!"

Alas! Quebec had fallen. Sobs and groans went up from the women,
and curses from the men. There was a rush for Ramesay's quarters to
tell the news and ask what could be done; but the Chevalier's face
was stern and hard.

"Nothing can be done," he said. "You have had your own will. You
have signed away your city. Honour will not permit me to break my
word. Besides, how can we trust an army which has basely deserted
us once? If they would not attack the foe before he had had time to
intrench and fortify himself, how can we hope that they will have
courage to brave the assault of a formidable intrenched camp
defended by artillery?

"Go back whence you came, sirs, and tell the Governor, if you will,
that his cowardice and desertion have done their work. Quebec is
lost to France for ever, and Canada will follow. He could have
saved it four days ago had he had the heart of a soldier or the
head of a statesman; now it is lost irrevocably!"

Chapter 3: Friendly Foes.

Quebec was taken; it had surrendered without a blow when once the
battle upon the heights above had ended in the overthrow of the
French army.

Julian and Fritz exchanged glances of wonder when it was known
beyond all doubt that the capitulation had been signed. It was
marvellous to them, who knew the full peril of their own position,
that the French should be so blind. A concerted attack from the two
armies of the immediate locality could scarcely have failed to
drive them from their vantage ground back to their ships; and once
there, the Admirals would have had no choice but to put to sea once
more; for already the season was closing, and it would then have
been madness to think of any further operations for that season.

And yet sadness rather than joy was the main feeling in the hearts
of these comrades as they prepared themselves to be of the number
to march into the city.

Fritz was still somewhat lame from the effect of his wound; but his
splendid physique had made light of the injury, and in other
respects he was sound and strong. Humphrey walked beside him,
giving him a little assistance over rough ground, and Julian was on
his other side. They were full of curiosity to behold the city
which it had cost them so much to take, and Fritz was anxious to
find again those friends who had shown him kindness in past days.
Julian, too, was very desirous to meet Madame Drucour once more,
and renew with her those pleasant relations which had co