be changed from the last letter addressed to
the Governor. The Admiral and General are alike agreed. There will
be no wavering from that."

It was plain that there was some variance in the city itself. In
the ranks of the besieging force there was intense excitement and
stir. Every man was looking to his arms, save when he was asking
news and gazing towards the walls of the city. That something
decisive must soon be settled was apparent to all.

The white flag again! A messenger was coming out towards the camp
with the reply. He appeared in no haste, and paused again and again
to look back. Suddenly another man appeared running hastily after
him. The first messenger paused, consulted with him, and then
turned back towards the city. The second man ran on alone, making
vehement signs, as though afraid there might yet be some
misunderstanding.

"We accept! we accept!" he shouted out, waving a paper above his
head, beside himself with excitement.

Two men followed him; they were taken into the tent of the General,
who, with the Admiral, was awaiting the final answer. But the first
messenger remained without, panting and exhausted, and Julian
instantly recognized him as an officer who had shown him some
kindness during his short stay within the fortress.

He came up to him now, and the recognition was mutual.

"So you were a spy all the while, my friend!" said the Frenchman,
with something like a grim laugh. "Had we known that, you would
have received a different welcome. Ah well, it matters little now.
And it is a pity for brave men to die like dogs. We were in a sad
pass before. You could not have told much that was not already
known."

"The fortress is ready to capitulate?"

"Not the fortress, but the town. Bad as our condition is, we would
not have surrendered on those terms. We had indeed dispatched a
messenger to say as much. But the Provost and the citizens were too
many for us. They ran to the citadel, and made such work that the
Governor yielded, and I offered, being fleet of foot, to run after
the messenger and stop him if it could be done. Luckily his own
heart misgave him, and he had not hurried. And close upon my heels
were sent others with more definite instructions. And thus
Louisbourg passes into the hands of gallant foes. But I trust they
will show every courtesy to our brave Madame."

"Have no fear on that score," answered Julian; "I have told in the
English camp of the bravery and gracious kin