le,
and only wished it over one way or the other. They would be glad
enough to stand neutral, and serve either French or English
according as the victory went; but their priests threaten them with
spiritual terrors if they do not fight for the cause of Holy
Church, as they term it, whilst the military authorities threaten
them with the Indians, and we, on the other side, with the
destruction of their farms and houses if they interfere in any way
with us. Their case is certainly a hard one."

"It is," answered Wolfe; "but, all the same, I am not going to
permit any infringement of the orders I have laid down. If the
people will stand neutral or help us, they shall have protection
and all reasonable help if the Indians attack them; but if they
prefer to obey their French masters or their priestly tyrants, and
harry and worry us, I keep my word, and I send out harrying parties
to drive off their cattle and bring themselves prisoners to our
camps. No violence shall be done them; no church shall be violated;
not a finger shall be laid upon any woman or child. If outrages are
committed by my soldiers, the men shall instantly be hanged or
shot. But I will have no infringement of my commands. What I say I
mean. I have posted up my intentions. The people know what they
have to expect. The free choice is theirs. If they will not take
the offered protection, they must abide by the consequences."

Inflexible firmness was written upon the thin face of the young
General. Cruelty was abhorrent to him whatever form it took; but he
could be stern and rigorous in the prosecution of any plan which
had been adopted after careful consideration. He knew that the
greatest blessing to the Canadians would be the termination of this
long and wearing war. From his heart he believed that transference
from French to English rule would be the happiest possible change
of fortune for them. Therefore he did not shrink from any measures
which should tend to bring about this consummation; and whilst
giving them every opportunity to save themselves and their property
by aiding or at least not interfering with or opposing his
measures, he made it abundantly plain that, if they persisted in
inimical courses, they would be treated as enemies.

The idea of effecting a passage of the city and forming a camp, or
at least a flotilla, above the town was a matter which afforded
much discussion and excitement throughout the English ranks. The
daring of it appe