ht, when it comes
sailing up the waters of the St. Lawrence! Quebec, I dare wager,
has never seen such a sight before!"

The faces of all the lads were full of animation and pride. They
appeared to have no fears for their personal safety. They were
enthusiastic in their descriptions of the wonderful feats which the
world would soon see, and when once started on the subject were
ready to talk on and on.

"They have fifteen or sixteen thousand men--picked troops--with the
gallant Wolfe in command," cried another. "You have seen something
already of what Wolfe can do when he is set upon a task!"

Madame Drucour made a little sign of assent; she had learned that
lesson herself very fully. The lad made her a courtly bow, for he
knew her well, having been at the siege of Louisbourg, and having
seen her when he had entered the fortress to view it after the
surrender.

"Madame Drucour is herself a soldier; she can appreciate the
talents of the soldiers," he said. "Well, we have Wolfe coming, and
with him three gallant Brigadiers--Moncton and Townshend and
Murray. They all say that each one of these is as valiant as the
great Wolfe himself, and as full of ardour."

"And then our guns!" chimed in the third. "Why, we have guns enough
to batter down these old walls as children batter down their card
houses! You know what English guns did at Louisbourg, Madame! Well,
we have bigger and heavier ones coming from England--such guns as
have never been seen in this country before; and such shells--why,
you can hear the scream of them for miles. You will hear them soon
singing and screaming over Quebec if you try to hold it against
Wolfe!"

Corinne and Colin exchanged glances. It seemed indeed to bring the
thought of war very near when this sort of talk went on. The Abbe
was thoughtfully stroking his chin, debating within himself whether
all this was a bit of gasconade on the part of these middies, or
whether it represented the actual facts of the case. Madame Drucour
made quiet answer, saying:

"But Quebec has also its guns, my young friends; Quebec can make
fitting reply to English guns. And ships are more vulnerable than
our thick walls. The game of war is one that both nations can play
with skill and success. If you have a Wolfe on your side, we have a
Montcalm on ours!"

"Oh yes; we have heard of the Marquis of Montcalm. He is a fine old
fellow; I wish we could see him."

"You have your wish, gentlemen!" spoke a new voi