of the _Clement_. Very hearty was their welcome here. The
Captain of the good ship felt deeply grateful for the timely warning,
and offered his wearied and hungry visitors the best at his disposal,
while the colonists and others crowded about, eager to be told about La
Tour and his forts, and how things were going in the new world to which
they had come. Raoul was pleased to find himself a person of some
importance, and his tongue wagged merrily as he answered the many
questions poured upon him, or in his turn made inquiries on his own
account. Ere he lay down that night in the Captain's cabin, he did not
forget to thank God for having answered his prayer by guiding the canoe
into the way of the _Clement_.

After consulting with Joe and Jean, the Captain of the _Clement_
decided that the best plan would be for him to keep the ship off for
the present, as it was not likely Charnace would break his blockade of
Fort La Tour to go after her, and, even if he did, she could easily
over-match any one of his vessels, and sail away from any of them.

In the meantime, Joe and Jean would make their way back to the fort,
leaving Raoul on board. This arrangement was carried out successfully.
The messengers again passed through Charnace's lines and brought their
good news to La Tour, who at once decided that the best thing to be
done was for him to get on board the _Clement_ and sail on her for
Boston, to obtain reinforcements against the enemy. So, on a dark,
still night a canoe, containing both Monsieur and Madame, glided unseen
past the blockading vessels, La Tour smiling grimly, and Constance
giving a shudder as they heard Charnace's own voice saying:

"The spy who just came from the fort says that his comrades will send
down La Tour in shackles at midnight," little knowing that the rascally
conspirators had been discovered, and were themselves now lying in
irons in the dungeon of the fort.

CHAPTER X

ADVENTURE IN BOSTON

The _Clement_ was found and boarded without much difficulty, and at
daybreak she was on her way to Boston, bearing the La Tours and Raoul.

They were well received at the quaint capital of the New England
Province, and, after a good deal of negotiation, for the shrewd
colonists knew how to drive good bargains, La Tour succeeded in
arranging for four ships, carrying nearly two score guns, and one
hundred and fifty men. With this force he felt quite equal to getting
the better of his rival,