n Canada, and from Canada can command the western frontier.
And the taking of Quebec is the object upon which the mind of Wolfe
is firmly set. You know how often he has said to us, 'If I could
achieve that, I could say my Nunc Dimittis with joy and
thankfulness.' I believe in my heart that he will live to see that
glorious victory for England's arms."

Wolfe was waiting upon the strand for the boat which brought Julian
and Humphrey back with the details of the victorious enterprise. He
grasped them both by the hand.

"Now I think that surrender cannot much longer be delayed, and, in
truth, I hope it will not be. News has reached us from the west of
some great disaster at Ticonderoga. It is but the voice of rumour.
A light fishing smack brought letters to the General this evening,
dated from Albany, and sent by special messenger. Nothing definite
is known; but they report a disastrous defeat, attributed to the
untimely death of Lord Howe quite early in the expedition. I cannot
say what truth there may be in this, but I fear some great disaster
has recently taken place. It has made the General and his officers
very stern and resolved. England's honour has been sorely tarnished
by these many defeats. But I believe her star will rise again.
Louisbourg at least must fall ere long."

Julian and Humphrey were both filled with sorrow and anxiety at
this piece of news. Charles and Fritz were both likely, they
thought, if living still, to be there with the army; and one was
anxious for news of his brother, and the other of his comrade and
friend.

"When Louisbourg is taken," said Humphrey, "I shall ask leave of
absence to go to seek my brother. My sister in Philadelphia will
give me tidings of him. I shall go thither, and come back when the
attempt upon proud Quebec is made."

"If I had my way, we should sail from Louisbourg straight for
Quebec," cried Wolfe, with a flash in his eyes. "I would follow up
one blow by another. Yet I know not whether our instructions will
carry us thus far. Nevertheless, I hope to live to see the day when
the English flag shall wave over the ramparts of that city and
fortress which has been called the Impregnable."

The news, rumour though it was and unconfirmed, of fresh disaster
to the English arms in the interior excited much feeling in the
English ranks. Had there been another massacre, such as had
disgraced the struggle at Fort William Henry? What would be the
next tidings which would r