should advance upon us
by the interior, and steal upon us from behind, what then?" asked
the Abbe, who, having come from that part of the world, and knowing
the apprehensions of the French along the western border, was not
unmindful of this possible danger.

Montcalm's face was grave.

"That will be our greatest danger," he said. "If that should take
place, we shall have to weaken our camp along the river and send
reinforcements to the small detachments now placed along the upper
river. But the English were routed at Ticonderoga once; let us hope
it will happen so a second time."

"General Amherst is a very different commander from General
Abercromby," said the Abbe gravely; and Madame Drucour added her
testimony to the abilities of the General who had commanded at the
siege of Louisbourg, although the dash and energy of Wolfe had been
one of the main elements of strength to the besiegers.

"Yet I have confidence in our good Boulamaque," answered Montcalm.
"He will do all that can he done to check the advance of the
invaders and hold out fortresses against them. We have had our
disasters--far be it from me to deny it--but Ticonderoga is strong,
and has long held her own; I think she will do so once again."

"And will you remain within the walls of Quebec yourself, my dear
Marquis? or is it true what I hear--that your headquarters will be
with the camp at Beauport?"

"My place is here--there--everywhere!" answered Montcalm, with a
smile and a meaning gesture. "Within the city the Chevalier de
Ramesay will hold command with sixteen thousand men. For my part, I
shall occupy myself chiefly with the army along the river banks.
The first peril will certainly lie there. The town is unassailable,
but a landing will probably be attempted somewhere along there. The
enemy must be driven back with loss and confusion each time such an
attempt is made. That will discourage them, and inspire our men
with hope and courage. We have also prepared fire ships at no small
cost, to be launched and fired at convenient seasons, and sent
adrift amongst the enemy's ships. The sight of their burning
vessels will do something to discourage the English. They put their
trust in their ships. We will show them what a warm welcome we have
waiting for them here!"

"And our own vessels," asked the Abbe--"what of them? Will any
naval battle he attempted?"

"No. The Governor has given orders that they shall disembark their
men for the defence o