an
aptitude which delighted him for all sorts of exercises and feats
of arms.

The war fever permeated the whole country by that time, and
training and drilling were going on all around. It was easy for the
travellers to pick up all that was needful to them of comprehension
as to military terms and commands. Hours were spent by themselves
and Wolfe over books and maps in the library, whilst he fought over
again with them campaign after campaign--those where he had served,
and those before his time with which he had close acquaintance; and
they entered more and more into the spirit of martial exercise,
learning to comprehend military tactics and the art of war as they
had never done before.

Meantime the news from the Western world was all bad. The attempt
upon Louisbourg had been abortive, owing to the tardiness of the
English Admiral, of London the Governor out there, and the early
storms which had obliged the fleet to retire even when it had
mustered for the attack.

"It is shameful!" cried Wolfe with flashing eyes, as the news was
made known; "England will become the laughingstock of the whole
world! Fort Oswego lost, William Henry lost, and its garrison
massacred! Louisbourg left to the French, without a blow being
struck! Shame upon us! shame upon us! We should blush for our tardy
procrastination. But mark my word, this will be the last such
blunder! Pitt will take the reins in his own grasp. We shall see a
change now."

"I trust so," said Humphrey grimly; "it is time indeed. I know what
these attacks against Louisbourg will mean for those along the
frontier--death, disaster, more Indian raids, less power of
protection. The Governor will draw off the levies which might come
to their assistance for the work at Louisbourg. The French will
hound on the Indians to ravage more and more. We shall hear fresh
tales of horror there before the end comes."

"Which we will avenge!" spoke Wolfe, between his shut teeth. "It
shall not always be said of England that she slept whilst her
subjects died!"

With the turn of the year active preparations began to be
discussed, and Wolfe to receive letters from headquarters. All was
now excitement in that household, for there was no doubt that
England's great minister was going to take active measures, and
that the day of tardy blundering was to be brought to an end.

Wolfe was found one day in a state of keen excitement.

"I have heard from Mr. Pitt myself!" he cried, wavin