the voice and gesture
of the boor he really was at bottom, but my hands were too full
either to wonder at his insult or demand an explanation.

I will make no attempt to follow the detail of the action; it is
enough to say the honours rested with us. We stood victorious over
the same foe that had defeated us on the same ground six months
before. We had regained the Heights, regained the General Hospital,
and it remained to be seen how soon we might sweep over its ruined
ramparts into Quebec and hold it once more for King Louis.

As I entered the Hospital towards evening to report to M. de Levis,
one of the sisters addressed me: "Pardon, monsieur, but are you
the Chevalier de Maxwell?"

"Yes, ma soeur."

"M. Dalquier wishes to speak with you. He lies here."

I found that fine old soldier lying on a bed faint from a wound he
had received at the very moment he made his decisive charge, but
which had not prevented him holding his place for some time later.
He smiled bravely as he held out his hand to me.

"These confounded surgeons will not allow me to speak in person,
but I wish you, Chevalier, to thank the General for me. Did you
hear about it? No? Then, listen. Just after our charge was made,
and we had formed again, he rode up. 'Here is the devil to pay,'
I said to myself, and was framing my defence in short order, when,
'M. Dalquier,' he said, so that all about could hear, 'the King
owes you his thanks for not making that half-turn. Hold your position
for five minutes, and I will answer for the battle.' Did you ever
hear anything like it? Think of a general making such an
acknowledgment, and before my men, too! Mort Dieu, Chevalier! Tell
him I would rather have this to remember than wear the Cross of
St. Louis. Go!" And he turned away his face, to hide the tears that
spake of his overwhelming satisfaction.

"I will see him as soon as I can find a moment," said M. de Levis,
when I repeated my message, almost as moved as the old soldier.
"Now, Chevalier, as soon as it falls dark, do you go over the ground
alone, and as close to the town as possible, to see what dispositions
we are to make for our trenches. Mark what Murray has attempted in
the way of defences or outworks. Let me, or M. de Pontleroy, hear
from you to-night, no matter how late the hour. But get some
refreshment before you set out," he added, thoughtful as ever of
the wants of others.

I sate down for a few moments' rest, and ate something the g