tense delight. Here
seemed one who might relieve her in her distress. Accordingly she
proceeded to tell him her whole story, all the words of Cazeneau,
with all their implied meaning, and all her own fears, from beginning
to end.

The priest heard her narration in profound silence, and after she had
told him all, he remained in deep thought for some time, while Mimi
sat anxiously awaiting what he might say.

"My dear child," said the priest, at length, "it is difficult for me
to give you advice, for your situation is most unpleasant, and most
distressing to me. I can only entreat you to put your trust in that
Heaven who never deserts the innocent. You must go to
Louisbourg--there is no hope of escaping that. Besides, you yourself
wish to go there. The Count de Cazeneau certainly has the chief power
there; but whether he is omnipotent remains to be seen. Who knows
what other powers may be there? I have known cases where the
commandant has had powerful rivals,--such as the admiral of the
fleet, or some subordinate who had influence at court at home. I have
known places where the bishop could interfere and prevent his doing
wrong. So, be calm, my daughter, put your trust in Heaven, and
recollect that the commandant cannot break through all restraints,
but that there must be some barriers that he cannot force. If you
wish the protection of the church, that will always be yours. Beware
how you do anything rashly. Confide in me. Perhaps, after all, these
troubles may have a good end."

CHAPTER XI.

A FRIEND IN NEED.

For more than a week Claude had been kept in confinement, and had
seen nothing of any of his former acquaintances. The confinement was
not so close as it might have been, and escape was not absolutely
impossible, for the window which lighted the chamber was merely a
wooden sash, with four panes of glass, which Claude could have
removed, had he been so disposed; but this he was not inclined to do,
and for two reasons. One reason was, because, if he did get out, he
had no idea where to go. Annapolis Royal was the nearest settlement
belonging to the English; but he did not know in which direction it
lay. He knew, however, that between Grand Pre and that place the
country was settled by the French, among whom he could not go without
being captured by his pursuers, while if he took to the woods he
would be sure to fall into the hands of the Indians, who were the
zealous allies of the French. Such a pro