alks of
destroying the fleet by fire. He has made considerable preparation
for such an attempt."

Montcalm smiled slightly.

"True; he has been busy with his fire ships for some while. For my
own part, I have but limited faith in them. They have cost us a
million, and I doubt whether they will prove of any service; yet
Vaudreuil is very confident."

"The Governor is wont to be confident--till the moment of actual
peril arrives," said the Abbe thoughtfully. "Well, we shall see--we
shall see. When are these notable fire ships to be sent forth?"

"I think tomorrow night," answered Montcalm, "but that is a matter
which rests with the Governor. I have no concern in it; and when
such is the case, I offer no advice and take no part in the
arrangements. Doubtless I shall see what is going on from some
vantage point; but Monsieur de Vaudreuil will not take counsel with
me in the matter."

"Fire ships!" cried the midshipmen, when Colin told them what he
had heard; "do they think to frighten English mariners with
fireworks and bonfires? Good! let them try and see. And O Colin,
good Colin, if they are going to send down fire ships upon the
fleet, let us be there to see!"

Colin desired nothing better himself. He was all agog to see the
thing through. And why should they not? It was not difficult to
obtain a boat, and in the darkness and confusion the four lads
would easily be able to follow the fire ships and see the whole
thing through. The midshipmen could navigate a boat with anyone,
and Colin had learned much of their skill. All day they were often
to be seen skimming about the basin of the St. Lawrence,
prospecting about for news, and watching the movements of the
English soldiers on shore, or of the fleet anchored a few miles
farther off. They had only to steal away unnoticed, and take to
their boat before the excitement began, and they could follow the
phantom ships upon their mysterious way, and watch the whole
attempt against the English fleet.

"Ah, but take me," cried Corinne, when she heard the
discussion--"do take me! It is so hard to be a girl, and see
nothing! I will not be in your way. I will not scream and cry, or
do anything like that. I only want to watch and see. I shall not be
afraid. And I want so much to see something! I know I could slip
away without anyone's knowing or missing me. Only say you will take
me!"

"Of course we will take you, Mademoiselle Corinne," cried Paul,
with boyish gallantry