is chair, with flashing eyes, but he sank back again as the
governor concluded.

"On my word, count," said he, "you have caught something of this gift of
Indian eloquence of which we have heard. But about these English folk.
They are Huguenots, are they not?"

"For the most part. Especially in the North."

"Then it might be a service to Holy Church to send them packing. They
have a city there, I am told. New--New--How do they call it?"

"New York, sire. They took it from the Dutch."

"Ah, New York. And have I not heard of another? Bos--Bos--"

"Boston, sire."

"That is the name. The harbours might be of service to us. Tell me,
now, Frontenac," lowering his voice so that his words might be audible
only to the count, Louvois, and the royal circle, "what force would you
need to clear these people out? One regiment, two regiments, and
perhaps a frigate or two?"

But the ex-governor shook his grizzled head. "You do not know them,
sire," said he. "They are stern folk, these. We in Canada, with all
your gracious help, have found it hard to hold our own. Yet these men
have had no help, but only hindrance, with cold and disease, and barren
lands, and Indian wars, but they have thriven and multiplied until the
woods thin away in front of them like ice in the sun, and their church
bells are heard where but yesterday the wolves were howling. They are
peaceful folk, and slow to war, but when they have set their hands to
it, though they may be slack to begin, they are slacker still to cease.
To put New England into your Majesty's hands, I would ask fifteen
thousand of your best troops and twenty ships of the line."

Louis sprang impatiently from his chair, and caught up his cane.
"I wish," said he, "that you would imitate these people who seem to you
to be so formidable, in their excellent habit of doing things for
themselves. The matter may stand until our council. Reverend father,
it has struck the hour of chapel, and all else may wait until we have
paid out duties to heaven." Taking a missal from the hands of an
attendant, he walked as fast as his very high heels would permit him,
towards the door, the court forming a lane through which he might pass,
and then closing up behind to follow him in order of precedence.

CHAPTER III.

THE HOLDING OF THE DOOR.

Whilst Louis had been affording his court that which he had openly
stated to be the highest of human pleasures--the sight of the royal
face-