the old man tried to induce Zac to set the Acadians free, except
one, arguing that one life was enough to hold against that of Motier.
But to this Zac sternly responded that one hundred Acadians would not
be of sufficient value to counterbalance the sacred life of his
friend. The only thing that Zac conceded was the liberty of the
Acadian whom he had sent ashore; for he felt touched by the plucky
conduct of this man in returning to the schooner. To his amazement,
however, this man refused to go, declaring that he had come back to
stand by his friends, and one of the others might be freed instead.
On referring the matter to them, one was found who was weak enough to
take advantage of this offer, and he it was who rowed the old man
ashore.

Towards evening a canoe came gliding over the water, containing a
single Indian. This Indian held aloof at a certain distance, scanning
the schooner curiously. Zac, seeing this, sprang upon the taffrail,
and called and beckoned to him; for a sudden thought came to him that
the Indian might have been despatched by Claude to tell him
something, and not knowing that he was no longer a prisoner, might be
hesitating as to the best way of approaching. His conjecture seemed
to be right, for this Indian, on seeing him, at once drew near, and
came on board.

The Indian said not a word, but handed Zac a letter. Zac opened it,
and read the following:--

"Claude Motier is free. Indians hafe safed him, and guide him to
Louisbourg on the trail of Cazeneau. He wishes that you go to Canso,
where you will be useful. He hope to safe Comtesse de Laborde, and
want you to help to safe she. Go, then, to Canso; and if you arrive
immediately, you sall see Indians, and must tell. They sall bing the
intelligence to us.

"The Pere Michel."

On reading this, Zac understood all. He saw that Pere Michel had been
a friend, and had engaged the Indians to help Claude. He at once
determined to go to Canso. That very night he sent the Acadians
ashore, and set sail.

CHAPTER XV.

FLIGHT.

On leaving the house, the Indian led the way in silence for some
distance. In the immediate neighborhood of the house were open
fields, while in front of it was the road which ran down to the
river. The house was on the declivity of a hill, at the foot of which
were broad dike-lands, which ran far out till they terminated at the
island already mentioned. Beyond this lay the Basin of Minas, and in
the distance th