icket
fence, and bordered on the highway. Here the loyal band took their
stand under cover of the fence, waiting to give Jonathan a warm
reception the moment he came within reach. The supposed Americans
proved to be a small detachment of British troops, and thus the affair
ended.

On another occasion during the same period the Padre's loyalty and
good humour were manifested, though in a different manner. While
amusing himself in the garden one day, he overheard two Irish soldiers
engaged in conversation to this effect:--

"You know that the ould boy asks every body afore he gives any
praties, if they belong to St. Patrick; well, is it a hard matter to
tell him we do, agrah?"

"Sure you'd be telling a lie, Paddy!"

"Never mind that," said Paddy, "I'll spake."

The old gentleman immediately returned to the house, and entering by a
back door, was snugly seated in his arm-chair, book in hand, when the
two Hibernians were admitted.

"Well, my boys, what is your business with me?"

"We would be wanting a few praties, if your Riverence could spare
them."

"Aha! you are from Ireland, I perceive. Irishmen very fond of
potatoes! Well, my boys, I have a few remaining, and you shall have
some if you belong to St. Patrick."

"Faith, and it is all as your honour says; we are Irishmen, and we
belong to St. Patrick."

The old gentleman ordered Joseph to supply them with the "blessed
root," without any further parley. Then addressing the speaker in a
voice of assumed choler, exclaimed:--

"You are a great raskail! does your religion teach you to tell lies?
You are Protestant both of you. However, if you do not belong to St.
Patrick, you belong to the King of England, and I give my potatoes for
his sake. But you must never try to impose upon an old priest again,
or you may not come so well off."

CHAPTER III.

ON SERVICE--LAKE OF TWO MOUNTAINS--OPPOSITION--INDIANS--AMUSEMENTS AT
THE POSTS.

I arrived at Montreal about the beginning of May, and soon learnt that
I was appointed to the post at Lake of Two Mountains. The Montreal
department was headed at that time by Mr. Thane, a man of rather
eccentric character, but possessed of a heart that glowed with the
best feelings of humanity. I was allowed to amuse myself a few days in
town, having directions however to call at the office every day, in
case my services should be required. The period of departure at length
arrived. I was one evening accosted by Mr. Thane