tle gesture
with his hand the while.

"I knew that retribution must sooner or later follow upon that
great sin," he said. "Were it not for my feeling on that score, I
should have firmer hopes for Quebec. But God will not suffer
iniquity to go long unpunished. We have drawn down retribution upon
our own heads!"

Montcalm made a gesture similar to that of the Abbe.

"I have said so myself many a time," he replied. "I hated and
abhorred the means we have too often used. It may be that what you
say is right and just. And yet I know that I shall not live to see
Quebec in the hands of the English. I can die for my country, and I
am willing to do so; but I cannot and I will not surrender!"

"So they said at Louisbourg," muttered one of the midshipmen to
Colin, showing how easily he understood what was passing; "but they
sang to a different tune when they had heard the music of our guns
long enough!"

The Marquis was talking aside with the Abbe and Madame Drucour.
When the colloquy was over, the Abbe addressed the midshipmen.

"Monsieur de Montcalm is willing to release you on parole, and my
sister, Madame Drucour, will permit you to remain in this house
during your stay in the city. You must give up your dirks, and pass
your word not to try to escape; but after having done this, you
will be free to come and go as you will. And if the English should
take prisoners of our French subjects, you shall be exchanged upon
the first opportunity. These are the terms offered you by Monsieur
de Montcalm as the alternative to an imprisonment which would be
sorely irksome to youths such as you."

The lads looked at one another. It was a promise rather hard to
give, since there would be so many excellent opportunities for
escape; but the thought of imprisonment in some gloomy subterranean
portion of the fortress, even with the faint chance of effecting an
escape from thence, was too sombre and repelling. They accepted the
lenient terms offered, passed their word with frank sincerity, and
handed over their weapons with a stifled sigh.

"We will show you the city tomorrow," said Colin, when he took
their guests up to the lofty where they were to sleep in company.
"My sister and I are half English ourselves. I sometimes think that
in her heart of hearts Corinne would like to see the English flag
floating over the towers of Quebec."

"Hurrah for Mademoiselle Corinne!" cried the lad Peter, throwing
his cap into the air. "I thought y