miles from the scene of danger,
and in an impregnable position, they may rally their courage and
reconsider the situation; but unless I am greatly mistaken, that
resolution will come too late--Quebec will have already
surrendered."

Things had come to a desperate pass. Only one out of all the
officers was in favour of resistance; the rest declared it
impossible. The English on the heights were intrenched, and were
pushing their trenches nearer and nearer. Though Wolfe was dead and
Moncton disabled, Townshend, the third in command, was acting with
the energy and resolve which had characterized the expedition all
along.

Three days after Montcalm's death matters reached a crisis. Troops
were seen approaching the Palace Gate from the St. Charles meadows,
and the ships of war were slowly nearing the town with evident
intention of opening fire.

All the city was in a state of uncontrollable fright and agitation.
The officers crowded round Ramesay's quarters declaring that they
could do nothing with their men; that the men said they knew that
orders had been given to avoid assault, and that they were
threatening to carry their guns back to the arsenal, and desert
bodily to the English. So disgusted and disheartened were they by
the action of the Governor and his army that they had no fight left
in them.

"Raise the white flag then!" said the Commander, in brief, stern
tones.

Was it a cheer or a groan which arose from the town as the symbol
of surrender was seen floating above the battlements? Once it was
torn down by some more ardent spirit; but again it floated high,
and the people gazing up at it gesticulated and wept, though
whether for sorrow or joy they could scarce have told themselves.

It was known that a messenger had gone forth to confer with the
English commander, and the negotiations were drawn out hour after
hour, in the hope of some succour from without; till a stern
message came back that if they were not signed within an hour, the
assault would be ordered.

Then Ramesay signed, having secured more favourable terms than he
had dared to hope for. The capitulation of Quebec was an
accomplished fact!

Yet even whilst the people were still thronging the streets and
open places by the gateway, a band of weary horsemen were seen
spurring towards the city. As the foremost entered he cried:

"Courage, good friends, courage! Help is at hand! The army is
marching to your defence! Quebec shall yet be saved