forests, combined to -throw a cloak of all imaginable greens over the rugged -outlines of the bluff.</p> - -<p>A wood of ancient maples covered the space between<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">100</a></span> -the foot of the bluff and the highway, which was bordered -with hedges of hazel and cinnamon rose.</p> - -<p>The first object to attract the eye on approaching -the manor house was a brook, which, falling through the -trees in a succession of foamy cascades down the southwest -slope of the hill, mingled its clear current with that -of a fountain which burst forth some distance below. -After winding and loitering through a breadth of -meadow country, the wedded streams slipped reluctantly -into the St. Lawrence.</p> - -<p>The spring, bubbling from the very heart of the hill -into a basin cut from the living rock, preserves its icy -coolness, its crystal purity, through the fiercest heats of -summer. It was inclosed in those days in a little white-washed -pavilion, thick shaded by a group of ancient -trees. The seats arranged within and without this cool -retreat, the cone-shaped drinking-cups of birch bark -hanging on the wall, served as so many invitations from -the nymph of the fount to wayfarers oppressed by the -dog-star.</p> - -<p>Fresh as of old, to this day the hill-top keeps its -crown of emerald, the slope preserves its varied verdure; -but of the ancient grove there remain but five gnarled -maples. These trees, decaying little by little beneath -the touch of time, like the closing years of the master -of the domain, appear almost like a visible and ceaseless -prophecy that his life will fade out with that of the -last veteran of the grove. When the last log shall have -been consumed in warming the old man's frozen limbs, -its ashes will mingle with his own—a grim admonition, -like that of the priest on Ash Wednesday: "Memento, -homo, quia pulvis es, ut in pulverem reverteris."</p> - -<p>The manor house, situated between the river St. -Lawrence and the bluff, was divided from the water only -by the highway, the grove, and a spacious yard. It was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">101</a></span> -a one-storied structure with high gables, about a hundred -feet long, with two wings of fifty feet. A bake-house, -built into the northeast corner of the kitchen, -served also the purpose of a laundry. A small attachment, -adjoining the great drawing-room on the southwest, -gave symmetry to the proportions of this piece of -early Canadian architecture.</p> - -<p>Two other small buildings at the southeast served, -the one for a dairy, the other for a second wash-house. -This wash-house stood over a well, which was connected -by a long trough with the kitchen of the main building. -Coach-houses, barns, stables, five small sheds (three of -them standing in the grove), a kitchen garden to the -southwest of the manor house, two orchards on the north -and northeast, respectively—all these went to make up -the establishment of one of the old French Canadian -seigneurs. The <i>habitants</i> called the establishment "le -village D'Haberville."</p> - -<p>Sitting on the crest of the bluff, it mattered little in -what direction one allowed his gaze to wander. Immediately -below the little village, <ins title="Transcriber's note: original reads 'dazzingly'">dazzlingly</ins> white, appeared -to spring from the green bosom of the meadows. On -all sides a panorama of splendid magnificence unrolled -itself. There was the sovereign of streams, already seven -leagues in width, confined on the north by the ancient -barrier of Laurentians, whose feet it washes, and whose -peopled slopes are in view from Cape Tourmente to Malbaie; -yonder, to the west, <i>Ile aux Oies</i> and <i>Ile aux -Grues</i>; right in front, the Piliers Islands, one of which -is as arid as the <ins title="Transcriber's note: original reads 'Ææan'">Ægean</ins> rock of Circe, the other always -green, like the Ogygian paradise of Calypso; northward, -the reefs and shoals of the Loups-Marins, so dear to -Canadian hunters; and, lastly, the hamlets of l'Islet and -St. Jean-Port-Joli, crowned with their gleaming spires.</p> - -<p>It was nearly nine in the evening when the young<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">102</a></span> -men arrived on the slope overlooking the manor. At -the first glimpse of the scene which recalled the happiest -days of his existence, Jules paused and exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"Never have I approached this home of my ancestors -without being deeply impressed. Let them boast -as they will the scenes of beauty or sublimity which -abound in our fair Canada, among them all there is but -one for me, this spot where I was born, where I passed -my childhood under such tender cherishing! I used to -think the days too short for my childish sports. I rose -at dawn, I dressed in haste, my thirst for my enjoyments -was feverish and unfailing.</p> - -<p>"I love everything about us. I love the moon which -you see climbing over the wooded crest of the bluff; nowhere -else does she appear to me so beautiful. I love -yonder brook which used to turn my little water mills. -I love the fountain which refreshed me in the August -heats.</p> - -<p>"Yonder my mother used to sit," continued Jules, -pointing out a mossy rock in the shadow of two great -beeches. "Thither I used to bring her in my little silver -cup the ice-cool water from the spring. Ah! how -often this tender mother, watching by my pillow, or -awakened suddenly by my cries, brought me that same -cup filled with sweet milk! And to think that I must -leave all this—perhaps forever! O mother, mother!"</p> - -<p>Jules burst into tears.</p> - -<p>Lochiel, much moved, grasped his friend's hand and -answered:</p> - -<p>"You will come back again, my brother. You will -come back, bringing glory and good fortune to your -family."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, dear old boy," said Jules, "but let us -hurry on. The greetings of my parents will soon scatter -this little cloud."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">103</a></span></p> - -<p>Archie, who had never before visited the country in -spring-time, wished to know the meaning of those white -objects which he saw at the dusky foot of every maple.</p> - -<p>"Those are the three-cornered spouts," said Jules, -"which catch the sap for making sugar. The sugar-maker -cuts a notch in the tree and right beneath it he -drives in one of these affairs."</p> - -<p>"One might almost say," replied Archie, "that these -trees were vast water-pipes, with their funnels ready to -supply a crowded city."</p> - -<p>He was interrupted by the barking of a great dog, -which came running to meet them.</p> - -<p>"Niger! Niger!" shouted Jules. At the sound of -the well-loved voice the dog paused, then ran up and -snuffed at his master to assure himself of his identity. -He returned Jules's caresses with a howling half joyous, -half plaintive, which expressed his love as well as words -could have done.</p> - -<p>"Ah, poor Niger," said Jules, "I understand your -language perfectly. It is half a reproach to me for having -stayed away from you so long, and it is half delight -at seeing me again, with forgiveness of my neglect. Poor -Niger, when I come again after my long, long journey, -you will not even have the happiness that was granted -to the faithful hound of Ulysses, of dying at your master's -feet."</p> - -<p>The reader is doubtless ready by this time to make -the acquaintance of the D'Haberville family. Let me -introduce them according to their rank in the domestic -hierarchy:</p> - -<p>The Seigneur D'Haberville was scarcely forty-five -years old, but the toils of war had so told on his constitution -that he looked a good ten years older. His duties -as captain in the Colonial Marine kept him constantly -under arms. The ceaseless forest warfare, with no shelter,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">104</a></span> -according to the stern Canadian custom, except the -vault of heaven, the expeditions of reconnoissance or -surprise against the Iroquois or against the English settlements, -carried on during the severest weather, produced -their speedy effect on the strongest frames.</p> - -<p>Captain D'Haberville might fairly have been called -handsome. A little below the medium height, his regular -features, his vivid complexion, his great black eyes -which softened at will but whose intensity when aroused -few men could face, the simple elegance of his manners, -all combined to give him an air of extreme distinction. -A severe critic might perhaps have found fault with the -great length and thickness of his black eyebrows.</p> - -<p>As to character, the Seigneur D'Haberville was possessed -of all those qualities which distinguished the early -Canadians of noble birth. It is true, on the other hand, -that he might fairly have been charged with vindictiveness. -An injury, real or supposed, he found it hard to -forgive.</p> - -<p>Madame D'Haberville, a devout and gentle woman -of thirty-six, was endowed with that mature beauty -which men often prefer to the freshness of youth. -Blonde and of medium height, her countenance was of -an angelic sweetness. Her sole object seemed to be the -happiness of those about her. The <i>habitants</i>, in their -simple way, used to call her "the perfect lady."</p> - -<p>Mademoiselle Blanche D'Haberville, younger than -her brother Jules, was the image of her mother, but of a -somewhat graver temperament. Wise beyond her years, -she had a great influence over her brother, whose outbursts -she often checked with one imploring glance. -While apparently absorbed in her own thoughts, the girl -was capable, on occasion, of acting with energy and -effect.</p> - -<p>Madame Louise de Beaumont, younger sister of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">105</a></span> -Madame D'Haberville, had lived with her ever since her -marriage. Though rich and independent, she was altogether -devoted to her sister's family. Sharing their happiness, -she was equally ready to share, should need -arise, the utmost that adversity could bring upon them.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Raoul D'Haberville, or rather the Chevalier -D'Haberville, whom everybody called Uncle Raoul, -was a younger brother of the captain by two years. He -looked fully ten years his senior. A little man was Uncle -Raoul, almost as broad as he was long, and walking with -the assistance of a stick; he would have been remarkably -ugly even if the small-pox could have been induced -to spare his countenance. It is hard to say how he came -by his nickname. One may say of a man, he has a paternal -air, he is <i>un petit père</i>; but one accuses nobody of -having an avuncular appearance. For all that, Lieutenant -D'Haberville was everybody's uncle. Even his -soldiers, unknown to him, used to call him Uncle Raoul. -In like manner, to compare great things with small, Napoleon -was to the grumblers merely "the little corporal."</p> - -<p>Uncle Raoul was the <i>littérateur</i> of the D'Haberville -family, and, therefore, something of a pedant, like almost -all men who live in daily contact with people less -learned than themselves. Uncle Raoul was the best -fellow in the world when he had his own way; but he -had one little defect. He held the profound conviction -that he was always right, which made him very bad tempered -with any who might dare to differ with him.</p> - -<p>Uncle Raoul prided himself on his knowledge of -Latin, fragments of which language he was wont to -launch freely at the heads of cultured and ignorant -alike. Endless were his discussions with the curé over -some line of Horace, Ovid, or Virgil, who were his favorite -authors. The curé, who was of a mild and peaceable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">106</a></span> -humor, almost always grew weary of the contest -and gave way before his fiery opponent. But Uncle -Raoul also prided himself on being a profound theologian, -which was the cause of much embarrassment to -the poor curé. The latter was deeply concerned for the -soul of his friend, who had been in his youth a rather -risky subject, and whom he had had great difficulty in -leading into better courses. He found it necessary, -however, sometimes to give way on points not absolutely -essential to the safety of Uncle Raoul's soul. When -points were attacked which he durst not yield he was -wont to call in the aid of Blanche, whom her uncle idolized.</p> - -<p>"Dear uncle," she would say to him with a caress, -"are you not already learned enough without encroaching -on the field of our good pastor? You are victorious -on all the other points under discussion," she would add, -with a sly glance at the curé; "be generous, then, and -suffer yourself to be convinced on those points which are -the especial province of God's ministers."</p> - -<p>Thereupon, as Uncle Raoul argued simply for the -pleasure of argument, a peace would be concluded between -the disputants.</p> - -<p>Uncle Raoul was by no means the least important -personage at D'Haberville manor. Since his retirement -from the army, the captain, whom military service kept -much away from home, left the management of affairs -entirely in his hands. His occupations were very numerous. -He kept account of the receipts and expenditures -of the family; he collected the rents of the seigniory; -he managed the farm; he betook himself every -Sunday, rain or shine, to mass to receive the Easter water -in the seigneur's absence; and, among other minor -duties which devolved upon him, he presented for baptism -all the first-born children of the tenants of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">107</a></span> -estate—an honor which belonged to his elder brother, -but of which the latter had freed himself in favor of -Raoul.</p> - -<p>A little incident may be cited to show Uncle Raoul's -importance. Let us imagine ourselves in the month of -November, when the seigneurial rents fall due. Uncle -Raoul, with a long quill pen behind his ear, sits in a -great armchair as on a throne. Beside him is a table -covered with green cloth, and on this table rests his -sword. As the tenant appears, he assumes an expression -of severity, which does not greatly alarm the debtor, for -the Seigneur D'Haberville is an indulgent landlord, and -his tenants pay when they please.</p> - -<p>But Uncle Raoul is more deeply concerned for the -form than for the substance; the appearance of power -pleases him even as power itself. He will have everything -done with due ceremony.</p> - -<p>"How do you do, my—my—lieutenant?" says the -<i>censitaire</i>, accustomed to call him uncle behind his -back.</p> - -<p>"Very well. And thyself? What wilt thou?" replies -Uncle Raoul, with an air of great importance.</p> - -<p>"I have come to pay the rent, my—my lieutenant; -but the times are so hard that I have no money," says -Jean Baptiste, ducking his head penitently.</p> - -<p>"<i>Nescio vos!</i>" exclaims Uncle Raoul in a sonorous -voice; "<i>reddite quæ sunt Cæsaris Cæsari</i>."</p> - -<p>"That's fine what you say, my—my captain, so fine -that I can't understand it at all," murmurs the <i>censitaire</i>.</p> - -<p>"It's Latin, blockhead!" exclaims Uncle Raoul, "and -this Latin means, pay your lawful rents to the Seigneur -D'Haberville, on pain of being taken before the King's -courts and of being condemned in first and second instance -to pay all expense, damages, claims, and costs."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">108</a></span></p> - -<p>"It would go hard with me," murmurs the <i>censitaire</i>.</p> - -<p>"Heavens, you may well say so!" exclaims Uncle -Raoul, raising his eyes to the ceiling.</p> - -<p>"I know very well my—my seigneur, that your -Latin threatens me with all these punishments; but I -had the misfortune to lose my filly of last spring."</p> - -<p>"What, you rascal! On account of having lost a -wretched brute of six months old you wish to evade the -seigneurial claims, which have been established by your -sovereign on a foundation as enduring as yonder mountains. -<i>Quos ego ...!</i>"</p> - -<p>"I believe," murmurs the <i>habitant</i> to himself, "that -he is speaking Indian to frighten me."</p> - -<p>Then he adds aloud: "You see, my filly, according -to what all the best judges declared, would have been in -four years' time the best trotter on all the south shore, -and worth a hundred francs if a penny."</p> - -<p>"Oh, to the devil with you!" replied Uncle Raoul. -"Go and tell Lisette to give you a good drink of brandy, -to console you for the loss of your filly. These scoundrels," -adds Uncle Raoul, "drink more of our brandy -than their rents will ever pay for."</p> - -<p>The <i>habitant</i>, going into the kitchen, remarks to -Lisette with a chuckle: "I've had a bad job with Uncle -Raoul; he even threatened to haul me up before the -courts."</p> - -<p>As Uncle Raoul was very devout after his fashion, -he failed not to tell his beads and read his primer daily. -In singular contrast with this devotion, however, his -leisure moments were occupied in cursing, with an edifying -fervor, his enemies the English, who had broken a -leg for him at the capture of Louisburg. It was this -accident which had compelled him to relinquish the life -of a soldier.</p> - -<p>When the young men arrived before the manor-house,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">109</a></span> -they were astonished at the sight that met their -eyes. Not only were all the rooms lit up, but also some -of the out-buildings. There was an unaccustomed stir, -a strange hurrying to and fro. As the whole yard was -illuminated by the blaze of lights, they could distinguish -six men armed with guns and axes and seated on -a log.</p> - -<p>"I perceive," remarked Archie, "that the lord of the -manor has called out his guard to give us a fitting reception, -just as I predicted."</p> - -<p>José, who did not understand this sort of chaffing, -shifted his pipe from one corner of his mouth to the -other, muttered something between his teeth, and began -to smoke fiercely.</p> - -<p>"I can not tell why my father's guards, as you do -them the honor to call them, are under arms," answered -Jules, laughing, "unless it is that they are expecting an -attack from our friends the Iroquois. But, come on, -we'll soon solve the problem."</p> - -<p>As they entered the yard the six men rose simultaneously -and came forward to welcome their young master -and his friend.</p> - -<p>"What, you here!" exclaimed Jules, grasping their -hands cordially; "you, Father Chouinard! you, Julien! -and Alexis Dubé, and Father Tontaine, and François -Maurice, the incorrigible! Why, I thought the parish -would have taken advantage of my absence to rise as -one man and chuck you into the St. Lawrence, as a -proper punishment for the infernal tricks you play on -peaceable people."</p> - -<p>"Our young seigneur," said Maurice, "always has -his joke ready; but, if they were to drown all those who -put other folk into a rage, I know some one who would -have got his deserts long ago."</p> - -<p>"You think so!" said Jules, laughing. "Perhaps<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">110</a></span> -that all comes from the bad milk on which I was nursed. -Remember that it was at the breast of your own dear -mother I was nourished. But, to change the subject, -what in the mischief are you all doing here at this hour? -Are you gaping at the stars and moon?"</p> - -<p>"There are twelve of us," said Father Chouinard. -"We are taking turns in guarding the May-pole which -we are going to present to your honored father to-morrow. -Six are in the house, having a good time, while -we are taking the first watch."</p> - -<p>"I should have thought that the May-pole might -safely have been left to guard itself," said Jules. "I -don't think there is anybody crazy enough to get out of -his warm bed for the pleasure of breaking his back in -dragging away this venerable timber, at least while there -are May-poles on all sides to be had for the cutting."</p> - -<p>"You are off there, young master," answered Chouinard. -"You see there are always some folks jealous because -they have not been invited to the May-feast. It -was only last year some scoundrels who had been invited -to stay at home had the audacity to saw up, during -the night, the May-pole which the folks of Ste. -Anne were going to present to Captain Besse. Think -of the poor peoples' feelings when they gathered in the -morning and saw that their fine tree was nothing more -nor less than so much firewood!"</p> - -<p>Jules burst out laughing at a trick which he could so -well appreciate.</p> - -<p>"Laugh as much as you like," said Father Tontaine, -"but t'ain't hardly Christian to put up tricks like that. -You understand," he added seriously, "we don't think -no such trick is going to be played on our good master; -but there be always some rascals everywhere, so we're -taking our precautions."</p> - -<p>"I am a poor man," interposed Alexis Dubé, "but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">111</a></span> -not for all I own would I see such an insult put on our -captain."</p> - -<p>The others spoke to the same effect, but Jules was -already in the arms of his family, while the worthy -<i>habitants</i> went on muttering their imprecations against -the imaginary, though improbable, wretches who would -have the hardihood to cut up the good fir log which -they were going to present to their seigneur on the morrow. -It may be suspected that the liberal cups and -ample supper of May-day eve, together with the sure -anticipation of a toothsome breakfast, were not without -their effect on the zeal of the honest <i>habitants</i>.</p> - -<p>"Come," said Jules to his friend after supper, "let -us go and see the preparations for the May-day feast. -As neither of us has had the advantage of being present -at those famous nuptials of the opulent Gamache, -which so ravished the heart of Sancho Panza, the present -occasion may give us some faint idea of that entertainment."</p> - -<p>In the kitchen all was bustle and confusion. The -laughing shrill voices of the women were mixed with -those of the six men off guard, who were occupied in -drinking, smoking, and chaffing. Three servants, armed -each with a frying-pan, were making, or, to use the -common expression, "turning" pancakes over the fire -in an ample fireplace, whose flames threw ruddy lights -and shadows, <i>à la</i> Rembrandt, over the merry faces -thronging the great kitchen. Some of the neighbor -women, armed with dish and spoon and seated at a long -table, kept dropping into the frying-pans, as fast as they -were emptied, the liquid paste of which the pancakes -were made; while others sprinkled them with maple -sugar as they were piled upon the plates. A great kettle, -half full of boiling lard, received the doughnuts which -two cooks kept incessantly dropping in and ladling out.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">112</a></span></p> - -<p>The faithful José, the right hand of the establishment, -seemed to be everywhere at once on these solemn -occasions.</p> - -<p>Seated at the end of a table, coat thrown off, sleeves -of his shirt rolled up to the elbows, his inseparable knife -in hand, he was hacking fiercely at a great loaf of maple-sugar -and at the same time urging on two servants who -were engaged at the same task. The next moment he -was running for fine flour and eggs, as the pancake -paste got low in the bowls; nor did he forget to visit -the refreshment table from time to time to assure himself -that nothing was lacking, or to take a drink with his -friends.</p> - -<p>Jules and Archie passed from the kitchen to the -bake-house, where the cooks were taking out of the oven -a batch of pies, shaped like half-moons and about fourteen -inches long; while quarters of veal and mutton, -spare-ribs, and cutlets of fresh pork, ranged around in -pans, waited to take their places in the oven. Their -last visit was to the wash-house where, in a ten-gallon -caldron, bubbled a stew of pork and mutton for the special -delectation of the old folks whose jaws had grown -feeble.</p> - -<p>"Why!" exclaimed Archie, "it is a veritable feast -of Sardanapalus—a feast to last six months!"</p> - -<p>"But you have only seen a part of it," said Jules. -"The dessert is yet ahead of us. I had imagined, however, -that you knew more about the customs of our <i>habitants</i>. -If at the end of the feast the table were not as -well supplied as at the beginning, the host would be accused -of stinginess. Whenever a dish even threatens to -become empty, you will see the servants hasten to replace -it."</p> - -<p>"I am the more surprised at that," said Archie, "because -your <i>habitants</i> are generally economical, even to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">113</a></span> -the point of meanness. How do you reconcile this with -the great waste which must take place after a feast?"</p> - -<p>"Our <i>habitants</i>, scattered wide apart over all New -France, and consequently deprived of markets during -spring, summer, and autumn, live then on nothing but -salt meat, bread, and milk, and, except in the infrequent -case of a wedding, they rarely give a feast at either of -those seasons. In winter, on the other hand, there is a -lavish abundance of fresh meats of all kinds; there is a -universal feasting, and hospitality is carried to an extreme -from Christmas time to Lent; there is a perpetual -interchange of visits. Four or five <i>carrioles</i>, containing -a dozen people, drive up; the horses are unhitched, the -visitors take off their wraps, the table is set, and in an -hour or so it is loaded down with smoking dishes."</p> - -<p>"Your <i>habitants</i> must possess Aladdin's lamp!" exclaimed -Archie.</p> - -<p>"You must understand," said Jules, "that if the -<i>habitants'</i> wives had to make such preparations as are -necessary in higher circles, their hospitality would be -much restricted or even put a stop to, for few of them -are able to keep a servant. As it is, however, their social -diversions are little more trouble to them than to -their husbands. Their method is very simple. From -time to time, in their leisure moments, they cook three -or four batches of various kinds of meat, which in our -climate keeps without difficulty; when visitors come, all -they have to do is to warm up these dishes in their -ovens, which at this season of the year are kept hot -enough to roast an ox. The <i>habitants</i> abhor cold meat. -It is good to see our Canadian women, so gay at all -times, making ready these hasty banquets—to see them -tripping about, lilting a bit of a song, or mixing in the -general chatter, and dancing backward and forward between -the table and the stove. Josephte sits down<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">114</a></span> -among her guests, but jumps up to wait upon them -twenty times during the meal. She keeps up her singing -and her chaffing, and makes everybody as merry as -herself.</p> - -<p>"You will, doubtless, imagine that these warmed-up -dishes lose a good deal of their flavor; but habit is second -nature, and our <i>habitants</i> do not find fault. Moreover, -as their taste is more wholesome and natural than -ours, I imagine that these dinners, washed down with a -few glasses of brandy, leave them little cause to envy us. -But we shall return to this subject later on; let us now -rejoin my father and mother, who are probably getting -impatient at our absence. I merely wanted to initiate -you a little beforehand in the customs of our <i>habitants</i>, -whom you have never before observed in their winter -life."</p> - -<p>Everybody sat up late that night at D'Haberville -Manor. There was so much to talk about. It was not -till the small hours that the good-nights were said; and -soon the watchers of the May-pole were the only ones -left awake in the manor house of St. Jean-Port-Joli.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">115</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.<br /> -<span class="chapsmall">THE MAY-FEAST.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"><span class="i0">Le premier jour de Mai,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Labourez,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">J'm'en fus planter un mai,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Labourez,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">A la porte à ma mie.<br /></span></div></div></div> - -<p class="right"><i>Ancienne Chanson.</i><br /></p> - -<p>It was scarcely five o'clock in the morning when -Jules, who slept like a cat, shouted to Lochiel in the -next room that it was high time they were up; but as -the latter would make no response, Jules took the surest -way of arousing him by getting up himself. Arming -himself with a towel dipped in cold water, he entered -his friend's bedroom and squeezed the icy fluid in his -face. In spite of his aquatic inclinations, Archie found -this attention very little to his taste; he snatched the -towel, rolled it into a ball, and hurled it at Jules's head. -Then he turned over and was preparing to go to sleep -again, when Jules snatched off all the bed-clothes. It -looked as if the fortress, in this extremity, had nothing -to do but surrender at discretion; but the garrison, in -the person of Lochiel, was more numerous than the besieging -force in the person of Jules, and, shaking the -latter fiercely, he asked if sleeping was forbidden at -D'Haberville Manor. He was even proceeding to hurl -the besieger from the ramparts when Jules, struggling -in his adversary's mighty arms, begged him to listen a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">116</a></span> -moment before inflicting such a disgrace upon a future -soldier of France.</p> - -<p>"What have you to say for yourself, you wretched -boy?" exclaimed Archie, now thoroughly awake. Is it -not enough for you that all day long you give me no -peace, but even in the night you must come and torment -me?"</p> - -<p>"I am grieved, indeed," said Jules, "at having interrupted -your slumbers; but as our folk have to set up -another May-pole at the place of Bélanger of the Cross, -a good mile and a half from here, they intend to present -my father with his at six o'clock; and if you don't -want to lose any of the ceremony it is time for you to -dress. I declare, I thought everybody was like myself, -wrapped up in everything that can bring us more in touch -with our <i>habitants</i>. I do not know anything that moves -me more than this sympathy between my father and his -tenants, between our family and these brave lads; moreover, -as my adopted brother, you will have your part to -play in the approaching spectacle."</p> - -<p>As soon as the young men had finished dressing, -they passed from their room to one which looked out on -the yard, where a lively scene met their view. There -were at least a hundred <i>habitants</i> scattered about in -groups. With their long guns, their powder-horns suspended -from the neck, their tomahawks stuck in the girdle, -their inseparable axes, they looked less like peaceful -tillers of the soil than a band of desperadoes ready for -a foray.</p> - -<p>Lochiel was much amused by the spectacle, and -wished to go out and join the groups, but Jules vetoed -his proposal, saying that it would be contrary to etiquette. -He explained that the family were all supposed to be -unaware of what was going on outside, no matter how -great the noise and excitement. Some were decorating<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">117</a></span> -the May-pole, others were digging the hole in which it -was to be planted, while yet others were sharpening long -stakes to be used in bracing it firmly. As for the May-pole -itself, it was of the utmost simplicity. It consisted -of a tall fir tree, with its branches cut off and peeled to -within two or three feet of the top. Here a tuft of -greenery, about three feet long, was permitted to remain, -and dignified with the title of "the bouquet." This -"bouquet" was ornamental enough so long as it kept -green, but when withered by the heat of summer its -appearance became anything but cheerful. A rod six -feet long, painted red, surmounted with a green weather -cock and adorned with a large red ball, was thrust between -the branches of "the bouquet" and nailed to the -tree, which completed the decoration of the May-pole. -It is necessary to add that strong wooden pegs, driven -into the trunk at regular intervals, facilitated the climbing -of the May-pole, and served also as points of support -for the props by aid of which it was raised into position.</p> - -<p>The firing of a gun before the main entrance announced -that every thing was ready. Immediately on -this signal the seigneur and his family gathered in the -drawing-room to receive the deputation which would -follow immediately after the report. The seigneur occupied -a great arm-chair, with Lady D'Haberville seated -at his right and his son Jules at his left. Uncle Raoul, -erect and leaning upon his sword, stood immediately behind -this first group, between Blanche and Madame de -Beaumont who were seated. Archie stood at Blanche's -left. They were scarcely in position when two old men, -introduced by José, the major-domo, approached Seigneur -D'Haberville, saluted him with that courteous air -which was natural to the early Canadians and begged -his permission to plant a May-pole before his threshold. -This permission granted, the deputation withdrew and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">118</a></span> -acquainted the crowd with their success. Everybody -then knelt down and prayed for protection throughout -the day. In about fifteen minutes the May-pole rose -over the crowd with a slow, majestic motion, and its -green top looked down upon all the buildings surrounding -it. A few minutes more and it was firmly planted.</p> - -<p>A second gunshot announced a new deputation, and -the same two old men, carrying their guns, escorted in -two of the leading <i>habitants</i>. One of the <i>habitants</i> carried -a little greenish goblet, two inches high, on a plate -of faïence, while the other bore a bottle of brandy. Introduced -by the indispensable José, they begged the -seigneur to come and receive the May-pole which he had -so graciously consented to accept. Upon the seigneur's -response, one of the old men added:</p> - -<p>"Would our seigneur be pleased to 'wet' the Maypole -before he blackens it?" With these words he -handed the seigneur a gun and a glass of brandy.</p> - -<p>"We will 'wet' it together, my friends," said M. -D'Haberville, making a sign to José, who at once hastened -forward with a tray containing four glasses of the -same cordial fluid. Then the seigneur rose, touched -glasses with the four delegates, swallowed at a draught -their brandy, which he pronounced excellent, took up -the gun and started for the door, followed by all that -were in the room.</p> - -<p>As soon as he appeared on the threshold a young -man clambered up the May-pole with the nimbleness of -a squirrel, gave three twirls to the weather-cock, and -shouted: "Long live the King! Long live the Seigneur -D'Haberville!" And the crowd yelled after him with -all the vigor of their lungs: "Long live the King! Long -live the Seigneur D'Haberville!" Meanwhile the young -man had clambered down again, cutting off with his -tomahawk as he descended all the pegs of the May-pole.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">119</a></span></p> - -<p>Thereupon the seigneur proceeded to blacken the -May-pole by firing at it a blank charge from his musket. -The other members of the family followed his example -in the order of their rank, the ladies firing as well as the -men.</p> - -<p>Then followed a rattling <i>feu-de-joie</i>, which lasted a -good half-hour. One might have fancied the manor -house was besieged by a hostile army. The May-pole, -so white before, seemed suddenly to have been painted -black, so zealous were all to do it honor. Indeed, the -more powder one could burn on this occasion, the -greater the compliment to him for whom the May-pole -was erected.</p> - -<p>As every pleasure comes to an end, M. D'Haberville -seized a moment when the firing appeared to slacken a -little to invite the crowd in to breakfast. There was -another rattling discharge by way of temporary farewell -to the May-pole, some splinters of which were now scattered -about the ground beneath, and every one moved -silently into the house.</p> - -<p>The seigneur, the ladies, and a dozen of the oldest -among the leading <i>habitants</i>, were seated at a table in -the seigneurial dining-room. This table was set with -the plain dishes, wines, and coffee which constituted a -Canadian breakfast among the upper classes; there was -added also to gratify the guests some excellent brandy, -and some sugar-cakes in lieu of bread.</p> - -<p>It was no offense to the other guests to be excluded -from this table; they were proud, on the contrary, of -the compliment paid to their more venerable relations -and friends.</p> - -<p>The second table in the adjoining room, where -Uncle Raoul presided, was supplied as would have been -that of a rich <i>habitant</i> on a similar occasion. Besides -the superfluity of viands already enumerated, each guest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">120</a></span> -found beside his plate the inevitable sugar-cake, a cruller, -a tart about five inches in diameter and more rich -in paste than in jam, and an unlimited supply of brandy. -There were also some bottles of wine on the table, to -which nobody paid the least attention; to use their own -energetic expression, it did not "scratch the throat -enough." The wine was placed there chiefly for the -women, who were occupied in serving the breakfast, and -who would take their places at the table after the men's -departure. Josephte would take a glass or two of wine -without much pressing after she had had her accustomed -appetizer.</p> - -<p>Over the third table, spread in the mighty kitchen, -presided Jules, with Archie to assist him. This was the -table for the young men, and it was supplied like that of -Uncle Raoul. While there was gayety enough at the -first two tables, there was at the same time a certain -decorum observed; but at the third, especially toward -the end of the repast, which lasted far on into the morning, -there was such a perpetual applause that one could -hardly hear himself speak.</p> - -<p>The reader is much deceived if he imagines that -the May-pole was all this time enjoying repose. Almost -every moment one or other of the guests would -get up, run out and fire his gun at the May-pole, and -return to his place at the table after this act of -courtesy.</p> - -<p>At the beginning of dessert the seigneur, accompanied -by the ladies, visited the second and third tables, where -they were rapturously received. A friendly word was -on his lips for every one. He drank the health of his -tenants, and his tenants drank to himself and his family, -to the accompaniment of the reports of twenty muskets, -which were blazing away outside.</p> - -<p>This ceremony at an end, the seigneur returned to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">121</a></span> -his own table, where he was induced to sing a little -song, in the chorus of which all joined.</p> - - -<div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"Oh, here's to the hero,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">The hero, the hero;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Oh, here's to the hero<br /></span> -<span class="i4">That taught men to dine!<br /></span> -<span class="i0">When joy is at zero,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">At zero, at zero;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">When joy is at zero,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">What solace like wine!<br /></span> -<br /> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0"><i>Chorus.</i> Till he's drunk, or quite near it,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">No soldier will shrink,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">But cry shame on the spirit<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Too craven to drink.<br /></span> -<br /></div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"When we taste the rare liquor,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Rare liquor, rare liquor;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">When we taste the rare liquor<br /></span> -<span class="i4">That tickles our throats,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Our hearts they beat quicker,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Beat quicker, beat quicker;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Our hearts they beat quicker,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Which clearly denotes<br /></span> -<br /></div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0"><i>Chorus.</i> That till drunk, or quite near it,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">No soldier should shrink,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">But cry shame on the spirit<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Too craven to drink."<br /></span> -</div></div> - - -<p>Scarcely was this song ended when the sonorous -voice of Uncle Raoul arose:</p> - - -<div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"Oh, I am a drinker, I,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">For I'm built that way;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Let every man stick to his taste,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Each dog have his day!<br /></span> -<span class="i0">The drinker he frights dull care<br /></span> -<span class="i4">To flight with a song—<br /></span> -<span class="i0">He serves the jolliest god,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">And he serves him long!<br /></span> -</div></div> -<p class="center"> -<i>Chorus.</i> Oh, I am a drinker, I, etc.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">122</a></span> -</p> - - -<div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"Let José go fighting and put<br /></span> -<span class="i4">The Dutchman to rout,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">But I'll win my laurels at home<br /></span> -<span class="i4">In the drinking-bout!<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p class="center"> -<i>Chorus.</i> Oh, I am a drinker, I, etc." -</p> - -<p>"Your turn now, young master!" cried the third -table. "Our elders have set us the proper example to -follow."</p> - -<p>"With all my heart," replied Jules; and he sang the -following verses:</p> - - -<div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"God Bacchus, throned upon a cask,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Hath bid me love the bell-mouthed flask;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Hath bid me vow these lips of mine<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Shall own no drink but wine!<br /></span> -<br /></div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0"><i>Chorus.</i> But wine, boys, but wine!<br /></span> -<span class="i4">We'll drain, we'll drain the bottles dry,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">And swear the drink divine!<br /></span> -<br /></div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"Nor emperor nor king may know<br /></span> -<span class="i4">The joys that from our bumpers flow—<br /></span> -<span class="i0">The mirth that makes the dullest shine—<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Who owns no drink but wine!<br /></span> -</div></div> -<p class="center"> -<i>Chorus.</i> But wine, boys, but wine! etc.</p> - -<div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"Let wives go knit and sweethearts spin,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">We've wine to drown our troubles in.<br /></span> -<span class="i0">We'll sing the praises of the vine,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">And own no drink but wine!<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p class="center"> -<i>Chorus.</i> But wine, boys, but wine! etc." -</p> - -<p>The example once set by the hosts, everybody made -haste to follow it, and song succeeded song with ever-increasing -fervor. Then Father Chouinard, a retired -veteran of the French army after two songs which won -great applause, suggested that it was time to withdraw. -He thanked the seigneur for his hospitality, and proposed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">123</a></span> -to drink his health once again—a proposition -which was received with loud enthusiasm.</p> - -<p>After this the joyous throng took its departure singing, -with the accompaniment of musket-shots, whose -echoes, thrown back by the bluff, appeared to linger reluctantly -behind them.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">124</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.<br /> -<span class="chapsmall">THE FEAST OF ST. JEAN-BAPTISTE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>Every parish used to keep holiday on the feast of -its patron saint. The feast of St. John the Baptist, the -patron of the parish of St. Jean-Port-Joli, falling in the -most delightful season of the year, never failed to attract -a host of pilgrims, even from the remotest parishes. -The <i>habitant</i>, kept very busy with his farm-work, -was ready by this time for a little rest, and the fine -weather was an invitation to the road. In every family -grand preparations were made for this important occasion. -Within doors there was great cleaning up; the whitewash -brush went everywhere; the floors were scrubbed and -strewed with pine-needles; the fatted calf was killed, and -the shopkeepers drove a thriving trade in drinks. Thus -by the twenty-third day of June, the eve of the feast, -every house was thronged with pilgrims from the manor -and the presbytery down.</p> - -<p>The seigneur used to present the consecrated bread; -while the collection at the high mass was taken up by two -young gentlemen and two young ladies, friends of the -seigneur, invited down from Quebec long beforehand. For -the consecrated bread and for the little cakes (<i>cousins</i>) -which accompanied it there was no small need in that -multitude which thronged not only the church, but the -surrounding yard. All the doors of the church stood -wide open, that everybody might have his share in the -service.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">125</a></span></p> - -<p>It was an understood thing that the seigneur and his -friends should dine that day at the presbytery, and that -the curé and his friends should take supper at the manor -house. Very many of the <i>habitants</i>, too far away from -home to go and come between mass and vespers, took -lunch in the little wood of cedars, pines, and firs which -covered the valley between the church and the St. Lawrence. -Nothing can be imagined more picturesque and -bright than the groups scattered over the mossy green, -and gathered merrily around their snowy tablecloths. -The curé and his guests never failed to visit the picnickers -and exchange a few words with the men.</p> - -<p>On all sides rose rude booths, after the fashion of -wigwams, covered with branches of maple and spruce, -wherein refreshments were sold. In a monotonous -voice, with strong emphasis on the first and last words, -the proprietors kept crying incessantly, "Good beer for -sale here!" And all the papas and the amorous gallants, -coaxed up for the occasion, would fumble dubiously -in the depths of their wallets for the wherewith -to treat youngster or sweetheart.</p> - -<p>The <i>habitants</i> had preserved an impressive ceremony -handed down from their Norman ancestors. This ceremony -consisted of a huge bonfire at sunset of the eve -of St. Jean-Baptiste. An octagonal pyramid, about ten -feet high, was constructed before the main entrance of -the church. Covered with branches of fir interwoven -amid the strips of cedar which formed its surface, this -structure was eminently ornamental. The curé, accompanied -by his assistants, marched out and recited certain -prayers belonging to the occasion; then, after having -blessed the structure, he set a torch to the little piles -of straw arranged at the eight corners of the pyramid. -Straightway the whole pile burst crackling into flame, -amid the shouts and gun-firing of the crowd which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">126</a></span> -remained in attendance till the pyramid was burned to -ashes.</p> - -<p>At this joyous ceremony, Blanche D'Haberville did -not fail to assist, in company with Jules, Lochiel, and -Uncle Raoul. A malicious critic, observing Uncle -Raoul as he stood leaning on his sword a little in advance -of the throng, might have been reminded of the -late lamented Vulcan of game-legged memory, so lurid -and grotesque an effect was cast upon his figure; which -by no means prevented Uncle Raoul from considering -himself the most important personage present.</p> - -<p>Uncle Raoul had a very good and sufficient reason -for taking part in the bonfire. It was the day of the -salmon sale. Every <i>habitant</i> who stretched a net came -to sell his first salmon at the church door for the benefit -of the souls in purgatory; in other words, with the -money obtained for the fish he would pay for a mass to -be said for the souls about which he was most concerned. -The auctioneer announcing the object of the -sale, all strove to outbid each other. Nothing could be -more touching than this closeness of communion between -friends and relations beyond the grave, this anxious -concern extending even to the invisible world. -Our brethren of other creeds shed, indeed, as we do, the -bitterest of tears over the tomb which covers away their -dearest, but there they cease their solicitude and their -devotion.</p> - -<p>When I was a child my mother taught me to conclude -all my prayers with this appeal: "Receive, O -Lord, soon into thy blessed paradise the souls of my -grandfather and grandmother." My prayers were then -for kinsfolk few in number and unknown to me. Now, -alas, in my old age, how many names would have to -pass my lips were I to enumerate in my prayers all the -loved ones who have left me!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">127</a></span></p> - -<p>It was some time after dark when Uncle Raoul, -Blanche, Jules, and Archie quitted the presbytery where -they had taken supper. Uncle Raoul, who had a smattering -of astronomy, explained to his niece, as they drove -along, the mysteries of the starry vault, marvels of -which, for all the efforts of their professor in astronomy, -our young men knew but little.</p> - -<p>The young men were in high spirits, and, excited by -the splendor of the night in mid-forest, they laid aside -their decorum and began a host of antics, in spite of the -frowns of Blanche, who dreaded lest they should displease -her uncle.</p> - -<p>The road followed the banks of the St. Lawrence. -It was bordered by thick woods, with here and there a -clearing through which was commanded a perfect view -of the giant stream. Coming to one of these clearings, -where they could sweep the whole river from Cape -Tourmente to Malbaie, Archie was unable to repress a -cry of surprise, and, turning to Uncle Raoul, he said:</p> - -<p>"You, sir who explain so well the marvels of the -heaven, might I beg you to lower your gaze to earth a -moment and tell me the meaning of all those lights -which are flashing along the north shore as far as eye -can see? Verily, I begin to believe José's story. Canada -appears to be that land of goblins, imps, and witches -of which my nurse used to tell me amid my Scottish -hills."</p> - -<p>"Ah," said Uncle Raoul, "let us stop here a moment. -That is the people of the north shore sending -messages to their friends and relations on this side, according -to their custom on the eve of St. Jean-Baptiste. -They need neither pen nor ink for their communications. -Let us begin at Eboulements: Eleven -adults have died in that parish since autumn, three of -them in one house, that of my friend Dufour. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">128</a></span> -family must have been visited by small-pox or some -malignant fever, for those Dufours are vigorous and all -in the prime of life. The Tremblays are well, which I -am glad to perceive; they are worthy people. At Bonneau's -somebody is sick, probably the grandmother, -who is getting well on in years. There is a child dead at -Bélair's house. I fear it is their only child, as theirs is -a young household."</p> - -<p>Thus Uncle Raoul ran on for some time gathering -news of his friends at Eboulements, at Isle aux Coudres, -and at Petite-Rivière.</p> - -<p>"I understand without having the key," said Lochiel. -"Those are certain prearranged signals which are exchanged -between the dwellers on the opposite shores in -order to communicate matters of personal interest."</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered Uncle Raoul; "and if we were on -the north shore we should observe similar signals on -this side. If a fire burns long and steadily, that is good -news; if it sinks gradually, that is a sign of sickness; -if it is extinguished suddenly, that means death; if it -is so extinguished more than once, that signifies so many -deaths. For a grown person, a strong blaze; for a child, -a feeble one. The means of intercourse being scanty -enough even in summer, and entirely cut off during -winter, the <i>habitants</i>, made ingenious by necessity, have -invented this simple expedient.</p> - -<p>"The same signals," continued Uncle Raoul, "are -understood by all the sailors, who use them in time of -wreck to convey information of their distress. Only -last year five of our best huntsmen would have starved -to death but for this on the shoals of the Loups-Marins. -Toward the middle of March there was a sudden -change in the weather. The ice went out all at once -and the ducks, geese, and brant made their appearance -in astonishing numbers. Five of our hunters, well supplied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">129</a></span> -with provisions—for the weather is treacherous in -Canada—set out at once for the Loups-Marins; but the -birds were so numerous that they left their provisions -in the canoe (which they tied carelessly in front of their -hut), and ran to take their places in the ditch which -they had to get scooped out before the return of the -tide. This ditch, you must know, is a trough dug in -the mud to a depth of three or four feet, wherein the -hunter lies in wait for his game, which are very wary, the -geese and brant particularly. It is a wretchedly uncomfortable -kind of hunting, for you have to crouch in these -holes, with your dog, often for seven or eight hours at a -stretch. You have no lack of occupation to kill time, -however, for you have to keep bailing out the muddy -water which threatens to drown you.</p> - -<p>"All was in proper shape, and our hunters were expecting -with the rising tide an ample reward for their -pains, when suddenly there came up a frightful storm. -The sleet was driven by the wind in such dense clouds -that the birds could not be seen six feet away. Our -hunters, having waited patiently until flood tide, which -drove them from their posts, returned to their hut, where -a dreadful surprise awaited them; their canoe had been -carried away by the storm, and there remained, to feed -five men, only one loaf of bread and one bottle of -brandy, which they had taken into the hut on their -arrival, that they might indulge in a snack before getting -to work. They went to bed without supper, for the -snow-storm might last three days, and, being about three -leagues from either shore, it would be impossible, in -such weather, for their signals of distress to be seen. -But their calculations fell far short of the fact. A second -winter had set in. The cold became very severe, -the snow continued falling for eight days, and the river -was once more filled with ice as in January.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">130</a></span></p> - -<p>Then they began to make their signals, which could -be seen from both shores; but it was impossible to go -to their aid. The signals of distress were followed by -those of death. The fire was lighted every evening and -immediately extinguished. When three of the party -were reported dead, some <i>habitants</i>, at the imminent risk -of their lives, did all that could be expected of the -bravest men; but in vain, for the river was so thick -with ice cakes that the canoes were carried up and down -with the ebb and flow of the tide, and could not get -near the scene of the disaster. It was not until the -seventeenth day that they were rescued by a canoe from -Isle aux Coudres. When the rescuing party arrived they -heard no sound in the hut, and feared they were too -late. The sufferers were still alive, however, and after -a few weeks of care were quite themselves again; -but they had learned a lesson they were not likely to -forget, and the next time they go hunting on the Loups-Marins -they will haul their canoe up out of reach of -high tide."</p> - -<p>At last Uncle Raoul came to an end, just as anybody -else would.</p> - -<p>"Dear uncle," said Blanche, "do you not know a -song appropriate to so delicious a night as this, and -so enchanting a scene?"</p> - -<p>"Hear! hear!" exclaimed the young men, "a song -from Uncle Raoul!"</p> - -<p>This was assailing the chevalier on his weak point. -He was a singer, and very proud of it. Without further -pressing he began, in a splendid tenor voice, the following -song, which he sang with peculiar feeling as a brave -hunter adorned with his scars. While acknowledging -that his verses took many a liberty with the rules of -rhyme, he declared that these defects were redeemed by -the vividness and originality of the composition.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">131</a></span></p> - - -<p>UNCLE RAOUL'S SONG.</p> - -<blockquote> -<p>As I was walking, somewhat late,<br /> -A-through a lonely wood and great,<br /> -Hunting partridge, snipe, and cock,<br /> -And careless of the clock,<br /> -I raised my gun to drop a bird,<br /> -When in the bushes something stirred;<br /> -I heard a cry—and saw the game<br /> -That love alone can tame.<br /> -<br /> -I saw a fair one all alone,<br /> -Lamenting on a mossy stone,<br /> -Her hair about so fair a face<br /> -As lightened that dark place.<br /> -I called my dog to heel, and there<br /> -I fired my gun into the air.<br /> -So loud with fear the lady cried,<br /> -I hastened to her side.<br /> -<br /> -I said to her, I said, "Sweet heart,<br /> -Be comforted, whoe'er thou art.<br /> -I am a valiant cavalier,<br /> -Have thou of me no fear.<br /> -Beholding thee, my lovely one,<br /> -Thus left lamenting and alone,<br /> -I fain would be thy knight-at-arms,<br /> -And shield thee from alarms."<br /> -<br /> -"Oh, succor me, fair sir," she saith,<br /> -"My heart with fear was nigh to death.<br /> -I am benighted and astray,<br /> -Oh, show me, sir, my way!<br /> -Oh, show me, gentle sir, the road,<br /> -For Mary's sake, to mine abode.<br /> -My heart, fair sir, but for your grace,<br /> -Had died in this dark place."<br /> -<br /> -"Now, lady, give thy hand to me.<br /> -Not far the way—not far with thee.<br /> -Right glad am I to do thee pleasure,<br /> -And I have the leisure.<br /></p> -</blockquote> - -<blockquote> -<p>But might I crave before we part,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">132</a></span><br /> -Oh, lady dear, oh, fair sweet heart—<br /> -Might I dare to beg the bliss<br /> -Of one small kiss?"<br /> -<br /> -Saith she, "I can not say thee nay;<br /> -Thy service can I ne'er repay.<br /> -Take one, or even two, or three,<br /> -If so it pleaseth thee.<br /> -More gallant sir was never seen;<br /> -Much honored have my kisses been."<br /> -(This was the last I heard of her)<br /> -"And now farewell, kind sir."<br /></p> -</blockquote> - -<p>"The devil," said Jules, "I perceive, dear sir, that -you did not waste any time. I will wager, now, that -you have been a terrible gallant in your younger days, -and can count your victims by the score. It is so, eh, -uncle mine? Do tell us some of your conquests."</p> - -<p>"Ugly, my dear boy," replied Uncle Raoul, with a -gratified air, "ugly I certainly am, but very agreeable -to the ladies."</p> - -<p>Jules was going on in the same vein, but seeing the -way his sister was frowning at him, he bit his lips to -keep from laughing, and repeated the last four lines:</p> - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem">"'More gallant sir was never seen;<br /> -Much honored have my kisses been'<br /> -(This was the last I heard of her)<br /> -'And now farewell, kind sir.'"</div></div> - -<p>The young men continued the singing till they -reached a clearing, where they saw a fire in the woods a -little way from the road.</p> - -<p>"That is the witch of the manor," said Uncle Raoul.</p> - -<p>"I have always forgotten to ask why she was called -the witch of the manor," said Archie.</p> - -<p>"Because she has established herself in this wood, -which formerly belonged to the D'Haberville estate,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">133</a></span> -said Uncle Raoul. "My brother exchanged it for a -part of his present domain, in order to get nearer his -mill at Trois Saumons."</p> - -<p>"Let us go and see poor old Marie," said Blanche. -"When I was a child she used to bring me the first -spring flowers and the first strawberries of the season."</p> - -<p>Uncle Raoul made some objections on account of the -lateness of the hour, but he could refuse Blanche nothing, -and presently the horses were hitched on the edge -of the wood and our party were on their way to the -witch's abode.</p> - -<p>The dwelling of old Marie by no means resembled -that of the Cumæan sybil, or of any other sorceress, ancient -or modern. It was a sort of patchwork hut, built -of logs and unquarried stones, and carpeted within with -many colored mosses. The roof was cone-shaped and -covered with birch-bark and spruce branches.</p> - -<p>Old Marie was seated on a log at the door of her -hut, cooking something in a frying-pan over a fire which -was surrounded with stones to keep it from spreading. -She paid no attention to her visitors, but maintained a -conversation with some invisible being behind her. She -kept waving first one hand and then the other behind -her back, as if attempting to drive away this being, and -the burden of her utterance was: "Avaunt, avaunt! it -is you that bring the English here to eat up the -French!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, ho, my prophetess of evil," exclaimed Uncle -Raoul, "when you get done talking to the devil, would -you be kind enough to tell me what you mean by that -threat?"</p> - -<p>"Come, Marie," interposed Jules, "tell us if you -really think you are talking to the devil? You can fool -the <i>habitants</i>, but you must know that we put no faith in -such delusions."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">134</a></span></p> - -<p>"Avaunt! Avaunt!" continued the witch with the -same gestures, "you that are bringing the English to eat -up the French."</p> - -<p>"I am going to speak to her," said Blanche; "she -loves me, and I am sure she will answer me."</p> - -<p>Approaching the old woman, she laid her hand on -her shoulder and said gently:</p> - -<p>"Do you not know me, my good Marie? Do you -not recognize <i>la petite seigneuresse</i>, as you used to call -me?"</p> - -<p>The old woman interrupted her monologue and -looked tenderly at the girl. A tear even gathered in her -eyes, but could not overflow, so few such were there in -her burning brain.</p> - -<p>"Why, dear Marie, do you lead this wild and vagabond -life?" exclaimed Blanche. "Why do you live in -the woods, you who are the wife of a rich <i>habitant</i>, the -mother of a numerous family? Your poor children, -brought up by strangers, are crying for their dear mother. -Mamma and I were looking for you at your house -after the feast. We were talking to your husband who -loves you. How unhappy you must be!"</p> - -<p>The poor woman sprang upon her seat and her eyes -shot flames, as she cried, pale with anger:</p> - -<p>"Who is it dare speak of my misfortunes? Is it the -fair young girl, the darling of her parents, who will never -be wife and mother? Is it the rich and noble lady, -brought up in silk and fine linen, who will soon, like me, -have but a hut to shelter her? Woe! Woe! Woe!"</p> - -<p>She was about to retire into the forest, but seeing -Jules much moved, she cried again:</p> - -<p>"Is it Jules D'Haberville who is so concerned at my -wretchedness? Is it, indeed, Jules D'Haberville, bravest -of the brave, whose bleeding body I see them dragging -over the Plains of Abraham? Is it, indeed, his blood<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">135</a></span> -that crimsons the last glorious field of my country? -Woe! Woe! Woe!"</p> - -<p>"This poor woman moves my heart strangely," said -Lochiel, as she was disappearing in the thicket.</p> - -<p>The creature heard him. She returned once more, -folded her arms, turned upon him a gaze of calm bitterness, -and said:</p> - -<p>"Keep your pity for yourself, Archibald de Lochiel. -The family fool has no need of your pity! Keep your -pity for yourself and for your friends! Keep it for -yourself on that day when, forced to execute a cruel -order, you shall tear with your nails that breast that -hides a noble and generous heart! Keep it for your -friends, Archibald de Lochiel, on that day when you -shall set the torch to their peaceful dwellings, that day -when the old and feeble, the women and the children, shall -flee before you as sheep before the wolf! Keep your -pity! You will need it all when you carry in your arms -the bleeding body of him you call your brother! I have -but one grief at this hour, Archibald de Lochiel, it is -that I have no curse to utter against you. Woe! Woe! -Woe!" And she disappeared into the forest.</p> - -<p>"May I be choked by an Englishman," said Uncle -Raoul, "if poor silly Marie has not shown herself tonight -a sorceress of the approved type, the type which -has been celebrated by poets ancient and modern. I -wonder what mad weed she has been rubbing against, -she who is always so polite and gentle with us."</p> - -<p>All agreed that they had never heard anything like -it before. The rest of the drive was passed in silence; -for, though attaching no credence to the witch's words, -they could not at once throw off their ominous influence.</p> - -<p>On their arrival at the manor house, however, where -they found a number of friends awaiting them, this little -cloud was soon scattered.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">136</a></span></p> - -<p>The joyous laughter of the party could be heard -even to the highway, and the echoes of the bluff were -kept busy repeating the refrain:</p> - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem">"Ramenez vos moutons, bergère,<br /> -Belle bergère, vos moutons."<br /></div></div> - -<p>The dancers had broken one of the chains of their -dance, and were running everywhere, one behind the -other, around the vast court-yard. They surrounded -the chevalier's carriage, the chain reunited, and they -began dancing round and round, crying to Mademoiselle -D'Haberville, "Descend, fair shepherdess."</p> - -<p>Blanche sprang lightly out of the carriage. The -leader of the dance at once whisked her off, and began -to sing:</p> - - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"Hail to the fairest in the land!<br /></span> -<span class="i2">(Hail to the fairest in the land!)<br /></span> -<span class="i0">"Now I take you by the hand.<br /></span> -<span class="i2">(Now I take you by the hand.)<br /></span> -<span class="i0">I lead you here, I lead you there;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Bring back your sheep, O shepherdess fair.<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Bring back your sheep and with care them keep,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Shepherdess fair, bring back your sheep.<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Bring back, bring back, bring back with care,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Bring back your sheep, O shepherdess fair!"<br /></span> -</div></div></div> - - -<p>After making several more rounds, with the chevalier's -carriage in the middle, and all the time singing:</p> - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem">"Ramenez, ramenez, ramenez donc,<br /> -Belle bergère, vos moutons."<br /></div></div> - -<p>They at length broke up the chain, and all danced merrily -into the house.</p> - -<p>Uncle Raoul, at last set at liberty by the inexorable -dancers, descended as he could from the carriage and -hastened to join the party at the supper-table.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">137</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.<br /> -<span class="chapsmall">"THE GOOD GENTLEMAN."</span></h2> -</div> - -<blockquote> -<p>Tout homme qui, à quarante ans, n'est pas misanthrope, n'a jamais -aimé les hommes.—<span class="smcap">Champfort.</span></p></blockquote> - -<blockquote> -<p>J'ai été prodigieusement fier jusqu'à quarente-cinq ans: mais le malheur -m'a bien courbé et m'a rendu aussi humble que j'étais fier. Ah! -c'est une grande école que le malheur! j'ai appris à me courber et à -m'humilier sous la main de Dieu.—<span class="smcap">Chenedollé.</span></p></blockquote> - -<p>The two months which Jules had to spend with his -family before his departure for Europe had come to an -end, and the vessel in which he had taken passage was -to sail in two or three days. Lochiel was at Quebec, -making preparations for a voyage which could hardly -take less than two months. Abundant provisions were -necessary, and Seigneur D'Haberville had intrusted this -point to the young Scotchman's care, while Jules's mother -and sister were loading down the young men's valises -with all the comforts and dainties they could think of. -As the time drew near for a separation which might be -forever, Jules was drawn closer and closer to his family, -whom he could hardly bear to leave even for a moment. -One day, however, he remarked:</p> - -<p>"As you know, I promised 'the good gentleman' -that I would go and stay a night with him before my -departure. I will be back to-morrow morning in time to -breakfast with you."</p> - -<p>With these words, he picked up his gun and started<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">138</a></span> -for the woods, in order to take a short cut and have a -little hunting by the way.</p> - -<p>M. d'Egmont, whom everybody called "the good -gentleman," dwelt in a cottage on the Trois Saumons -River, about three quarters of a league from -the manor house. With him there lived a faithful follower -who had shared alike his good and his evil fortunes. -André Francœur was of the same age as his -master, and was also his foster-brother. Having been -the playfellow of his childhood, and the trusted friend -rather than the valet of his riper years, André Francœur -had found it as natural to follow D'Egmont's fortunes -in adversity as in prosperity.</p> - -<p>D'Egmont and his servant were living on the interest -of a small capital which they had in common. One -might even say that the savings of the valet were even -greater than those of the master. Was it consistent -with D'Egmont's honor to be thus, in a way, dependent -on his own servant? Many will answer no; but "the -good gentleman" argued otherwise.</p> - -<p>"When I was rich I spent my wealth for my friends, -and how have my friends rewarded me? André, alone, -has shown himself grateful and noble-hearted. In no -way, therefore, do I lower myself by associating my -fortune with his, as I would have done with one of -my own station had one been found as noble as my -valet."</p> - -<p>When Jules arrived, the good gentleman was busy -weeding a bed of lettuce in his garden. Entirely absorbed, -he did not see his young friend, who overheard -the following soliloquy:</p> - -<p>"Poor little insect! I have wounded you, and lo! -all the other ants, just now your friends, are falling upon -you to devour you. These tiny creatures are as cruel -as men. I am going to rescue you; and as for you, my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">139</a></span> -good ants, thanks for the lesson; I have now a better -opinion of my kind."</p> - -<p>"Poor fellow!" thought Jules, "with a heart so -tender, how he must have suffered!"</p> - -<p>Withdrawing noiselessly, he entered by the garden -gate.</p> - -<p>M. d'Egmont uttered an exclamation of delight -on seeing his young friend, whom he loved as a son. -Although, during the thirty years that he had lived on -Captain D'Haberville's estate, he had constantly refused -to take up his abode at the manor house, he yet was a -frequent visitor there, often remaining a week at a time -when there were no strangers present. Without actually -shunning society, he had suffered too much in his relations -with men of his own class to be able to mingle -cordially in their enjoyments.</p> - -<p>Although poor, M. d'Egmont was able to do a -great deal of good. He comforted the afflicted; he -visited the sick, whom he healed with herbs whose virtues -were revealed to him by his knowledge of botany; -and if his alms-giving was not lavish, it was accompanied -by such sympathy and tact that it was none the -less appreciated by the poor, who had come to know -him by no other title than that of <i>le bon gentilhomme</i>.</p> - -<p>When D'Egmont and his young friend entered the -house, André set before them a dish of fine trout and a -plate of broiled pigeons, garnished with chives.</p> - -<p>"It is a frugal supper, indeed," said D'Egmont, "I -caught the trout myself in yonder brook, about an hour -ago, and André bagged the doves this morning at sunrise, -in yonder dead tree, half a gunshot from the cottage. -You see that, without being a seigneur, I have a -fish-pond and dove-cote on my estate. Now for a salad -of lettuce with cream, a bowl of raspberries, a bottle of -wine—and there is your supper, friend Jules."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">140</a></span></p> - -<p>"And never fish-pond and dove-cote supplied better -meal to a hungry hunter," exclaimed Jules.</p> - -<p>The meal was a cheerful one, for M. d'Egmont -seemed to have recovered something of the gayety of -his youth. His conversation was no less instructive -than amusing; for, although he had mingled much with -men in his early days, he had found in study a refuge -from his unhappiness.</p> - -<p>"How do you like this wine?" said he to Jules, who -was eating like a hungry wolf, and had already quaffed -several bumpers.</p> - -<p>"It is capital, upon my word."</p> - -<p>"You are a connoisseur, my friend," went on M. -d'Egmont. "If it is true that wine and men improve -with age, that wine must indeed be excellent; and -as for me, I must be approaching perfection, for I am -very nearly ninety."</p> - -<p>"Thus it is," said Jules, "that they call you 'the -good gentleman.'"</p> - -<p>"The Athenians, my son, sent Aristides into exile, -and at the same time called him the Just. But let us -drop men and speak of wine. For my own part, I drink -it rarely. As with many other useless luxuries, I have -learned to do without it, and yet I enjoy perfect health. -This wine is older than you are; its age, for a man, -would not be much, but for wine it is something. Your -father sent me a basket of it the day you were born. In -his happiness he made gifts to all his friends. I have -kept it with great care, and I only bring it out on such -rare occasions as this. Here is a health to you, my dear -boy. Success to all your undertakings; and when you -come back to New France, promise that you will come -and sup here with me, and drink a last bottle of this -wine, which I will keep for you. You look astonished. -You think it likely that when you return I shall have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">141</a></span> -long since paid that debt which is paid even by the -most recalcitrant debtor. You are mistaken, my son; a -man like me does not die. But come, we have finished -supper, let us go and sit <i>sub tegmine fagi</i>, which may be -interpreted to mean, under that splendid walnut-tree -whose branches are reflected in the river."</p> - -<p>The night was magnificent. The ripple of running -water was the only sound that broke the moonlit stillness. -M. d'Egmont was silent for some moments, and -Jules, not caring to disturb his reverie, began tracing -hieroglyphics with his finger in the sand.</p> - -<p>"I have greatly desired," said "the good gentleman," -"to have a talk with you before your departure, before -you go out into the world. I know that we can profit -little by the experience of others, but that each must -purchase his own. No matter, I shall at least have the -consolation of having opened my heart to you, a heart -which should have been dried up long since, but which -yet beats as warmly as when I led the joyous troops of -my companions more than half a century ago. Just -now you looked at me with surprise when I said that -a man like me does not die; you thought I spoke in -metaphor, but I was sincere at the moment. So often -on my knees have I begged for death that I have ended -by almost doubting Death's existence. The heathen have -made of him a divinity, doubtless that they might call -him to their aid in time of heavy sorrow. If it is as -physiology teaches us, and our sufferings depend upon -the sensitiveness of our nerves, then have I suffered what -would have killed fifty strong men." M. d'Egmont was -silent once more, and Jules flung some pebbles into the -river.</p> - -<p>"See," resumed the old man, "this stream which -flows so quietly at our feet. Within an hour it mingles -with the troubled waters of the St. Lawrence, and in a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">142</a></span> -few days it will be writhing under the scourge of the -Atlantic storms. Behold therein an image of our life! -Thy days hitherto have been like the current of this -stream; but soon you will be tossed on the great river -of life, and will be carried into the ocean of men, whose -waves rage ceaselessly. I have watched you from child-hood -up; I have studied your character minutely, and -that is what has caused me to seek this conversation. -Between your character and mine I have found the -closest resemblance. Like you, I was born kind-hearted, -sympathetic, generous to a fault. How has it come that -these virtues, which should have secured me happiness, -have rather been the cause of all my ills? How comes -it, my son, that these qualities, so applauded among men, -have risen against me as my most implacable enemies -and beaten me to the dust? I can not but think that I -deserved a kindlier fate. Born, like you, of rich and loving -parents, I was free to follow my every inclination. -Like you, I sought nothing so much as the love of those -about me. Like you, in my childhood I would not willingly -injure the most insignificant of God's creatures, -and to the beggar child I gave the very clothes I wore. -Needless to add that, again like you, my hand was ever -open to all my comrades, so that I was said to have -'nothing of my own.' It is curious to consider that, at -the hands of my playfellows, I never tasted ingratitude. -Is ingratitude the attribute only of the full-grown man? -Or is it a snare which this human nature casts about the -feet of generous childhood, the better to despoil the -prey when grown to be a richer prize! But, no; it is -impossible that youth could be so depraved.</p> - -<p>"And you, Jules," continued the old man after this -semi-soliloquy, "have you yet experienced the ingratitude -of those you have befriended, the ingratitude which -pierces the heart like a blade of steel?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">143</a></span></p> - -<p>"Never," said the young man.</p> - -<p>"It is self-interest, then, bitter fruit of civilization, -which causes ingratitude; the more a man needs, the -more ungrateful he becomes. This reminds me of a -little story. About twenty years ago a poor savage of -the Huron tribe came to me in a pitiable state. It was -spring. He had made a long and painful march, he -had swum the icy streams when overheated, and as a result -he was seized with a violent attack of pleurisy, accompanied -by inflammation of the lungs. I judged that -only a copious bleeding could save him, and I made shift -to bleed him with my penknife. In a word, with care -and simple remedies, I effected a cure; but his convalescence -was slow, and he stayed with me more than two -months. In a little while André and I could talk to him -in his own tongue. He told me that he was a great -warrior and hunter, but that fire-water had been his ruin. -His thanks were as brief as his farewells:</p> - -<p>"'My heart is too full for many words,' said he; -'the Huron warrior knows not how to weep like a woman. -I thank you, my brothers,' And he vanished -in the forest.</p> - -<p>"I had entirely forgotten my Indian, when about -four years later he arrived at my door, accompanied by -another savage. I could scarcely recognize him. He -was <ins title="Transcriber's note: original reads 'splendily'">splendidly</ins> clad, and everything about him bespoke -the great hunter and the mighty warrior. In one corner -of my room he and his companion laid down two bundles -of merchandise of great value—the richest furs, moccasins -splendidly embroidered with porcupine quills, and -exquisite pieces of work in birch bark, such as the Indians -alone know how to make. I congratulated him -upon the happy turn his affairs had taken.</p> - -<p>"'Listen to me, my brother,' said he. 'I owe you -much, and I am come to pay my debt. You saved my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">144</a></span> -life, for you know good medicine. You have done -more, for you know the words which reach the heart; -dog of a drunkard as I was, I am become once more a -man as I was created by the Great Spirit. You were -rich when you lived beyond the great water. This wigwam -is too small for you; build one large enough to -hold your great heart. All these goods belong to you,' -The gratitude of this child of the forest brought tears -to my eyes; for in all my long life I had found but two -men who could be grateful—the faithful André, my foster-brother, -and this poor Indian, who, seeing that I was -going to accept nothing but a pair of deer-hide moccasins, -struck three fingers rapidly across his mouth with a -shrill cry of 'houa,' and took himself off at top speed -with his companion. Never after could I find a trace -of him. Our good curé undertook the sale of the goods, -the product of which, with interest, was lately distributed -among his tribe."</p> - -<p>The good gentleman sighed, reflected a moment, then -resumed his speech:</p> - -<p>"I am now going to tell you, my dear Jules, of the -most happy and most wretched periods of my life. Five -years of happiness! Five years of misery! O God! -for one single day of the joy of my youth, the joy as -keen as pain, which could make me forget all that I have -suffered! Oh, for one of those happy days when I believed -in human friendship, when I knew not the ingratitude -of men!</p> - -<p>"When I had completed my studies, all careers were -open to me. That of arms seemed most suitable, but I -hated to shed blood. I obtained a place of trust under -the government. For me such a place was ruin. I had -a great fortune of my own, my office was a lucrative -one, and I scattered by handfuls the gold which I despised.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">145</a></span></p> - -<p>"I do not accuse others in order to palliate my own -follies. But one thing is sure, I had more than enough for -all my own expenses, though not for those of my friends -and my friends' friends, who rushed upon me like hungry -wolves. I bear them no grudge; they but acted according -to their nature. As for me, my hand was never -shut. Not only my purse, but my signature was at everybody's -disposal. There was my greatest mistake; for I -may say in all sincerity that ninety-nine times out of a -hundred, in my times of greatest embarrassment, I had -to meet their liabilities with my own cash in order to -save my credit. A great English poet has said:</p> - -<p class="center"> -"Neither a borrower nor a lender be,<br /> -For borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry,<br /> -And loan oft loses both itself and friend.<br /> -</p> - -<p>"Give, my dear boy, with both hands; but be chary of -your signature.</p> - -<p>"My private affairs were so mingled with those of -my office that it was long before I discovered how deeply -I was involved. The revelation came upon me like -a thunderbolt. Not only was I ruined, but I was on the -verge of a serious defalcation. At last I said to myself, -'what matters the loss of the gold, so long as I pay my -debts? I am young, and not afraid to work, and I -shall always have enough. Moreover, my friends owe -me considerable sums. When they see my difficulties, -not only will they hasten to give back what they owe, -but they will do for me as I have so often done for -them.' What a fool I was to judge others by myself! -For me, I would have moved heaven and earth to save -a friend from ruin. How innocent and credulous I was! -They had good reason, the wretches, to laugh at me.</p> - -<p>"I took account of what was owed me and of the -value of my property, and then perceived that with -these affairs settled up there would remain but a small<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">146</a></span> -balance, which I could cover with the help of my relations. -The load rolled off my heart. How little I -knew of men! I told my debtors, in confidence, how I -was situated. I found them strangely cold. Several to -whom I had lent without written acknowledgment had -even forgotten that they owed me anything. Those -whose notes I held, declared it was ungenerous of me to -take them unawares. The greater number, who had had -business at my office, claimed boldly that I was in debt -to them. I did, indeed, owe them a trifle, while they -owed me considerable sums. I asked them for a settlement, -but they put me off with promises; and meanwhile -undermined my credit by whispering it about that -I was on the verge of ruin. They even turned me into -ridicule as a spendthrift fool. One wag of a fellow, -whom but eighteen months before I had saved not only -from ruin but from disgrace (his secret shall die with -me), was hugely witty at my expense. His pleasantries -had a great success among my old friends. Such measureless -ingratitude as this completely crushed me. One -only, and he a mere acquaintance, hearing that I was -in difficulties, hastened to me with these words:</p> - -<p>"'We have had some little transactions together; I -think you will find here the correct balance in your -favor. Please look up the matter in your books and see -if I am right.'</p> - -<p>"He is dead long since. Honor to his memory, and -may the blessings of an old man descend upon his children!</p> - -<p>"The inevitable day was close at hand, and even had -I had the heart to make further struggle nothing could -save me. My friends and enemies alike were intriguing -for the spoils. I lowered my head before the storm and -resigned.</p> - -<p>"I will not sadden you with the story of all I suffered;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">147</a></span> -suffice to say that, fallen into the claws of pitiless -creditors, I drank the cup of bitterness to the dregs. -Apart from the ingratitude of my friends, I was not the -sort of man to grieve greatly over my mere personal misfortunes. -Even within the walls of the Bastille my gayety -would not have deserted me; I might have danced -to the grim music of the grating of my bolts. But my -family! my family! Oh, the gnawing remorse which -<ins title="Transcriber's note: original reads 'harrasses'">harasses</ins> the day, which haunts the long sleepless night, -which suffers you neither forgetfulness nor rest, which -wrenches the nerves of one's heart as with pincers of -steel!</p> - -<p>"I believe, my boy, that with a few exceptions every -man who can do so pays his debts; the torments he endures -at the sight of his creditor would constrain him to -this, even without the terrors of the law. Glance through -the ancient and modern codes, and you will be struck -with the barbarous egotism which has dictated them all -alike. Can one imagine, indeed, any punishment more -humiliating than that of a debtor kept face to face with -his creditor, who is often a skinflint to whom he must -cringe with fearful deference? Can anything be more -degrading than to be obliged to keep dodging a creditor?</p> - -<p>"It has always struck me that civilization warps -men's judgment, and makes them inferior to primitive -races in mere common sense and simple equity. Let -me give you an amusing instance. Some years ago, in -New York, an Iroquois was gazing intently at a great, -forbidding structure. Its lofty walls and iron-bound -windows interested him profoundly. It was a prison. -A magistrate came up.</p> - -<p>"'Will the pale face tell his brother what this great -wigwam is for?' asked the Indian. The citizen swelled -out his chest and answered with an air of importance:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">148</a></span></p> - -<p>"'It is there we shut up the red-skins who refuse to -pay the furs which they owe our merchants.'</p> - -<p>"The Iroquois examined the structure with ever-increasing -interest, walked around it, and asked to see -the inside of this marvelous wigwam. The magistrate, -who was himself a merchant, was glad to grant his request, -in the hope of inspiring with wholesome dread -the other savages, to whom this one would not fail to -recount the effective and ingenious methods employed -by the pale faces to make the red-skins pay their debts.</p> - -<p>"The Iroquois went over the whole building with -the minutest care, descended into the dungeons, tried -the depth of the wells, listened attentively to the smallest -sounds, and at last burst out laughing.</p> - -<p>"'Why,' exclaimed he, 'no Indian could catch any -beaver here.'</p> - -<p>"In five minutes the Indian had found the solution -of a problem which civilized man has not had the common -sense to solve in centuries of study. This simple -and unlearned man, unable to comprehend such -folly on the part of a civilized race, had naturally concluded -that the prison had subterranean canals communicating -with streams and lakes where beaver were -abundant, and that the savages were shut up therein in -order to facilitate their hunting of the precious animals, -and the more prompt satisfaction of their creditors' -claims. These walls and iron gratings seemed to him -intended for the guarding of the treasure within.</p> - -<p>"You understand, Jules, that I am speaking to you -now on behalf of the creditor, who gets all the sympathy -and pity, and not on behalf of the debtor who, with -his dread and suspicion ever before his eyes, gnaws his -pillow in despair after watering it with his tears.</p> - -<p>"I was young, only thirty-three years of age. I had -ability, energy, and a sturdy faith in myself. I said to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">149</a></span> -my creditors, take all I have but leave me free, and I -will devote every energy to meeting your claims. If -you imprison me you wrong yourselves. Simple as was -this reasoning, it was incomprehensible to civilized man. -My Iroquois would have understood it well enough. -He would have said: 'My brother can take no beaver -if the pale face ties his hands.' My creditors, however, -took no account of such simple logic as this, and have -held the sword of Damocles over my head for thirty -years, the limit allowed them by the laws of France."</p> - -<p>"What adorable stupidity!" cried Jules.</p> - -<p>"One of them, however," continued M. d'Egmont, -"with a delightful ingenuity of torture, obtained a warrant -for my arrest, and with a refinement of cruelty -worthy of Caligula himself, did not put it in execution -till eighteen months later. Picture me for those -eighteen months, surrounded by my family, who had to -see me trembling at every noise, shuddering at the sight -of every stranger who might prove to be the bearer of -the order for my imprisonment.</p> - -<p>"So unbearable was my suspense that twice I sought -out my creditor and besought him to execute his warrant -without delay. At last he did so, at his leisure. I -could have thanked him on my knees. From behind -my bars I could defy the malice of men.</p> - -<p>"During the first month of his captivity the prisoner -experiences a feverish restlessness, a need of continual -movement. He is like a caged lion. After this time of -trial, this feverish disquiet, I attained in my cell the -calm of one who after being tossed violently by a storm -at sea, feels no longer anything more than the throb of -the subsiding waves; for apart from the innumerable -humiliations of imprisonment, apart from my grief for -my family, I was certainly less wretched. I believed -that I had drunk the last drop of gall from the cup<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">150</a></span> -which man holds to his brother's fevered lips. I was -reckoning without the hand of God, which was being -made heavy for the insensate fool who had wrought his -own misfortune. Two of my children, at two different -periods, fell so dangerously ill that the doctors gave them -up and daily announced to me that the end was near. -It was then I felt the weight of my chains. It was then -I learned to cry, like the mother of Christ, 'Approach -and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow.' I -was separated from my children only by the breadth of a -street. During the long night watches I could perceive -the stir about their couch, the lights moving from one -room to another; and I trembled every moment lest the -stillness should fall which would proclaim them no longer -in need of a mother's care. I blush to confess that -I was sometimes tempted to dash my life out against the -bars.</p> - -<p>"Meanwhile my persecutor knew as well as I what -was passing in my family. But pity is fled from the -breast of man to take refuge in brute beasts that have -no understanding. The lamb bleats sadly when one of -his companions is slaughtered, the ox bellows with rage -and pain when he smells the blood of his kind, the -horse snorts sharply and utters his doleful and piercing -cry at the sight of his fellow struggling in the final -agony, the dog howls with grief when his master is sick; -but with whisperings and gossip and furtive pleasantry -man follows his brother to the grave.</p> - -<p>"Lift up your head in your pride, lord of creation! -You have the right to do so. Lift your haughty head -to heaven, O man whose heart is as cold as the gold -you grasp at day and night! Heap your slanders with -both hands on the man of eager heart, of ardent passions, -of blood burning like fire, who has fallen in his -youth! Hold high your head, proud Pharisee, and say,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">151</a></span> -'As for me, I have never fallen!'" "The good gentleman" -pressed his hands to his heart, kept silent for -some minutes, and at length resumed:</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, my son, that, carried away by the memory -of my sufferings, I have spoken the whole bitterness -of my heart. It was but seven days after the coming of -his friends when the great Arabian poet Job, the singer -of so many sorrows, broke out with this heart-rending -cry, '<i>Pereat dies in quâ natus sum!</i>' As for me, these -fifty years have I buried my lamentations in my heart, -and you will pardon me if I have spoken now with bitterness, -if I have calumniated mankind.</p> - -<p>"As I had long ago given up to my creditors all -that I possessed, and had sold my real estate and personal -property for their benefit, after four years' imprisonment -I petitioned the King for my release. The -Government was of the opinion that I had suffered -enough, but there remained one great difficulty—when -a debtor has given up everything, does anything yet remain? -The question was a knotty one. Nevertheless, -after long debate, it was decided in the negative, and -very politely they showed me the door.</p> - -<p>"My future was broken, like my heart, and I had -nothing to do but vegetate without profit to myself or -others. But observe the fatality that pursued me. When -making my surrender to my creditors I begged them to -leave me a certain property of very small immediate -value, which I foresaw that I might turn to good account. -I promised that whatever I could make out of -it should go to wiping out the debt. They laughed me -in the face; and very naturally, for there was a beaver -to catch. Well, Jules, this same property, which brought -hardly enough to cover costs of sale, sold ten years later -for a sum which would have covered all my debts and -more.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">152</a></span></p> - -<p>"Europe was now too populous for me, and I embarked -with my faithful André for New France. I -chose out this peaceful dwelling place, where I might -have lived happily could I have drunk the waters of -Lethe. The ancients, our superiors in point of imagination, -knew the needs of the human heart when they -created that stream. Long tainted with the errors of the -sixteenth century, I used once to cry in my pride, 'O -men, if I have shared your vices, I have found few -among you endowed with even one of my virtues.' -But religion has taught me to know myself better, and -I have humbled myself beneath God's hand, convinced -at length that I could claim but little credit for merely -following the inclinations of my nature.</p> - -<p>"You are the only one, Jules, to whom I have hinted -the story of my life, suppressing the cruelest episodes -because I know the tenderness of your heart. My end -is attained; let us now go and finish the evening -with my faithful André, who will keenly appreciate this -attention on the eve of your departure."</p> - -<p>When they re-entered the house André was making -up a bed on a sofa, a piece of furniture which was the -result of the combined skill of master and man. This -sofa, of which they were both very proud, had one leg -shorter than the others, but this little inconvenience was -remedied with the aid of a chip.</p> - -<p>"This sofa," said "the good gentleman," with an air -of pride, "has cost André and me more elaborate calculations -than Perrault required for the construction of the -Louvre; but we accomplished it at last to our satisfaction. -One leg, to be sure, presents arms to all comers. -But what work is perfect? You must have remembered, -my <ins title="Transcriber's note: original reads 'Andre'">André</ins>, that this camp-bed was to be a soldiers' -couch."</p> - -<p>André, though not quite relishing this pleasantry,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">153</a></span> -which jarred a little on his vanity, nevertheless could -not help laughing.</p> - -<p>Late in the evening M. d'Egmont handed Jules a -little silver candlestick exquisitely wrought.</p> - -<p>"There, my dear boy, is all that my creditors have -left me of my ancient fortune. They intended it, I suppose, -to solace my sleepless nights. Good-night, dear -boy; one sleeps well at your age; and when, after my -prayers beneath the vault of that great temple which is -forever declaring the glory of God, I once more come -under my roof, you will be deep in your slumbers."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">154</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.<br /> -<span class="chapsmall">MADAME D'HABERVILLE'S STORY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class="center"> -Saepè malum hoc nobis, si mens non læva fuisset,<br /> -De cœlo tactas memini praedicere quercus.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Virgil.</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>All was silence and gloom at D'Haberville Manor; -the very servants went about their work with a spiritless -air, far unlike their usual gayety. Madame D'Haberville -choked back her tears that she might not add to her -husband's grief, and Blanche, for her mother's sake, did -her weeping in secret; for in three days the vessel was -to set sail. Captain D'Haberville had bidden his two -friends, the priest and M. d'Egmont, to meet Jules -and Archie at a farewell dinner. At this meal every -one strove to be cheerful, but the attempt was a conspicuous -failure. The priest, wisely concluding that -a sober conversation would be better than the sorrowful -silence into which the party was continually dropping, -introduced a subject which was beginning to press on -all thoughtful minds.</p> - -<p>"Do you know, gentlemen," said he, "that a storm -is gathering dark on the horizon of New France. The -English are making tremendous preparations, and everything -seems to indicate an early attack."</p> - -<p>"And then?" exclaimed Uncle Raoul.</p> - -<p>"Then, whatever you like, my dear chevalier," -answered the curé; "but it must be acknowledged that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">155</a></span> -we have hardly forces enough at our command to long -resist our powerful neighbors."</p> - -<p>"My dear abbé," exclaimed Uncle Raoul, "I think -that in your reading this morning you must have -stumbled on a chapter of the lamentations of Jeremiah."</p> - -<p>"I might turn your weapon against yourself," retorted -the priest, "by reminding you that those prophecies -were fulfilled."</p> - -<p>"No matter," almost shouted Uncle Raoul, clinching -his teeth. "The English, indeed! The English -take Canada! By heaven, I would undertake to defend -Quebec with my crutch. You forget, it seems, that we -have always beaten the English; that we have beaten -them against all odds—five to one—ten to one—sometimes -twenty to one! The English, indeed!"</p> - -<p>"<i>Concedo</i>," said the curé; "I am ready to grant all -you claim, and more too if you like. But mark this. -We grow weaker and weaker with every victory, while -the enemy, thanks to the foresight of England, rises -with new strength from each defeat; meanwhile, France -leaves us to our own resources."</p> - -<p>"Which shows," exclaimed Captain D'Haberville, -"the faith our King reposes in our courage."</p> - -<p>"Meanwhile," interposed M. d'Egmont, "he sends -us so few soldiers that the colony grows weaker day -by day."</p> - -<p>"Give us but plenty of powder and lead," answered -the captain, "and a hundred of my militia will do more -in such a war as that which is coming upon us—a war -of reconnoitrings, ambuscades, and surprises—than would -five hundred of the best soldiers of France. I speak -from experience. For all that, however, we stand in -great need of help from the mother country. Would -that a few of those battalions which our beloved monarch<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">156</a></span> -pours into the north of Europe to fight the battles -of Austria, might be devoted to the defense of the colony."</p> - -<p>"You might rather wish," said "the good gentleman," -"that Louis XV had left Maria Theresa to fight it out -with Prussia, and had paid a little more attention to -New France."</p> - -<p>"It is perhaps hardly becoming in a young man like -me," said Lochiel, "to mix myself up in your arguments; -but, to make up for my lack of experience, I -will call history to my aid. Beware of the English, -beware of a government ever alive to the interests of its -colonies, which it identifies with the interests of the empire; -beware of a nation which has the tenacity of the -bull-dog. If the conquest of Canada is necessary to her -she will never swerve from her purpose or count the -sacrifice. Witness my unhappy country."</p> - -<p>"Bah!" cried Uncle Raoul, "the Scotch, indeed!"</p> - -<p>Lochiel began to laugh.</p> - -<p>"Gently, my dear Uncle Raoul," said "the good gentleman"; -"and, to make use of your favorite maxim -when you are collecting the rents, let us render unto -Cæsar that which is Cæsar's. I have studied the history -of Scotland, and I can assure you that neither in -valor nor in patriotism need the Scotch yield place to -any other nation, ancient or modern."</p> - -<p>"Oh, you see, I only wanted to tease this other -nephew of mine," exclaimed Uncle Raoul, swelling his -chest; "for we know a little history ourselves, thank -God. No one knows better than Archie my esteem for -his fellow-countrymen, and my admiration for their dashing -courage."</p> - -<p>"Yes, dear uncle, and I thank you for it," said Archie, -grasping him by the hand; "but distrust the English<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">157</a></span> -profoundly. Beware of their perseverance, and remember -the <i>Delenda est Carthago</i> of the Romans."</p> - -<p>"So much the better," said Jules. "I will be grateful -to their perseverance if it brings me back to Canada -with my regiment. May I do my first fighting against -them here, on this soil of Canada, which I love and -which holds all that is dearest to me! You shall come -with me, my brother, and shall take revenge in this new -world for all that you have suffered in your own country."</p> - -<p>"With all my heart," cried Archie, grasping the handle -of his knife as if it were the terrible claymore of the -Camerons. "I will serve as a volunteer in your company, -if I can not get a commission as an officer; and -the simple soldier will be as proud of your exploits as if -he had a hand in them himself."</p> - -<p>The young men warmed into excitement at the -thought of heroic deeds; the great black eyes of Jules -shot fire, and the old warlike ardor of the race suddenly -flamed out in him. This spirit was infectious, and from -all lips came the cry of <i>Vive le Roi</i>! From the eyes of -mother, sister, and aunt, in spite of all their efforts to -restrain them, there escaped a few tears silently.</p> - -<p>The conversation became eager. Campaigns were -planned, the English were beaten by sea and land, -and Canada was set upon a pinnacle of splendor and -prosperity.</p> - -<p>"Fill up your glasses," cried Captain D'Haberville, -pouring himself out a bumper. "I am going to propose -a health which everybody will drink with applause: -'Success to our arms; and may the glorious flag of the -<i>fleur-de-lys</i> float forever over every fortress of New -France!'"</p> - -<p>Just as they were raising the glasses to their lips -a terrific report was heard. It was like a stupendous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">158</a></span> -clap of thunder, or as if some huge body had -fallen upon the manor house, which shook to its very -foundations. Every one rushed out of doors. The -sun was shining with all the brilliance of a perfect day -in July. They scaled the roof, but there was no sign -anywhere that the house had been struck. Every one -was stupefied with awe, the seigneur himself appearing -particularly impressed. "Can it be," he exclaimed, -"that this phenomenon presages the fall of my house!"</p> - -<p>In vain did M. d'Egmont, the priest, and Uncle -Raoul endeavor to refer the phenomenon to ordinary -causes; they could not remove the painful impression it -had left. The glasses were left unemptied in the dining-room, -and the little company passed into the drawing-room -to take their coffee.</p> - -<p>What took place afterward only confirmed the D'Haberville -family in their superstitious fears. Who knows, -after all, whether such omens, to which the ancient -world lent implicit belief, may not indeed be warnings -from heaven when some great evil threatens us? If, indeed, -we must reject all that our feeble reason comprehends -not, we should speedily become Pyrrhonists, utter -skeptics, like Molière's Marphorius. Who knows? -But one might write a whole chapter on this "who -knows."</p> - -<p>The weather, which had been so fine all day, began -to cloud up toward six o'clock in the evening. By seven -the rain fell in torrents; the thunder seemed to shatter -the vault of heaven, and a great mass of rock, struck by -a thunder-bolt, fell from the bluff with terrific noise and -obliterated the highway.</p> - -<p>Captain D'Haberville, who had carried on an immense -deal of forest warfare along with his Indian allies, -had become tinctured with many of their superstitions; -and when the disasters of 1759 fell upon him, he was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">159</a></span> -convinced that they had been foretold to him two years -before.</p> - -<p>Jules, seated at supper between his mother and sister -and holding their hands in his, shared in their depression. -In order to turn their thoughts into another -channel, he asked his mother to tell one of those stories -with which she used to amuse his childhood.</p> - -<p>"It would give me," said he, "yet another memory -of the tenderest of mothers to take with me to Europe."</p> - -<p>"I can refuse my boy nothing," said Madame D'Haberville; -and she began the following story:</p> - -<p>"A mother had an only child, a little girl, fair as a -lily, whose great blue eyes wandered from her mother -to heaven and back from heaven to her mother, only to -fix themselves on heaven at last. How proud and happy -was this loving mother when every one praised the -beauty of her child! Her cheeks like the rose just -blown, her tresses fair and soft as the beaten flax and -falling over her shoulders in gracious waves! Immeasurably -happy was this good mother.</p> - -<p>"At last she lost the child she idolized; and, like -Rachel, she would not be comforted. She passed her -days in the cemetery embracing the little grave. Mad -with grief, she kept calling to the child with ceaseless -pleadings:</p> - -<p>"'My darling! my darling! listen to your mother, -who is come to carry you to your own bed, where you -shall sleep so warmly! Oh, how cold you must be under -the wet sod!'</p> - -<p>"She kept her ear close to the earth, as if she expected -a response. She trembled at every slightest noise, -and sobbed to discover that it was but the murmur of the -weeping willow moved by the breeze. The passers-by -used to say: 'This grass, so incessantly watered by her -weeping, should be always green; but her tears are so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">160</a></span> -bitter that they wither it, even like the fierce sun of midday -after a heavy shower.'</p> - -<p>"She wept beside a brook where the little one had -been accustomed to play with pebbles, and in whose -pure stream she had so often washed the little feet. The -passers-by used to say:</p> - -<p>"'This mother sheds so many tears that she swells -the current of the stream!'</p> - -<p>"She nursed her grief in every room wherein the little -one had played. She opened the trunk in which she -kept religiously all the child's belongings—its clothes, -its playthings, the little gold-lined cup of silver from -which she had last given it to drink. Passionately she -kissed the little shoes, and her sobs would have melted -a heart of steel.</p> - -<p>"She went continually to the village church to pray, -to implore God to work one miracle in her behalf, and -give her back her child. And the voice of God seemed -to answer her:</p> - -<p>"'Like David you shall go to her, but she shall not -return to you.'</p> - -<p>"Then she would cry:</p> - -<p>"'When, Lord, when shall such joy be mine?'</p> - -<p>"She threw herself down before the image of the -blessed Virgin, our Lady of Sorrows; and it seemed to -her that the eyes of the Madonna rested upon her sadly, -and that she read in them these words:</p> - -<p>"'Endure with patience, even as I have done, O -daughter of Eve, till the day when your mourning shall -be turned into gladness.'</p> - -<p>"And the unhappy mother cried anew:</p> - -<p>"'But when, when will that blessed day come, O -Mother of God?'</p> - -<p>"One day the wretched mother, having prayed with -more than her usual fervor, having shed, if possible,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">161</a></span> -more tears than was her wont, fell asleep in the church, -exhausted with her grief. The sexton shut the doors -without noticing her. It must have been about midnight -when she awoke. A ray of moonlight illuminating -the altar revealed to her that she was yet in the church. -Far from being terrified, she rather rejoiced at her situation, -if such a thing as joy could be said to find any -place in her sad heart.</p> - -<p>"'Now,' said she, 'I can pray alone with God, alone -with the Blessed Virgin, alone with myself!'</p> - -<p>"Just as she was going to kneel down a low sound -made her raise her head.</p> - -<p>"She saw an old man, who, entering by one of the -side doors of the sacristy, made his way to the altar -with a lighted taper in his hand. She saw with astonishment -that it was the former sexton, dead twenty years -before. She felt no fear at the sight, for every sentiment -of her breast had been swallowed up in grief. -The specter climbed the altar steps, lighted the candles, -and made the customary preparations for the celebration -of a <i>requiem</i> mass. When he turned she saw that -his eyes were fixed and expressionless, like those of a -statue. He re-entered the sacristy, but reappeared almost -at once, followed this time by a venerable priest -bearing a chalice and clothed in full vestments. His -great eyes, wide open, were filled with sadness; his -movements were like those of an automaton. She recognized -the old priest, twenty years dead, who had -baptized her and given her her first communion. Far -from being terrified by this marvel, the poor mother, -wrapped up in her sorrow, concluded that her old friend -had been touched by her despair, and had broken the -bonds of the sepulchre for her sake.</p> - -<p>"All was somber, grim, and silent in this mass thus -celebrated and ministered by the dead. The candles<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">162</a></span> -cast a feeble light like that of a dying lamp. At the moment -when the bell of the '<i>Sanctus</i>,' striking with a dull -sound, as when a bone is broken by the grave-digger in -some old cemetery, announced the descent of Christ -upon the altar, the door of the sacristy opened anew -and admitted a procession of little children, marching -two and two, who traversed the choir and filed into the -space to the right of the altar. These children, the oldest -of whom had had scarce six years of life upon -earth, wore crowns of immortelles and carried in their -hands, some of them baskets of flowers, some of them little -vases of perfume, others cups of gold and silver filled -with a transparent liquid. They stepped lightly, and a -celestial rapture shone upon their faces. One only, a -little girl at the end of the procession, appeared to follow -the others painfully, loaded down as she was with -two great jars which she could hardly drag. Her little -feet, reddening under the pressure, were lifted heavily, -and her crown of immortelles seemed withered. The -poor mother strove to reach out her arms, to utter a cry -of joy on recognizing her own little one, but she found -that she could neither move nor speak. She watched -all the children file past her into the place to the left of -the altar, and she recognized several who had but lately -died. When her own child, bending under her burden, -passed before her, she noticed that at every step the two -jars besprinkled the floor with the water that filled -them to the brim. When the little one's eyes met those -of her mother, she saw in their depths a mingling of -sadness, tenderness, and reproach. The poor woman -strove to clasp her in her arms, but sight and consciousness -alike fled from her. When she recovered from her -swoon the church was empty.</p> - -<p>"In a monastery about a league from the village, -dwelt a monk who was renowned for his sanctity.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">163</a></span></p> - -<p>"This old man never left his cell, save to listen with -sympathy to the bitter confessions of sinners, or to succor -the afflicted. To the first he said:</p> - -<p>"'I know the corruptness of man's nature, so be not -cast down; come to me with confidence and courage -every time you fall, and my arms shall ever be open to -lift you up again.'</p> - -<p>"To the second he said: 'Since God, who is so -good, lays this burden upon you now, he is reserving -you for infinite joys hereafter.'</p> - -<p>"To all he said: 'If I should confess to you the -story of my life, you would be astonished to behold in -me a man who has been the sport of unbridled passion, -and my misfortunes would melt you to tears.'</p> - -<p>"The poor mother threw herself sobbing at his feet, -and told him the marvelous thing she had seen. The -compassionate old man, who had sounded the depths of -the human heart, beheld here a favorable opportunity -to set bounds to this excessive anguish.</p> - -<p>"'My dear child,' said he, 'our overwrought imagination -often cheats us with illusions which must be relegated -to the realms of dream. Nevertheless, the Church -teaches us that such marvels can really take place. It -is not for us in our ignorance to set limit to the power -of God. It is not for us to question the decrees of Him -who took the worlds into his hand and launched them -into space. I accept, then, the vision, and I will explain -it to you. This priest, coming from the tomb to say a -mass, doubtless obtained God's permission to fulfill part -of his sacred ministry which he had left undone; and -the sexton, by forgetfulness or negligence, was probably -the cause of his omission. The children crowned -with immortelles are those who died with their baptismal -grace unimpaired. They who carried baskets of -flowers or vases of perfume are those whose mothers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">164</a></span> -gave them up to God with holy resignation, comforted -by the thought that they were exchanging this world -of pain for the celestial country and the ineffable light -about the throne. In the little cups of gold and silver -were the tears of mothers who, though torn by the anguish -of their loss yet taught themselves to cry: "The -Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the -name of the Lord."'</p> - -<p>"On her knees the poor mother drank in the old -man's words. As Martha exclaimed at the feet of Christ, -'Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not -died. But I know that even now, whatever thou wilt -ask of God, God will give it thee,' even so the poor -mother cried in her ardent faith, 'If thou hadst been -with me, my father, my little one would not have died; -but I know that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of -God, God will give it thee.'</p> - -<p>"The good monk reflected a moment and prayed -God for wisdom. It was a sentence of life or of death -that he was about to pronounce upon this mother who -appeared inconsolable. He was about to strike a blow -which should either restore her to reason or break her -heart forever. He took her hands in his withered and -trembling clasp, and said gently:</p> - -<p>"'You loved, then, this child whom you have -lost?'</p> - -<p>"'Loved her? My God, what a question!' And -she threw herself moaning at his feet. Then, raising -herself suddenly, she grasped the skirt of his cassock -and besought him through her sobs: 'You are a saint, -my father; oh, give me back my child—my darling!'</p> - -<p>"'Yes,' said the monk, 'you loved your little one. -Doubtless you would have done much to spare her even -the lightest grief?'</p> - -<p>"'Anything, everything, my father!' exclaimed the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">165</a></span> -poor woman; 'I would have been rolled on the hot -coals to spare her a little burn.'</p> - -<p>"'I believe you,' said the monk; 'and doubtless -you love her yet?'</p> - -<p>"'Do I love her? Merciful Heaven!' cried the -wretched mother, springing to her feet as if bitten by a -serpent; 'I see, priest, that you know little of a mother's -love if you imagine death can efface it.' And trembling -from head to foot, she burst again into a torrent of -tears.</p> - -<p>"'Begone, woman,' said the old man, forcing himself -to speak with sternness; 'begone, woman, who hast -come to impose upon me; begone, woman, who liest to -God and to his priest. Thou hast seen thy little one -staggering under the burden of thy tears, which she -gathers drop by drop, and thou tellest me that thou -lovest her! She is near thee now, toiling at her task; -and thou sayest that thou lovest her! Begone, woman, -for thou liest to God and to his minister!'</p> - -<p>"The eyes of the poor woman were opened as if she -were awaking from a frightful dream. She confessed -that her grief had been insensate, and she besought the -pardon of God.</p> - -<p>"'Go in peace,' said the old man; 'resign yourself -to God's will, and the peace of God will be shed upon -your soul.'</p> - -<p>"Some days after, she told the good monk that her -little one, radiant with joy and carrying a basket of -flowers, had appeared to her in a dream and thanked -her for having ceased from her tears. The good woman, -who was rich in this world's goods, devoted the rest of -days and her substance to charity. To the children of -the poor she gave most loving attention, and adopted -several of them. When she died they wrote upon her -tomb, 'Here lies the mother of the orphans.'"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">166</a></span></p> - -<p>All were deeply moved by Madame D'Haberville's -story, and some were even in tears. Jules embraced -his mother, and left the room to hide his emotion.</p> - -<p>"O God," he cried, "guard this life of mine! for if -evil should befall me, my loving mother would be as inconsolable -as the mother in the story she has just told -us."</p> - -<p>A day or two later Jules and Archie were tossing -upon the Atlantic; and at the end of two months, after -a prosperous voyage, they reached the shores of France.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">167</a></span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.<br /> -<span class="chapsmall">THE BURNING OF THE SOUTH SHORE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza">They came upon us in the night,<br /> -And brake my bower and slew my knight:<br /> -My servant a' for life did flee<br /> -And left us in the extremitie.<br /></div> -<br /> -<div class="stanza">They slew my knight, to me so dear;<br /> -They slew my knight, and drove his gear;<br /> -The moon may set, the sun may rise,<br /> -But a deadly sleep has closed his eyes.</div></div></div> - -<p class="right"><i>Waverley.</i> -</p> - -<p>The trees were once more clothed in their wonted -green after the passing of a northern winter. The -woods and fields were enameled in a thousand colors, -and the birds were raising their cheerful voices to greet -the spring of the year 1759. All Nature smiled; only -man seemed sorrowful and cast down; and the laborer -no more lifted his gay song, and the greater portion of -the lands lay fallow for lack of hands to till them. A -cloud hung over all New France, for the mother country, -a veritable step-mother, had abandoned her Canadian -children. Left to its own resources, the Government -had called to arms every able-bodied man to defend the -colony against the invasion that menaced it. The English -had made vast preparations. Their fleet, consisting -of twenty ships of the line, ten frigates, and eighteen -smaller vessels, accompanied by a number of transports, -and carrying eighteen thousand men, was ascending the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">168</a></span> -St. Lawrence under the command of General Wolfe; -while two land armies, yet more numerous, were moving -to effect a junction under the very walls of Quebec.</p> - -<p>The whole adult population of Canada capable of -bearing arms had responded with ardor to their country's -appeal; and there remained at home none but the old -and feeble, the women and the children. To resist an -army more numerous than the entire population of New -France the Canadians had little but the memory of past -exploits, and of their glorious victory at Carillon in the -preceding year. Of what avail their proved courage -against an enemy so overpowering and sworn to their -defeat?</p> - -<p>You have long been misunderstood, my brethren of -old Canada! Most cruelly have you been slandered. -Honor to them who have lifted your memory from the -dust! Honor, a hundred times honor, to our fellow-countryman, -M. Garneau, who has rent the <ins title="Transcriber's note: original reads 'vail'">veil</ins> that -covered your exploits! Shame to us who, instead of -searching the ancient and glorious annals of our race, -were content to bow before the reproach that we were -a conquered people! Shame to us who were almost -ashamed to call ourselves Canadians! Dreading to confess -ourselves ignorant of the history of Assyrians, -Medes, and Persians, that of our own country remained -a sealed book to us.</p> - -<p>Within the last few years there has come a glorious -reaction. Every one sets his hand to the work and the -Canadian can now say with Francis I, "All is lost save -honor." I am far from believing, however, that all is -lost. The cession of Canada was, perhaps, a blessing in -disguise; for the horrors of '93 failed to touch this fortunate -colony which was protected by the flag of Britain. -We have gathered new laurels, fighting beneath the banner -of England; and twice has the colony been saved to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">169</a></span> -England by the courage of her new subjects. In Parliament, -at the bar, upon the field of battle, everywhere in -his small sphere, the French Canadian has proved himself -inferior to none. For a century have you struggled, -O my countrymen, to preserve your nationality, and -you behold it yet intact. The future perhaps holds for -you another century of effort and struggle to guard it. -Take heart and stand together, fellow-countrymen.</p> - -<p>Two detachments of the English army were disembarked -at Rivière Ouelle, at the beginning of June, '79. -Some of the <i>habitants</i> of the parish, concealed in the -skirts of the wood, received them with a sharp fire and -killed several men. The commander, exasperated at -this loss, resolved to take signal vengeance. The two -detachments ascended the river and encamped toward -evening beside a brook which empties in Bay Ste. -Anne, southwest of where the college now stands. On -the following morning the commander ordered one of -the companies to get ready to march, and summoning -the lieutenant gave him the following orders:</p> - -<p>"Every house you come across belonging to these -dogs of Frenchmen, set fire to it. I will follow you a -little later."</p> - -<p>"But," said the young officer, who was a Scotchman, -"must I burn the dwellings of those who offer no resistance? -They say there is no one left in these houses -except old men, women, and children."</p> - -<p>"I think, sir," replied Major Montgomery, "that my -orders are quite clear. You will set fire to every house -belonging to these dogs of Frenchmen. I had forgotten -your weakness for our enemies."</p> - -<p>The young man bit his lips till they bled, and -marched his men away. The reader has, doubtless, -recognized in this young man none other than Archie -de Lochiel, who, having made his peace with the British<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">170</a></span> -Government, had recovered possession of his estates and -had obtained a lieutenancy in a regiment which he had -himself recruited among the Highlanders of his own -clan. Archie marched off groaning and muttering all -the curses he could think of in English, Gaelic, and -French. At the first house where he stopped a young -woman flung herself weeping at his feet, crying piteously:</p> - -<p>"Good sir, do not kill my poor old father. Do not -shorten his days. He has but a little while to live."</p> - -<p>A little boy eleven or twelve years old grasped him -about the knees and exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"Mister Englishman, do not kill grandpapa! If you -only knew how good he is!"</p> - -<p>"Do not fear," said Archie, entering the house, "I -have no orders to kill old men, women, and children. -They doubtless supposed," he added bitterly, "that I -should meet none such on my route."</p> - -<p>Stretched on a bed of pain lay a decrepit old man.</p> - -<p>"I have been a soldier all my life, monsieur," said -he. "I do not fear death, with whom I have been often -face to face, but, in the name of God, spare my daughter -and her child!"</p> - -<p>"They shall not be injured," replied Archie, with -tears in his eyes; "but if you are a soldier, you know -that a soldier has to obey orders. I am ordered to burn -all the buildings on my line of march, and I have to -obey. Whither shall we move you, father? Listen," he -added, speaking close in the old man's ear. "Your -grandson appears active and intelligent. Let him get a -horse and hasten to warn your fellow-countrymen that I -have to burn down all the houses on my road. They -will, perhaps, have time to save the most valuable of their -belongings."</p> - -<p>"You are a good and brave young man!" cried the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">171</a></span> -old man. "If you were a Catholic I would give you my -blessing; but thank you a thousand times, thank you!"</p> - -<p>"I am a Catholic," said Lochiel.</p> - -<p>The old man raised himself with difficulty, lifted his -eyes toward heaven, spread his hands over Archie's -bended head, and cried: "May God bless you for this -act of humanity! In the day of heavy affliction, when -you implore the pity of Heaven, may God take count of -your compassion toward your enemies and give ear to -your prayers! Say to him then with confidence in the -sorest trials, 'I have the blessing of a dying old man, -my enemy.'"</p> - -<p>The old man in his bed was hastily carried by the -soldiers to an adjoining wood, and when he resumed his -march Lochiel had the satisfaction of seeing the little -boy mounted on a swift horse and devouring the miles -beneath him. Archie breathed more freely at the sight.</p> - -<p>The work of destruction went on; but from time to -time, whenever he reached the top of a hill, Archie had -the satisfaction of seeing old men, women, and children, -loaded down with their possessions, taking refuge in the -neighboring woods. If he wept for their misfortunes, he -rejoiced in his heart that he had done everything in his -power to mitigate them.</p> - -<p>All the houses of a portion of Rivière Ouelle, and of -the parishes of Ste. Anne and St. Roch, along the edge -of the St. Lawrence, were by this time in ashes, yet there -came no order to cease from the work of destruction. -From time to time, on the contrary, Lochiel saw the -division of his superior officer, following in his rear, -come to a halt on a piece of rising ground, doubtless for -the purpose of permitting Major Montgomery to gloat -over the results of his barbarous order.</p> - -<p>The first house of St. Jean-Port-Joli was that of a -rich <i>habitant</i>, a sergeant in Captain D'Haberville's company.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">172</a></span> -Frequently during his vacations had Archie -lunched at this house with Jules and his sister. With -what a pang he recalled the eager hospitality of these -people. On their arrival, Mother Dupont and her daughters -used to run to the dairy, the barn, the garden, for -eggs, butter, cream, parsley, and chervil, to make them -pancakes and herb omelettes. Father Dupont and his -sons would hasten to put up the horses and give them a -generous measure of oats. While Mother Dupont was -preparing the meal, the young people would make a hasty -toilet. Then they would get up a dance, and skip merrily -to the notes of the violin which screeched beneath -the old sergeant's bow. In spite of the remonstrances -of Blanche, Jules would turn everything upside down -and tease everybody to death. He would snatch the -frying-pan from the hands of Mother Dupont, throw his -arm around her waist, and compel her, in spite of her -struggles, to dance with him; and these good people -would shout with laughter till one would think they -could never get too much of the racket. All these -things Lochiel went over in the bitterness of his soul, -and a cold sweat broke out on his brow as he ordered -the burning of this hospitable home.</p> - -<p>Almost all the houses in the first concession of St. -Jean-Port-Joli were by this time in ruins, yet there came -no order to desist. About sunset, however, coming to the -little river Port Joli, a few arpents from the D'Haberville -place, Lochiel took it upon himself to halt his -company. He climbed the hillside, and there, in sight -of the manor, he waited; he waited like a criminal upon -the scaffold, hoping against hope that a reprieve may -come at the last moment. His heart was big with tender -memories as he gazed upon the dwelling where for ten -years the exiled orphan had been received as a child of -the house. Sorrowfully he looked down on the silent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">173</a></span> -village which had been so full of life when last he saw -it. Some pigeons fluttering over the buildings and from -time to time alighting on the roofs appeared to be the -only living creatures about the manor. Sighing, he repeated -the words of Ossian:</p> - -<p>"'Selma, thy halls are silent. There is no sound in -the woods of Morven. The wave tumbles alone in the -coast. The silent beam of the sun is on the field.'</p> - -<p>"<i>Oh! Oui! Mes amis!</i>" cried Lochiel, in the language -that he loved, "<i>vos salons sont maintenant, hélas! -deserts et silencieux!</i> There is no sound upon this hill -which so lately was echoing your bright voices. I hear -only the ripples lapping upon the sand. One pale ray -from the setting sun is all that lights your meadows.</p> - -<p>"What shall I do, kind Heaven, if the rage of the brute -who commands me is not yet sated? Should I refuse -to obey him? Then am I dishonored. A soldier can -not in time of war refuse to carry out the orders of his -commander. This brute could have me shot upon the -spot, and the shield of the Camerons would be forever -tarnished. Who would trouble himself to see that justice -was done to the memory of the soldier who chose -death rather than the stain of ingratitude? On the contrary, -that which was with me but an emotion of grateful -remembrance, would certainly be imputed to me -for treason by this creature who hounds me with his -devilish malice."</p> - -<p>The harsh voice of Major Montgomery put an end -to these reflections.</p> - -<p>"What are you doing here?" he growled.</p> - -<p>"I have left my men by the edge of the river, -and was proposing to encamp there after our long -march."</p> - -<p>"It is not late," answered the major, "and you know -the country better than I. You will easily find for your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">174</a></span> -encampment another place than that which I have just -chosen for myself."</p> - -<p>"I will march at once," said Archie. "There is -another river about a mile from here where we can camp -for the night."</p> - -<p>"Very well," said Montgomery, in an insolent voice; -"and as you have but a few more houses to burn in this -district, your men will soon be able to rest."</p> - -<p>"It is true," said Lochiel, "for there remain but five -more dwellings. Two of these, however, the group of -buildings which you see yonder and a mill on the stream -where I am going to camp, belong to the Seigneur -D'Haberville, the man who during my exile took me in -and treated me as a son. For God's sake, Major Montgomery, -give the order yourself for their destruction!"</p> - -<p>"I never should have believed," replied the major, -"that a British officer would have dared to utter treason."</p> - -<p>"You forget, sir," said Archie, restraining himself -with difficulty, "that I was then a mere child. But once -more I implore you, in the name of all you hold most -dear, give the order yourself, and do not force upon me -the dishonor of setting the torch to the home of them -who in my days of adversity heaped me with benefits."</p> - -<p>"I understand," replied the major, with a sneer, -"you wish to keep a way open to return to the favor of -your friends when occasion shall arise."</p> - -<p>At this insulting sarcasm Archie was tempted for an -instant to draw his claymore and cry:</p> - -<p>"If you are not as cowardly as you are insolent, -defend yourself, Major Montgomery!"</p> - -<p>Happily, reason came to his aid. Instead of grasping -his sword, his hand directed itself mechanically -toward his breast, which he tore fiercely. Then he remembered -the words of the witch:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">175</a></span></p> - -<p>"Keep your pity for yourself, Archibald de Lochiel, -when, forced to execute a barbarous order, your nails shall -tear that breast which covers, nevertheless, a noble heart."</p> - -<p>"She was indeed taught of hell, that woman," thought -he, "when she uttered that prophecy to a Cameron of -Lochiel."</p> - -<p>With malicious pleasure Montgomery watched for a -moment the strife of passions which tortured the young -man's heart. He gloated over his despair. Then, persuaded -that Archie would refuse to obey, he turned his -back upon him. Lochiel, perceiving his treacherous -design, hastened to rejoin his men, and a half-hour later -the buildings were in flames. Archie paused beside the -fountain where in happier days he had so often refreshed -himself with his friends; and from that spot his lynx-like -eyes discerned Montgomery, who had returned to -the hill-top, and there with folded arms stood feasting -on the cruel scene.</p> - -<p>Foaming with rage at the sight of his enemy, Archie -cried:</p> - -<p>"You have a good memory, Montgomery. You -have not forgotten the time when my ancestor beat your -grandfather with the flat of his saber in an Edinburgh -tavern. But I, also, have a good memory. I shall not -always wear this uniform that now ties my hands, and -sooner or later I will redouble the dose upon your own -shoulders, for you would be too much of a coward to -meet me in fair fight. A beast like you can not possess -even the one virtue of courage. Curse be you and all -your race! When you come to die may you be less -fortunate than those whose dwellings you have desolated -to-day, and may you have no place to lay your head! -May all the pangs of hell—"</p> - -<p>Then, ashamed of the impotence of his rage, he -moved away with a groan.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">176</a></span></p> - -<p>The mill upon the Trois-Saumons River was soon -but a heap of cinders, and the burning of Captain -D'Haberville's property in Quebec, which took place -during the <ins title="Transcriber's note: original reads 'seige'">siege</ins>, was all that was needed to complete -his ruin.</p> - -<p>After taking the necessary precautions for the safety -of his company, Archie directed his steps to the desolated -manor. There, seated on the summit of the bluff, -he gazed in the silence of anguish on the smoking ruins -at his feet. It must have been about nine o'clock. The -night was dark, and few stars revealed themselves in the -sky. Presently, however, he made out a living creature -wandering among the ruins. It was old Niger, who lifted -his head toward the bluff and began howling piteously. -Archie thought the faithful animal was reproaching him -with his ingratitude, and bitter tears scalded his cheeks.</p> - -<p>"Behold," said he, "the fruits of what we call the -code of honor of civilized nations! Are these the fruits -of Christianity, that religion of compassion which teaches -us to love even our enemies? If my commander were -one of these savage chiefs, whom we treat as barbarians, -and I had said to him: 'Spare this house, for it belongs -to my friends. I was a wanderer and a fugitive, and -they took me in and gave me a father and a brother,' the -Indian chief would have answered: 'It is well; spare -your friends; it is only the viper that stings the bosom -that has warmed it.'</p> - -<p>"I have always lived in the hope," went on Lochiel, -"of one day rejoining my Canadian friends, whom I love -to-day more than ever, if that were possible. No reconciliation -would have been required. It was natural I -should seek to regain my patrimony, so nearly dissipated -by the confiscations of the British Government. There -remained to me no career but the army, the only one -worthy of a Cameron. I had recovered my father's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">177</a></span> -sword, which one of my friends had bought back from -among the spoils of Culloden. Bearing this blade, which -had never known a stain, I dreamed of a glorious career. -I was grieved, indeed, when I learned that my regiment -was to be sent against New France; but a soldier could -not resign in time of war without disgrace. My friends -would have understood that. But what hope now for -the ingrate who has ravaged the hearth of his benefactors! -Jules D'Haberville, whom I once called my -brother, his gentle and saintly mother, who took me to -her heart, the fair girl whom I called my sister to hide -a deeper feeling—these will, perhaps, hear my justification -and end by forgiving me. But Captain D'Haberville, -who loves with all his heart, but who never forgives -an injury, can it be imagined that he will permit his -family to utter my name, unless to curse it?</p> - -<p>"But I am a coward and a fool," continued Archie, -grinding his teeth, "I should have declared before my -men my reasons for refusing to obey, and, though Montgomery -had had me shot upon the spot, there would -have been found loyal spirits to approve my refusal and -to right my memory. I have been a coward and a fool, -for in case the major, instead of having me shot, had -tried me before a court-martial, even while pronouncing -my death sentence they would have appreciated my -motives. I would have been eloquent in the defense of -my honor, and of that noblest of human sentiments, -gratitude. Oh, my friends, would that you could see -my remorse! Coward, ten thousand times coward!—"</p> - -<p>A voice near him repeated the words "Coward, ten -thousand times coward!" He thought at first it was -the echo from the bluff. He raised his head and perceived -the witch of the manor standing erect on a projecting -rock. She stretched out her hands over the -ruins, and cried: "Woe! woe! woe!" Then she descended<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">178</a></span> -like lightning, by a steep and dangerous path, -and wandered to and fro among the ruins, crying: -"Desolation! desolation! desolation!" At length she -raised her arm with a gesture of menace, pointed to the -summit of the bluff, and cried in a loud voice: "Woe to -you, Archibald de Lochiel!"</p> - -<p>The old dog howled long and plaintively, then silence -fell upon the scene.</p> - -<p>Archie's head sank upon his breast. The next moment -four savages sprang upon him, hurled him to the -ground, and bound his hands. These were four warriors -of the Abénaquis, who had been spying upon the -movements of the English ever since their landing at -Rivière Ouelle. Relying upon his tremendous strength, -Archie made desperate efforts to break his bonds. The -tough moose-hide which enwound his wrists in triple -coils stretched mightily, but resisted all his efforts. Seeing -this, Archie resigned himself to his fate, and followed -his captors quietly into the forest. His vigorous Scottish -legs spared him further ill treatment. Bitter were the -reflections of the captive during the rapid southward -march through the forest, wherein he had so often hunted -with his brother D'Haberville. Heedless of the fierce -delight of the Indians, whose eyes flashed at the sight of -his despair, he exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"You have conquered, Montgomery; my curses recoil -upon my own head. You will proclaim that I have -deserted to the enemy, that I am a traitor as you long -suspected. You will rejoice indeed, for I have lost all, -even honor." And like Job, he cursed the day that he -was born.</p> - -<p>After two hours' rapid marching they arrived at the -foot of the mountain which overlooks Trois Saumons -Lake, on which water Archie concluded that they would -find an encampment of the Abénaquis. Coming to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">179</a></span> -edge of the lake, one of his captors uttered three times -the cry of the osprey; and the seven echoes of the -mountain repeated, each three times, the piercing and -strident call of the great swan of Lower Canada. At -any other time Lochiel would have thrilled with admiration -at the sight of this beautiful water outspread beneath -the starlight, enringed with mountains and seeded -with green-crowned islets. It was the same lake to -which, for ten happy years, he had made hunting and -fishing excursions with his friends. It was the same -lake which he had swum at its widest part to prove his -prowess. But to-night all Nature appeared as dead as -the heart within him. From one of the islets came a -birch canoe, paddled by a man in Indian garb, but wearing -a cap of fox-skin. The new comer held a long conversation -with the four savages, but Archie was ignorant -of the Abénaquis tongue, and could make out nothing -of what they said. Two of the Indians thereupon started -off to the southwest; but Archie was put into the canoe -and taken to the islet.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">180</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.<br /> -<span class="chapsmall">A NIGHT AMONG THE SAVAGES.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza">What tragic tears bedew the eye!<br /> -What deaths we suffer ere we die!<br /> -Our broken friendships we deplore,<br /> -And loves of youth that are no more.</div></div></div> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Logan.</span> -</p> - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza">All, all on earth is shadow, all beyond<br /> -Is substance; the reverse is folly's creed.<br /> -How solid all where change shall be no more!<br /></div></div></div> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Young's</span> <i>Night Thoughts.</i> -</p> - -<p>Having cursed his enemy and the day of his birth, -Lochiel had gradually come to a more Christian frame of -mind, as he lay bound to a tree and all hope banished -from his heart. He knew that the savages scarcely ever -spared their captives, and that a slow and hideous death -was in store for him. Recovering his natural force of -mind, he hardly took care to pray for his deliverance; -but he implored of Heaven forgiveness for his sins and -strength to bear the tortures that were before him. Of -what account, thought he, the judgment of men when -the dream of life is over? And he bowed himself beneath -the hand of God.</p> - -<p>The three warriors were seated around within a -dozen feet of Lochiel, smoking in silence. The Indians -are naturally reserved, regarding light conversation as -only suitable to women and children. One of them, -however, by name Talamousse, speaking to the man of -the island, made inquiry:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">181</a></span></p> - -<p>"Will my brother wait long here for the warriors -from the Portage?"</p> - -<p>"Three days," answered the latter, lifting up three -fingers. "Grand-Loutre and Talamousse will depart -to-morrow with the prisoner. The Frenchman will rejoin -them at the encampment of Captain Launière."</p> - -<p>"It is well," said Grand-Loutre, extending his hand -toward the south. "We are going to take the prisoner -to the camp at Petit-Marigotte, where we will wait three -days for my brother and the warriors from the Portage, -and then go to the camp of Captain Launière."</p> - -<p>For the first time Lochiel perceived that the voice -of the man with the fox-skin cap was not like that of -the other two men, although he spoke their language -fluently. Hitherto he had suffered in silence the torments -of a burning thirst. It was a veritable torture of -Tantalus, with the crystal lake waters lapping at his -feet, but, under the impression that the man might be a -Frenchman, he made bold to say:</p> - -<p>"If there is a Christian among you, for God's sake -let him give me a drink."</p> - -<p>"What does the dog want?" said Grand-Loutre to -his companion.</p> - -<p>The man addressed made no answer for some moments. -His whole body trembled, his face became pale -as death, a cold sweat bathed his forehead; then, controlling -himself sternly, he answered in his natural -voice:</p> - -<p>"The prisoner asks for a drink."</p> - -<p>"Tell the dog of an Englishman," said Talamousse, -"that he shall be burned to-morrow; and that if he is -very thirsty he shall have boiling water to drink."</p> - -<p>"I am going to tell him," replied the Canadian presently, -"that my brothers permit me to give their captive -a little water."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">182</a></span></p> - -<p>"Let my brother do as he will," said Talamousse; -"the pale faces have hearts like young girls."</p> - -<p>The Canadian curled a piece of birch bark into the -form of a cup, filled it with fresh water, and handed it -to the prisoner, saying:</p> - -<p>"Who are you, sir? In the name of God who are -you? Your voice is like that of a man who is very dear -to me."</p> - -<p>"I am Archibald Cameron, of Lochiel," came the -answer, "once the friend of your countrymen; now -their enemy, and well deserving the fate which is in -store for him."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Archie," replied Dumais, for he it was, "although -you had slain my brother, although it should be -necessary for me to cut down these two red rascals with -my tomahawk, in an hour you shall be free. I shall try -persuasion before resorting to violent measures. Now -silence."</p> - -<p>Dumais resumed his place with the Indians, and -after a time he remarked:</p> - -<p>"The prisoner thanks the red-skins for promising him -the death of a man; he says that the song of the pale -face will be that of a warrior."</p> - -<p>"Houa!" said Grand-Loutre, "the Englishman will -screech like an owl when he sees the fires of our -wigwams." And he went on smoking and casting -glances of contempt upon Lochiel.</p> - -<p>"The Englishman," said Talamousse, "speaks like -a man while the stake is yet far off. The Englishman is -a coward who could not suffer thirst. He has begged -his enemies for a drink like a baby crying for its mother." -And the Indian spit upon the ground contemptuously.</p> - -<p>Dumais opened a wallet, took out some provisions, -and offered a portion to the savages, who refused to eat.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">183</a></span> -Then he stepped into the woods, and after a short search -brought out a bottle of brandy. He took a drink and -began to eat. The eyes of one of the Indians dwelt -longingly on the bottle.</p> - -<p>"Talamousse is not hungry, my brother," said he, -"but he is very thirsty. He has made a long march to-day -and he is very tired. The fire-water is good to rest -one's legs."</p> - -<p>Dumais passed him the bottle. The Indian seized -it with a trembling hand and gulped down a good half -of the contents.</p> - -<p>"Ah, but that's good," said he, handing back the -bottle; and presently his piercing eyes grew glazed, and -a vacant look began to creep into his face.</p> - -<p>"Dumais does not offer any to his brother Grand-Loutre," -said the Canadian; "he knows that he does -not drink fire-water."</p> - -<p>"The Great Spirit loves Grand-Loutre," said the latter, -"and made him throw up the only mouthful of fire-water -he ever drank. The Great Spirit made him so -sick that he thought he was going to visit the country of -souls. Grand-Loutre is very thankful, for the fire-water -takes away man's wisdom."</p> - -<p>"It is good fire-water," said Talamousse after a moment's -silence, stretching out his hand toward the bottle, -which Dumais removed from his reach. "Give me one -more drink, my brother, I beg you."</p> - -<p>"No," said Dumais, "not now; by and by, perhaps." -And he put the bottle back into his knapsack.</p> - -<p>"The Great Spirit also loves the Canadian," resumed -Dumais after a pause; "he appeared to him last night -in a dream."</p> - -<p>"What did he say to my brother?" asked the Indians.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">184</a></span></p> - -<p>"The Great Spirit told him to buy back the prisoner," -answered Dumais.</p> - -<p>"My brother lies like a Frenchman," replied Grand-Loutre. -"He lies like all the pale faces. The red-skins -do not lie to them."</p> - -<p>"The French never lie when they speak of the Great -Spirit," said the Canadian; and, opening his knapsack, -he took a small sip of brandy.</p> - -<p>"Give me, my brother, give me one little drink," -said Talamousse, stretching out his hand.</p> - -<p>"If Talamousse will sell me his share of the prisoner," -said Dumais, "he shall have another drink."</p> - -<p>"Give me all the fire-water," said Talamousse, "and -take my share of the English dog."</p> - -<p>"No," said Dumais, "one more drink and that will -be all;" and he made a movement to put away the -bottle.</p> - -<p>"Give it to me, then, and take my share of him."</p> - -<p>He seized the bottle in both hands, took a long -pull at the precious fluid, and then fell asleep on the -grass.</p> - -<p>"There's one of them fixed," thought Dumais.</p> - -<p>Grand-Loutre had been watching all this with an -air of defiance, but had kept on smoking indifferently.</p> - -<p>"Now will my brother sell me his share of the prisoner?" -asked Dumais.</p> - -<p>"What do you want of him?" replied the savage.</p> - -<p>"To sell him to Captain D'Haberville, who will have -him hung for burning his house. The prisoner will -endure like a warrior the tortures of the stake, but at -sight of the rope he will weep like a girl."</p> - -<p>"My brother lies again," replied Grand-Loutre. "All -the English that we have burned cried out like cowards, -and not one of them sang his death-song like a man. -They would have thanked us to hang them. It is only<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">185</a></span> -the red warrior who prefers the stake to the disgrace of -being hung like a dog."</p> - -<p>"Let my brother heed my words," said Dumais. -"The prisoner is not an Englishman, but a Scotchman, -and the Scotch are the savages of the English. Let my -brother observe the prisoner's clothing, and see how like -it is to that of a savage warrior."</p> - -<p>"That is true," said Grand-Loutre. "He does not -smother himself in clothes like the other soldiers whom -the Great Ononthio sends across the water. But what -has that to do with it?"</p> - -<p>"Why," replied the Canadian, "a Scotch warrior -would rather be burned than be hung. Like the red-skins -of Canada, he considers that one hangs only dogs, -and that if he were to go to the country of souls with -the rope about his neck the savage warriors would refuse -to hunt with him."</p> - -<p>"My brother lies again," said the Indian, shaking -his head incredulously. "The Scotch savages are nevertheless -pale faces, and they can not have the courage to -endure pain like a red-skin." And he went on smoking -thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>"Let my brother hearken, and he will see that I -speak the truth," said Dumais.</p> - -<p>"Speak, thy brother gives ear."</p> - -<p>"The English and the Scotch," continued the Canadian, -"dwell in a great island beyond the great water. -The English dwell on the plains, while the Scotch inhabit -the mountains. The English are as many as the -grains of sand about the shores of this lake, while the -Scotch are but as the sands of this little island. Yet -the Scotch have withstood the English in war for as -many moons as there are leaves on this great maple. -The English are rich, the Scotch poor. When the -Scotch beat the English, they return to their mountains<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">186</a></span> -laden with booty; when the English beat the Scotch, -they get nothing. The profit is all on one side."</p> - -<p>"If the English are so numerous," said Grand-Loutre, -"why do they not pursue their enemies into the -mountains and kill every man of them? They could -not escape, since, as my brother says, they live on the -same island."</p> - -<p>"Houa!" cried Dumais, after the fashion of the -savages, "I will show my brother why. The Scotch -mountains are so high that if an army of young Englishmen -were to ascend them but half way, they would -be an army of graybeards before they got down again."</p> - -<p>"The French are always tomfools," said the Indian. -"They can't do anything but talk nonsense. Soon they -will put on petticoats and go and sit with our squaws, -and amuse them with their funny stories. They never -talk seriously like men."</p> - -<p>"My brother ought to understand," said Dumais, -"that what I said was merely to impress upon him the -remarkable height of the Scottish mountains."</p> - -<p>"Let my brother continue. Grand-Loutre hears and -understands," said the Indian, accustomed to this figurative -style of speech.</p> - -<p>"The Scotch legs are as strong as those of a moose -and active as those of a roebuck," continued Dumais.</p> - -<p>"True," said the Indian, "if they are all like the -prisoner here, who, in spite of his bonds, kept right on -my heels all the way. He has the legs of an Indian."</p> - -<p>"The English," said Dumais, "are large and strong, -but they have soft legs and huge bellies. When they -pursue their more active enemies into the mountains -the Scotchmen lie in ambush and kill them by the -score. The war seemed as if it would last forever. -When the English took prisoners they used to burn -many of them; but these would sing their death-song<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">187</a></span> -at the stake and heap insult on their torturers by telling -them that they had drunk out of the skulls of their -ancestors."</p> - -<p>"Houa!" cried Grand-Loutre, "they are men these -Scotch."</p> - -<p>"The Scotch had a great chief named Wallace, a -mighty warrior. When he set out for war the earth -trembled under his feet. He was as tall as yonder -fir-tree and as strong as an army. An accursed wretch -betrayed him for money, he was taken prisoner and sentenced -to be hung. At this news a cry of rage and -grief went up from all the mountains of Scotland. All -the warriors painted their faces black, a great council -was held, and ten chiefs bearing the pipe of peace set -out for England. They were conducted into a great -wigwam, the council fire was lighted, and for a long -time every one spoke in silence. At length an old -chief took up the word, and said: 'My brother, the -earth has drunk enough of the blood of these two great -nations, and we wish to bury the hatchet. Give us -back Wallace and we will remain hostages in his place. -You shall put us to death if ever again he lifts the -tomahawk against you.' With these words he handed -the pipe of peace to the Great Ononthio of the English, -who waved it aside, saying sternly, 'Within three days -Wallace shall be hung.' 'Listen my brother,' said the -great Scotch chief, 'if Wallace must die let him die the -death of a warrior. Hanging is a death for dogs.' -And again he presented the pipe of peace, and Ononthio -refused it. The deputies withdrew and consulted -together. On their return the great chief said: 'Let my -brother hearken favorably to my last words. Let him -fix eleven stakes to burn Wallace and these ten warriors, -who will be proud to share his fate and will thank -their brother for his clemency.' Once more he offered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">188</a></span> -the pipe of peace, and once more Ononthio rejected -it."</p> - -<p>"Houa!" cried Grand-Loutre, "those were noble -and generous words. But my brother has not told me -how the Scotch are now friends with the English and -fighting against the French."</p> - -<p>"With rage in their hearts, the deputies returned to -their mountains. At their death-cries, which they -uttered at the gate of every town and village to announce -the fate of Wallace, every one rushed to arms; -and the war between the two nations continued for as -many moons as there are grains of sand here in my -hand," said Dumais, picking up a handful. "The Scotch -were generally beaten by their swarming enemies, and -their rivers ran with blood, but they knew not how to -yield. The war would have been going on still but for -a traitor who warned the English that nine Scotch -chiefs, having gathered in a cavern to drink fire-water, -had fallen to sleep there like our brother Talamousse."</p> - -<p>"The red-skins," said Grand-Loutre, "are never -traitors to their own people. They deceive their enemies, -but never their friends. Will my brother tell me -how it comes that there are traitors among the pale -faces?"</p> - -<p>Dumais, a little puzzled to answer this question, went -on as if he had not heard it.</p> - -<p>"The nine chiefs were taken to a great city and condemned -to be hung within a month. On this sad news -fires were lighted on all the hills of Scotland to summon -a grand council of all the warriors. The wise men spoke -fine words for three days and three nights, but came to -no conclusion. Then they consulted the spirits, and a -great medicine-man declared that the Manitou was -angry with his children, and that they must bury the -hatchet forever. Twenty warriors with blackened faces<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">189</a></span> -betook themselves to the chief town of the English, and -before the gates they uttered a death-cry for every captive -chief. A great council was held, and Ononthio -granted peace on condition that they should give hostages, -that they should deliver up their strongholds, that -the two nations should henceforth be as one, and that -the English and Scotch warriors should fight shoulder -to shoulder against the enemies of the great Ononthio. -A feast was made which lasted three days and three -nights, and at which so much brandy was drunk that -the women took away all the tomahawks. Had they -not done so the war would have broken out anew. The -English were so rejoiced that they promised to send the -Scotch all the heads, feet, and tails of the sheep which -they should kill in the future."</p> - -<p>"The English must be generous, indeed," said the -Indian.</p> - -<p>"My brother must see by this," continued Dumais, -"that a Scotch warrior would rather be burned than -hung, and he will sell me his share of the prisoner. Let -my brother fix his price, and Dumais will not count the -cost."</p> - -<p>"Grand-Loutre will not sell his share of the prisoner," -said the Indian. "He has promised Taoutsi and -Katakoui to hand him over to-morrow at Petit-Marigotte, -and he will keep his word. The council will be assembled, -and Grand-Loutre will speak to the young men. -If the young men consent not to burn him, it will then -be time to hand him over to D'Haberville."</p> - -<p>"My brother knows Dumais," said the Canadian. -"He knows that he is rich and a man of his word. -Dumais will pay for the prisoner six times as much as -Ononthio pays the Indians for every one of his enemies' -scalps."</p> - -<p>"Grand-Loutre knows," said the Indian, "that his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">190</a></span> -brother speaks the truth, but he will not sell his share -of the prisoner."</p> - -<p>The eyes of the Canadian shot flame, and instinctively -he grasped his hatchet; but, suddenly changing -his mind, he assumed an indifferent air, and knocked -the ashes out of the bowl of his tomahawk, which served -the Canadians as well as the savages for tobacco-pipe -when on the march. Although the first hostile movement -of the Canadian had not escaped the keen eye of -his companion, the latter went on smoking tranquilly.</p> - -<p>The words of Dumais had revived the spark of hope -in Archie's heart. In spite of his bitter remorse, he was -too young to bid farewell without regret to all that made -life dear. Could he, the last of his race, willingly suffer -the shield of the Camerons to go to the tomb with a -stain? Could he endure to die, leaving the D'Habervilles -to think that they had cherished a viper in their -bosom? He thought of the despair of Jules, the curses -of the implacable captain, the silent grief of the good -woman who used to call him her son, the sorrow of the -fair girl whom he had hoped one day to call by a tenderer -name than that of sister. Archie was, indeed, -young to die; and with the renewal of hope in his -heart, he again clung desperately to life.</p> - -<p>He had followed with ever-increasing anxiety the -scene that was passing before him. He endeavored to -comprehend it by watching the faces of the speakers. -Dark as was the night, he had lost nothing of the hate -and scorn which were flashed upon him from the cruel -eyes of the savages. Knowing the ferocity of the Indians -when under the influence of alcohol, it was not -without surprise he saw Dumais passing them the bottle; -but when he saw one refuse to drink and the other -stretched in drunken stupor on the sand, he understood -the Canadian's tactics. When he heard the name of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">191</a></span> -Wallace, he remembered that during Dumais's illness he -had often entertained him with fabulous stories about -his favorite hero, but he was puzzled to guess the Canadian's -purpose in talking about the deeds of a Scottish -warrior. If he had understood the latter part of Dumais's -story, he would have recalled the chaffing of -Jules in regard to the pretended delicacies of his countrymen. -When he saw the angry gleam in the Canadian's -eyes, when he saw him grasp his tomahawk, he was -on the point of crying not to strike. His generous soul -foresaw the dangers to which his friend would be exposed -if he should kill an Indian belonging to a tribe -allied with the French.</p> - -<p>The Canadian was silent for some time. He refilled -his pipe, began to smoke, and at length said -quietly:</p> - -<p>"When Grand-Loutre, with his father, his wife, and his -two sons, fell sick of the small-pox over by South River, -Dumais sought them out. At the risk of bringing the -disease upon himself and family, he carried them to his -own wigwam, where he nursed them for three moons. -It was not the fault of Dumais if the old man and the -two boys died; Dumais had them buried like Christians, -and the Black Robe has prayed to the Great -Spirit for their souls."</p> - -<p>"If Dumais," replied the Indian, "if Dumais and -his wife and his children had fallen sick in the forest, -Grand-Loutre would have carried them to his wigwam, -would have fished for them and would have hunted for -them, would have bought them the fire-water which is -the Frenchman's medicine, and would have said, 'Eat -and drink my brothers, and recover your strength.' -Grand-Loutre and his squaw would have watched day -and night by the couch of their French friends; and -never would Grand-Loutre have said, 'Remember that I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">192</a></span> -fed you and took care of you and bought fire-water for -you with my furs.' Let my brother take the prisoner," -continued the Indian, drawing himself up proudly; -"the red-skin is no longer in debt to the pale face!" -And he calmly resumed his smoking.</p> - -<p>"Listen, my brother," said the Canadian, "and pardon -Dumais that he has hidden the truth. He knew -not thy great heart. Now he is going to speak in the -presence of the Great Spirit himself, in whose presence -he dare not lie."</p> - -<p>"That is true," said the Indian, "let my brother -speak."</p> - -<p>"When Grand-Loutre was sick two years ago," continued -the Canadian, "Dumais told him about his adventure -when the ice went out that spring at the Falls of -St. Thomas, and how he was saved by a young Scotchman -who had arrived that very evening at the house of -the Seigneur de Beaumont."</p> - -<p>"My brother has told me," said the Indian, "and -he has shown me the little island suspended over the -abyss, whereon he awaited death. Grand-Loutre knew -the place and the old cedar to which my brother -clung."</p> - -<p>"Very well!" replied Dumais, rising and taking off -his cap, "thy brother swears in the presence of the -Great Spirit that the prisoner is none other than the -young Scotchman who saved his life!"</p> - -<p>The Indian gave a great cry which went echoing -wildly round the lake. He sprang to his feet, drew his -knife, and rushed upon the captive. Lochiel thought -his hour had come and commended his soul to God. -What was his surprise when the savage cut his bonds, -grasped his hands with every mark of delight, and -pushed him into the arms of his friend. Dumais pressed -Archie to his breast, then sank upon his knees and cried:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">193</a></span></p> - -<p>"I have prayed to thee, O God, to extend the right -arm of your protection over this noble and generous -man. My wife and my children have never ceased to -make the same prayer. I thank thee, O God, that thou -hast granted me even more than I had dared to ask. -I thank thee, O God, for I should have committed a -crime to save his life, and should have gone to my grave -a murderer."</p> - -<p>"Now," said Lochiel, after endeavoring to thank his -rescuer, "let us get off as quickly as possible, my dear -Dumais; for if my absence from camp is perceived I -am ruined utterly. I will explain as we go."</p> - -<p>Just as they were setting foot in the canoe the cry -of the osprey was heard three times from the lake shore -opposite the island. "It is the young men from Marigotte -coming to look for you, my brother," said Grand-Loutre, -turning to Lochiel. "Taoutsi and Katakoui must have -met some of them, and told them they had an English -prisoner on the island; but they will shout a long time -without awakening Talamousse, and as to Grand-Loutre, -he is going to sleep till the Canadian gets back. <i>Bon -voyage</i>, my brothers." As Archie and his companion -directed their course toward the north they heard for a -long time the cries of the osprey, which were uttered at -short intervals by the Indians on the south shore.</p> - -<p>"I fear," said Archie, "that the young Abénaquis -warriors, foiled in their amiable intent, will make a bad -quarter of an hour for our friends on the island."</p> - -<p>"It is true," replied his companion, "that we are -depriving them of a very great pleasure. They find the -time long at Marigotte, and to-morrow might have been -passed very pleasantly in roasting a prisoner."</p> - -<p>Lochiel shuddered in spite of himself.</p> - -<p>"As for the two <i>canaouas</i> (red rascals) we have left, -do not trouble yourself for them, they will know how to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">194</a></span> -get out of the scrape. The Indian is the most independent -being imaginable, and renders account to nobody -for his actions unless it suits him. Moreover, the worst -that could happen to them in the present instance would -be, using their own expression, to cover the half of the -prisoner with beaver skins or their equivalent—in other -words, to pay their share in him to Taoutsi and Katakoui. -It is more probable, however, that Grand-Loutre, who is -a kind of a wag among them, would choose rather to -raise a laugh at the expense of his two disappointed -comrades, for he is never without resource. He will say, -perhaps, that Talamousse and he had a perfect right to -dispose of their half of the prisoner; that the half which -they had set free had run away with the other half; -that they had better hurry after him, for the prisoner was -loaded with their share of himself and therefore could -not travel very fast; with other waggery that would be -hugely relished by the Indians. It is more probable, -however, that he will speak to them of my adventure at -the falls of St. Thomas, which the Abénaquis know -about, and will tell them that it was to your devotion I -owed my life. Then, as the Indians never forget a good -turn, they will cry, 'Our brothers have done well to set -free the savior of our friend the pale face!'"</p> - -<p>Lochiel wished to enter into full details in order to -excuse himself in the eyes of Dumais for his cruel conduct -on the day preceding; but the latter stopped him.</p> - -<p>"A man like you, sir," said the Canadian, "need -make me no explanation. I could hardly suspect a -heart so noble and so self-forgetful of failing at all in -the sentiments of humanity and gratitude. I am a -soldier, and I know all the duties imposed upon one by -military discipline. I have assisted at hideous performances -on the part of our barbarous allies, which in my -position as sergeant I might have been able to prevent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">195</a></span> -had not my hands been tied by the orders of my -superiors. It is a hard calling for sympathetic hearts, -this profession of ours.</p> - -<p>"I have been witness of a spectacle," continued Dumais, -"which makes me shudder now when I think of it. -I have seen these barbarians burn an English woman. -She was a young woman of great beauty. I still see her -tied to the stake, where they tortured her for eight mortal -hours. I still see her in the midst of her butchers, -clothed, like our first mother, in nothing but her long, -fair hair. I shall hear forever her heart-rending cry of -'My God! my God!' We did all we could to buy her -back, but in vain; for her father, her husband, and her -brothers, in defending her with the courage of despair, -had killed many of the savages, and among them two of -their chiefs. We were but fifteen Canadians, against at -least two hundred Indians. I was young then, and I -wept like a child. Ducros, who was nicknamed the -Terror, foamed with rage and cried to Francœur: 'What! -sergeant, shall we, who are men and Frenchmen, let -them burn a poor woman before our eyes? Give the -order, sergeant, and I will split the skulls of ten of these -red hounds before they have time to defend themselves.' -And he would have done it, for he was a mighty man—was -the Terror—and quick as a fish. Black Bear, one -of their greatest warriors, approached us with a sneer. -Ducros sprang toward him with his tomahawk uplifted, -crying: 'Take your hatchet, coward, and you shall see -that you have no woman to deal with!' The Indian -shrugged his shoulders with an air of pity, and said -slowly; 'The pale face is childish; he would kill his -friend to defend the squaw of a dog of an Englishman, -his enemy.' The sergeant put an end to the argument -by ordering Ducros back into the ranks. He was a -brave and generous heart, this sergeant, as his name<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">196</a></span> -attested. With tears in his eyes, he said to us: 'It would -be useless for me to disobey my orders; we would all be -massacred without doing the poor woman any good. -What would be the consequence? The great tribe of -the Abénaquis would forsake its alliance with the -French, would join our enemies, and our own women -and children would share the fate of this unhappy English -woman. Their blood would be upon my head.' -Well, Mr. Archie, for six months after this hideous -scene I used to start from my sleep bathed in sweat, -with those heart-rending cries of 'My God! My God!' -shrieking in my ears. They wondered at my coolness -when the ice was bearing me down to the falls of St. -Thomas. Here is the explanation of it. Through the -tumult and uproar I was hearing the screams of the unhappy -English woman, and I believed that Heaven was -punishing me, as I deserved, for not having succored -her. For, you see, Mr. Archie, that man often makes -laws which God is very far from sanctioning."</p> - -<p>"True, indeed," said Archie, sighing.</p> - -<p>During the rest of their journey the two friends -talked about the D'Habervilles. Archie learned that the -ladies and Uncle Raoul, on the appearance of the English -fleet in the St. Lawrence, had taken refuge within -the walls of Quebec. Captain D'Haberville and Jules -were in camp at Beaupré, with their respective regiments.</p> - -<p>Fearing lest Archie should fall in with some of the -Abénaquis spies who were hanging on the skirts of the -English, he escorted Archie all the way to his encampment. -Archie's parting words were as follows:</p> - -<p>"You have paid me life for life, my friend; but, for -my part, I shall never forget what I owe you. How -strangely our lives have come together, Dumais! Two -years ago I came all the way from Quebec to South<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">197</a></span> -River just in time to snatch you from the abyss. Yesterday, -having but just landed from a voyage across the -ocean, I am made prisoner; and you find yourself waiting -on a little island in Trois-Saumons Lake to save my -honor and my life. The hand of God is in it. Farewell, -dear friend. However adventurous the soldier's -career, I cling to the hope that Fate will bring us again -together, and that I may give your children further -cause to bless my memory."</p> - -<p>When the sun arose, the Highlanders remarked the -strange pallor of their young chief. They concluded -that, dreading a surprise, he had passed the night in -wandering about the camp. After a light meal, Archie -gave the order to burn the house beside the mill. He -had scarcely resumed the march when a messenger came -from Montgomery, ordering him to cease from the work -of destruction.</p> - -<p>"It is time!" cried Archie, gnawing his sword-hilt.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">198</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.<br /> -<span class="chapsmall">THE PLAINS OF ABRAHAM.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class="center"> -Il est des occasions dans la guerre où le plus brave doit fuir.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Cervantes.</span> -</p> - -<p><i>Vae victis!</i> says the wisdom of the nations. Woe to -the conquered!—not only because of the ruin which -follows defeat, but because the vanquished are always -in the wrong. They suffer materially, they suffer in -their wounded self-love, they suffer in their reputation -as soldiers. Let them have fought one against twenty, -let them have performed prodigies of heroism, they are -nevertheless and always the vanquished. Even their -fellow-countrymen forgive them hardly. History records -but their defeat. Here and there they get a word -of approval from some writer of their race; but the -praise is almost always mixed with reproach. Pen and -compass in hand, we fight the battle over again. We -teach the generals, whose bodies rest on the well-fought -field, how they might have managed affairs much better. -Seated in a well-stuffed arm-chair, we proudly demonstrate -the skillful manœuvres by which they might have -snatched the victory; and bitterly we reproach them -with their defeat. They have deserved a more generous -treatment. A great general, who has equaled in -our own day the exploits of Alexander and of Cæsar, -has said: "Who is he that has never made a mistake in -battle?" <i>Vae victis!</i></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">199</a></span></p> - -<p>It was the 13th day of September, 1759, a day accursed -in the annals of France. The English army, -under General Wolfe, after having eluded the vigilance -of the French sentinels and surprised the pickets under -cover of the darkness, were discovered at daybreak on -the Plains of Abraham, where they were beginning to -entrench themselves. Montcalm was either carried -away by his chivalrous courage, or he concluded that -the work of entrenchment had to be at once interrupted; -for he attacked the English with only a portion of his -troops, and was defeated, as he might have foreseen, by -the overwhelming numbers of the enemy. On this -memorable battle field both generals laid down their -lives—Wolfe bestowing upon his country a colony half -as large as Europe, Montcalm losing to France a vast -territory which the King and his improvident ministers -knew not how to appreciate.</p> - -<p>Woe to the vanquished! Had Montcalm been victorious -he would have been lauded to the skies, instead -of being heaped with reproaches for not awaiting the -re-enforcements which would have come from De Vaudreuil -and De Bougainville. We would have praised -his tactics in hurling himself upon the enemy before the -latter had had time to establish himself. We would -have said that a hundred men behind cover were equal -to a thousand in the open. We would never have imputed -to General Montcalm any jealous and unworthy -motives. His shining laurels, gained on so many glorious -fields, would have shielded him from any such suspicions.</p> - -<p><i>Vae victis!</i> After the fatal battle of the 13th the -city of Quebec was little more than a heap of ruins. -Not even the fortifications furnished shelter, for a portion -of the ramparts had been shattered to fragments. -The magazines were empty of ammunition, and the gunners,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">200</a></span> -rather to conceal their distress than with any hope -of injuring the enemy, answered the English batteries -only with an occasional cannon-shot. There were no -provisions left. Yet they bring the charge of cowardice -against the brave garrison which endured so much and -defended itself so valiantly. If the governor, a new -Nostradamus, had known that the Chevalier de Lévis -was bringing succor to the city, and, instead of capitulating, -had awaited the arrival of the French troops, it -is certain that the garrison would have been lavishly -applauded for its courage. To be sure the garrison -showed itself most pusillanimous in giving up a city -which it was no longer able to defend! To be sure it -should rather have put its trust in the humanity of an -enemy who had already carried fire and sword through -all the peaceful villages, and should have refused to consider -the lives of the citizens, the honor of their wives -and daughters, exposed to all the horrors of a capture -by assault! Assuredly this unhappy garrison was very -pusillanimous! Woe to the vanquished!</p> - -<p>After the capitulation the English left nothing undone -to secure themselves in the possession of a place -so important. The walls were rebuilt, new fortifications -added, and the batteries immensely strengthened. It -was conceivable that the besiegers might become the -besieged. This foresight was justified, for in the following -spring General Lévis took the offensive with an -army of eight thousand men, made up of regulars and -militia in about equal numbers.</p> - -<p>At eight o'clock in the morning, April 28, 1760, the -English army was drawn up in order of battle on the -same field where it had moved to victory seven months -before. General Murray, with this army of six thousand -men and twenty guns, held a very strong position, while -the French army, a little more numerous, but supported<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">201</a></span> -by only two guns, occupied the heights of St. Foy. -The French were wearied with their painful march over -the marshes of La Suède, but they burned to wipe out -the memory of their defeat. The hate of centuries -stirred the bosoms of both armies. The courage of -both was beyond question, and fifteen thousand of the -best troops in the world only awaited the word of their -commanders to spring at each other's throats.</p> - -<p>Jules D'Haberville, who had distinguished himself in -the first battle on the Plains of Abraham, was with a detachment -commanded by Captain d'Aiguebelle. By -order of General de Lévis, this detachment had at first -abandoned Dumont's mill under the attack of a much -superior force. Jules was severely wounded by the explosion -of a shell, which had shattered his left arm, but -he refused to go to the rear. Presently the general concluded -that the mill was a position of supreme importance, -and, when he gave the order to recapture it, Jules -led his company to the charge, carrying his arm in a -sling.</p> - -<p>Almost all Murray's artillery was directed to the -maintenance of this position. The French grenadiers -charged on the run. The bullets and grape decimated -their ranks, but they closed up as accurately as if they -were on parade. The mill was taken and retaken several -times during this memorable struggle. Jules -D'Haberville, "the little grenadier," as the soldiers -called him, had hurled himself, sword in hand, into the -very midst of the enemy, who yielded ground for a moment; -but scarcely had the French established themselves, -when the English returned to the attack in overwhelming -numbers, and took the position after a most -bloody struggle.</p> - -<p>The French grenadiers, thrown for a moment into -disorder, reformed at a little distance under a scathing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">202</a></span> -fire; then, charging for the third time, they carried the -position at the point of the bayonet, and held it.</p> - -<p>One would have thought, during this last charge, -that the love of life was extinct in the soul of Jules, -who, his heart torn by what he thought the treason -of his friend, and by the total ruin of his family, appeared -to seek death as a blessing. As soon as the -order for that third charge was given he sprang forward -like a tiger with the cry of, "<i>À moi grenadiers!</i>" and -hurled himself single handed upon the English. When -the French found themselves masters of the position -they drew Jules from under a heap of dead and wounded. -Seeing that he was yet alive, two grenadiers carried him -to a little brook near the mill, where he soon returned -to consciousness. It was rather loss of blood than the -severity of his hurt that had caused the swoon. A -blow from a saber had split his helmet and gashed his -head without fracturing the skull. Jules wished to return -to the fight, but one of the grenadiers said to him:</p> - -<p>"Not for a little while, my officer. You have had -enough for the present, and the sun beats like the devil -out there, which is very dangerous for a wound on the -head. We are going to leave you in the shade of these -trees." D'Haberville, too weak to oppose them further, -soon found himself lying among a number of the -wounded, who had had strength enough to drag themselves -into the grove. Every one knows its result, this -second battle of the Plains of Abraham. The victory -was dear bought by the French and the Canadians, who -suffered no less severely than their enemies. It was a -useless bloodshed. New France, abandoned by the -mother country, was ceded to England by the careless -Louis three years after the battle.</p> - -<p>Lochiel had cleared himself nobly of the suspicions -which his foe, Montgomery, had sought to fix upon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">203</a></span> -him. His wide knowledge, his zeal in the study of his -profession, his skill in all military exercises, his sobriety, -his vigilance when in guard of a post, all these had -put him high in esteem. His dashing courage tempered -with prudence in the attack on the French lines -at Montmorency and on the field of the first Battle of -the Plains had been noticed by General Murray, who -commended him publicly.</p> - -<p>On the defeat of the English army at this second -battle, Lochiel, after tremendous fighting at the head of -his Highlanders, was the last to yield a position which -he had defended inch by inch. Instead of following -the throng of fugitives toward Quebec, he noticed that -Dumont's Mill was now evacuated by the French, who -were pursuing their enemies with great slaughter. To -conceal his route from the enemy, Archie led his men -between the mill and the adjoining wood. Just then he -heard some one calling his name; and turning, he saw -an officer, his arm in a sling, his uniform in tatters, his -head wrapped in a bloody cloth, staggering to meet him -sword in hand.</p> - -<p>"What are you doing, brave Cameron of Lochiel?" -cried the unknown. "The mill has been evacuated by -our brave soldiers, and is no longer defended by women -and children and feeble old men. Return, valorous -Cameron, and crown your exploits by burning it down."</p> - -<p>It was impossible to mistake the mocking voice of -Jules D'Haberville, although his face was unrecognizable -for blood and powder.</p> - -<p>On hearing these insulting words, Archie felt nothing -but tenderest loving pity for the friend of his youth. His -heart beat as if to break; a sob labored from his bosom, -and again he seemed to hear the witch of the manor crying -ominously: "Keep your pity for yourself, Archibald -de Lochiel. You will have need of it all on that day<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">204</a></span> -when you shall carry in your arms the bleeding body of -him you now call your brother!"</p> - -<p>Forgetting the critical position in which he was keeping -his men, Archie halted his company and went forward -to meet Jules. For one moment all the young -Frenchman's love for his adopted brother seemed to -revive, but, restraining himself sternly, he cried in a -bitter voice:</p> - -<p>"Defend yourself, M. de Lochiel; you, who love -easy triumphs, defend yourself, traitor!"</p> - -<p>At this new insult, Archie folded his arms and answered, -in a tone of tender reproach:</p> - -<p>"Thou, too, my brother Jules, even thou, too, hast -thou condemned me unheard?"</p> - -<p>At these words a nervous shock seemed to paralyze -the little remaining strength of poor Jules. The sword -dropped from his hand and he fell forward on his face. -Archie sent one of his men to the brook for water, and, -without thinking of the danger to which he exposed -himself, took his friend in his arms and carried him to -the edge of the woods, where some of the wounded Canadians, -touched at the sight of an Englishman bestowing -so much care on their young officer, made no move -to injure him, although they had reloaded their guns at -the approach of his men. Archie examined his friend's -wounds, and saw that he had fainted from loss of blood. -A little cold water in his face soon brought him back -to consciousness. He opened his eyes and looked at -Archie, but made no attempt to speak. The latter -clasped his hand, which seemed to return a gentle -pressure.</p> - -<p>"Farewell, Jules," said Archie. "Farewell, my -brother. Harsh duty forces me to leave you; but we -shall meet again, in better days." And he turned back -sorrowfully to his troop.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">205</a></span></p> - -<p>"Now, my boys," said Lochiel, after throwing a rapid -glance over the plain and listening to the confused noises -of the distant flight, "now, my boys, no false delicacy, -for the battle is hopelessly lost. We must now display -the agility of our Highland legs, if we want to take a -hand in future battles. Forward now, and do not lose -sight of me."</p> - -<p>Taking advantage of every inequality of the ground, -lending heedful ear to the shouts of the French, who -were endeavoring to crowd the English into the St. -Charles, Lochiel led his men into Quebec without further -loss. This valiant company had already suffered -enough. Half its men had been left on the field of battle, -and of its officers Lochiel was the sole survivor.</p> - -<p>All honor to vanquished heroism! Honor to the -English dead, whose bodies were buried in confusion -with those of their enemies on the twenty-eighth day of -April, 1760! Honor to the soldiers of France, over -whose bodies grows green, with every succeeding spring, -the turf of the Plains of Abraham! When the last -trump shall sound, and these foes shall rise from their -last sleep side by side, will they have forgotten their -ancient hate, or will they spring once more at each other's -throats?</p> - -<p>Honor to the vanquished brave! Among the soldiers -whose names are bright on the pages of history -there is but one who, on the morrow of a glorious triumph, -uncovered his head before his captives and cried, -"All honor to the vanquished brave!" He knew that -his words would last forever, graven on the heart of -France. Great soldiers there are many; but niggard -Nature takes centuries to frame a hero.</p> - -<p>The field of battle after the victory presented a -ghastly sight. Men and horses, the wounded and the -dead, were frozen into the mire of blood and water, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">206</a></span> -could be extricated only with pain and difficulty. The -wounded of both nations were treated by the Chevalier -de Lévis with the same tender care. Most of them were -carried to the Convent of the Hospital Nuns. The convent -and all its outbuildings were crowded. All the -linen, all the clothing of the inmates was torn up for -bandages, and the good nuns had nothing left for themselves -but the clothes they were wearing upon the day -of battle.</p> - -<p>Taking refuge after his defeat behind the ramparts -of Quebec, General Murray made a vigorous resistance. -As they had but twenty guns with which to arm their -siege-batteries, the French could do little more than -blockade the city and wait for the re-enforcements which -never came. The English general requested permission -to send an officer three times a week to visit his wounded -in the hospital. This request was readily granted by -the humane De Lévis. Lochiel knew that his friend -must be lying in the hospital, but he could get no news -of him. Although consumed with anxiety, he dreaded -to put himself in a false position by inquiries too minute. -It might have been considered natural that he would -wish to visit his wounded countrymen, but with true -Scotch caution he let none of his anxiety appear. It was -not till the tenth day after the battle, when his regular -turn came, that he found himself approaching the hospital -under the escort of a French officer.</p> - -<p>"I wonder," said Lochiel, "if you would consider it -an indiscretion on my part were I to ask for a private -interview with the lady superior?"</p> - -<p>"I see no indiscretion in it," answered the Frenchman," -but I fear I would be exceeding my orders were I -to permit it. I am ordered to lead you to your countrymen -and nothing more."</p> - -<p>"I am sorry," said the Scotchman indifferently. "It<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">207</a></span> -is a little disappointing to me; but let us speak no more -of it."</p> - -<p>The French officer was silent some minutes; he -thought to himself that the Scotchman, speaking French -like a Parisian, had probably made the acquaintance of -some Canadian families shut up in Quebec; that he was -perhaps charged with some message from the relations -or friends of the superior, and that it would be cruel to -refuse his request. Presently he said:</p> - -<p>"As I am persuaded that neither you nor the lady -superior can be forming any designs against our batteries, -I think that perhaps, after all, I might grant your -request without exceeding my duty."</p> - -<p>Lochiel, who had been staking all his hopes of a reconciliation -with the D'Habervilles upon this interview, -could scarcely conceal his joy; but he answered quietly:</p> - -<p>"Thank you, monsieur, for your courtesy to myself -and the good lady. Your batteries, protected by French -valor, might feel reasonably secure even if we were conspiring -against them."</p> - -<p>The corridors of the hospital which he had to traverse -before reaching the parlor of the superior were literally -thronged with the wounded; but Archie, seeing -none of his own men, hastened on. After ringing the -bell, he walked restlessly up and down the room. It -was the same room in which he and Jules had had so -many a dainty lunch in their happy school days; for the -good superior was Jules's aunt.</p> - -<p>The superior received him with cold politeness, and -said:</p> - -<p>"I am very sorry to have kept you waiting, sir; please -take a seat."</p> - -<p>"I fear," said Archie, "that madam does not recognize -me."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">208</a></span></p> - -<p>"A thousand pardons," replied the superior. "You -are Mr. Archibald Cameron of Lochiel."</p> - -<p>"Once you called me Archie," said the young man.</p> - -<p>"The times are changed, sir," replied the nun, "and -many things have happened since those days."</p> - -<p>Sighing deeply, Lochiel echoed her words:</p> - -<p>"The times are indeed changed, and many things -have happened since those days. But at least, madam, -tell me how is my brother, Jules D'Haberville?"</p> - -<p>"He whom you once called your brother, sir, is now, -I hope, out of danger."</p> - -<p>"Thank God!" answered Lochiel, "now all hope is -not utterly dead in my heart! If I were speaking to an -ordinary person there would be nothing more for me to -do but thank you for your condescension and retire; -but I have the honor to address the sister of a brave soldier, -the inheritor of a name made illustrious by many -heroic deeds; and if madam will permit, if she will forget -for a moment the ties which bind me to her family, -if she will judge impartially between me and that family, -then I might dare attempt, with some hope of success, -to justify myself before her."</p> - -<p>"Speak, M. de Lochiel," replied the superior, "and -I will listen, not as a D'Haberville but as a stranger. It -is my duty as a Christian to hear impartially anything -that might palliate your barbarous and heartless conduct -toward a family that loved you so well."</p> - -<p>The sudden flush which covered the young man's -face was followed by a pallor so ghastly that the superior -thought he was about to faint. He grasped the -grating between them with both hands, and leaned his -head against it for some moments; then, mastering his -emotion, he told his story as the reader already knows it.</p> - -<p>Archie went into the most minute details, down to -his misgivings when his regiment was ordered to leave<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">209</a></span> -for Canada, down to the hereditary hatred of the Montgomerys -for the Camerons; and he accused himself of -cowardice in not having sacrificed even his honor to the -gratitude he owed the D'Habervilles. From the utterance -of Montgomery's barbarous order he omitted not -the smallest incident. He described the anguish of his -despair, his curses, and his vows of vengeance against -Montgomery. In painting the emotions which had tortured -his soul, Lochiel had small need to add anything -in the way of justification. What argument could be -more eloquent than the plain story of his despair! -Lochiel's judge was one well fitted to understand him, -for she it was who in her youth had one day said to her -brother Captain D'Haberville: "My brother, you have -not the means to worthily sustain the dignity of our -house, except with the help of my share of the patrimony. -To-morrow I enter a convent. Here is the deed -wherein I renounce all claim in your favor."</p> - -<p>The good woman had heard Archie's story with ever-increasing -emotion. She stretched out her clasped -hands to him as he described his anguished imprecations -against Montgomery. The tears flowed down her cheeks -as he described his remorse and his resignation while, -bound to the tree, he awaited a hideous death.</p> - -<p>"My dear Archie," exclaimed the holy woman.</p> - -<p>"Oh! thank you, thank you a thousand times for -those words," cried Lochiel, clasping his hands.</p> - -<p>"My dear Archie," exclaimed the superior, "I absolve -you with all my heart. You have but done your -painful duty in obeying your orders. By any other -course you would have destroyed yourself irretrievably -without preventing the ruin of our family. Yes, I forgive -you freely, but I hope that you will now pardon -your enemy."</p> - -<p>"He who was my enemy, madam, has gone to solicit<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">210</a></span> -pardon from him who will judge us all. He was one of -the first to fly from the field of battle which proved so -disastrous to our arms. A bullet stretched him upon the -ice, wounded to the death. He had not even a stone -on which to rest his head. A tomahawk ended his sufferings, -and his scalp hangs now at the belt of an Abénaquis -warrior. May God pardon him, as I do, with all -my heart!"</p> - -<p>A divine light beamed softly in the eyes of the nun. -Born as revengeful as her brother the seigneur, her religion -of love and charity had made her as all charitable -as itself. After a moment of rapt meditation, she said:</p> - -<p>"With Jules, I doubt not, you will find reconciliation -easy. He has been at death's door. During his delirium -your name was forever on his lips, sometimes with -the fiercest reproaches, but more often with words of love -and tenderest endearment. One must know my nephew -well, must know the sublime self-abnegation of which -his soul is capable, in order to comprehend his love for -you. Many a time has he said to me: 'If it were necessary -for me to-morrow to sacrifice my life for Archie, I -would die with a smile on my lips, for I should be giving -him the only worthy proof of my love.' Such love, in a -heart so noble as his, is not soon or easily extinguished. -He will rejoice to hear your justification from my lips, -and you may be sure that I will spare no effort to reunite -you. Since recovering from his delirium he has -never mentioned your name; and as he is yet too weak -to discuss a subject that would excite so much emotion, -I must wait till he gets stronger. I shall hope to have -good news for you at our next interview. Meanwhile, -farewell till I see you again!"</p> - -<p>"Pray for me, madam, for I have great need of it," -exclaimed Archie.</p> - -<p>"That is what I do daily," answered the nun. "They<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">211</a></span> -say, perhaps wrongly, that people of the world, and -young officers particularly, have more need of prayer -than we; but as for you, Archie, you must have greatly -changed if you are not one of those who have least need -of it," she added, smiling affectionately. "Farewell -once more, and God bless you, my son!"</p> - -<p>The superior succeeded in satisfying Jules with Archie's -explanation. About a fortnight after Archie's -first visit, Jules was awaiting him, filled with a nervous -anxiety to prove to him that all the old love was yet -warm in his heart. It was understood that there should -be no allusion to certain events, too painful for either to -dwell upon.</p> - -<p>Archie was ushered into a little chamber which Jules, -as nephew of the lady superior, was occupying in preference -to certain officers of higher rank. Jules stretched -out his arms and made a vain effort to rise from his armchair. -Archie threw himself upon his neck, and for a -time neither spoke.</p> - -<p>D'Haberville, after controlling his emotion with an -effort, was the first to break silence:</p> - -<p>"The moments are precious, my dear Archie, and -we must endeavor, if possible, to lift the veil which -hangs over our future. We are no longer children; -we are soldiers fighting under glorious banners, brothers -in love but enemies upon the field of battle. I have -grown ten years older during my sickness. I am no -longer the broken-hearted young fool who rushed upon -the enemy's battalions seeking death. No, my dear -brother, let us live rather to see better days. Those were -your last words when you handed over my bleeding -body to the care of my grenadiers.</p> - -<p>"You know as well as I the precarious condition -of this colony; all depends upon a mere throw of the -dice. If France leaves us to our own resources, as it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">212</a></span> -seems but too probable she will do, and if your Government, -attaching so grand an importance to the conquest -of Canada, send you re-enforcments in the spring, we -must raise the siege of Quebec and leave the country to -you. In the opposite contingency we recapture Quebec -and keep the colony. Now, my dear Archie, I want to -know what you will do in the one case or the other."</p> - -<p>"In either case," said Lochiel, "as long as the war -lasts I can not honorably resign my commission. But -when peace comes, I propose to sell the poor remnant -of my Highland estate and come and establish myself -on this side of the water. My deepest affections are -here. I love Canada, I love the simple and upright -manners of your good <i>habitants</i>; and after a quiet but -busy life, I would rest my head beneath the same sod -with you, my brother."</p> - -<p>"My position is very different from yours," answered -Jules. "You are the master of your actions; I am the -slave of circumstance. If we lose Canada, it is probable -that most of the Canadian nobility will move to France, -where they will find protection and friends. If my -family is of this number I can not leave the army. In -the contrary case I shall return after some years of service, -to live and die with my own people; and, like you, -to sleep at last in the land I love so well. Everything -leads me to hope, my brother, that after a storm-tossed -youth we shall come to see happier days."</p> - -<p>The two friends parted after a long and loving talk, -the last they were to have while the colony remained -New France. When the reader meets them again after -some years, the country will have changed both name -and masters.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">213</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.<br /> -<span class="chapsmall">THE SHIPWRECK OF THE AUGUSTE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>The predictions of the witch of the manor were accomplished. -After the surrender of Quebec, the rich -D'Habervilles had been but too glad to accept the hospitality -of M. d'Egmont's cabin, whose remoteness had -saved it from the flames. "The good gentleman" and -Uncle Raoul, with the faithful André, had gone at once -to work and raised the narrow attic, so as to leave the -ground floor to the use of the ladies. To cheer the -latter, the men affected a gayety which they were far -from feeling; and their songs were often heard, mingled -with the rapid strokes of the axe, the grating of the saw, -the sharp whistling of the plane. By dint of toil and -perseverance, they succeeded in sheltering themselves -tolerably from the severity of the season; and had it not -been for the anxiety which they suffered in regard to -Captain D'Haberville and Jules, the winter would have -passed pleasantly enough in their solitude.</p> - -<p>Their most difficult problem was that of provisions, -for a veritable famine held sway in all the country-side. -The little grain which the <i>habitants</i> had harvested was -for the most part eaten boiled, in default of mill to grind -it. The sole remaining resource lay in fishing and hunting, -but M. d'Egmont and his servant were rather old to -indulge in such exercises during the severe weather. -Uncle Raoul, lame as he was, took charge of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">214</a></span> -commissariat. He set snares to catch rabbits and partridges, -and his fair niece helped him. Blanche made herself a -sort of hunting costume; and simply ravishing she looked -in her half-savage garb, her petticoat of blue cloth falling -half-way below the knee, her scarlet gaiters, her -deer-hide moccasins worked with beads and porcupine -quills in vivid colors. Lovely, indeed, she looked as she -returned to the house on her little snow-shoes, her face -delicately flushed, her hands laden with her spoils. -During the famine the <i>habitants</i> frequented Trois Saumons -Lake in great numbers; they had beaten a hard -road over the snow, which enabled Uncle Raoul to visit -the lake on a sledge drawn by a huge dog. He always -returned with an ample provision of trout and partridge. -On such fare they got through the long winter. In the -spring a veritable manna of wild pigeons came to the -salvation of the colony; they were so innumerable that -they could be knocked down with a stick.</p> - -<p>When Captain D'Haberville returned to his <i>seigneurie</i> -he was utterly ruined, having saved nothing but the -family plate. He did not care to come down on his -impoverished tenants for their arrearages of rent, but -rather hastened to their aid by rebuilding his mill on the -Trois Saumons River. In this mill he lived several years -with his family, till able to build a new manor house.</p> - -<p>A poor lodging, truly—three narrow chambers in a -mill—for a family once so wealthy as the D'Habervilles! -But they bore their misfortunes cheerfully. Only Captain -D'Haberville, toiling with tireless energy, seemed -unable to reconcile himself to his losses. His grief -gnawed at his heart, and for six years there was never -a smile upon his lips. It was not till the manor was rebuilt -and the household restored to a certain degree of -comfort and prosperity that he regained his native -cheerfulness.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">215</a></span></p> - -<p>It was the 22d of February, 1762, and about nine -o'clock in the evening, when an ill-clad stranger entered -the mill and begged shelter for the night. As was his -custom when not occupied in work, Captain D'Haberville -was seated in a corner of the room, his head hanging -dejectedly on his breast. The voice of the stranger -made him tremble without knowing why. It was some -moments before he could answer, but at last he said:</p> - -<p>"You are welcome, my friend; you shall have supper -and breakfast here, and my miller will give you a bed -for the night."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," said the stranger, "but I am very -tired; give me a glass of brandy."</p> - -<p>M. D'Haberville was not disposed to bestow upon a -vagabond stranger even one drink of the meager supply -of brandy, which he was keeping in case of absolute necessity. -He answered that he had none.</p> - -<p>"If thou didst know me, D'Haberville," replied the -stranger, "thou wouldst certainly not refuse me a drink -of brandy, though it were the last drop in thy house."</p> - -<p>The first feeling of the captain was one of wrath on -hearing himself addressed so familiarly by one who appeared -to be a tramp; but there was something in the -hoarse voice of the unknown which made him tremble -anew, and he checked himself. At this moment Blanche -appeared with a light, and every one was stupefied at -the appearance of this man, a veritable living specter, -who stood with folded arms and gazed upon them sadly. -So deathlike was his pallor that one would have thought -a vampire had sucked all the blood from his veins. -His bones threatened to pierce his skin, which was yellow -like that of a mummy; and his dim and sunken -eyes were vacant—without speculation, like those of the -ghost of Banquo. Everybody was astonished that such -a corpse could walk.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">216</a></span></p> - -<p>After one moment of hesitation, Captain D'Haberville -threw himself into the stranger's arms, crying:</p> - -<p>"You here, my dear Saint-Luc! The sight of my bitterest -enemy could not cause me such dismay. Speak; -and tell us that all our relations and friends who took -passage in the Auguste are buried in the sea, and that -you, the one survivor, are come to bring us the sad tidings!"</p> - -<p>The silence of M. Saint-Luc de Lacorne, the grief -stamped upon his countenance, confirmed Captain -D'Haberville's worst fears.</p> - -<p>"Accursed be the tyrant," cried the captain, "who -in the bitterness of his hate against the French sent so -many good men to their death in an old ship utterly unseaworthy!"</p> - -<p>"Instead of cursing your enemies," said M. de Saint-Luc -in a hoarse voice, "thank God that you and your -family got leave to remain in the colony two years longer. -And now, a glass of brandy and a little soup. I have -been so nearly starved that my stomach refuses solid -food. Let me also take a little rest before telling you a -story which will call forth many tears."</p> - -<p>In the neighborhood of half an hour, for this man of -iron needed but little rest to recover his strength, M. de -Saint-Luc began as follows:</p> - -<p>"In spite of the English governor's impatience to -banish from New France those who had so valiantly defended -her, the authorities had placed at our disposal -only two ships, which were found utterly insufficient for -the great number of French and Canadians who were -waiting to sail. I pointed this out to General Murray, -and proposed to buy one at my own expense. This he -would not hear, but two days later he placed at our disposal -the ship Auguste, hastily commissioned for the -purpose. By a payment of five hundred Spanish piasters,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">217</a></span> -I obtained from the English captain the exclusive -use of his cabin for myself and family.</p> - -<p>"I then pointed out to General Murray the danger -to which we should be exposed at this stormy season -with a captain not familiar with the St. Lawrence. I -offered to hire and pay for a pilot myself. His answer -was, that we would have the same chance as the rest; -but he ended by sending a little vessel to pilot us clear -of the river.</p> - -<p>"We were all in deep dejection, a prey to the gloomiest -forebodings, when we raised anchor on the 15th of -October last. Many of us, forced to sell our properties -at a ruinous sacrifice, had but a future of poverty -to look forward to in the mother country. Speeding at -first before a favorable wind, with swelling hearts we -saw the cherished and familiar scenes fade out behind -us and fall below the horizon.</p> - -<p>"I will not detail the many perils we underwent before -the great calamity out of which but myself and six -others escaped alive. On the 16th we came within an -ace of shipwreck on the Isle aux Coudres, after the loss -of our main anchor.</p> - -<p>"On the 4th of November we were struck by a terrific -gale, which lasted two days, and which we weathered -with difficulty. On the 7th a fire broke out three times -in the cook's galley, and was extinguished only after -a desperate struggle. I shall not endeavor to paint the -scenes on shipboard while it seemed likely we should -be burned in the open sea.</p> - -<p>"On the 11th we escaped as by a miracle from being -dashed to pieces on a rock off Isle Royale.</p> - -<p>"From the 13th to the 15th we were driven blindly -before a hurricane, not knowing where we were. As -many of us as could do so were obliged to fill the -places of the crew, who were so exhausted with their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">218</a></span> -incessant labors that they had taken refuge in their -hammocks, from which neither bribes, threats, nor blows -could drive them. Our foremast was gone, our tattered -sails could no longer be either hoisted or furled, and, as -a last resort, the mate proposed that we should run the -ship ashore. It was a desperate expedient. The fatal -moment arrived. The captain and mate looked at me -despairingly, clasping their hands. I understood but -too well the silent speech of these men inured to peril. -We made for land to starboard, where we saw the mouth -of a little river which might perhaps prove navigable. I -explained our situation to all the passengers, concealing -nothing. Then what entreaties and what vows to the -Almighty! But, alas! in vain the vows, and of no avail -the prayers!</p> - -<p>"Who can paint the madness of the waves? Our -masts seemed to touch the sky and then vanish in the -deep. A frightful shock announced that the ship had -grounded. We cut away the masts and cordage to -lighten her, but the waves rolled her on her side. We -were stranded about five hundred feet from shore, in a -little sandy bay at the mouth of the river in which we -had hoped to find refuge. As the ship was now leaking -at every joint, the passengers rushed upon deck; and -some even, thinking themselves within reach of safety, -threw themselves into the sea and perished miserably.</p> - -<p>"At this moment Madame de Tillac appeared on -deck, holding her little one in her arms, her long hair -and her garments streaming about her in confusion. She -was the picture of hopeless anguish. She fell on her -knees. Then, perceiving me, she cried in a piercing -voice: 'My dear friend, must we die like this?'</p> - -<p>"I was running to her aid, when a giant wave thundered -down upon the deck and swept her into the sea."</p> - -<p>"My poor friend," sobbed Madame D'Haberville;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">219</a></span> -"companion of my childhood, my foster-sister, nourished -at the same breast with me? They tried to persuade -me that it was merely my overwrought imagination -that made me see you in my sleep, that 17th of -November! I saw you weeping on the deck of the -Auguste, your baby in your arms; and I saw you swept -into the waves. I was not deceived, my sister! You -came to bid me farewell before vanishing to heaven -with the angel that nestled in your bosom!"</p> - -<p>After a pause, M. de Lacorne went on:</p> - -<p>"Crew and passengers were lashed to the shrouds, -to escape the waves which dashed ceaselessly over the -doomed ship, every moment carrying away new victims. -The ship carried but two small boats, one of which was -already crushed into splinters. The remaining one, a -mere cockle-shell, was launched, and a servant named -Étienne threw himself into it, followed by the captain -and two or three others. I did not perceive this till -one of my children, whom I held in my arms, while the -other was tied to my belt, cried eagerly: 'Save us now, -father; the boat is going away!' I seized the rope -fiercely. At this moment a terrific wave struck us, and -hurled me headlong into the boat. The same wave -which saved my life swept away my children."</p> - -<p>At this point the narrator's voice failed him, and his -listeners sobbed aloud. Regaining his self-control, he -continued:</p> - -<p>"Although under the lee of the ship, the boat was -almost swamped by another wave; and the next hurled -us landward. In what seemed but a few seconds, in -that awful and stupefying tumult, we found ourselves -dashed upon the sand. Above the uproar we heard the -heart-rending shrieks of those who remained upon the -ship.</p> - -<p>"Of the seven men thus miraculously thrown upon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">220</a></span> -the unknown shore, I was the only one capable of -action. I had just seen my brother and my little ones -snatched away, and I strove to keep down my agony -of soul by striving for the safety of my fellow-sufferers. -I succeeded, after a time, in bringing the captain back -to consciousness. The others were numbed with cold, -for an icy rain was falling in torrents. Not wishing to -lose sight of the ship, I handed them my flint and steel -and powder-horn, telling them to light a fire at the edge -of the wood. In this they failed signally; scarcely had -they strength enough to come and tell me of their failure, -so weak were they and numbed with cold. After -many attempts, I succeeded in making a fire just in time -to save their lives. Then I returned to the beach, -hoping to save some poor creatures who might be -washed ashore. I remained there from three in the -afternoon till six o'clock in the evening, when the ship -went to pieces. Never, never shall I forget the sight of -the dead bodies stretched upon the sand, more than a -hundred in number, many of them with legs or arms -broken, their faces battered out of all recognition.</p> - -<p>"Half stupefied by the calamity, we passed a sleepless -and silent night, and on the morning of the 16th -we betook ourselves again to the fatal shore. We -passed the day in bestowing upon the dead such sad -last rites as were possible to such poor wretches as we.</p> - -<p>"On the morrow we left this desert and inhospitable -coast, and directed our course into the interior. The -winter had set in in all its severity. We marched -through snow up to our knees. Sometimes we came to -deep and rapid rivers, which forced us to make long -<i>détours</i>. My companions were so enfeebled by fatigue -and famine that sometimes I had to retrace my steps -more than once to get their bundles, which they had -been compelled to drop. Their courage was utterly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">221</a></span> -broken; and sometimes I had to stop and make them -rude moccasins to cover their bleeding feet.</p> - -<p>"Thus we dragged ourselves on, or rather I dragged -them in tow, for neither courage nor strength once -failed me till at length, on the 4th of December, we -met two Indians. Imagine if you can the delirious joy -of my companions, who for the last few days had been -looking forward to death itself as a welcome release -from their sufferings! These Indians did not recognize -me at first, so much was I changed by what I had gone -through, and by the long beard which had covered my -face. Once I did their tribe a great service; and you -know that these natives never forget a benefit. They -welcomed me with delight. We were saved. Then I -learned that we were on the island of Cape Breton, -about thirty leagues from Louisbourg.</p> - -<p>"I made haste to leave my companions at the first -Acadian settlement, where I knew they would be nursed -back to health. I was eager to return to Quebec, that -I might be the first to inform General Murray of our -shipwreck. I need not detail to you the incidents of -the journey. Suffice to say that with the greatest peril -I crossed from Cape Breton to the main-land in a birch -canoe, through the sweeping ice cakes; and that I have -covered now about five hundred leagues on my snow-shoes. -I have had to change my guides very frequently, -for after eight days' marching with me, Indian and -Acadian alike find themselves utterly used up."</p> - -<p>After this story, the family passed the greater part of -the night in bewailing the fate of their friends and kinsfolk, -the victims of a barbarous decree.</p> - -<p>M. de Saint-Luc allowed himself but a few hours -rest, so eager was he to present himself before Murray -at Quebec as a living protest against the vindictive -cruelty which had sent to their death so many brave<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">222</a></span> -soldiers, so many unoffending women and little ones. -It had been thought that Murray's unreasoning bitterness -was due to the fact that he could not forget his -defeat of the previous year.</p> - -<p>"Do you know, D'Haberville," said M. de Saint-Luc -at breakfast, "who was the friend so strong -with Murray as to obtain you your two years' respite? -Do you know to whom you owe to-day the life which -you would probably have lost in our shipwreck?"</p> - -<p>"No," said Captain D'Haberville. "I have no idea -what friend we can have so powerful. But whoever he -is, never shall I forget the debt of gratitude I owe him."</p> - -<p>"Well, my friend, it is the young Scotchman Archibald -de Lochiel to whom you owe this eternal gratitude."</p> - -<p>"I have commanded," almost shouted Captain D'Haberville, -"that the name of this viper, whom I warmed in -my bosom, should never be pronounced in my presence." -And the captain's great black eyes shot fire.</p> - -<p>"I dare flatter myself," said M. de Saint-Luc, "that -this command hardly extends to me. I am your friend -from childhood, your brother in arms, and I know all -the obligations which bind us mutually. I know that -you will not say to me, as you said to your sister, the -superior, when she sought to plead the cause of this innocent -young man: 'Enough, my sister. You are a -holy woman, bound to forgive your enemies, even those -who have been guilty of the blackest ingratitude against -you. But as for me, you know that I never forgive an -injury. That is my nature. If it be a sin, God has not -given me strength to conquer it. Enough, my sister; -and never again pronounce his name in my presence, or -all intercourse between us shall cease.' No, my dear -friend," continued Saint-Luc, "you will not make me -this answer; and you will hear what I have to say."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">223</a></span></p> - -<p>M. D'Haberville knew too well the requirements of -hospitality to impose silence upon his friend under his -own roof. His thick eyebrows gathered in a heavy -frown, he half closed his eyes as if to veil his thoughts, -and resigned himself to listen with the air of a criminal -to whose satisfaction the judge is endeavoring to prove -that he deserves his sentence.</p> - -<p>M. de Saint-Luc detailed Archie's conduct from the -beginning, and his struggle with his implacable foe -Montgomery. He spoke energetically of the soldier's -obligation to obey the commands of his superior, however -unjust. He drew a touching picture of the young -man's despair, and added:</p> - -<p>"As soon as Lochiel learned that you and yours -were ordered to embark at once for Europe, he requested -an audience with the general, which was granted.</p> - -<p>"'<i>Captain</i> de Lochiel,' said Murray, handing him the -brevet of his new rank, 'I was going to look for you. -Having witnessed your exploits on the glorious field of -1759, I hastened to ask for your promotion; and I may -add that your subsequent conduct has proved you -worthy of the favor of His Majesty's Government, and -of my utmost efforts on your behalf.'</p> - -<p>"'I am most glad, sir,' answered Lochiel, 'that your -recommendation has obtained me a reward far beyond -anything my poor services could entitle me to expect; -and I beg you will accept my grateful thanks for the -favor, which emboldens me to ask yet one more. General, -it is a great, an inestimable favor which I would -ask of you.'</p> - -<p>"'Speak, captain,' said Murray, 'for I would do -much to gratify you.'</p> - -<p>"'If it were myself that was concerned,' said Archie, -'I should have nothing further to desire. It is for -others I would speak. The D'Haberville family, ruined,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">224</a></span> -like so many others, by our conquest, has been ordered -by Your Excellency to depart at once for France. They -have found it impossible to sell, even at the greatest sacrifice, -the small remnants of their once considerable fortune. -Grant them, I implore you, two years in which to -set their affairs in order. Your Excellency is aware how -much I owe to this family, which loaded me with kindness -during my ten years' sojourn in the colony. It -was I who, obeying the orders of my superior officer, -completed their ruin by burning their manor and mill -at St. Jean-Port-Joli. For the love of Heaven, general, -grant them two years, and you will lift a terrible burden -from my soul!'</p> - -<p>"'Captain de Lochiel,' said Murray severely, 'I am -surprised to hear you interceding for the D'Habervilles, -who have shown themselves our most implacable enemies.'</p> - -<p>"'It is but just to them, general,' answered Archie, -'to recognize that they have fought bravely to defend -their country, even as we have done to conquer it. It -is with some confidence I address myself to a brave soldier, -on behalf of truly valiant enemies.'</p> - -<p>"Lochiel had touched the wrong cord, for Murray was -brooding over his defeat of the preceding year, and, further, -he was hardly susceptible to anything like chivalry -of sentiment. He answered icily:</p> - -<p>"'Impossible, sir! I can not recall my order. The -D'Habervilles must go.'</p> - -<p>"'In that case, will Your Excellency be so kind as to -accept my resignation?' said Archie.</p> - -<p>"'What, sir!' exclaimed the general, paling with -anger.</p> - -<p>"'Will Your Excellency,' repeated Archie coldly, 'be -so good as to accept my resignation, and permit me -to serve as a common soldier? They who will seek to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">225</a></span> -point the finger at me as the monster of ingratitude, -who, after being loaded with benefits by a family to -whom he came a stranger, achieved the final ruin of that -family without working any alleviation of their lot—they -who would hold me up to scorn for this will find it -harder to discover me when buried in the ranks than -when I am at the head of men who have no such stain -upon them.' Once more he offered his commission to -the general.</p> - -<p>"The latter became first red and then pale, turned -upon his heel, bit his lips, passed his hand across his -forehead, muttered something like a 'G—d d—n!' between -his teeth, and remained for a moment plunged in -thought. Then he calmed himself suddenly, put out his -hand, and said:</p> - -<p>"'I appreciate your sentiments, Captain de Lochiel. -Our sovereign must not be deprived of the services -which you can render him as one of his officers, you -who are ready to sacrifice your future for a debt of -gratitude. Your friends shall remain.'</p> - -<p>"'A thousand thanks!' cried Archie. 'You may -count on my devotion henceforth, though I be required -to march alone to the cannon's mouth to prove it. A -mountain of remorse lay on my heart. Now I feel as -light as one of our mountain roebucks!'"</p> - -<p>Of all the passions that sway men's wills, jealousy -and revenge are perhaps the hardest to control. Captain -D'Haberville, after having listened with a frown, -said merely:</p> - -<p>"I perceive that the services of M. de Lochiel have -met with due appreciation. As for me, I was unaware -that I was so indebted to him." And he turned the -conversation into another channel.</p> - -<p>M. de Saint-Luc glanced at the other members -of the family, who had listened with eyes cast down,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">226</a></span> -not daring to discuss the subject. Rising from the table, -he added:</p> - -<p>"This respite, D'Haberville, is a most fortunate -thing; for you may rest assured that within two years -you will find yourself free to go or come as you will. -The English governor incurred too heavy a responsibility -when he doomed to death so many persons of -prominence—persons allied to the most illustrious families, -not only on the Continent, but in England as well. -He will seek to conciliate the Canadians in order to -ward off the consequences of this dreadful catastrophe. -Now, farewell, my friends; and remember they are weak -souls who let themselves be beaten down by misfortune. -One great consolation we have in considering that we -did all that could be expected of the bravest, and that, -if our country could have been preserved, our arms and -our courage would have preserved it."</p> - -<p>The night was far advanced when M. de Saint-Luc -reached Quebec and presented himself at the Château -St.-Louis, where he was at first refused admission. But -he was so determined, declaring that his tidings were of -the most immediate importance, that at length an aide -consented to awaken the governor, who had been some -hours in bed. Murray at first failed to recognize M. de -Saint-Luc, and asked him angrily how he dared disturb -him at such an hour, or what tidings he could bring of -such pressing importance.</p> - -<p>"An affair which you will assuredly consider worthy -of some attention, sir, for I am Captain de Saint-Luc, -and my presence here will tell you the rest."</p> - -<p>General Murray turned as pale as death. Presently -he called for refreshments, and, treating Saint-Luc with -the most profound consideration, he inquired of him the -fullest particulars of the wreck. He was no longer the -same man who had carelessly consigned so many brave<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">227</a></span> -officers to their doom just because the sight of their uniforms -displeased him.</p> - -<p>What M. de Saint-Luc had foreseen presently came -to pass. Thenceforward Governor Murray, conscience-stricken -by the loss of the Auguste, became very lenient -toward the Canadians, and those who wished to remain -in the colony were given liberty to do so. M. de Saint-Luc, -in particular, whose possible revelations he may -have dreaded, became the special object of his favor, -and found nothing to complain of in the governor's attitude. -He set his tremendous energies to the work of -repairing his fortunes, and his efforts were crowned with -well-merited success.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">228</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.<br /> -<span class="chapsmall">LOCHIEL AND BLANCHE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>After seven long years of severe privation, content -and even happiness came back to the D'Habervilles. -It is true that the great manor house had been replaced -by a somewhat humble dwelling; but it was a palace -compared to the mill they had just left. The D'Habervilles -had, moreover, suffered less than many others in -the same position. Loved and respected by their tenants, -they had suffered none of those humiliations which -the vulgar often inflict upon their betters in distress. -The D'Habervilles had never forgotten that it is the -privilege of the upper classes to treat their inferiors with -respect. They were <ins title="Transcriber's note: original reads 'beseiged'">besieged</ins> with offers of service. -When it was decided to rebuild the manor, the whole -parish volunteered its assistance to help along the work. -Every man labored with as much zeal as if it were his -own house he was building. With the delicate tact of -the Frenchman, they never entered, except as invited -guests, the poor chambers which the family had set -apart in the mill. If they had been affectionate toward -their seigneur in his prosperity, when the iron hand of -adversity was laid upon him they became his devoted -disciples.</p> - -<p>Only they who have known great reverses, who have -suffered long and cruelly, can appreciate the blissful -content of them who again see better days. Hitherto<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">229</a></span> -all had respected Captain D'Haberville's grief, and in -his presence had scarcely spoken above their breath; -but now the natural gayety of the French heart reasserted -itself, and all was changed as by enchantment.</p> - -<p>The captain laughed and joked as he used to before -the war, the ladies sang as they busied themselves about -the house, and again the sonorous voice of Uncle Raoul -was heard on fine evenings arousing the echoes of the -cape. The faithful José was everywhere at once, and -tales of the experiences of his "late father, now dead" -flowed incessantly from his lips.</p> - -<p>One morning toward the end of August, that same -year, Captain D'Haberville was returning from the river -Port-Joli, his gun on one shoulder and a well-filled -game-bag slung over the other, when he saw a small -boat put off from a ship which was anchored a little -way out. The boat made directly for the D'Habervilles' -landing. The captain sat on a rock to wait for it, imagining -that it contained some sailors in quest of milk and -fresh victuals. As they landed he was hastening forward -to meet them, when he saw with surprise that one -of them, who was dressed as a gentleman, was handing -a packet to one of the sailors and directing him to take -it to the manor house. At the sight of Captain D'Haberville -this gentleman seemed to change his mind suddenly, -for he stepped forward and handed him the packet with -these words:</p> - -<p>"I have hardly dared hand you this packet myself, -Captain D'Haberville, although it contains news at -which you will rejoice."</p> - -<p>"Why, sir," replied the captain, searching his memory -for the name of this person, whose face seemed half -familiar, "why should you have hesitated to hand me -the packet yourself if chance had not thrown me in your -way?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">230</a></span></p> - -<p>"Because, sir," said the other, hesitating, "I might -have feared that it would be disagreeable to you to receive -it at my hands. I know that Captain D'Haberville -never forgets either a benefit or an injury."</p> - -<p>Captain D'Haberville stared at the stranger; then, -frowning heavily, he shut his eyes and was silent for -some moments. The stranger, watching him intently, -could see that a violent struggle was raging in his breast. -Presently Captain D'Haberville recovered his self-possession -and said, with scrupulous politeness:</p> - -<p>"Let us leave to each man's own conscience the remembrance -of past wrongs. You are here, Captain de -Lochiel, and as the bearer of letters from my son you -are entitled to every welcome on my part. The family -will be glad to see you. You will receive at my house—a -cordial hospitality." He was going to say bitterly -a princely hospitality, but the reproach died upon his -lips. The lion was as yet but half appeased.</p> - -<p>Archie instinctively put out his hand to grasp that of -his old friend; but Captain D'Haberville responded -with a visible effort, and his hand lay passive in the -young man's clasp.</p> - -<p>A sigh burst from Archie's lips, and for a time he -seemed uncertain what to do. At length he said sorrowfully:</p> - -<p>"Captain D'Haberville can refuse to forgive him -whom once he loved and overwhelmed with benefits, but -he has too noble a soul to wantonly inflict a punishment -too great to be endured. To see again the places which -will recall such poignant memories will be trial enough -in itself, without meeting there the cold welcome which -hospitality extends to the stranger. Farewell, Captain -D'Haberville; farewell forever to him whom I once -called my father, if he will no longer regard me as a -son. I call Heaven to witness that every hour has been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">231</a></span> -embittered with remorse since the fatal day when my -duty as a soldier under orders forced me to enact a barbarism -at which my very soul sickened. I swear to you -that a great weight has lain ceaselessly upon my heart, -through the hours of excitement on the battle-field, of gayety -at ball and festival, not less than through the silence -of the long and weary nights. Farewell forever, for I -perceive that you have refused to hear from the lips of -the good superior the story of my pain and my despair. -Farewell for the last time, and, since all intercourse must -cease between us, tell me, oh, tell me, I implore you, that -some measure of peace and happiness has been restored -to your family! Oh, tell me that you are not continually -miserable! Nothing remains for me but to pray God -on my knees that he will shed his best blessings on a -family which I so deeply love! To offer to repair with -my own fortune the losses which I caused would be an -insult to a D'Haberville."</p> - -<p>Though M. D'Haberville had refused to listen to his -sister, he had none the less been impressed by the recital -of M. de Saint-Luc, and by Archie's devotion in -offering to sacrifice his fortune and his future to a sentiment -of gratitude. Hence the degree of welcome with -which he had received him. Otherwise, it is probable -he would have turned his back upon him.</p> - -<p>The suggestion of pecuniary compensation made M. -D'Haberville start as if he had been touched with a red-hot -iron; but this passing emotion was forgotten in the -conflict of his feelings. He clasped his breast with both -hands, as if he would tear out the bitterness which, in -spite of him, clung to his heart. Making Lochiel a sign -to remain where he was, he strode rapidly down the -shore; then he came back slowly and thoughtfully, and -said:</p> - -<p>"I have done my utmost, Archie, to banish the last<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">232</a></span> -of my bitterness; but you know me, and you know it -will be a work of time to blot it completely from my remembrance. -All that I can say is that my heart forgives -you. My sister the superior told me all. I listened to -her, after hearing of your good offices in interceding -with the governor on my behalf, of which I learned -through my friend de Saint-Luc. I concluded that he -who was ready to sacrifice rank and fortune for his -friends could only have been acting by compulsion in -those circumstances to which I now allude for the last -time. If you should notice occasionally any coldness in -my attitude toward yourself, please pay no attention to -it. Let us leave it all to time."</p> - -<p>He pressed Lochiel's hand cordially. The lion was -appeased.</p> - -<p>"As it is probable," said M. D'Haberville, "that the -calm is going to continue, send back your sailors after -they have had something to eat; and if by chance a favorable -wind should arise, my good nag Lubine will -carry you to Quebec in six hours—that is, if your business -prevents your staying with us so long as we would -wish. This will be convenient for you, will it not?"</p> - -<p>With these words, he passed his arm under that of -Archie and they walked together toward the house.</p> - -<p>"Now, Archie," said the captain, "how does it happen -that you bring letters and good news from my son?"</p> - -<p>"I left Jules in Paris seven weeks ago," answered -Archie, "after having stayed a month with him at the -house of his uncle M. de Germain, who did not wish -me to be separated from my friend during my stay in -France; but it will be pleasanter for you to learn all -from his own hand, so permit me to say no more."</p> - -<p>If it saddened Lochiel to see what one would have -called before the conquest the D'Haberville village replaced -by three or four poor cottages, nevertheless, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">233</a></span> -had an agreeable surprise in the prosperous appearance -of the manor. These buildings, new and freshly white-washed, -this garden gay with flowers, these two orchards -laden with fine fruit, the harvesters returning from the -meadows with fragrant loads of hay—all this tended to -dissipate the impression of gloom that had at first almost -overwhelmed him. With the exception of a sofa and a -dozen arm-chairs of mahogany, and a few other small -articles of furniture snatched from the flames, everything -was of extreme simplicity within the new dwelling. -All the furniture was in plain wood. The walls were -guiltless of pictures, as the floors of carpets. The family -portraits, which had been the pride of the D'Habervilles, -no longer occupied their places in the dining-room; the -only ornaments of the new rooms were some fir-boughs -standing in the corners and a generous supply of flowers -in baskets made by the natives. This absence of -costly adornment, however, was not without its charm. -One breathed deeply in that atmosphere, wholesome -with the fragrance of fir-boughs, flowers, and new wood. -There was everywhere a flavor of freshness, which made it -hard to regret the absence of more costly appointments.</p> - -<p>All the family, having seen M. D'Haberville in the -distance accompanied by a stranger, had gathered in the -drawing-room to receive him. Not having seen Archie -for ten years, nobody but Blanche recognized him. The -girl grew pale at the sight of the friend whom she had -never thought to see again; but recovering herself -promptly, as women will to conceal their strongest -feelings, like the other two ladies she made the deep -courtesy which she would have bestowed upon a -stranger. As for Uncle Raoul, he bowed with chilly -politeness. He had little love for the English, and ever -since the conquest he had been cursing them with an -eloquence not edifying to pious ears.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">234</a></span></p> - -<p>"May I be roasted by an Iroquois," exclaimed the -captain, addressing Archie, "if a single one of us knew -you. Come, look at this gentleman; ten years ought not -to have blotted him from your memory. As for me, I -knew him at once. Speak, Blanche, you being the -youngest should have better eyes than the rest."</p> - -<p>"I think," said Blanche in a low voice, "that it is -M. de Lochiel."</p> - -<p>"Yes," said M. D'Haberville, "it is Archie, who has -seen Jules very lately in Paris. He brings us letters -from him, full of good news. What are you doing, -Archie, that you do not embrace your old friends?"</p> - -<p>The family, ignorant of the change in the captain's -feelings, were only awaiting his consent to give Archie -a welcome whose warmth brought tears into his eyes.</p> - -<p>The last letter from Jules contained the following -passage:</p> - -<p>"I have been taking the waters of Baréges for my -wounds, and though I am still weak, I am getting well -rapidly. The doctors say that I must have rest, and -that it will be long before I am able to take the field -again. I have obtained an unlimited furlough. Our -relative the minister and all my friends counsel me to -leave the army and return to Canada, the new country -of all my family. They advise me to establish myself -there, after taking the oath of allegiance to the English -crown; but I will do nothing without consulting you. -My brother Archie, who has influential friends in England, -has sent me a letter of recommendation from one -high in authority to your governor, Sir Guy Carleton, -who, they say, shows great consideration for the Canadian -nobility. If on your advice I decide to remain in -Canada, I shall hope to be of some use to my poor -fellow-countrymen. God willing, I shall have the pleasure -of embracing you all again toward the end of September<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">235</a></span> -next. Oh, what happiness, after so long a separation!"</p> - -<p>In a postscript Jules added:</p> - -<p>"I was forgetting to tell you that I have been presented -to the King, who received me most kindly. He -even praised me for what he was pleased to call my -noble conduct, and made me a Knight of the Grand -Cross of the Most Honorable Order of St. Louis. I -know not to what pleasantry I owe this favor, which -every Frenchman who carried a sword has as much -deserved as I. I could name ten officers in my own -division who should have been decorated in my place. -It is true that I have had the precious advantage of -getting carved up like a fool in every battle. Truly it -is a pity that there was not an order for fools; then I -should have fairly won the distinction which his Most -Christian Majesty has just bestowed upon me. I hope, -however, that this act will not shut the gates of paradise -against him, and that St. Peter will find some other -little peccadilloes to object to. Otherwise, I should be -greatly concerned."</p> - -<p>Lochiel could scarcely keep from laughing at the -words "Most Christian Majesty." He could see the -mocking smile with which his friend would write the -phrase.</p> - -<p>"Always the same," exclaimed M. D'Haberville.</p> - -<p>"And thinking only of others!" exclaimed the rest, -with one voice.</p> - -<p>"I will wager my head to a shilling," said Archie, -"that he would rather have seen the honor bestowed -upon one of his friends."</p> - -<p>"What a son!" exclaimed the mother.</p> - -<p>"What a brother!" added Blanche.</p> - -<p>"You may well say what a brother," exclaimed -Archie fervently.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">236</a></span></p> - -<p>"And what a nephew have I trained up!" cried -Uncle Raoul, making passes in the air with his cane, as -if it were a saber and he on horseback. "There is a -prince who can distinguish merit, and who knows how -to reward it. His Majesty of France shows great discernment. -He knows that with a hundred officers like -Jules he could resume the offensive, overrun Europe -with triumphant armies, overleap the Detroit like another -William, crush proud Albion, and reconquer the -colonies!" Again Uncle Raoul carved the air in every -direction with his cane, to the imminent peril of the -eyes, noses, and chins of the rest of the company. Then -the chevalier looked about him proudly, and, with the -aid of his cane, he dragged himself to an arm-chair, to -repose after the laurels he had won for the King of -France by the help of a hundred officers like his -nephew.</p> - -<p>The letters from Jules, and Archie's coming, made -that day one of feverish delight at D'Haberville Manor; -and Archie was pursued with incessant questions about -Jules, about their friends in France, about the Faubourg -St. Germain, about the court, and about his own adventures. -Archie wished then to see the servants. In the -kitchen, getting dinner, he found the mulatto woman Lisette, -who threw herself upon his neck as she used to do -when he came home for his holidays with Jules. Her -voice was choked with sobs of delight.</p> - -<p>This woman, whom Captain D'Haberville had bought -when she was only four years old, had some failings, -but she was deeply attached to the family. She stood -in awe of no one but the master. Her mistress she regarded -as a sort of new comer, whom she obeyed or not -according to her whim.</p> - -<p>Blanche and her brother were the only ones who -could do what they liked with her. Though Jules often<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">237</a></span> -tormented her sorely, she was always ready to laugh at -his tricks and shield him from their consequences.</p> - -<p>Tried beyond all patience, M. D'Haberville had long -ago given her her freedom; but, to use her own words, -"she laughed at his emancipation like that," snapping -her fingers, "for she had as good a right as he and his -to remain in the house where she had been brought up." -If her master, too utterly exasperated, would dismiss her -by one door, she would promptly re-enter by the other.</p> - -<p>This irrepressible woman was as much affected by -the misfortunes of her master as if she had been a -daughter of the family; and, strange to say, during all -the years when the captain was immersed in bitterness -and gloom, she was a model of obedience and submission, -and did the work of at least two servants. When -she was alone with Blanche she would sometimes throw -herself sobbing on her neck, and the brave girl would -forget her own griefs in comforting those of the slave. -It is necessary to add that when prosperity returned to -the family Lisette became as willful as before.</p> - -<p>Leaving the kitchen, Lochiel ran to meet José, who -came singing up from the garden, laden with fruit and -vegetables.</p> - -<p>"Excuse me if I give you my left hand," said José; -"I left the other behind me on the Plains of Abraham. -I bear no grudge, however, against the 'short petticoat' -(begging your pardon) who relieved me of it. The -thing was done so neatly right at the joint that the surgeon -had nothing left to do but bandage up the stump. -We came off about quits, nevertheless, the 'short petticoat' -and I, for I ran my bayonet through his body. It's -just as well after all, however, for what use would my -right hand be to me when there is no more fighting? -No more war now that the Englishman is master of the -land," added José, sighing.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">238</a></span></p> - -<p>"It seems, my dear José," answered Lochiel, -laughing, "that you know pretty well how to do without -your right hand as long as the left remains to -you."</p> - -<p>"Very true," said José. "I can manage when I'm -driven to it, as in the scrimmage with the 'short petticoat'; -but I confess that it grieves me to be thus -crippled. Both hands would have been none too many -to serve my master with. The times have been hard, -indeed; but, thank God, the worst is over." And tears -welled up in the faithful José's eyes.</p> - -<p>Lochiel then betook himself to the harvesters, who -were busy raking the hay and loading the carts. They -were all old acquaintances, who greeted him warmly; -for all the family, the captain excepted, had been at -pains to exonerate him. The dinner, served with the -greatest simplicity, was nevertheless lavish in its abundance, -thanks to the game with which shore and forest -were swarming at this season. The silver had been reduced -to the limits of strict necessity; besides the -spoons, forks, and drinking-cups, there remained but a -single jug of ancient pattern, graven with the D'Haberville -arms, to attest the former opulence of the family. -The dessert consisted of the fruits of the season, brought -in on maple leaves, in birch-bark <i>cassots</i> and baskets ingeniously -woven by the Indians. A little glass of black-currant -ratafia before dinner to sharpen the appetite, -spruce beer made out of the branches of the tree, and -Spanish wine which they drank much tempered with -water, these were the only liquors that the hospitality of -Seigneur D'Haberville could set before his guest. This -did not prevent the meal from being pervaded with -kindly gayety; the family seemed to be entering upon a -new life. But for his dread of wounding Archie, Captain -D'Haberville would not have failed to joke upon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">239</a></span> -the absence of champagne, which was replaced by the -sparkling spruce beer.</p> - -<p>"Now that we are <i>en famille</i>," said the captain, smiling -at Archie, "let us talk of the future of my son. As -for me, old and worn out before my time with the -fatigues of war, I have a good excuse for not serving the -new government. It would not be for me, moreover, at -my age, to draw the sword against France, whom I have -served for more than thirty years. Rather death, a -hundred times!"</p> - -<p>"And, like Hector the Trojan," interrupted Uncle -Raoul, "we can all say:</p> - -<p> -<i>Si Pergama dextra</i><br /> -<i>Defendi possent, etiam hâc defensa fuissent</i>."<br /> -</p> - -<p>"Never mind Hector the Trojan," exclaimed M. -D'Haberville who, not being as learned as his brother, -had small taste for his quotations. "Never mind -Hector the Trojan, who was not greatly concerned -with our family affairs. Let us return to Jules. His -health compels him to withdraw from the service, perhaps -for a long time, or even permanently. His dearest -interests are here where he was born. Canada is -his true fatherland. He can not have the same affection -for the land of his ancestors. His position, moreover, -is very different from mine. What would be -cowardice for me, standing on the edge of the tomb, is -but an act of duty for him who is but on the threshold -of life. Splendidly has he paid his debt to the country -of his fathers. He retires honorably from a service -which the doctors order him to leave. Now let him -consecrate his energy and his abilities to the service of -his fellow Canadians. The new governor is already well -disposed toward us. He welcomes those of my countrymen -who have intercourse with him. He has many -times expressed his sympathy for the brave officers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">240</a></span> -whom he had met face to face on the battle-field, and -whom fate, not their courage, had betrayed. In the -gatherings at Chateau St. Louis he shows the same regard -for Canadians as for his own countrymen, as much -for those of us who have lost all as for those more fortunate -who can maintain a dignity suitable to their -rank. Under his administration and supported by the -strong recommendations which our friend Lochiel has -procured for him, Jules has every reason to hope for a -high position in the colony. Let him take the oath of -allegiance to the English crown; and my last words -when I bid him a final farewell shall be: 'Serve your -English sovereign with the same zeal, devotion, and -loyalty with which I have served the French King, and -receive my blessing.'"</p> - -<p>Every one was struck by this sudden change of sentiment -in the head of the family. They forgot that Adversity -is a hard master, who bends the most stubborn -heart beneath his grasp of steel. Captain D'Haberville, -too proud and too loyal to acknowledge openly -that Louis XV had wronged the subjects who had -served him with a heroism so devoted, nevertheless, felt -keenly the ingratitude of the French court. Although -stung to the quick by such treatment, he was ready to -shed the last drop of his blood for this voluptuous monarch -given over to the whims of his mistresses. But -there his devotion ceased. He would have refused for -himself the favors of the new government; but he was -too just to sacrifice his son's future to a sentiment with -so slight a basis.</p> - -<p>"Let each one now express his opinion freely," said -the captain, smiling, "and let the majority decide." -The ladies answered this appeal by throwing themselves -into his arms. Uncle Raoul seized his brother's hand, -shook it vigorously, and exclaimed:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">241</a></span></p> - -<p>"Nestor of old could not have spoken more wisely."</p> - -<p>"Nor could we have been more delighted," said -Archie, "if we had had the advantage of listening to the -very words of that most venerable Grecian."</p> - -<p>As the tide was full and the river beautifully calm, -Archie proposed to Blanche a walk along the lovely -shore, which stretches—varied with sandy coves—from -the manor to the little Port-Joli River.</p> - -<p>"Everything I see," said Archie, as they moved along -the river's edge, the level rays of the sunset making a -path of red gold from their feet to the far-off mountains, -"everything I see is rich with sweet memories. Here, -when you were a child, I taught you to play with the -shells which I picked up along this shore. In this little -bay I taught my brother Jules to swim. There are the -same strawberry beds and raspberry thickets whence we -plucked the fruit you were so fond of. Here, seated, -book in hand, on this little rock, you used to wait the -return of Jules and me from hunting, to congratulate us -on our success or mock at our empty game-bags. Not a -tree, a bush, a shrub, but looks to me like an old and -dear acquaintance. Oh, happy childhood, happy youth! -Ever rejoicing in the present, forgetful of the past, careless -of the future, life rolls along as gently as the current -of this pretty stream which we are now crossing. It was -then that we were wise, Jules and I, when our highest -ambition was to pass our days together here, happy in -our work and our hunting."</p> - -<p>"Just such a life of monotony and peace," interrupted -Blanche, "is that to which our sex is doomed. -God in giving man strength and courage set him apart -for the loftier destinies. What must be the enthusiasm -of a man in the midst of the battle! What sight more -sublime than that of the soldier facing death a hundred -times in the tumult for all he holds most dear! What<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">242</a></span> -must be the fierce exultation of the warrior when the -bugles sound for victory!"</p> - -<p>This noble girl knew of no glory but that of arms. -Her father, almost incessantly in the field, came back to -the bosom of his family only to rehearse the exploits of -his comrades-in-arms; and Blanche, while yet a child, -had become steeped with martial ardor.</p> - -<p>"There are triumphs all too dearly bought," answered -Archie, "when one considers the disasters that have followed -in their train, when one remembers the tears of -the widow and the orphan, robbed of their dearest! -But here we are at the Port-Joli, well named, with -its sunny banks gay with wild-rose thickets, its groves -of fir and spruce, and its coverts of red willow. What -memories cling about this lovely stream! I see again -your gentle mother and your good aunt seated here on -the grass on a fair evening in August, while we are paddling -up-stream, in our little green canoe, to Babin's -Islet, keeping time with our paddles as we sing in chorus -the refrain of your pretty song:</p> - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza">We're afloat, we're afloat, on the water so blue,<br /> -We are bound for our isle of delight.<br /></div></div></div> - -<p>I hear again the voice of your mother calling repeatedly: -'Go and get Blanche at once, you incorrigibles; -it is supper-time, and you know your father expects -punctuality at meals.' And Jules would answer, paddling -with all his might, 'Do not fear my father's anger. -I will take the whole responsibility on my own shoulders. -I will make him laugh by telling him that, like -His Majesty Louis XIV, he had expected to wait. You -know I am a spoiled child in the holidays.'"</p> - -<p>"Dear fellow!" said Blanche, "he was sad enough -that day when you and I found him hiding in this fir -grove, where he had concealed himself to escape the -first heat of father's indignation.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">243</a></span></p> - -<p>"And he had not done anything so very dreadful -after all," said Archie, laughing.</p> - -<p>"Let us enumerate his crimes," replied Blanche, -counting on her fingers. "First, he had disobeyed father's -orders by harnessing to the carriage an unruly three-year-old -filly which was scarcely to be managed even in -a sleigh. Secondly, after a hard tussle with the rash -young driver, the filly had taken the bit in her teeth, and -as the first proof of her freedom had crushed the unhappy -cow belonging to our neighbor Widow Maurice."</p> - -<p>"A most happy accident for said widow," interposed -Archie, "for your father replaced the old animal with -two of the finest heifers in his pastures. I remember -the anxiety of the poor woman when she learned that -some officious spectator had informed your father of the -accident. How does it happen that the people whom -Jules tormented most assiduously are just the ones who -were most devoted to him? What is the spell by which -he compels everybody to love him? Widow Maurice -used to have hardly a moment's peace while we were -home for the holidays; yet she was always in tears when -she came to bid Jules good-by."</p> - -<p>"The reason is not far to seek," said Blanche. "It -is that all know his kind heart. You know, moreover, -by experience, Archie, that those whom he loves best -are just the ones that he teases most unremittingly. But -let us continue our enumeration of his misdemeanors on -that unlucky day! Thirdly, after killing the cow, the -ugly brute ran against a fence, broke one of the wheels, -and hurled the driver fifteen feet into the meadow beyond; -but Jules, who always falls on his feet, like a cat, -was in no way the worse for this adventure. Fourthly, -and lastly, after smashing the carriage to splinters on -the rocks of the Trois Saumons River, the mare ended<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">244</a></span> -by breaking her own legs on the shore, over in the parish -of L'Islet."</p> - -<p>"Yes," added Archie, "and I remember how eloquently -you pleaded for the culprit, who, in despair at -having so deeply offended so good a father, was in danger -of proceeding to rash extremities against himself. -'Dear papa,' you said, 'should you not rather thank -heaven for having preserved Jules's life? What matters -the loss of a cow, a horse, a carriage? You might have -seen his bleeding body brought home to you!' 'Come, -let us talk no more about it,' was your father's reply. -'Go and look for your rascal of a brother, for I doubt -not you and Archie know where he has taken refuge -after his nice performances!' "I see yet," continued -Archie, "the half-penitent, half-comical air of Jules when -he knew the storm had blown over. 'What, my father,' -he ended by saying, after listening to some energetic remonstrances, -'would you have preferred to see me -dragged to my death, like another Hippolytus, by the -horse which your hands had nourished to be the murderer -of your son? Would you have chosen to see my -ensanguined locks dangling on the brambles?' To which -the captain answered: 'Come, let's to supper, since -there seems to be a God for such madcaps as you.' -'Now, that's more like the way to talk to a fellow,' was -Jules's response. I never could quite understand," continued -Archie, "why your father, who is ordinarily so -unforgiving, used to forgive and forget so easily any -offense of Jules."</p> - -<p>"Father knows," said Blanche, "that Jules loves him -devotedly, and would endure anything to spare him -pain. For all his headlong thoughtlessness, Jules could -never offend my father deeply."</p> - -<p>"Now that we have called up so many pleasant -memories," said Archie, "let us sit down on this hillock<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">245</a></span> -where we have so often before rested, and let us speak -of more serious matters. I have decided to settle in -Canada. I have lately sold a property which was left to -me by one of my cousins. My fortune, although but -moderate in the old country, will be counted large out -here, where my happiest days have been spent, and -where I propose to live and die among my friends. -What do you say, Blanche?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing in the world could please us more. Oh, -how happy Jules will be, how glad we will all be!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, you will all be pleased, doubtless; but my -happiness can never be perfect, Blanche, unless you will -consent to make it so by giving me your hand. I -love—"</p> - -<p>The girl sprang to her feet as if an adder had stung -her. With trembling lips and pale with anger, she cried:</p> - -<p>"You offend me, Captain de Lochiel! You have -not considered the cruelty of the offer you are making -me! Is it now you make me such a proposal, when the -flames that you and yours have lighted in my unhappy -country are hardly yet extinguished? Is it now, while -the smoke yet rises from our ruined homes, that you -offer me the hand of one of our destroyers? There -would, indeed, be a bitter irony in lighting the marriage -torch at the smoking ashes of my unhappy country! -They would say, Captain de Lochiel, that your gold had -bought the hand of the poor Canadian girl; and never -will a D'Haberville endure such humiliation. O Archie! -Archie! I would never have expected it of you, you -the friend of my childhood! You know not what you -are doing!" And Blanche burst into tears.</p> - -<p>Never had the noble Canadian girl appeared so beautiful -in Archie's eyes as now, when she rejected with -proud disdain the hand of one of her country's conquerors.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">246</a></span></p> - -<p>"Calm yourself, Blanche," answered Lochiel. "I -admire your patriotism. I appreciate the exalted delicacy -of your sentiments, however unjust they may be -toward the friend of your childhood. Never would a -Cameron of Lochiel give offense to any lady, least of all -to the sister of Jules D'Haberville, to the daughter of his -benefactor. You know, Blanche, that I never act without -due reflection. For you to reject with scorn the -hand of an Englishman so soon after the conquest -would be but natural in a D'Haberville; but as for me, -Blanche, you know that I have loved you long—you -could not be ignorant of it, in spite of my silence. The -penniless young exile would have failed in every honorable -sentiment had he declared his love for the daughter -of his rich benefactor. Is it because I am rich now, is -it because the chance of war has made us victorious in -the struggle, is it because fate made of me an unwilling -instrument of destruction, is it because of all this that I -must bury in my heart one of the noblest emotions of -our nature, and acknowledge myself defeated without an -effort? No, Blanche, you surely can not think it; you -have spoken without reflection; you regret the harsh -words which have escaped you. Speak, Blanche, and -say that you did not mean it."</p> - -<p>"I will be candid with you, Archie," replied Blanche. -"I will be as frank as a peasant girl who has studied -neither her feelings nor her words—as a country girl -who has forgotten the conventionalities of that society -from which she has so long been banished—and I will -speak with my heart upon my lips. You had all that -could captivate a girl of fifteen years—noble birth, wit, -beauty, strength, and a generous and lofty heart. What -more could be needed to charm an enthusiastic girl? -Archie, if the penniless young exile had asked my parents -for my hand, and they had granted his request, I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">247</a></span> -should have been proud and happy to obey. But, Captain -de Lochiel, there is now a gulf between us which I -will never cross." And again the girl's voice was choked -with sobs.</p> - -<p>"But I implore you, my brother Archie," continued -she, taking his hand, "do not alter your intention of -settling in Canada. Buy property in our neighborhood, -so that we can see you continually. And if, in the ordinary -course of nature (for you are eight years older than -I), I should have the unhappiness to lose you, be sure -that you would be mourned as bitterly by your sister -Blanche as if she had been your wife. And now it is -getting late, Archie, and we must return to the house," -she added, pressing his hand affectionately between both -of hers.</p> - -<p>"You will never be so cruel toward me and toward -yourself," cried Archie, "as to persist in this refusal! -Yes, toward yourself, Blanche, for the love of a heart -like yours does not die out like a common passion; it -resists time and all vicissitudes. Jules will plead my -cause on his return, and his sister will not refuse him his -first request. Oh, tell me that I may hope!"</p> - -<p>"Never, Archie, never," said Blanche. "The women -of my family, as well as the men, have never failed in -their duty—have never shrunk from any sacrifice, however -painful. Two of my aunts, while yet very young, -said one day to my father: 'You have no more than -enough, D'Haberville, to maintain the dignity of the -house. Our dowry would make a considerable breach -in your means. To-morrow we shall enter a convent, -where all is prepared to receive us.' Prayers, threats, -the fury of my father—all proved vain; they entered -the convent, where they have not wearied of good deeds -to this day. As for me, Archie, I have other duties to -perform—duties very dear to me. I must sweeten life<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">248</a></span> -as far as possible for my parents, must help them to forget -their misfortunes, must care for them in their old -age, and must close their eyes at the last. My brother -Jules will marry; I will nurse his children, and share -alike his good and evil fortune."</p> - -<p>Lochiel and Blanche walked toward the house in -silence. The last rays of the setting sun, mirrored in -the swelling tide, lent a new charm to the enchanting -scene; but to their eyes the loveliness of nature seemed -to have suddenly faded out. The next day, toward -evening, a favorable wind arose. The vessel which had -brought Lochiel weighed anchor at once, and M. D'Haberville -instructed José to convey his young friend to -Quebec.</p> - -<p>During the journey there was no lack of conversation -between the two travelers; their subjects were inexhaustible. -Toward five o'clock in the morning, however, -as they were passing Beaumont, Lochiel said to José:</p> - -<p>"I am as sleepy as a marmot. We sat up late yesterday, -and I was so feverish that I got no sleep for -the rest of the night. Do sing me a song to keep me -awake."</p> - -<p>He knew the hoarseness and vigor of his companion's -voice, and he put great faith in it as an anti-soporific.</p> - -<p>"I can not refuse," answered José, who, like many -others blessed with a discordant voice, prided himself -greatly on his singing. "The more sleepy you are the -more risk you run of breaking your head on the rocks, -which have never been cleared away since La Corriveau's -memorable trip; but I hardly know what to begin -with. How would you like a song on the taking of -Berg-op-Zoom?"</p> - -<p>"Berg-op-Zoom will do," said Archie, "though the -English were pretty badly treated there."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">249</a></span></p> - -<p>"Hem! hem!" coughed José. "Nothing like a -little revenge on the enemy that handled us so roughly -in '59." And he struck up the following:</p> - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza">"A Te Deum for him who was born the doom (<i>repeat</i>)<br /> -Of the stout-walled city of Berg-op-Zoom (<i>repeat</i>).<br /> -By'r lady, he wants the best that's going,<br /> -Who can do up a siege in a style so knowing."<br /></div></div></div> - -<p>"How charmingly <i>naïve</i>!" cried Lochiel.</p> - -<p>"Is it not, captain?" said José, very proud of his -success.</p> - -<p>"Indeed, yes, my dear José; but go on. I am in a -hurry to hear the end. Do not halt upon so good a -road."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, captain," said José, touching his cap.</p> - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza">"Like Alexander who lived of old (<i>repeat</i>),<br /> -His body is small, but his heart is bold (<i>repeat</i>).<br /> -God gave him all Alexander's wit,<br /> -And Cæsar's wisdom on top of it!"<br /></div></div></div> - -<p>"'His body is small but his heart is bold,'" repeated -Archie, "is a very happy touch! Where did you pick -up this song?"</p> - -<p>"A grenadier who was at the siege of Berg-op-Zoom -sang it to my late father. He said that it was terribly -hot work there, and he carried the marks of it. He -had only one eye left, and the skin was torn off his face -from his forehead to his jaw-bone; but, as all these -damages were on the left side, he still could manage his -gun properly on the right. But let us leave him to look -out for himself. He is a jolly lad who would dance a -jig on his own grave, and I need not concern myself -about him. Here's the third and last verse:</p> - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza">"Oh, we combed the hides of the English well (<i>repeat</i>),<br /> -A very bad lot, as I've heard tell! (<i>repeat</i>)<br /> -They'll shake, by'r lady, till they get home,<br /> -For fear of our boys and their curry-comb."<br /></div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">250</a></span></p> - -<p>"Delightful, 'pon honor!" cried Lochiel. "These -English who were a very bad lot! These soldiers armed -with the curry-comb! How exquisitely <i>naïve</i>! Charming!"</p> - -<p>"By our lady, though, captain," said José, "they are -not always so easy to comb, these English. Like our -good horse Lubine here, they are sometimes very bad-humored -and ugly to handle if one rubs them too hard. -Witness the first battle of the Plains of Abraham!"</p> - -<p>"It was the English, was it not, who carried the -curry-comb then?" remarked Archie.</p> - -<p>For reply, José merely lifted up the stump of his arm, -around which he had twisted the leather of his whip.</p> - -<p>For a time our travelers journeyed on in silence, and -again Archie grew heavy with sleep. Perceiving this, -José cried:</p> - -<p>"Captain, captain, you're nearly asleep! Take care, -or you're going to break your nose, begging your pardon. -I think you want another song to wake you up. -Shall I sing you the Complaint of Biron?"</p> - -<p>"Who was Biron?" inquired Lochiel.</p> - -<p>"Uncle Raoul, who is so learned, told me that he -was a prince, a great warrior, the relative and friend of -our late King Henry IV; which did not prevent the -latter from having him executed just as if he was a nobody. -When I made my lament upon his death, Uncle -Raoul and the captain told me that he had proved a -traitor to the king, and forbid me even to sing the complaint -in their presence. This struck me as rather droll, -but I obeyed them all the same."</p> - -<p>"I have never heard of this lament," said Archie; -"and as I am not particularly sensitive in regard to the -kings of France, I wish you would sing it for me."</p> - -<p>Thereupon José struck up, in a voice of thunder, the -following lament:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">251</a></span></p> - - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">"The king he had been warned by one of his <i>gens d'armes</i>,<br /> -(His name it was La Fin, that gave him the alarm,)<br /> -'Your Majesty, I pray you, of Prince Biron beware,<br /> -For he's plotting wicked deeds, and there's treason in the air.'<br /></div> - -<div class="stanza">"La Fin had hardly spoke when Prince Biron came in,<br /> -His cap was in his hand, and he bowed before the king.<br /> -Said he: 'Will't please Your Majesty to try your hand at play?<br /> -Here's a thousand Spanish doubloons that I have won this day.'<br /></div> - -<div class="stanza">"'If you have them with you, prince,' replied His Majesty,<br /> -'If you have them with you, prince, go find the queen, and she<br /> -Will play you for the Spanish gold you have not long to see!'<br /></div> - -<div class="stanza">"He had not played two games when the constable came in,<br /> -And bowing, cap in hand, right courtly said to him:<br /> -'Oh, will you rise up, prince, and come along with me?<br /> -This night in the Bastile your bed and board shall be!'<br /></div> - -<div class="stanza">"'Oh, had I but my sword, my weapon bright and keen,<br /> -Oh, had I but my saber, my knife of golden sheen,<br /> -No constable could capture me that ever I have seen!'<br /></div> - -<div class="stanza">"It might have been a month, or may be two weeks more,<br /> -That no friends came to see him or passed his prison door;<br /> -At last came judges three, pretending not to know,<br /> -And asked of him, 'Fair prince, oh, who has used you so?'<br /></div> - -<div class="stanza">"'Oh, they who used me so had power to put me here;<br /> -It was the king and queen, whom I served for many a year;<br /> -And now for my reward my death it draweth near!<br /></div> - -<div class="stanza">"'And does the king remember no more the Savoy War?<br /> -And has the king forgotten the wounds for him I bore?<br /> -And is it my true service now that I must suffer for?<br /></div> - -<div class="stanza">"'And has the king forgotten that if I have to die,<br /> -The blood of Biron may to Heaven for <ins title="Transcriber's note: original reads 'vengance'">vengeance</ins> cry?<br /> -Or does the king remember I have a brother yet?<br /> -But when <i>he</i> sees the king he will not me forget.'"<br /></div></div> - - -<p>By this time Lochiel was thoroughly awake. The -tremendous voice of José would have awakened the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">252</a></span> -sleeping beauty herself from the depths of her hundred -years' slumber.</p> - -<p>"But you, sir," said José, "you who are nearly as -learned as Uncle Raoul, you could perhaps tell me -something of this wicked king who so ungratefully put -this poor M. Biron to death."</p> - -<p>"Kings, my dear José, never forget a personal offense, -and, like a great many smaller people who can -not overlook the faults of others, no matter how well -atoned for, for faithful services, their memory is very -short."</p> - -<p>"Well, now, but that seems very queer to me, when -I was thinking that the good God had given them everything -that heart could wish! A short memory! But -that is droll."</p> - -<p>Smiling at his companion's innocence, Archie replied:</p> - -<p>"King Henry IV, however, had an excellent memory, -although it failed him in that one instance. He -was a good prince and loved his subjects as if they -were his own children, and he did all he could to make -them happy. It is not surprising that his memory is -cherished by all good Frenchmen, even after a lapse of -one hundred and fifty years."</p> - -<p>"By our lady," exclaimed José, "there's nothing -surprising in that, if the subjects have a better memory -than their princes! It was cruel of him, however, to -hang this poor M. Biron."</p> - -<p>"The nobility of France were never hung," said -Archie. "That was one of their special privileges. -They simply had their heads cut off."</p> - -<p>"That was indeed a privilege. It may perhaps hurt -more, but it is much more glorious to die by the sword -than by the rope," remarked José.</p> - -<p>"To return to Henry IV," said Archie; "we must<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">253</a></span> -not be too severe in our condemnation of him. He -lived in a difficult period, a period of civil war. Biron, -his kinsman and former friend, turned traitor, and was -doubly deserving of his fate."</p> - -<p>"Poor M. Biron!" said José; " but he speaks finely -in his lament."</p> - -<p>"It is not always they who speak the best who have -most right on their side," remarked Archie. "There is -no one so like an honest man as an eloquent knave."</p> - -<p>"All very true, Mr. Archie. We have one poor -thief in our district, and as he doesn't know how to -defend himself, everybody is continually getting his -teeth into him, while his brother, who is a hundred -times worse than he, has so smooth a tongue that he -passes himself off for a little saint. Meanwhile, yonder -is Quebec! But no more the white flag waving over -her," added José, sighing.</p> - -<p>To hide his emotion, he went searching in all his -pockets for his pipe, grumbling to himself and repeating -his old refrain:</p> - -<p class="center"> -"Our good folk will come again."</p> - -<p>José spent two days in Quebec, and returned loaded -with all the presents that Archie thought would find -acceptance at D'Haberville Manor. Such rich gifts as -he would have sent under other circumstances he dared -not send now, for fear of wounding his friends. In -bidding José farewell, he said:</p> - -<p>"I left my prayer-book at the manor house. Beg -Miss Blanche to take care of it till I return. It was -a keepsake."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">254</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.<br /> -<span class="chapsmall">THE FAMILY HEARTH.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>Many a calamity had swept over the land since -the day when the relations and friends of Jules had -gathered at the manor house to bid him farewell before -his departure for France. Among the old men -time had made his customary inroads. The enemy -had carried fire and sword into the peaceful dwellings -of the <i>habitants</i>. The famine numbered its victims by -the hundred. The soil had been drenched with the -blood of its brave defenders. Wind and sea had conspired -against many of those brave officers from whom -sword and bullet had turned aside. Nature was satiated -with the blood of the children of New France. The -future was dark indeed for the upper classes, already -ruined by the havoc of the enemy, for those who, in -laying by the sword, were compelled to lay by the main -support of their families, and for those who foresaw that -their descendants, reduced to a lower walk in life, -would be compelled to till the soil which their valiant -ancestors had made illustrious.</p> - -<p>The city of Quebec, which of old had seemed to -brave, upon its hill summit, the thunders of the heaviest -guns and the assaults of the most daring battalions, the -proud city of Quebec, still incumbered with wreckage, -raised itself with difficulty out of its ruins. The British -flag streamed triumphant from its overbearing citadel,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">255</a></span> -and the Canadian who, by force of habit, used to raise -his eyes to the height in expectation of seeing the lily -banner, would drop them again sadly, repeating with a -sigh these touching words, "But our good kin will -come again."</p> - -<p>The reader will doubtless be gratified to see his old -acquaintances, after so many disasters bravely endured, -once more gathered together at a little banquet. -This was a feast given by M. D'Haberville in honor of -his son's return. Even "the good gentleman" himself, -though nearing the close of his century, had responded -in person to the summons. Captain des Ecors, a comrade -of M. D'Haberville, a brave officer who had been -brought to ruin by the conquest, formed with his family a -congenial addition to the gathering. One of Jules's -kinsfolk who perished in the wreck of the Auguste had -left him a small legacy, which brought a new comfort to -the D'Habervilles, and enabled them to exercise a hospitality -from which they had been long and reluctantly -debarred.</p> - -<p>All the guests were at table, after vainly waiting for -the arrival of Lochiel, who was as a rule the most punctual -of men.</p> - -<p>"Well, my friends," said M. D'Haberville, "what -think you now of the omens which so saddened me -ten years ago? What is your opinion, Monsieur the -Curé, of those mysterious warnings which Heaven appeared -to send me?"</p> - -<p>"I think," answered the priest, "that every one has -had, or imagined himself to have, more or less mysterious -warnings, even in the most remote epochs. But, -without going too far back, Roman history is rife with -prodigies and portents. Occurrences the most insignificant -were classed as good or bad omens. The soothsayers -consulted the flight of birds, the entrails of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">256</a></span> -sacrificial victims, and what not! Further, they say -that no two of these holy and veracious personages could -look at each other without laughing."</p> - -<p>"And you conclude from this—?" queried M. D'Haberville.</p> - -<p>"I conclude," said the priest, "that we need not -greatly concern ourselves about such manifestations. -Supposing Heaven were pleased, in certain exceptional -cases, to give visible signs as to the future, this would -but add one more to the already numberless ills of poor -humanity. We are by nature superstitious, and we should -be kept in a state of feverish apprehension, far worse -than the actual evils supposed to be foreshadowed."</p> - -<p>"Well," said M D'Haberville, who, like many more, -consulted others merely as a matter of form, "my own -experience compels me to believe that such omens are -very often to be trusted. To me they have never played -false. Besides those which you yourselves have witnessed, -I could cite you a host of others. For instance, -about fifteen years ago I was leading a war party against -the Iroquois. My band was made up of Canadians and -Huron Indians. We were on the march, when suddenly -I felt a sharp pain in my thigh, as if I had been struck -by some hard substance. The pang was sharp enough -to make me halt a moment. I told my Indians about -it. They looked at each other uneasily, consulted the -horizon, and breathed deeply, sniffing the air in every -direction, like dogs in quest of game. Then, certain -that there were no enemies in the neighborhood, they -resumed their march. I asked Petit-Étienne, the chief, -who appeared uneasy, if he was dreading a surprise. -'Not that I know of,' said he, 'but at our first encounter -with the enemy you will be wounded just where you -felt the pain.' Of course I laughed at the prediction; -but for all that, not two hours later an Iroquois bullet<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">257</a></span> -went through my thigh at the spot in question, fortunately -escaping the bone. No, gentlemen; omens have -proved faithful in my own case."</p> - -<p>"And what thinks Monsieur the Chevalier?" asked -the priest.</p> - -<p>"I think," said Uncle Raoul, "that there is good -wine on the table, and that it is our pressing duty to -attack it."</p> - -<p>"An admirable decision!" cried everybody.</p> - -<p>"The wine," remarked Jules, "is the most faithful -of presages, for it announces happiness and mirth. In -proof of it, here is our friend Lochiel coming up the -avenue. I am going to meet him."</p> - -<p>"You see, my dear Archie," said the captain, greeting -him warmly, "you see that we have treated you -without ceremony, as a child of the family. We only -waited for you half an hour. Knowing your soldierly -punctuality, we feared that some unavoidable business -had prevented your coming."</p> - -<p>"I should have been much grieved if you had treated -me otherwise than as a child of the family," answered -Archie. "I had planned to be here quite early this -morning, but I did not make sufficient allowance for -your fine quagmire at Cap St.-Ignace. First of all, my -horse got into a bog-hole, whence I extricated him at -the cost of the harness, which I had to do without as -best I could. Then I broke a wheel of my carriage, -whereupon I had to go and seek help at the nearest -house, about a mile and a half away. For most of the -distance I was wading through mud up to my knees, and -when I got there I was half dead with fatigue."</p> - -<p>"Ah, my dear Archie," said Jules, the ceaseless -mocker, "<i>quantum mutatus ab illo</i>, as Uncle Raoul would -have said if I hadn't got ahead of him. Where are your -mighty legs, of which you were once so proud in that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">258</a></span> -same morass? Have they lost their agility since the -28th of April, 1760? They served you admirably in -that retreat, as I predicted they would."</p> - -<p>"It is true," replied Lochiel, laughing heartily, "that -they did not fail me in the <i>retreat</i> of 1760, as you so -considerately call it, but, my dear Jules, you had no -reason to complain of your own, short as they are, in the -retreat of 1759. One compliment deserves another you -know, always with due regard to a soldier's modesty."</p> - -<p>"Ah, but you're all astray there, my dear fellow. A -scratch which I had received from an English bullet was -interfering very seriously with my flight, when a tall -grenadier who had somehow taken a fancy to me, threw -me over his shoulder with no more ceremony than as if -I were his haversack, and, continuing his retreat at full -speed, deposited me at length within the walls of Quebec. -It was time. In his zeal, the creature had carried -me with my head hanging down his rascally back, like a -calf on the way to the butcher's, so that I was almost -choked by the time he landed me. Would you believe -it, the rascal had the audacity some time afterward, to -ask me for a <i>pour-boire</i> for himself and his friends, who -were so glad to see their little grenadier once more upon -his feet; and I was fool enough to treat the crowd. -You see, I never could keep up a grudge. But here is -your dinner, piping hot, which your friend Lisette has -kept in the oven for you. To be sure, you deserve to -take your dinner in the kitchen, for the anxiety that you -have been causing us; but we'll let that pass. Here is -José bringing you an appetizer, according to the custom -of all civilized nations. The old fellow is so glad to see -you that he is showing his teeth from ear to ear. I -assure you that he is not one-handed when he is giving -his friends a drink, and still less so when, like his late -father, he is taking one himself."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">259</a></span></p> - -<p>"Our young master," answered José, putting the -empty plate under his arm in order to shake Archie's -hand, "our young master is always at his jokes; but -Mr. Archie knows very well that if there was only one -glass of brandy left in the world I should give it to him -rather than drink it myself. As for my poor late father, -he was a very systematic man; so many drinks a day -and not a drop more—always barring weddings and festivals -and other special occasions. He knew how to -live with propriety, and also how to take his little recreations -from time to time, the worthy man! All I can -say is, that when he entertained his friends he didn't -keep the bottle under the table."</p> - -<p>In The Vicar of Wakefield Goldsmith makes the -good pastor say:</p> - -<p>"I can't say whether we had more wit among us than -usual, but I'm certain we had more laughing, which answered -the end as well."</p> - -<p>The same might be said of the present gathering, -over which there reigned that French light-heartedness -which seems, alas, to be disappearing in what Homer -would call these degenerate days.</p> - -<p>"Neighbor," said Captain D'Haberville to Captain -des Ecors, "if your little difficulty with General Murray -has not spoiled your throat for singing, please set a good -example by giving us a song."</p> - -<p>"Indeed," said Archie, "I heard that you had great -difficulty in escaping the clutches of our bad-tempered -general, but I am unacquainted with the particulars."</p> - -<p>"When I think of it, my friend," exclaimed Captain -des Ecors, "I feel something of a strangling sensation -in my throat. I should not complain, however, for in -my case the general conducted affairs in due order; instead -of hanging me first and trying me afterward, he -came to the wise conclusion that the trial had better<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">260</a></span> -precede the hanging. The fate of the unhappy miller -Nadeau, my fellow-prisoner, who was accused of the -same crime as myself, and who was not tried until after -his execution—the sad fate of this respectable man, -whose innocence he heard too late, led him to hesitate -before hanging me untried. In my captivity I passed -many a bad quarter of an hour. All communication -with the outside world was forbidden me. I had no -means of learning what fate was in store for me. Every -day I asked the sentinel who was walking up and down -beneath my window if he had any news for me, and ordinarily -I received in answer a cordial 'goddam.' At -last a soldier, more accessible and good-humored, who -could jabber a scrap of French, replied to my question, -'<i>Vous pendar sept heures le matingul!</i>' I believe this -jolly and sympathetic creature put all his knowledge of -French into that one phrase, for to every other question -I asked I received the same reply—'<i>Vous pendar sept -heures le matingul!</i>' It was easy to gather from this -that I was to be hung some morning at seven o'clock, -but what morning I could not learn. The outlook was -anything but cheerful. For three whole days I had seen -the body of the unfortunate Nadeau hanging from one -of the arms of his wind mill, the plaything of the gale. -Every morning I expected that I should be called to -take his place on this novel and ingenious gibbet."</p> - -<p>"Infamous!" cried Archie. "And the man was -innocent!"</p> - -<p>"This was proved at the inquest which was held -after the execution," replied Captain des Ecors. "I -should add that General Murray appeared to repent -with bitterness for this murder, which he had committed -in his haste. He heaped Nadeau's family with benefits, -and adopted his two little orphan daughters, whom he -took with him to England. Poor Nadeau!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">261</a></span></p> - -<p>All the company echoed the words "Poor Nadeau!"</p> - -<p>"Alas!" said Des Ecor philosophically, "if we were -to set ourselves lamenting for all who have lost their -lives by—But let us change a subject so painful." -Then he sang the following song:</p> - - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"The new Narcissus am I named,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Whom all men most admire;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">From water have I been reclaimed,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">In wine to drown my fire.<br /></span> -<span class="i0">When I behold the rosy hue<br /></span> -<span class="i4">That gives my face renown,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Enraptured with the lovely view,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">I drink my image down.<br /></span></div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"In all the universe is naught<br /></span> -<span class="i4">But tribute pays to thee;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Even the winter's ice is brought<br /></span> -<span class="i4">For thy benignant glee.<br /></span> -<span class="i0">The Earth exerts her anxious care<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Thy nurture to assist;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">To ripen thee the sun shines fair;<br /></span> -<span class="i4">To drink thee I exist."<br /></span> -</div></div></div> - - -<p>The songs and choruses succeeded each other rapidly. -That contributed by Madame Vincelot wrought -up the merriment of the party to a high pitch.</p> - - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"This festal board, this royal cheer,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">They clearly tell<br /></span> -<span class="i0">(They clearly tell)<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Our host is glad to have us here,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">And feast us well<br /></span> -<span class="i4">(And feast us well);<br /></span> -<span class="i0">For even he permits that we<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Make Charivari! Charivari! Charivari!<br /></span> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"Now pour me out a glass, kind host,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Of this good wine (<i>repeat</i>),<br /></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">262</a></span> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">I would drink a loving toast—<br /></span> -<span class="i4">This wife of thine (<i>repeat</i>),<br /></span> -<span class="i0">smilingly permits that we<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Make Charivari! Charivari! Charivari!"<br /></span> -</div></div></div> - - -<p>To this Madame D'Haberville added the following -impromptu stanza:</p> - - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"If our endeavor to make your cheer<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Be not in vain (<i>repeat</i>),<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Consider you're the masters here,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">And come again (<i>repeat</i>),<br /></span> -<span class="i0">And it shall be your care that we<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Make Charivari! Charivari! Charivari!"<br /></span> -</div></div></div> - - -<p>Then Jules added a verse:</p> - - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"Without a spice of rivalry<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Dan Cupid nods (<i>repeat</i>),<br /></span> -<span class="i0">challenge him to cups, and he<br /></span> -<span class="i4">'Ll accept the odds (<i>repeat</i>).<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Bacchus and he, as well as we,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Make Charivari! Charivari! Charivari!"<br /></span> -</div></div></div> - - -<p>At the end of each stanza every one pounded on the -table with their hands or rapped on the plates with -their forks and spoons, till the din became something -indescribable.</p> - -<p>Blanche, being asked to sing her favorite song of -Blaise and Babette, endeavored to excuse herself and -substitute another; but the young ladies insisted, crying: -"Let us have Blaise and Babette by all means; -the minor is so touching."</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Jules, "that is a minor, with its 'My -love it is my life'; a minor to touch the tenderest chord -in the feminine heart. Quick, let us have the sweet -minor, to touch the hearts of these charming young -ladies!"</p> - -<p>"We'll make you pay for that in blindman's buff," -said one of them.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">263</a></span></p> - -<p>"And in the game of forfeits," said another.</p> - -<p>"Look out for yourself, my boy," said Jules, addressing -himself, "for in the hands of these young ladies -you stand no better chance than a cat without claws -would in—hades! No matter. Sing away, my dear -sister. Your voice, perhaps, like that of Orpheus, will -assuage the fury of your enemies."</p> - -<p>"The wretch!" chorused the young ladies, "to compare -us—But, never mind, we'll settle with you later. -Meanwhile, sing us the song, Blanche, dear."</p> - -<p>The latter still hesitated. Then, fearing to attract -attention by her refusal, she sang the following song -with tears in her voice. It was the cry of a pure love -finding utterance, in spite of all her efforts to bury it -in her heart:</p> - - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"For thee, dear heart, these flowers I twine.<br /></span> -<span class="i4">My Blaise, accept of thy Babette<br /></span> -<span class="i0">The warm rose and the orange-flower,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">And jessamine and violet.<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Be not thy passion like the bloom,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">That shines a day and disappears.<br /></span> -<span class="i0">My love is an undying light,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">And will not change for time or tears.<br /></span> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"Dear, be not like the butterfly<br /></span> -<span class="i4">That knows each blossom in the glades,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">And cheapen not thy sighs and vows<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Among the laughing village maids.<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Such loves are but the transient bloom<br /></span> -<span class="i4">That shines a day and disappears.<br /></span> -<span class="i0">My love is an undying light,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">And will not change for time or tears.<br /></span> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"If I should find my beauty fade,<br /></span> -<span class="i4">If I must watch these charms depart,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Dear, see thou but my tenderness—<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Oh, look thou only on my heart!<br /></span> -</div> - -<div class="stanza"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">264</a></span> -<span class="i0">Oh, look thou only on my heart!<br /></span> -<span class="i4">Remember how the transient bloom<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Shines for a day and disappears.<br /></span> -<span class="i4">My love is an undying light,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">And will not change for time or tears."<br /></span> -</div></div></div> - - -<p>Every one was moved by her touching pathos, of -which they could not guess the true cause. They attributed -it, lamely enough, to her emotion on seeing -Jules thus brought back to the bosom of his family. To -divert their attention, Jules hastened to say:</p> - -<p>"But it's myself that has brought the pretty song -with me from France."</p> - -<p>"Let us have your pretty song," arose the cry on all -sides.</p> - -<p>"No," said Jules, "I am keeping it for Mademoiselle -Vincelot, to whom I wish to teach it."</p> - -<p>Now the young lady in question had for some years -been declaring herself very hostile to the idea of marriage; -indeed, she had avowed a pronounced preference -for celibacy. But Jules knew that a certain widower, -not waiting quite so long as decorum required, had overcome -the strange repugnance of this tigress of chastity, -and had even prevailed upon her to name the day. This -declared opponent of marriage was in no hurry to thank -Jules, whose malicious waggery she knew too well; but -every one cried persistently: "The song! Give us the -song, and you can teach it to Elise at your leisure."</p> - -<p>"As you will," said Jules. "It is very short, but is -not wanting in spice:</p> - -<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"A maiden is a bird<br /></span> -<span class="i0">That seems to love the cage,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Enamored of the nest<br /></span> -<span class="i0">That nursed her tender age;<br /></span> -<span class="i0">But leave the window wide<br /></span> -<span class="i0">And, presto! she's outside<br /></span> -<span class="i0">And off on eager wing<br /></span> -<span class="i0">To mate and sing."<br /></span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">265</a></span></p> - -<p>They chaffed Elise a good deal, who, like all prudes, -took their pleasantries with rather a bad grace, seeing -which, Madame D'Haberville gave the signal, and the -company arose and went into the drawing-room. Elise, -as she was passing Jules, gave him a pinch that nearly -brought the blood.</p> - -<p>"Come, my fair one, whose claws are so sharp," exclaimed -Jules, "is this such a caress as you destined for -your future spouse, this which you are now bestowing -on one of your best friends? Happy spouse! May -Heaven keep much joy for him at the last!"</p> - -<p>After the coffee and the customary <i>pousse-café</i> the -company went out into the court-yard to dance country -dances and to play fox and geese and my lady's toilet. -Nothing could be more picturesque than this latter -game, played in the open air in a yard studded with -trees. The players took their places each under a tree. -One only remained in the open. Each furnished his -or her contribution to my lady's toilet—one being her -dress, another her necklace, another her ring, and so -forth. It was the office of one of the players to direct -the game. As soon as he called for one of these articles -the one representing this article was obliged at once to -leave his post, which was promptly taken possession of -by another. Then, as the different articles of my lady's -toilet were called for rapidly, a lively interchange of positions -was set up between the players, the one left out -in the first place striving to capture any post that might -be left for an instant vacant. This merry game was -continued until my lady considered her toilet complete. -Then, on the cry, "My lady wants all her toilet," all the -players change places with alacrity, and the one who -was left out had to pay a forfeit. It is not to be supposed -that this game was conducted without a vast deal -of laughter and clamor and ludicrous mishaps.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">266</a></span></p> - -<p>When the ladies were tired the party went into the -house to amuse themselves less vigorously with such -games as "does the company please you," or "hide the -ring," "shepherdess," or "hide and seek," or "hot -cockles," etc. They ended up with a game proposed -by Jules, which was ordinarily productive of much -laughter.</p> - -<p>The early Canadians, though redoubtable warriors -on the battle-field, were thorough children in their social -gatherings. Being nearly all kinsfolk or friends of long -standing, many of their games which in these days might -be regarded in the best circles as overfamiliar were -robbed of the objectionable element. The stranger -would have said that they were a lot of brothers and -sisters letting their spirits have free play within the privacy -of the family.</p> - -<p>It was not without deliberate purpose that Jules, -who still felt the pinch Elise had given him, proposed a -game by which he hoped to get his revenge. This is -the game: A lady seated in an arm-chair begins by -choosing some one as her daughter. Her eyes are then -blindfolded, and, by merely feeling the faces of the -players, who kneel before her one by one, with their -heads enveloped in a shawl or scarf, she is required to -pick out her daughter. Every time she makes a mistake -she has to pay a forfeit. It is often a man or an old -woman who kneels before her thus disguised, whence -arises many a laughable mistake.</p> - -<p>When it came the turn of Elise to take the arm-chair, -she did not fail to select Jules for her daughter, with the -purpose of tormenting him a little during the inspection. -As each person knelt at the feet of the blindfolded lady, -all the others sang in chorus:</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">"Oh, lady, say, is this your daughter?<br /> -Oh, lady, say, is this your daughter?<br /></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">267</a></span></p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">In buckles of gold and rings galore,<br /> -The watermen bold are at the oar."<br /></div></div> - -<p>The blindfolded lady responds in the same fashion:</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">"Oh, yes, it is, it is my daughter, etc."<br /></div></div> - -<p>Or else:</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">"Oh, no, it is not, it is not my daughter;<br /> -Oh, no, it is not, it is not my daughter.<br /> -In buckles of gold and rings galore,<br /> -The watermen bold are at the oar."<br /></div></div> - -<p>After having inspected several heads, Elise, hearing -under the shawl the stifled laughter of Jules, imagined -she had grasped her prey. She feels his head. It is -not unlike that of Jules. The face, indeed, seems a -trifle long, but this rascally Jules has so many tricks for -disguising himself! Did he not mystify the company -for a whole evening, having been introduced as an old -aunt just arrived that very day from France? Under -this disguise, did he not have the audacity to kiss all the -pretty women in the room, including Elise herself? The -wretch! Yes, Jules is capable of anything! Under -this impression she pinches an ear. There is a cry of -pain and a low growl, followed by a loud barking. She -snatches the bandage from her eyes, to find herself confronted -with two rows of threatening teeth. It was -Niger. Just as at the house of Farmer Dinmont, of -whom Scott tell us, all the dogs were named Pepper, so -at the D'Haberville mansion all the dogs were called -Niger or Nigra, in memory of their ancestor, whom the -little Jules had named to show his progress in Latin.</p> - -<p>Elise at once snatched off her high-heeled shoe, and -made an attack on Jules. The latter held poor Niger -as a shield, and ran from room to room, the girl following -him hotly amid roars of laughter.</p> - -<p>Oh, happy time when lightness of heart made wit<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">268</a></span> -unnecessary! Oh, happy time when the warmth of welcome -made superfluous the luxury which these ruined -Canadians were learning to do without! The houses, -like the hearts of their owners, seemed able to enlarge -themselves to meet every possible demand of hospitality. -Sleeping-places were improvised upon the slightest -occasion; and when once the ladies were comfortably -provided for the sterner sex found no difficulty in -shifting for themselves. These men, who had passed -half their life in camp during the harshest seasons; who -had journeyed four or five leagues on snow-shoes, resting -by night in holes which they dug in the snow (as -they did when they went to attack the English in Acadia), -these men of iron could do without swan's-down -coverlets to their couches.</p> - -<p>The merry-making paused only for sleep, and was renewed -in all its vigor in the morning. As every one then -wore powder, the more skillful would undertake the <i>rôle</i> -of hairdresser, or even of barber. The subject, arrayed -in an ample dressing-gown, seated himself gravely in -a chair. The impromptu hairdresser rarely failed to -heighten the effect of his achievement, either by tracing -with the powder puff an immense pair of whiskers on -those who lacked such adornment, or, in the case of -those who were already provided, by making one side a -great deal longer than the other. The victim frequently -was made aware of his plight only by the peals of -laughter which greeted him on entering the drawing-room.</p> - -<p>The party broke up at the end of three days, in spite -of the efforts of M. and Madame D'Haberville to keep -them longer. Archie alone, who had promised to spend -a month with his old friends, kept his word and remained.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">269</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.<br /> -<span class="chapsmall">CONCLUSION.</span></h2> -</div> - -<blockquote> -<p>Ainsi passe sur la terre tout ce qui fut bon, vertueux, sensible! -Homme, tu n'es qu'un songe rapide, un rêve douloureux; tu n'existes que -par le malheur; tu n'es quelque chose que par la tristesse de ton âme et -l'eternelle mélancolie de ta pensée!—<i>Chateaubriand.</i></p></blockquote> - -<p>After the departure of the guests the family fell -back into the sweet intimacy of former days. Jules, -whom his native air had restored to health, passed the -greater part of the day in hunting with Archie. The -abundance of game at that season made the pastime -very agreeable. They took supper at seven, they went -to bed at ten, and the evenings seemed all too short -even without the help of cards. Jules, who was ignorant -of what had passed between his sister and Archie, -could not but be struck with his friend's unusual sadness, -of which, however, he failed to guess the cause. -To all questions on the subject he received an evasive -answer. Finally, imagining that he had found the root -of the difficulty, one evening when they were alone together -he put the question directly.</p> - -<p>"I have noticed, my brother," said he, "the sadness -which you endeavor to conceal from us. You are unjust -to us, Archie, you do yourself an injustice. You -should not brood over the past. In saving the lives -which would otherwise have been lost in the shipwreck -of the Auguste, you have done my family a service which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">270</a></span> -more than compensates for what took place before. It -is we now who owe you a debt of gratitude which can -never be repaid. It was very natural that, prejudiced -by report and for the moment forgetful of your noble -heart, even such friends as we, imbittered by our losses, -should lend an ear to calumnies against you; but you -know that a simple explanation was enough to re-cement -our old friendship. If my father bore his grudge for a -long time, you know his nature and must make allowance -for it. He feels now all his old affection for you. -Our losses have been in great part repaired, and we live -more tranquilly under the British Government than we -did under the rule of France. Our <i>habitants</i> have followed -the example of Cincinnatus, as Uncle Raoul -would say, and exchanged the musket for the plow-share. -They are opening up new land, and in a few -years this <i>seigneurie</i> will be in a most prosperous condition. -With the help of the little legacy which I lately -received, we shall soon be as rich as we were before the -conquest. Therefore, my dear Archie, drive away this -gloom which is making us all miserable and resume thy -former lightheartedness."</p> - -<p>Lochiel was silent for some time, and only answered -after a painful effort.</p> - -<p>"Impossible, my brother. The wound is more recent -than you imagine and will bleed all my life, for all -my hopes are destroyed. But let us leave the subject; -for I have already been wounded in my tenderest and -purest emotions, and an unsympathetic word from you -would finish me."</p> - -<p>"An unsympathetic word from my lips, do you say, -Archie? What can you mean by that? The friend -whom I have sometimes vexed with my raillery knows -very well what my heart is toward him, and that I was -always ready to crave his pardon. You shake your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">271</a></span> -head sadly! Great heaven, what is the matter? What -is there that you can not confide to your brother, the -friend of your boyhood? Never have I had anything -to conceal from you. My thoughts were as open to you -as your own, and I had imagined that you were as -frank with me. A curse upon whatever has been able -to come between us!"</p> - -<p>"Stop, Jules, stop," cried Archie. "However painful -my confidences may be to you, I must tell you all rather -than let you harbor such a cruel suspicion. I am going -to open my heart to you, but on the express condition -that you shall hear me uninterruptedly to the end, as an -impartial judge. Not till to-morrow will we return to -this sore subject. Meanwhile, promise to keep the -secret that I am going to confide to you."</p> - -<p>"I give you my word," said Jules, grasping his hand.</p> - -<p>Thereupon Lochiel recounted minutely the conversation -that he had had with Blanche. As soon as he -came to an end he lit a candle and withdrew to his own -room.</p> - -<p>As for Jules, he stormed within himself all night. -Having studied women only in the <i>salons</i> of St. Germain, -his vigorous common sense could ill appreciate -the sublimity that there was in the sacrifice which his -sister was imposing upon herself. Such sentiments -appeared to him mere romantic and exaggerated nonsense, -or the product of an imagination rendered morbid -by calamity. With his heart set upon an alliance -which would gratify his dearest wishes, he resolved that, -with the consent of Archie, he would have a very serious -conversation with Blanche, from which he felt confident -he would come off victorious. "She loves him," -thought he, "and therefore my cause is already gained."</p> - -<p>Man, with all his apparent superiority, with all his -self-confident vanity, has never yet sounded the depths<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">272</a></span> -of the feminine heart, that inexhaustible treasure-house -of love, devotion, and self-sacrifice. The poets have -sung in every key this being who came all beauty from -the hands of her Creator; but what is all this physical -beauty compared to the spiritual beauty of a noble and -high-souled woman? Indeed, who is more miserable -than man in the face of adversity, when, poor pygmy, -he leans on the fortitude of a woman, who bears the -burden uncomplainingly. It is not surprising then -that Jules, knowing woman only on the surface, expected -an easy triumph over his sister's scruples.</p> - -<p>"Come, Blanche," said Jules to his sister, the next -day, after dinner, "there's our Scottish Nimrod setting -out with his gun to get some birds for our supper. -Let's you and I see if we can scale the bluff as nimbly -as we used to."</p> - -<p>"With all my heart," answered Blanche. "You -shall see that my Canadian legs have lost none of their -agility."</p> - -<p>The brother and sister, assisting themselves by the -projecting rocks, and by the shrubs which clung in the -crevices of the cliff, speedily scaled the difficult path -that led to the summit. After gazing in silence for a -time at the magnificent panorama unrolled before them, -Jules said to his sister:</p> - -<p>"I had an object in bringing you here. I wanted -to talk to you on a subject of the greatest importance. -You love our friend Archie; you have loved him for a -long time; yet for reasons that I can not comprehend, -for over-exalted sentiments which warp your judgment, -you are imposing upon yourself an unnatural sacrifice -and preparing for yourself a future of wretchedness. As -for me, if I loved an English girl, and she returned my -affection, I would marry her just as readily as if she -were one of my own countrywomen."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">273</a></span></p> - -<p>Blanche's eyes filled with tears. Taking her brother's -hand affectionately, she answered:</p> - -<p>"If you were to marry an English girl, my dear Jules, -I should take her to my heart as a sister; but that which -you could do without incurring any reproach, would be -cowardice on my part. Nobly have you paid your -debt to your country. Your voice has nerved your -soldiers through the most terrible conflicts. Twice has -your bleeding body been dragged from our battle-fields, -and three times have you been wounded in Old World -struggles. Yes, my beloved brother, you have fulfilled -all your duty to your country, and you can afford to indulge, -if you wish, the whim of taking a daughter of -England to wife. But I, a weak woman, what have I -done for this enslaved and now silent land, this land -which has rung so often of old with the triumphant -voices of my countrymen? Shall a daughter of the -D'Habervilles be the first to set the example of a double -yoke to the daughters of Canada? It is natural and -even desirable that the French and English in Canada, -having now one country and the same laws, should forget -their ancient hostility and enter into the most intimate -relationships; but I am not the one to set the example. -They would say, as I told Archie, that the -proud Briton, after having vanquished and ruined the -father, had purchased with his gold the poor Canadian -girl! Never, never shall it be said!" And the girl -wept bitterly on her brother's shoulder.</p> - -<p>"No one will know of it," she continued, "and -you yourself will never realize the full extent of the -sacrifice I am making, but fear not, Jules, I have the -strength for it. Proud of the sentiments by which I have -been inspired, I shall pass my days serenely in the bosom -of my family. Of this be sure," she continued in a voice -that thrilled with exaltation, "that she who has loved<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">274</a></span> -the noble Cameron of Lochiel will never soil her bosom -with another earthly love. You made a mistake in selecting -this spot, Jules, wherein to talk to me on such a -subject—this spot whence I have so often gazed proudly -on the mansion of my fathers, which is now replaced -by yonder poor dwelling. Let us go down now, and if -you love me never mention this painful subject again."</p> - -<p>"Noble soul!" cried Jules, and he held her sobbing -in his arms.</p> - -<p>Archie, having lost all hope of wedding Blanche -D'Haberville, set himself to repaying the debt of gratitude -which he owed Dumais. The refusal of Blanche -changed his first intentions and left him more latitude; -for he now resolved upon a life of celibacy. Archie, -whom misfortune had brought to an early maturity, had -studied men and things with great coolness of judgment; -and he had come to the wise conclusion that -marriage is rarely a success unless based on mutual love. -Unlike most young men, Lochiel was genuinely modest. -Though endowed with remarkable beauty, and with all -those qualities which go to captivate women, he nevertheless -remained always simple and unassuming in his -manner. He further believed, with Molière's Toinette, -that the pretense of love often bears a very close resemblance -to the reality. "When I was poor and in exile," -thought he, "I was loved for my own sake; now that I -am rich, who knows that another woman would love in -me anything but my wealth and my rank, even supposing -that I should succeed in banishing from my heart -my first and only love." Archie decided then that he -would never marry.</p> - -<p>The sun was disappearing behind the Laurentian -hills, when Lochiel arrived at the farm of Dumais. The -order and prosperity which reigned there gave him an -agreeable surprise. The good wife, busy in her dairy,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">275</a></span> -where a fat servant girl was helping her, came forward -to meet him without recognizing him, and invited him -to enter the house.</p> - -<p>"This is the house of Sergeant Dumais, I believe," -said Archie.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, and I am his wife. My husband should -be back presently from the fields with a load of grain. -I will send one of the children to hurry him up."</p> - -<p>"There is no hurry, madam. I have called to give -you news of a certain Mr. Archie de Lochiel, whom you -once knew. Perhaps you have forgotten him."</p> - -<p>Madame Dumais came nearer. After studying his -face intently for some moments, she said:</p> - -<p>"There is certainly a resemblance. Doubtless you -are one of his kinsfolk. Forget Mr. Archie! He could -never think us capable of such ingratitude. Do you -not know, then, that he faced almost certain death to -save my husband's life, and that we pray to God every -day that he will bless our benefactor? Forget Mr. -Archie! You grieve me, sir."</p> - -<p>Lochiel was much moved. Lifting into his lap the -little seven-year-old Louise, Dumais's youngest child, -he said to her:</p> - -<p>"And you, my little one, do you know Mr. Archie?"</p> - -<p>"I have never seen him," said the child, "but we -pray for him every day."</p> - -<p>"What do you pray?" asked Archie.</p> - -<p>"O God, bless Mr. Archie, who saved papa's life, as -long as he lives; and, when he dies, take him to your -holy paradise."</p> - -<p>Lochiel continued to chat with Madame Dumais till -the latter heard her husband's voice at the barn. She -ran to tell him that there was a stranger in the house -with news from Mr. Archie. Dumais was preparing to -pitch off his load, but he threw down the fork and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">276</a></span> -rushed into the house. It was by this time too dark for -him to make out the stranger's face.</p> - -<p>"You are indeed welcome," said he, "coming with -news from one so dear to us."</p> - -<p>"You are—Sergeant Dumais?" inquired Archie.</p> - -<p>"You are Mr. Archie!" cried Dumais, clasping him -in his arms. "Do you think I could forget the voice -that cried to me 'Courage!' when I was hanging on the -brink of the abyss—the voice I heard so often in my -sickness?"</p> - -<p>Toward the end of the evening Archie said:</p> - -<p>"My dear Dumais, I am come to ask a great -favor."</p> - -<p>"A favor!" exclaimed Dumais. "Could I, a poor -farmer, be so fortunate as to do you a favor? It would -be the happiest day of my life."</p> - -<p>"Well, Dumais, it depends upon you to restore me -to health. Though I may not look it, I am sick, more -sick than you could imagine."</p> - -<p>"Indeed," said Dumais, "you are pale, and sadder -than of old. Good heaven! What is the matter?"</p> - -<p>"Have you ever heard of a malady to which the -English are very subject, and which they call the spleen, -or blue devils?"</p> - -<p>"No," said Dumais. "I have known several of your -English who, if I may say it without offense, seemed to -have the devil in them; but I had imagined that these -devils were of a darker hue."</p> - -<p>Archie began to laugh.</p> - -<p>"What we, my dear Dumais, call the blue devils is -known among you Canadians as '<i>peine d'esprit</i>.'"</p> - -<p>"I understand now," said Dumais, "but what astonishes -me is that a man like you, with everything heart -could wish, should be amusing himself with blue devils."</p> - -<p>"My dear Dumais," replied Archie, "I might answer<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">277</a></span> -that every one in the world has his sorrows, however -fortunate he may seem; but it is enough now to say that -the malady is upon me, and that I count upon you to -help me to a cure."</p> - -<p>"Command me, Mr. Archie; for I am at your service -day and night."</p> - -<p>"I have tried everything," continued Archie. "I -have tried study, I have tried literary work. I am better -in the day-time, but my nights are usually sleepless, -and when I do sleep, I wake up as miserable as ever. -I have concluded that nothing but hard manual labor -can cure me. After toiling all day, I imagine that I shall -win such a slumber as has long been denied me."</p> - -<p>"Very true," said Dumais. "When a man has labored -all day with his hands, I defy him to suffer from -sleeplessness at night. But how shall I have the pleasure -of helping you?"</p> - -<p>"I expect you to cure me, my dear Dumais. But -listen while I explain my plans. I am now rich, and -since Providence has given me riches which I had never -expected, I should employ a portion of them in doing -good. In this parish and the neighborhood there is an -immense deal of land unoccupied, either for sale or to -be granted. My plan is to take up a large acreage of -such lands, and not only superintend the clearing, but -work at it myself. You know that I have good arms; -and I will do as much as any of the rest."</p> - -<p>"I know it," said Dumais.</p> - -<p>"There are many poor fellows," continued Archie, -"who will be glad enough to get work at such good -wages as I shall give. You understand, Dumais, that I -shall have to have some one to help me. Moreover, -what would I do in the evening and during bad weather, -without a friend to keep me company? It is then -that my melancholy would kill me."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">278</a></span></p> - -<p>"Let us set out to-morrow," cried Dumais, "and -visit the best lots, which, for that matter, I already -know pretty well."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," said Archie, grasping his hand; "but -who will take care of your farm in your frequent -absences?"</p> - -<p>"Don't be anxious on that score, sir. My wife -could manage very well alone, even without her brother, -an old bachelor, who lives with us. My farm has never -suffered much from my absence. I have always preferred -the musket to the plow. My wife scolds me -occasionally on this subject; but we are none the worse -friends for that."</p> - -<p>"Do you know," said Archie, "that yonder by the -edge of the river, near that maple grove, is the most -charming situation for a house. Yours is old. We -will build one large enough for us all. I will build it, -on condition that I have the right to occupy half of it -during my life; and on my death all will belong to you. -I have resolved to remain a bachelor."</p> - -<p>"Men like you," said Dumais, "are altogether too -scarce. It would be wrong to let the breed die out. -But I begin to understand that you are thinking less -about yourself than about me and my family, and that -you are seeking to make us rich."</p> - -<p>"Let us speak frankly," answered Archie. "I have -no true friends in the world but the D'Haberville family -and yours."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir," said Dumais, "for classing us poor -farmers with that illustrious family."</p> - -<p>"I only consider the virtues and good qualities of -men," answered Lochiel. "To be sure, I love and respect -birth and breeding, which does not prevent me from loving -and respecting all men who are worthy of such sentiments. -I want to give you a fourth part of my fortune."</p> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">279</a></span></p> - -<p>"Oh, sir!" cried Dumais.</p> - -<p>"Listen a moment, my friend," continued Lochiel. -"When I told you that I was suffering from what you -call '<i>peine d'esprit</i>,' I was telling the literal truth. -I have found the remedy for this trouble. It lies in -plenty of hard work and in helping my friends. I am -going to give you during my life-time a quarter of my -fortune. Look out for yourself, Dumais! I am obstinate, -like all Scotchmen. If you trifle with me, instead -of a quarter, I am as likely as not to give you a half. -But, to speak seriously, my dear Dumais, you would be -doing me a very ill turn, indeed, if you should refuse -me."</p> - -<p>"If this is the case, sir," said Dumais, with tears in -his eyes, "I accept your gift."</p> - -<p>Let us leave Lochiel busying himself in heaping -benefits on Dumais, and let us return to our other -friends.</p> - -<p>"The good gentleman," now almost a hundred years -old, lived but a year after Jules's return. He died surrounded -by his friends, having been most lovingly -nursed by Blanche and Jules throughout the month of -his last illness. A little while before his death he begged -Jules to open his bed-room window, and, casting a feeble -glance toward the stream which rolled peacefully past -his door, he murmured:</p> - -<p>"There it is, my friend; there's the walnut tree in -whose shadow I told you the story of my misfortunes; -it was there I counseled you from my own experience. -I die content, for I see that you have profited by my -words. When I am gone, take this little candlestick. -It will remind you of the vigils it has witnessed and of -the advice which I have given you.</p> - -<p>"As for you, my dear and faithful André," exclaimed -M. d'Egmont, "it grieves me to leave you alone in this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">280</a></span> -world where you have shared my sorrows. You have -promised me to pass the rest of your days with the -D'Habervilles, who will care for your old age tenderly. -You know that after your death the poor are to be our -heirs."</p> - -<p>"My dear master," said Francœur, sobbing, "the -poor will not have long to wait for their inheritance."</p> - -<p>Having bid farewell to all his friends, "the good gentleman" -asked the priest to say the prayers for the dying. -Just at the words, "<i>Partez âme Chrétienne, au nom du -Dieu tout-puissant qui vous a créé</i>," he breathed his last. -Sterne would have said:</p> - -<p>"The recording angel of the court of heaven shed a -tear upon the follies of his youth, and blotted them out -forever." The angels are more compassionate than -men, who neither forget nor forgive the faults of -others!</p> - -<p>André Francœur was struck with paralysis on the -day of his master's burial, and survived him but three -weeks.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>When Jules had said to his sister: "If I loved an -English girl and she would have me, I would marry her -as readily as one of my own countrywomen," Blanche -had been far from suspecting her brother's real intentions. -The truth was that Jules, on his voyage across -the Atlantic, had made the acquaintance of a young -English girl of great beauty. A second Saint-Preux, -Jules had given her lessons in something more than -French grammar during a passage that lasted two months. -He had shown excellent taste. The young girl, in addition -to her beauty, possessed the qualities to inspire a -true passion.</p> - -<p>All obstacles being at length overcome, and the consent -of both families obtained, in the following year<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">281</a></span> -Jules married the fair daughter of Albion, who soon won -the hearts of all about her.</p> - -<p>Uncle Raoul, always bitter against the English on -account of the leg which he had lost in <ins title="Transcriber's note: original reads 'Acadie'">Acadia</ins>, but too -well bred to fail in the proprieties, used at first to shut -himself up whenever he wanted to swear comfortably at -the compatriots of his lovely niece; but by the end of a -month she had entirely captivated him, whereupon he -suddenly suppressed his oaths, to the great benefit of his -soul and of the pious ears which he had scandalized.</p> - -<p>"That rascal of a Jules," said Uncle Raoul, "showed -very good taste in wedding this young English woman. -His Holiness the Pope of old was quite right when he -said that these young islanders would be angels if only -they were Christians; <i>non angli, sed angeli fuissent, si -essent Christiani</i>."</p> - -<p>It was another thing when the dear uncle, trotting a -little nephew on one knee and a little niece on the other, -used to sing them the songs of the Canadian <i>voyageurs</i>. -How proud he was when their mother used to cry:</p> - -<p>"For pity sake, come to my help, dear uncle, for the -little demons won't go to sleep without you."</p> - -<p>Uncle Raoul had charged himself with the military -education of his nephew. Therefore, before he was four -years old, this pygmy warrior, armed with a little wooden -gun, might be seen making furious attacks against the -ample stomach of his instructor, who was obliged to defend -with his cane the part assaulted.</p> - -<p>"The little scamp," said the chevalier recovering -himself, "is going to have the dashing courage of the -D'Habervilles, with the persistence and independence -of the proud islanders from whom he is descended -through his mother."</p> - -<p>José had at first shown himself rather cool toward -his young mistress, but he ended by becoming warmly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">282</a></span> -attached to her. She had speedily found the weak point -in his armor of reserve. José, like his late father, -dearly loved his glass, which, however, produced very -little effect upon his hard head. It was as if one should -pour the liquor upon the head of the weather-cock, and -expect to confuse the judgment of that venerable but -volatile bird. His young mistress was forever offering -José a drop of brandy to warm him or a glass of wine to -refresh him; till José ended by declaring that if the -Englishmen were somewhat uncivil, their countrywomen -by no means resembled them in that regard.</p> - -<p>With their minds at ease as to the future of their -children, M. and Madame D'Haberville lived happily to -extreme old age. The captain's last words to his son -were:</p> - -<p>"Serve your new sovereign as faithfully as I have -served the King of France; and may God bless you, -my dear son, for the comfort that you have been to -me!"</p> - -<p>Uncle Raoul, dying three years before his brother, -bid farewell to life with but one regret. He would have -liked to see his little nephew fairly launched on the -career of arms, the only career he considered quite -worthy of a D'Haberville. Having perceived, however, -that the child made great progress in his studies, he -comforted himself with the thought that, if not a soldier, -his nephew might turn out a <i>savant</i> like himself and -keep the torch of learning lighted in the family.</p> - -<p>José, who had a constitution of iron and sinews of -steel, who had never had an hour of sickness, regarded -death as a sort of hypothetical event. One of his friends -said to him one day after his master's death:</p> - -<p>"Do you know, José, you must be at least eighty -years old, and one would scarcely take you to be fifty."</p> - -<p>José leaned upon his hip to show his steadiness,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">283</a></span> -blew through his pipe to expel a bit of ashes, fumbled -in his pocket with his one remaining hand till he found -his tobacco and his flint and steel, and at length replied -with great deliberation.</p> - -<p>"As you know, I am the foster-brother of our late -captain; I was brought up in his house; I have followed -him in every campaign that he has made; I have trained -his two children; I have begun, do you see, upon a new -charge, the care of his grandchildren. Very well, then! -As long as a D'Haberville needs my services, I don't -propose to leave."</p> - -<p>"Do you think, then, that you will live as long as the -late Maqueue-salé [Methuselah]?" asked the neighbor.</p> - -<p>"Longer still, if need be," replied José.</p> - -<p>Then, having taken from his pocket everything -which he needed, he filled his pipe, put a bit of lighted -tinder on the bowl, and applied himself to smoking while -he regarded his friend with the air of a man convinced -of the truth of everything which he has said.</p> - -<p>José kept his word for a dozen years; but it was in -vain that he endeavored to strengthen himself against -old age by occupying himself with his usual tasks, despite -the remonstrances of his masters, and at last he -was forced to keep the house. All the family were anxious -about him.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter, my dear José?" said Jules.</p> - -<p>"Bah! only laziness," replied José, "or perhaps my -rheumatics."</p> - -<p>But José had never had an attack of that malady. -This was only an excuse.</p> - -<p>"Give the good old fellow, ma'am, his morning glass, -it will revive him," said Archie.</p> - -<p>"I am going to bring you a little glass of excellent -brandy," said Madame Jules.</p> - -<p>"Not just now," replied José, " I always have some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">284</a></span> -in my trunk, but this morning it doesn't appeal to -me."</p> - -<p>They began to be seriously alarmed; this was a bad -symptom.</p> - -<p>"Then I am going to make you a cup of tea," said -Madame Jules, "and you will feel better."</p> - -<p>"My English wife," said Jules, "thinks tea a remedy -for all ills."</p> - -<p>José drank the tea, and declared that it was a fine -medicine and that he felt better, but this did not prevent -the faithful servant from taking to his bed that very -evening never to leave it alive.</p> - -<p>When the brave fellow knew that his end was drawing -near, he said to Jules, who watched with him through -the night:</p> - -<p>"I have prayed the good God to prolong my life to -your childrens' next holidays, so that I might see them -once more before I die, but I shall not have that consolation."</p> - -<p>"You shall see them to-morrow, my dear José."</p> - -<p>An hour later Lochiel was on the way to Quebec, -and on the next evening all those who were the dearest -in the world to that faithful and affectionate servant -were gathered around his death-bed. After talking -with them for some time and bidding them a most tender -farewell, he summoned all his strength in order to -sit up in bed, and when Jules approached to support -him, a burning tear fell on his hand. After this last -effort of that strong nature, he who had shared the good -and the bad fortune of the D'Habervilles fell back and -ceased to breathe.</p> - -<p>"Let us pray for the soul of one of the best men that -I have known," said Archie, closing his eyes.</p> - -<p>Jules and Blanche, in spite of remonstrances, would -not resign to any one the task of watching beside their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">285</a></span> -old friend during the three days that his body remained -at the manor house.</p> - -<p>"If one of our family had died," they said, "Jules -would not have left him to another's care."</p> - -<p>One day when Archie, in the course of one of his -frequent visits to the D'Habervilles, was walking with -Jules in front of the manor house, he saw approaching -on foot an old man, decently clad, carrying a sealskin -bag on his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Who is that man?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Ah," said Jules, "that is our friend, M. D——, carrying -his office on his back."</p> - -<p>"What! His office?" said Archie.</p> - -<p>"Certainly. He is an itinerant notary. Every three -months he travels through certain districts, drawing up -new deeds and finishing up copies of the rough drafts -which he always carries with him in order that he may -not be taken unawares. He is an excellent and very -amiable man, French by birth, and very intelligent. -On coming to Canada he began with a small trade in -pictures which proved unprofitable, and then, remembering -that he had formerly studied for two years with -an advocate in France, he boldly presented himself before -the judges, and passed an examination, which, if -not brilliant, was at least satisfactory enough for his new -country, and then returned home in triumph with a -notary's commission in his pocket. I assure you that -every one gets on well with his deeds, which are drawn -with a most scrupulous honesty that supplies the place -of the diction, purer but often tarnished by bad faith, of -more learned notaries."</p> - -<p>"Your nomadic notary," replied Archie, smiling, -"arrives opportunely. I have work for him."</p> - -<p>In fact, Lochiel, who was already well advanced in -the task of clearing which he was so actively engaged<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">286</a></span> -upon for the benefit of his friend Dumais, made over to -him in due form all his real estate, reserving only for -himself during his life-time the half of the new and -spacious house which he had built.</p> - -<p>The visits of Archie to the manor house became -more frequent as he advanced in age, and he ended by -establishing himself there altogether. Blanche was no -longer in his eyes anything more than an adopted sister; -and the sweet name of brother, which Blanche had given -him, purified the remnant of passion which yet clung to -the heart of this noble woman.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>The author has become so attached to the chief characters -in this veracious history that it costs him a pang -to banish them from the scene. He fears also to grieve -those of his readers who may share this attachment should -he kill them all off with one stroke of the pen. Time -will do the fatal work without the author's assistance.</p> - -<p>It is eleven o'clock in the evening, toward the end -of October. The D'Haberville family are gathered in -a little parlor sufficiently illuminated, without the help -of the candles, by the flame from an armful of dry cedar -chips which are blazing in the great chimney. Lochiel, -now nearly sixty years of age, is playing a game of -draughts with Blanche. Jules, seated between his wife -and daughter, near the fire, is teasing them both without -altogether neglecting the players.</p> - -<p>Young Archie D'Haberville, only son of Jules and -godson of Lochiel, is in a brown study. He is following -the fantastic figures which his imagination has created -in the flames now dying slowly on the hearth.</p> - -<p>"What are you thinking about, my grave philosopher?" -said his father.</p> - -<p>"I have been watching with intense interest," answered -the young man, "a little group of men, women,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">287</a></span> -and children who have been walking, dancing, rising, -falling, and who have at length all vanished."</p> - -<p>The cedar fire had just died out.</p> - -<p>"You are the true son of your mother, a godson -worthy of your godfather," said Jules D'Haberville, rising -to bid good-night.</p> - -<p>Like the fantastic figures which young D'Haberville -was watching in the flames, my characters, dear reader, -have been moving for some time before your eyes, to -vanish suddenly, perhaps forever, with him who set them -in motion.</p> - -<p>Farewell, then, dear reader, before my hand, growing -more cold than our Canadian winters, refuses any longer -to trace my thoughts.</p> - - - - -<p class="center">THE END.</p> - - - - -<p class="break-before"><b>L. C. Page and Company's</b><br /> -<b>Announcement List</b><br /> -<b>of New Fiction</b></p> - -<p><b>The Flight of Georgiana</b></p> - -<blockquote> - -<p><span class="smcap">A Romance of the Days of the Young Pretender.</span> By -<span class="smcap">Robert Neilson Stephens</span>, author of "The Bright Face of -Danger," "An Enemy to the King," "The Mystery of -Murray Davenport," etc.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>Mr. Stephens's novels all bear the hall-mark of success, -for his men are always live, his women are always worthy of -their cavaliers, and his adventures are of the sort to stir the -most sluggish blood without overstepping the bounds of good -taste.</p> - -<p>The theme of the new novel is one which will give Mr. -Stephens splendid scope for all the powers at his command. -The career of "Bonnie Prince Charlie" was full of romance, -intrigue, and adventure; his life was a series of episodes to -delight the soul of a reader of fiction, and Mr. Stephens is -to be congratulated for his selection of such a promising -subject.</p> - - -<p class="break-before"><b>Mrs. Jim and Mrs. Jimmie</b></p> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Stephen Conrad</span>, author of "The Second Mrs. Jim."</p> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>This new book is in a sense a sequel to "The Second Mrs. -Jim," since it gives further glimpses of that delightful step-mother -and her philosophy. This time, however, she divides -the field with "Mrs. Jimmie," who is quite as attractive in -her different way. The book has more plot than the former -volume, a little less philosophy perhaps, but just as much -wholesome fun. In many ways it is a stronger book, and -will therefore take an even firmer hold on the public.</p> - - -<p class="break-before"><b>The Story of Red Fox</b></p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Told by <span class="smcap">Charles G. D. Roberts</span>, author of "The Watchers -of the Trails," "The Kindred of the Wild," "Barbara -Ladd," etc.</p> - -<p>Library 12mo, cloth decorative, with fifty illustrations and -cover design by Charles Livingston Bull</p> - -<p> -$2.00<br /> -</p></blockquote> - -<p>Mr. Roberts's reputation as a scientifically accurate writer, -whose literary skill transforms his animal stories into masterpieces, -stands unrivalled in his particular field.</p> - -<p>This is his first long animal story, and his romance of Red -Fox, from babyhood to patriarchal old age, makes reading -more fascinating than any work of fiction. In his hands Red -Fox becomes a personality so strong that one entirely forgets -he is an animal, and his haps and mishaps grip you as do -those of a person.</p> - -<p>Mr. Bull, as usual, fits his pictures to the text as hand to -glove, and the ensemble becomes a book as near perfection -as it is possible to attain.</p> - - -<p class="break-before">Return</p> - -<blockquote> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="smcap">A Story of the Sea Islands in 1739.</span> By <span class="smcap">Alice MacGowan</span> -and <span class="smcap">Grace MacGowan Cooke</span>, authors of "The -Last Word," etc. With six illustrations by C. D. Williams. -Library 12mo, cloth</p> - -<p> -$1.50<br /> -</p></blockquote> - -<p>A new romance, undoubtedly the best work yet done by -Miss MacGowan and Mrs. Cooke. The heroine of "Return," -Diana Chaters, is the belle of the Colonial city of Charles -Town, S. C., in the early eighteenth century, and the hero -is a young Virginian of the historical family of Marshall. -The youth, beauty, and wealth of the fashionable world, which -first form the environment of the romance, are pictured in -sharp contrast to the rude and exciting life of the frontier -settlements in the Georgia Colony, and the authors have -missed no opportunities for telling characterizations. But -"Return" is, above all, a <i>love-story</i>.</p> - -<p>We quote the opinion of Prof. Charles G. D. Roberts, who -has read the advance sheets: "It seems to me a story of -quite unusual strength and interest, full of vitality and -crowded with telling characters. I greatly like the authors' -firm, bold handling of their subject."</p> - - -<p class="break-before"><b>Lady Penelope</b></p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Morley Roberts</span>, author of "Rachel Marr," "The Promotion -of the Admiral," etc. With nine illustrations by -Arthur W. Brown.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>Mr. Roberts certainly has versatility, since this book has -not a single point of similarity with either "Rachel Marr" -or his well-known sea stories. Its setting is the English so-called -"upper crust" of the present day. Lady Penelope is -quite the most up-to-date young lady imaginable and equally -charming. As might be expected from such a heroine, her -<i>automobiling</i> plays an important part in the development -of the plot. Lady Penelope has a large number of suitors, -and her method of choosing her husband is original and provocative -of delightful situations and mirthful incidents.</p> - - -<p class="break-before"><b>The Winged Helmet</b></p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Harold Steele MacKaye</span>, author of "The Panchronicon," -etc. With six illustrations by H. C. Edwards.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>When an author has an original theme on which to build -his story, ability in construction of unusual situations, skill -in novel characterization, and a good literary style, there can -be no doubt but that his work is worth reading. "The -Winged Helmet" is of this description.</p> - -<p>The author gives in this novel a convincing picture of life -in the early sixteenth century, and the reader will be delighted -with its originality of treatment, freshness of plot, -and unexpected climaxes.</p> - - -<p class="break-before"><b>A Captain of Men</b></p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> -By <span class="smcap">E. Anson More</span>.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth, illustrated $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>A tale of Tyre and those merchant princes whose discovery -of the value of tin brought untold riches into the country -and afforded adventures without number to those daring -seekers for the mines. Merodach, the Assyrian, Tanith, the -daughter of the richest merchant of Tyre, Miriam, her Hebrew -slave, and the dwarf Hiram, who was the greatest artist -of his day, are a quartette of characters hard to surpass in -individuality. It has been said that the powerful order of -Free Masons first had its origin in the meetings which were -held at Hiram's studio in Tyre, where gathered together the -greatest spirits of that age and place.</p> - - -<p class="break-before"><b>The Paradise of the Wild Apple</b></p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Richard LeGallienne</span>, author of "Old Love Stories -Retold," "The Quest of the Golden Girl," etc.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth decorative $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>The theme of Mr. LeGallienne's new romance deals with -the instinct of wildness in human nature,—the wander spirit -and impatience of tame domesticity, the preference for wild -flowers and fruits, and the glee in summer storms and elemental -frolics. A wild apple-tree, high up in a rocky meadow, -is symbolic of all this, and Mr. LeGallienne works out in -a fashion at once imaginative and serious the romance of a -young man well placed from the view of worldly goods and -estate, who suddenly hungers for the "wild apples" of his -youth. The theme has limitless possibilities, and Mr. LeGallienne -is artist enough to make adequate use of them.</p> - - -<p class="break-before"><b>The Grapple</b></p> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth decorative $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>This story of a strike in the coal mines of Pennsylvania -gives both sides of the question,—the Union and its methods, -and the non-Union workers and their loyal adherents, with -a final typical clash at the end. The question is an absorbing -one, and it is handled fearlessly.</p> - -<p>For the present at least "The Grapple" will be issued -anonymously.</p> - - -<p class="break-before"><b>Brothers of Peril</b></p> - -<blockquote> - - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Theodore Roberts</span>, author of "Hemming the Adventurer."</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>"Brothers of Peril" has an unusual plot, dealing with a -now extinct race, the Beothic Indians of the sixteenth century, -who were the original inhabitants of Newfoundland -when that island was merely a fishing-station for the cod-seeking -fleets of the old world.</p> - -<p>The story tells of the adventures of a young English cavalier, -who, left behind by the fleet, finds another Englishman, -with his daughter and servants, who is hiding from -the law. A French adventurer and pirate, who is an unwelcome -suitor for the daughter, plays an important part. Encounters -between the Indians and the small colony of white -men on the shore, and perilous adventures at sea with a shipload -of pirates led by the French buccaneer, make a story of -breathless interest.</p> - - -<p class="break-before"><b>The Black Barque</b></p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">T. Jenkins Hains</span>, author of "The Wind Jammers," -"The Strife of the Sea," etc. With five illustrations by -W. Herbert Dunton.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>According to a high naval authority who has seen the advance -sheets, this is one of the best sea stories ever offered -to the public. "The Black Barque" is a story of slavery and -piracy upon the high seas about 1815, and is written with a -thorough knowledge of deep-water sailing. This, Captain -Hains's first long sea story, realistically pictures a series of -stirring scenes at the period of the destruction of the exciting -but nefarious traffic in slaves, in the form of a narrative -by a young American lieutenant, who, by force of circumstances, -finds himself the gunner of "The Black Barque."</p> - - -<p class="break-before"><b>Cameron of Lochiel</b></p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Translated from the French of <span class="smcap">Philippe Aubert de Gaspé</span> -by <span class="smcap">Prof. Charles G. D. Roberts</span>.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth decorative $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>The publishers are gratified to announce a new edition of -a book by this famous author, who may be called the Walter -Scott of Canada. This interesting and valuable romance is -fortunate in having for its translator Professor Roberts, who -has caught perfectly the spirit of the original. The French -edition first appeared under the title of "Les Anciens Canadiens" -in 1862, and was later translated and appeared in an -American edition now out of print.</p> - -<p>Patriotism, devotion to the French-Canadian nationality, -a just pride of race, and a loving memory for his people's -romantic and heroic past, are the dominant chords struck -by the author throughout the story.</p> - - -<p class="break-before"><b>Castel del Monte</b></p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> -By <span class="smcap">Nathan Gallizier</span>. Illustrated by H. C. Edwards.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>A powerful romance of the fall of the Hohenstaufen dynasty -in Italy, and the overthrow of Manfred by Charles of -Anjou, the champion of Pope Clement IV. The Middle Ages -are noted for the weird mysticism and the deep fatalism -characteristic of a people believing in signs and portents -and the firm hand of fate. Mr. Gallizier has brought out -these characteristics in a marked degree.</p> - - -<p class="break-before"><b>Slaves of Success</b></p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Elliot Flower</span>, author of "The Spoilsmen," etc. With -twenty illustrations by different artists.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>Another striking book by Mr. Flower, whose work is already -so well known, both through his long stories and his -contributions to <i>Collier's</i>, the <i>Saturday Evening Post</i>, etc. -Like his first success, "The Spoilsmen," it deals with politics, -but in the broader field of state and national instead of -municipal. The book has recently appeared in condensed form -as a serial in <i>Collier's Magazine</i>, where it attracted wide-spread -attention, and the announcement of its appearance -in book form will be welcomed by Mr. Flower's rapidly increasing -audience. The successful delineation of characters -like John Wade, Ben Carroll, Azro Craig, and Allen Sidway -throws new strong lights on the inside workings of American -business and political "graft."</p> - - -<p class="break-before"><b>Silver Bells</b></p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Col. Andrew C. P. Haggard</span>, author of "Hannibal's -Daughter," "Louis XIV. in Court and Camp," etc. With -cover design and frontispiece by Charles Livingston Bull.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>Under the thin veneer of conventionality and custom lurks -in many hearts the primeval instinct to throw civilization -to the winds and hark back to the ways of the savages in the -wilderness, and it often requires but a mental crisis or an -emotional upheaval to break through the coating. Geoffrey -Digby was such an one, who left home and kindred to seek -happiness among the Indians of Canada, in the vast woods -which always hold an undefinable mystery and fascination. -He gained renown as a mighty hunter, and the tale of his -life there, and the romance which awaited him, will be heartily -enjoyed by all who like a good love-story with plenty of -action not of the "stock" order. "Silver Bells," the Indian -girl, is a perfect "child of nature."</p> - - - - -<p class="break-before"><b>Selections from</b><br /> -<b>L. C. Page and Company's</b><br /> -<b>List of Fiction</b></p> - -<p class="center">WORKS OF -ROBERT NEILSON STEPHENS</p> - - -<blockquote> -<p><b>Captain Ravenshaw</b>; <span class="smcap">Or, The Maid of -Cheapside</span>. (40th thousand.) A romance of Elizabethan -London. Illustrations by Howard Pyle and other artists.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth $1.50 -</p> - -<p>Not since the absorbing adventures of D'Artagnan have we -had anything so good in the blended vein of romance and -comedy. The beggar student, the rich goldsmith, the roisterer -and the rake, the fop and the maid, are all here: foremost -among them Captain Ravenshaw himself, soldier of fortune -and adventurer, who, after escapades of binding interest, -finally wins a way to fame and to matrimony.</p> - - -<blockquote> - -<p><b>Philip Winwood.</b> (70th thousand.) A Sketch of -the Domestic History of an American Captain in the War of -Independence, embracing events that occurred between and -during the years 1763 and 1785 in New York and London. -Written by his Enemy in War, Herbert Russell, Lieutenant -in the Loyalist Forces. Presented anew by <span class="smcap">Robert Neilson -Stephens</span>. Illustrated by E. W. D. Hamilton.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"One of the most stirring and remarkable romances that have -been published in a long while, and its episodes, incidents, and -actions are as interesting and agreeable as they are vivid and -dramatic."—<i>Boston Times.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<blockquote> - -<p><b>The Mystery of Murray Davenport.</b> (30th -thousand.) By <span class="smcap">Robert Neilson Stephens</span>, author of -"An Enemy to the King," "Philip Winwood," etc.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth, with six full-page illustrations by H. C.<br /> -Edwards $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"This is easily the best thing that Mr. Stephens has yet done. -Those familiar with his other novels can best judge the measure of -this praise, which is generous."—<i>Buffalo News.</i></p> - -<p>"Mr. Stephens won a host of friends through his earlier volumes, -but we think he will do still better work in his new field if the -present volume is a criterion."—<i>N. Y. Com. Advertiser.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<blockquote> - -<p><b>An Enemy to the King.</b> (60th thousand.) From -the "Recently Discovered Memoirs of the Sieur de la -Tournoire." Illustrated by H. De M. Young.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>An historical romance of the sixteenth century, describing -the adventures of a young French nobleman at the Court of -Henry III., and on the field with Henry of Navarre.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"A stirring tale."—<i>Detroit Free Press.</i></p> - -<p>"A royally strong piece of fiction."—<i>Boston Ideas.</i></p> - -<p>"Interesting from the first to the last page."—<i>Brooklyn Eagle.</i></p> - -<p>"Brilliant as a play; it is equally brilliant as a romantic novel."—<i>Philadelphia -Press.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<blockquote> - -<p><b>The Continental Dragoon</b>: <span class="smcap">A Romance of -Philipse Manor House in 1778</span>. (43d thousand.) Illustrated -by H. C. Edwards.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>A stirring romance of the Revolution, the scene being laid -in and around the old Philipse Manor House, near Yonkers, -which at the time of the story was the central point of the so-called -"neutral territory" between the two armies.</p> - - -<blockquote> - -<p><b>The Road to Paris</b>: <span class="smcap">A Story of Adventure</span>. -(25th thousand.) Illustrated by H. C. Edwards.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>An historical romance of the 18th century, being an account -of the life of an American gentleman adventurer of Jacobite -ancestry, whose family early settled in the colony of Pennsylvania.</p> - - -<blockquote> - -<p><b>A Gentleman Player:</b> <span class="smcap">His Adventures on a -Secret Mission for Queen Elizabeth</span>. (38th thousand.) -Illustrated by Frank T. Merrill.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>"A Gentleman Player" is a romance of the Elizabethan -period. It relates the story of a young gentleman who, in the -reign of Elizabeth, falls so low in his fortune that he joins -Shakespeare's company of players, and becomes a friend and -protégé of the great poet.</p> - - - - -<p>WORKS OF CHARLES G. D. ROBERTS</p> - - -<blockquote> - -<p><b>Barbara Ladd.</b> With four illustrations by Frank -Verbeck.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, gilt top $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"From the opening chapter to the final page Mr. Roberts lures -us on by his rapt devotion to the changing aspects of Nature and -by his keen and sympathetic analysis of human character."—<i>Boston -Transcript.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<blockquote> - -<p><b>The Kindred of the Wild.</b> <span class="smcap">A Book of Animal -Life.</span> With fifty-one full-page plates and many decorations -from drawings by Charles Livingston Bull.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Small quarto, decorative cover $2.00<br /> -</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"Professor Roberts has caught wonderfully the elusive individualities -of which he writes. His animal stories are marvels of sympathetic -science and literary exactness. Bound with the superb -illustrations by Charles Livingston Bull, they make a volume which -charms, entertains, and informs."—<i>New York World.</i></p> - -<p>" ... Is in many ways the most brilliant collection of animal -stories that has appeared ... well named and well done."—<i>John -Burroughs.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<blockquote> - -<p><b>The Forge in the Forest.</b> Being the Narrative of -the Acadian Ranger, Jean de Mer, Seigneur de Briart, and -how he crossed the Black Abbé, and of his Adventures in a -Strange Fellowship. Illustrated by Henry Sandham, R.C.A.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth, gilt top $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>A romance of the convulsive period of the struggle between -the French and English for the possession of North America. -The story is one of pure love and heroic adventure, and -deals with that fiery fringe of conflict that waved between -Nova Scotia and New England. The Expulsion of the Acadians -is foreshadowed in these brilliant pages, and the part of -the "Black Abbé's" intrigues in precipitating that catastrophe -is shown.</p> - - -<blockquote> - -<p><b>The Heart of the Ancient Wood.</b> With -six illustrations by James L. Weston.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, decorative cover $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"One of the most fascinating novels of recent days."—<i>Boston -Journal.</i></p> - -<p>"A classic twentieth-century romance."—<i>New York Commercial -Advertiser.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<blockquote> - -<p><b>A Sister to Evangeline.</b> Being the Story of -Yvonne de Lamourie, and how she went into Exile with the -Villagers of Grand Pré.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth, gilt top, illustrated $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>This is a romance of the great expulsion of the Acadians, -which Longfellow first immortalized in "Evangeline." Swift -action, fresh atmosphere, wholesome purity, deep passion, -searching analysis, characterize this strong novel.</p> - - -<p>By the Marshes of Minas.</p> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth, gilt top, illustrated $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>This is a volume of romance, of love and adventure in that -picturesque period when Nova Scotia was passing from the -French to the English régime. Each tale is independent of -the others, but the scenes are similar, and in several of them the -evil "Black Abbé," well known from the author's previous -novels, again appears with his savages at his heels—but to -be thwarted always by woman's wit or soldier's courage.</p> - - -<blockquote> - -<p><b>Earth's Enigmas.</b> A new edition, with the addition -of three new stories, and ten illustrations by Charles -Livingston Bull.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth, uncut edges $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"Throughout the volume runs that subtle questioning of the -cruel, predatory side of nature which suggests the general title of -the book. In certain cases it is the picture of savage nature ravening -for food—for death to preserve life; in others it is the secret -symbolism of woods and waters prophesying of evils and misadventures -to come. All this does not mean, however, that Mr. Roberts -is either pessimistic or morbid—it is nature in his books after all, -wholesome in her cruel moods as in her tender."—<i>The New York -Independent.</i></p></blockquote> - - - - -<p>WORKS OF LILIAN BELL</p> - - -<p><b>Hope Loring.</b> Illustrated by Frank T. Merrill.</p> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth, decorative cover $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"Lilian Bell's new novel, 'Hope Loring,' does for the American -girl in fiction what Gibson has done for her in art.</p> - -<p>"Tall, slender, and athletic, fragile-looking, yet with nerves and -sinews of steel under the velvet flesh, frank as a boy and tender and -beautiful as a woman, free and independent, yet not bold—such is -'Hope Loring,' by long odds the subtlest study that has yet been -made of the American girl."—<i>Dorothy Dix, in the New York -American.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<blockquote> - -<p><b>Abroad with the Jimmies.</b> With a portrait, in -duogravure, of the author.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth, decorative cover $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"A deliciously fresh, graphic book. The writer is so original and -unspoiled that her point of view has value."—<i>Mary Hartwell -Catherwood.</i></p> - -<p>"Full of ozone, of snap, of ginger, of swing and momentum."—<i>Chicago -Evening Post.</i></p> - -<p>" ... Is one of her best and cleverest novels ... filled to the -brim with amusing incidents and experiences. This vivacious narrative -needs no commendation to the readers of Miss Bell's well-known -earlier books."—<i>N. Y. Press.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<blockquote> - -<p><b>The Interference of Patricia.</b> With a frontispiece -from drawing by Frank T. Merrill.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Small 12mo, cloth, decorative cover $1.00<br /> -</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"There is life and action and brilliancy and dash and cleverness -and a keen appreciation of business ways in this story."—<i>Grand -Rapids Herald.</i></p> - -<p>"A story full of keen and flashing satire."—<i>Chicago Record-Herald.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<p><b>A Book of Girls.</b> With a frontispiece.</p> - -<p> -Small 12mo, cloth, decorative cover $1.00<br /> -</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"The stories are all eventful and have effective humor."—<i>New -York Sun.</i></p> - -<p>"Lilian Bell surely understands girls, for she depicts all the variations -of girl nature so charmingly."—<i>Chicago Journal.</i></p> - -<p><i>The above two volumes boxed in special holiday dress, per set, $2.50.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<blockquote> - -<p><b>The Red Triangle.</b> Being some further chronicles of -Martin Hewitt, investigator. By <span class="smcap">Arthur Morrison</span>, author -of "The Hole in the Wall," "Tales of Mean Streets," etc.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth decorative $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>This is a genuine, straightforward detective story of the -kind that keeps the reader on the <i>qui vive</i>. Martin Hewitt, -investigator, might well have studied his methods from Sherlock -Holmes, so searching and successful are they.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"Better than Sherlock Holmes."—<i>New York Tribune.</i></p> - -<p>"The reader who has a grain of fancy or imagination may be -defied to lay this book down, once he has begun it, until the last -word has been reached."—<i>Philadelphia North American.</i></p> - -<p>"If you like a good detective story you will enjoy this."—<i>Brooklyn -Eagle.</i></p> - -<p>"We have found 'The Red Triangle' a book of absorbing interest."—<i>Rochester -Herald.</i></p> - -<p>"Will be eagerly read by every one who likes a tale of mystery."—<i>The -Scotsman, England.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<blockquote> - -<p><b>Prince Hagen.</b> By <span class="smcap">Upton Sinclair</span>, author of "King -Midas," etc.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Library 12mo, cloth decorative $1.50<br /> -</p> - -<p>In this book Mr. Sinclair has written a satire of the first -order—one worthy to be compared with Swift's biting tirades -against the follies and abuses of mankind.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"A telling satire on politics and society in modern New York."—<i>Philadelphia -Public Ledger.</i></p> - -<p>"The book has a living vitality and is a strong depiction of -political New York."—<i>Bookseller, Newsdealer, and Stationer.</i></p></blockquote> - -<p><b>The Silent Maid.</b> By <span class="smcap">Frederic W. Pangborn</span>.</p> - -<p>Large 16mo, cloth decorative, with a frontispiece by Frank<br /> -T. Merrill $1.00<br /> -</p> - -<p>A dainty and delicate legend of the brave days of old, of -sprites and pixies, of trolls and gnomes, of ruthless barons and -noble knights. "The Silent Maid" herself, with her strange -bewitchment and wondrous song, is equalled only by Undine -in charm and mystery.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"Seldom does one find a short tale so idyllic in tone and so fanciful -in motive. The book shows great delicacy of imagination."—<i>The -Criterion.</i></p></blockquote> - -<div class='transnote'><p>Transciber's Notes:</p> <p>Punctuation errors repaired.</p> -<p>Uncommon and inconsistent hyphenation and spelling have been retained; -typographical errors have been corrected.</p> -<p>The remaining corrections made are indicated by dotted lines under the -corrections. Scroll the mouse over the word and the original text will <ins title="Transciber's Note: original reads 'apear'">appear</ins>.</p> -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Cameron of Lochiel, by Philippe Aubert de Gaspé - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAMERON OF LOCHIEL *** - -***** This file should be named 53154-h.htm or 53154-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/1/5/53154/ - -Produced by Jana Palkova and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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