at the object of the voyage could only be to
search out or to meet with Isidore, she felt that if she allowed the
marquis to proceed alone her long cherished schemes would be wrecked at
last and she resolved, come what might, to accompany him. Argument and
persuasion were alike unavailing. There was nothing for it but to
offer to take her out in the "Pompadour." Nor was she the only person
who was destined to accompany the marquis, for on hearing of his
intention old Perigord besought him with tears in his eyes to let him
go too: "Monseigneur," said he, "I have served you faithfully from my
cradle, do not compel me to leave yon. Let me, too, see my young
master once more before I die."

It was not the first time, by a score, that Duboscq had threaded the
mazy channels of the St. Lawrence, or that he had baffled the pursuit
of an English cruiser. The "Pompadour" was a tight little ship, and
well in hand, swift, and drawing but little water, but much caution was
required, and the voyage was a long one. Passing northwards through
the Straits of Belle Isle to avoid the track of the English fleet, the
"Pompadour" made a splendid run up the St. Lawrence, eluding one
British vessel, and fairly out-sailing another, and at last came in
sight of the rugged bluffs of Cape Tourment, about a dozen leagues
below Quebec. It was, however, late in the afternoon, and as there was
no hope of their reaching Quebec that evening the "Pompadour" hove to,
and was about to anchor for the night, when Duboscq descried an English
sloop of war about a couple of miles off, right ahead and standing
towards them, and he at once went below to consult with the marquis,
who immediately returned with him on deck.

It was evident that they had been seen by the English sloop, and the
danger was imminent. The marquis took in the situation at a glance:
"The 'Pompadour' cannot escape, but we may yet do so," said he to
Duboscq. "You have done your best hitherto, and I will indemnify you
for the loss of your vessel. Lower your boat at once, and we may all
reach the shore before the Englishman comes up. We may as well be
captured on shore, if we are to see the inside of an English prison,
but we may be able to make our way by land to Quebec."

The boat was soon lowered, but it would only hold three persons besides
the two men required to row it; and Duboscq, as steersman, who, after
landing their passengers, would have to return to fetch off the
rem