he had
already decided. Zac, in his preparations on this occasion, showed
that he possessed a line eye for dramatic effect, and knew how to
create a sensation. There was a small howitzer amidships,--Zac's joy
and pride,--which, like the ensign, was made use of only on great and
rare occasions, such as the king's birthday, or other seasons of
general rejoicing. This he determined to make use of at the present
crisis, thinking that it would speak in tones that would strike
terror to the heart of Moosoo, both on board and ashore.

Last of all, it remained to explain to the Acadians on board the
purposes upon which he was bent. They were still below. Jericho had
supplied them with their breakfast there, but Zac had not allowed
them on deck. Now, however, he summoned forth their chief man,
leaving the others behind, and proceeded to endeavor, as far as
possible, to explain to this man what he wished.

The Acadian's stock of English words was but small, yet Zac was able,
after all, by the help of signs, to give him some idea of his
purpose. The letter also was shown him, and he seemed able to gather
from it a general idea of its meaning. His words to Zac indicated a
very lively idea of the danger which was impending over the
prisoners.

"Me go," he said. "Put me 'shore. Me go _tout de suite_; me deliver
M. Motier; make come here _tout de suite--bon_!"

"All right," said Zac; "but mind you, he must be here in three
hours--three," he repeated, holding up three fingers; "three hours."

"O, _oui_--yes--_certainement_--tree hour."

"These others will be all prisoners if he don't come."

"O, _oui_--yes; all personaire; _mais_ he vill come, _tout
certainement_."

"You und'stand now, Moosoo, sure?"

"O, _oui_; me _comprends_--ond'stand--_certainement_."

"Well, then, you wait up here till we get nearer, and then you can go
ashore in the boat."

But Zac's preparations were destined to undergo some delay, for the
wind died out, and the schooner lay idle upon the surface of the
water. For several hours Zac waited patiently, hoping for a change;
but no change came. At length the tide turned, and after a time the
schooner, which had already been drifting helplessly, now began to be
carried back towards the place from which she had started.

Zac was now left to his own invention, and could only decide that on
the following day, if the wind should fail him, he would send the
boat ashore from his present anchorage, and wait