t empire--Louisiana--in the vague, dim valley of the
Mississippi across the sea: these are the scenes wherein this drama
shall be played. Through these times shall run the tale which follows.
Times when a man's good sword was ever his truest friend, when he who
fought best commanded most respect. It was the era of lusty men----the
weak went to the wall._

_King and courtier; soldier and diplomat; lass and lady; these are the
people with whom this story deals. If, therefore, you find brave
fighting and swords hanging too loosely in their sheaths; if honor
clings round an empty shadow and the women seem more fair than honest,
I pray you remember when these things did happen, who were the actors,
and the stage whereon they played._

_THE AUTHOR._

THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED

FOREWORD

_It is fitting that old men, even those whose trade is war, should end
their days in peace, yet it galls me grievously to sit idly here by the
fire, in this year of grace 1746, while great things go on in the world
about me._

_The feeble hound at my feet, stretching his crippled limbs to the
blaze, dreams of the chase, and bays delighted in his sleep. Nor can I
do more than dream and meditate and brood._

_News of Fontenoy and the glory of Prince Maurice thrills my sluggish
blood; again I taste the wild joys of conflict; the clashing steel, the
battle shouts, the cries of dying men---yea, even the death scream of
those sorely stricken comes as a balm to soothe my droning age. But
the youthful vigor is gone. This arm could scarcely wield a bodkin;
the old friend of many campaigns rusts in its scabbard, and God knows
France had never more urgent need of keen and honest swords._

_Thus run my thoughts while I sit here like some decrepit priest,
bending over my task, for though but an indifferent clerk I desire to
leave this narrative for my children's children._

_My early life was spent, as my children already know, for the most
part in the American Colonies. Of my father I knew little, he being
stationed at such remote frontier posts in the savage country that he
would not allow my mother and myself to accompany him. So we led a
secluded life in the garrison at Quebec. After the news came of his
death somewhere out in the wilderness, my brave mother and I were left
entirely alone. I was far too young then to realize my loss, and the
memory of those peaceful years in America with my patient, accomplished
mother remain