ers in the streets were mustering strong
together, every man of them armed, their faces stern and full of
determination as they moved all together to one of the open squares
in the city, and the place soon presented a most animated
appearance.

Not citizens alone, but pupils from the seminaries, Canadians from
the other shore, and a sprinkling of soldiers had joined the
muster. Every man carried arms, and when they had assembled to the
number of between one and two thousand, a loud call was made for
the Governor.

When Vaudreuil appeared, looking harassed and anxious, it was
explained to him that the burghers of the city demanded leave to
make a determined effort to save their houses and property from
destruction. Would the Governor grant them an experienced officer
to lead them? They would then cross the river at night, make a
compass round the English camp, and set upon them from behind at
dawn, whilst the guns from the town opened fire in front. Caught
thus between two fires, and attacked front and rear, they must
quickly be dislodged and annihilated; and the citizens would make
themselves masters of these hostile batteries, which they would
take good care should never fall into English hands again.

Their request was granted. An officer of considerable experience,
Dumas by name, was told off to head the expedition, and a good many
regular soldiers, who volunteered for the service, were permitted
to accompany them.

Dearly would the three midshipmen have loved to be of the party, to
see all that went on, but they knew they must not make such a
suggestion. They were known in the town as prisoners on parole. It
would appear to all that they meditated escape. But they urged upon
Colin to try to see it all, and bring word again what had befallen.

Colin was nothing loth. He longed to be in the thick of the
struggle. Moreover, he was well known to the citizens, and was
loved for his own sake as well as for that of his uncle the Abbe,
who went daily to and fro amongst the agitated people, seeking to
calm their fears and to inspire them with courage and hope.

"I will go!" he cried. "Watch you from this side, and mark how the
gunners do their work at dawn. If all goes well, our signal for
attack will be the sound of the guns opening fire upon yonder
batteries. And yet I shall scarcely wish to see the English
dislodged. I do not want our town laid in ruins; yet I truly
believe the English rule would be a benefit to