down his feelings, however. He saw that Le Gardeur was ripe for
ruin. They returned to the table and drank still more freely. Dice and
cards were resumed; fresh challenges were thrown out; Emeric and Le
Mercier were already deep in a game; money was pushed to and fro. The
contagion fastened like a plague upon Le Gardeur, who sat down at
the table, drew forth a full purse, and pulling up every anchor of
restraint, set sail on the flood-tide of drinking and gaming which
lasted without ceasing until break of day.

De Pean never for a moment lost sight of his scheme for the abduction
of Le Gardeur. He got ready for departure, and with a drunken rush and
a broken song the four gallants, with unwashed faces and disordered
clothes, staggered into their canoe and with a shout bade the boatmen
start.

The hardy canotiers were ready for departure. They headed their long
canoes down the flowing river, dashed their paddles into the water just
silvered with the rays of the rising sun, and shot down stream towards
the city of Quebec.

De Pean, elate with his success, did not let the gaiety of the party
flag for a moment during their return. They drank, sang, and talked
balderdash and indecencies in a way to bring a look of disgust upon the
cheeks of the rough boatmen.

Much less sober than when they left Tilly, the riotous party reached the
capital. The canotiers with rapid strokes of the paddle passed the high
cliffs and guarded walls, and made for the quay of the Friponne, De Pean
forcing silence upon his companions as they passed the Sault au Matelot,
where a crowd of idle boatmen hailed them with volleys of raillery,
which only ceased when the canoe was near enough for them to see whom it
contained. They were instantly silent. The rigorous search made by order
of the Intendant after the late rioters, and the summary punishment
inflicted upon all who had been convicted, had inspired a careful
avoidance of offence toward Bigot and the high officers of his staff.

De Pean landed quietly, few caring to turn their heads too often towards
him. Le Gardeur, wholly under his control, staggered out of the canoe,
and, taking his arm, was dragged rather than led up to the Palace, where
Bigot greeted the party with loud welcome. Apartments were assigned
to Le Gardeur, as to a most honored guest in the Palace. Le Gardeur de
Repentigny was finally and wholly in the power of the Intendant.

Bigot looked triumphant, and congratulated De Pe