consistence of mankind, I straight rebelled
against it. What a climax to every irony of fate! To find myself
free, and she, whom I had so hopelessly loved, another's. Yet what
did the priest mean when he said he had been trying to keep me from
her? I looked across the room at his impassive face, and felt I
would give much for five minutes alone with him. Then an explanation
would be forthcoming in some shape.

From this coil I was aroused by the entrance of an officer to summon
us into the presence of the General, and for the first time I
considered my personal situation. Not that I had anything to fear,
for, in those days, war was a profession, and an officer was treated
as a gentleman by his opponent once active hostilities ceased, or
were even suspended; but the consequence of my capture would
certainly mean for me the loss of any advantage I might otherwise
have gained from our success. Now my name would figure in no
despatches, unless as "missing," a bitter disappointment, when I
had so slowly and painfully gained something of a position. But I
had no time to reason it out before we had crossed the threshold
of the General's room.

He was a clear-featured, bright-eyed man of thirty-five or forty,
visibly harassed with the hard fortune of the day, but he did not
allow his preoccupation to affect his bearing towards us.

"Reverend sir," he said, addressing the priest, "I take it for
granted you are a non-combatant, but as it has fallen to your lot
to be brought within our lines, you must perforce remain a prisoner.
If you will satisfy me as to your name and position, I shall judge
if I can grant you the less galling restrictions of parole."

[Illustration: "I take it for granted you are a non-combatant."]

The priest smiled. "I appreciate the reasonableness of the condition,
your Excellency. My full name is Jean Marie Gaston de Caldegues,
Vicomte de Trincardel, but for years I have borne none other than
'le pere Jean, missionary to the Indians.'"

"That is perfectly satisfactory, sir. I shall be pleased to allow
you parole within the walls, only restricting you from approaching
those parts of the town where our defences are now placed. I shall
give you an order for quarters at the Ursulines, though doubtless
the good ladies would readily receive you even without my
introduction." As he spake he accompanied the priest to the door,
where he gave his instructions to an aide in waiting.

He then turned to me and