known henceforward by
the name of Pittsburg.

It had been Isidore's intention after this event to make his way back
to Quebec, and he and Boulanger set out again together for this
purpose. Their route, however, lay in a different direction from that
taken by de Lignieres and the retreating garrison. They had just lain
down to rest on the first evening of their march, when the Canadian's
sharp ears detected the approach of footsteps, and before he could
arouse his companion, they were surrounded by a small detachment of New
England men sent out to scour the woods. Resistance would have been
mere folly, and they were at once captured. At first they were in
hopes that they might pass unnoticed as common Canadian woodsmen, but,
unfortunately for them, they were searched, and the testimonial from
General Drucour, which Isidore had carried about with him ever since
the taking of Louisburg, settled their fate. They were, without
further question, carried off to head-quarters, to be dealt with
possibly as spies, but at the best as prisoners of war.

[Illustration: Tailpiece to Chapter III]

[Illustration: Headpiece to Chapter IV]

CHAPTER IV.

The Marquis de Beaujardin had awaited the return of Jasmin from his
errand to the Quai La Fosse, first with impatience, then with
irritation, but at last with anxiety; and as neither the valet nor Jean
Perigord made their appearance, either that night or on the following
morning, he at last proceeded to the quay in person to search out the
innkeeper. He found Jean still in great perturbation about the events
of the preceding evening, and a visit from another totally different
Marquis de Beaujardin so excited him that for a long time he refused to
tell anything. At last, however, he was induced to do so, and the
marquis learned that he had come too late, and that Marguerite had
undoubtedly been seized, but that Isidore had certainly escaped for the
present, though all inquiries as to whither he had gone proved wholly
fruitless.

With a heavy heart Monsieur de Beaujardin returned to his chateau,
quite powerless to take any further steps, for he felt that any attempt
on Marguerite's behalf would be more likely to lead to Isidore's
capture than to obtain her liberation.

Surprised at not seeing the valet again, Madame de Valricour tried to
ascertain from the marquis what had passed at Nantes, but his only
reply was a stern request that she would cease visiting B