est of the army could be
mustered for its defence. Why he does not avail himself of the
chances given him I do not know. But his policy of inaction has its
drawbacks too for us, since I would sooner face him in a pitched
battle than be kept here inactive, waiting upon chances that never
offer."

The army was certainly getting rather weary of this inaction. It
was not idle, for Wolfe's manifesto to the Canadians was now being
enforced. Supplies were wanted for the troops, and the inimical
Canadians were forced to supply them. Indeed, great numbers of
these harassed and undecided inhabitants of the disputed territory
were glad enough to be made prisoners by the English and sent on
board their transports for safety. Their cattle, of course, fell a
prey to the invaders; but they were in so much peril of robbery
from the Indians that this was a small matter. When once within
Wolfe's camp their lives were safe, and no ill treatment was
permitted; and to some of the wretched Canadians this had become a
boon. It was small wonder they were growing sick and weary of the
war, and would have welcomed either nation as conqueror, so that
they could only know again the blessings of peace and safety.

Yet something more definite must be attempted; Wolfe was more and
more determined upon that. It was difficult to know how best to
attack an enemy so strongly intrenched and so well able to repulse
attack; yet his men were burning with ardour, and his own spirit
was hot within him. He sometimes felt as though his feeble body
would not much longer be able to endure the strain put upon it. The
cracked pitcher may go once too often to the well. To die in the
service of his country was what Wolfe desired and expected for
himself; but he wished that death might come to him in the din and
excitement of the battle, and in the hour of victory; not by the
hand of disease, whilst his aim and object was yet unaccomplished.

"We must fight!" he said to Julian, as he took his way back to his
camp at the Montmorency; "we must seek to bring the enemy to close
quarters. We shall fight at terrible disadvantage, I well know; we
shall suffer heavy loss. But I would back a hundred of our brave
fellows against a battalion of Canadian militia. We must try
conclusions with them somehow, and by a concerted attack, both from
Montmorency and from the strand, seek to effect something, even if
it be only to affright and dishearten them."

The soldiers were read