least."

But it was impossible for either Colin or his uncle to remain
within doors upon such a day. He insisted that Madame Drucour and
Corinne should not adventure themselves beyond the city walls,
though he did not condemn them to remain within doors. But he, for
his own part, must go forth and see what was befalling without; for
the Abbe, in spite of his vows, was half a soldier at heart, and
had done some fighting in his young life, and knew the sound of the
clash of arms.

He was not going to adventure himself into the battle, or to suffer
Colin to do so either; that would be useless. Indeed the boy had no
desire to enter the lists against the English, being more than half
on their side as it was, although the infection of the feelings of
the townspeople rendered it difficult for him exactly to know his
own mind.

He and Corinne were alike consumed with an overpowering sense of
excitement. It was the thought of the battle about to be waged that
filled the minds of both--the imminence of the coming struggle. As
for the result, that was less a matter of concern to them. The
crisis was the overwhelming consideration in their minds.

The Abbe and Colin had gone. The streets were beginning to fill
with excited people. The storm of shot and shell was not falling
upon Quebec today. The guns had been directed upon the Beauport
camp, to cover the real enterprise being carried on above. Also the
river had to be watched and guarded. Everything spoke of a change
in tactics. There was a tense feeling in the air as though an
electric cloud hung low over the city.

Then came a burst of cheering. Montcalm had been seen spurring on
with only a small band of followers over the bridge of the St.
Charles towards the scene of danger; and now the army itself was in
sight, making its way after him across the bridge and towards the
city, through whose streets they must pass to gain unmolested those
heights where the English were awaiting them, drawn up in close
array.

Montcalm's face was full of anxiety, and yet full of courage, as he
returned the plaudits of the citizens. He knew that affairs were
serious, but he hoped and believed that he should find but a small
detachment of the enemy waiting to receive him. He could not
believe that very much had been accomplished in one night. A little
resolution and courage and military address, and the foe would be
dislodged and driven ignominiously down those precipitous heights
which