COMRADES 
 THREE 
 
 
 WILLIAM R.A.WILSON
 
 COMRADES THREE
 
 " Francois had escaped ! " 
 
 [Page 116.]
 
 COMRADES 
 THREE 
 
 By 
 
 WILLIAM R. A. WILSON 
 
 AUTHOR OF "A BOSE OF NOBMANDY," 
 "A KNOT OF BLUE," ETC. 
 
 D. APPLETON AND COMPANY 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 1906
 
 COPYRIGHT, 1906, BY 
 D. APPLETON AND COMPANY 
 
 Published September, 1906
 
 TO 
 
 ROBERT, HAROLD, AND 
 ARTHUR GIBSON 
 
 2138945
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER PAGE 
 
 I. IN WHICH A SHIP ARRIVES AND Two VOYA- 
 GERS RECEIVE A STRANGE WELCOME . . 1 
 
 II. IN WHICH IT is DISCOVERED THAT PIERRE 
 POSSESSES COMMENDABLE SPIRIT AND JEAN 
 RECEIVES A FRIGHT 15 
 
 HI. SHOWS How THE RECITAL OF WARLIKE 
 DEEDS AROUSES AMBITIOUS DESIRES IN 
 THE MlNDS OF THE HEARERS ... 26 
 
 IV. IN WHICH A NEW ACQUAINTANCE is MADE 
 
 AND A NEW LIFE BEGUN .... 42 
 
 V. DEVOTED TO LIFE IN THE WOODS AND END- 
 ING IN A CONFLICT 54 
 
 VI. IN WHICH A GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK is 
 PLAYED, AND A STRANGE DISCOVERY MADE 
 AND A COMPACT FORMED .... 67 
 
 VII. CONTAINS SOME MYSTERIOUS EVENTS THAT 
 BODE ILL FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE 
 BROTHERHOOD 80 
 
 VIII. THE PLOT THICKENS, AND PERPLEXITIES ARE 
 
 MET WHICH END IN A SURPRISE ... 94 
 
 vii
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER PAGE 
 
 IX. DESCRIBES A LONG JOURNEY AND MUCH 
 
 DISCOURAGEMENT 109 
 
 X. IN WHICH THE COURAGE OF THE CAPTIVES is 
 
 SEVERELY TESTED . . . . . . 122 
 
 XI. IN WHICH A RASH VENTURE is MADE THAT 
 
 ALMOST ENDS IN FAILURE . . . .140 
 
 XII. WHEREIN A DANGER is ESCAPED AND SOME 
 
 PERPLEXITIES ARE SOLVED . . . .153 
 
 XIII. BEGINS WITH A FRIGHT FOR JEAN AND WITH 
 
 A NOVEL JOURNET . . . . . . 166 
 
 XIV. DEPICTS A GLAD HOME-COMING FOR THE 
 
 TRAVELERS AND ONE OTHER . . . 178 
 
 XV. IN WHICH THE GOVERNOR RECEIVES AN INSO- 
 LENT MESSAGE AND THE Two BROTHERS 
 MEET WITH A GREAT SURPRISE . . . 190 
 
 XVI. DEALS MAINLY WITH MILITARY AFFAIRS. 
 SHOWS How A TRAP WAS SPRUNG AND A 
 BATTLE WON 205 
 
 XVII. WHEREIN A TRAITOR is BROUGHT TO JUSTICE 216 
 
 XVIII. DEPICTS A GREAT SURPRISE, WHICH is FOL- 
 LOWED BY AN UNEXPECTED TRAGEDY. . 228 
 
 XIX. A CHAPTER OF MERITED REWARD AND HAP- 
 PINESS . 239 
 
 Till
 
 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 FACING 
 FAOB 
 
 " Franois had escaped ! " . . . . Frontispiece 
 
 "Three Indians . . . each with his rifle pointed 
 
 straight at them" 108 
 
 "They passed a low burning camp fire" . . .176 
 "A bit of steel flashed in the air" .236 
 
 IX
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 IN WHICH A SHIP ARRIVES AND TWO VOYAGERS 
 RECEIVE A STRANGE WELCOME 
 
 " A FINE morning, my lads, after so much 
 storm and fog ! Do you not rejoice with me that 
 this tedious journey is almost over? " 
 
 The stanch ship L'Ardente had battled hard 
 for her royal master, Louis XIV, in her long 
 and arduous voyage from the busy harbor of 
 La Rochelle en route for Quebec, the proud 
 capital of the infant colony of New France. 
 The first week all had gone well. Favoring 
 winds seemed to warrant the hope of a quick and 
 comfortable passage across the vast watery 
 plain that separated the Old World from the 
 New. But as the tiny vessel proceeded on her 
 adventuresome way, the mood of the sea al- 
 tered. Boisterous gales burst suddenly from 
 
 1
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 the north, bringing with them the chill gathered 
 from the surface of countless miles of ice and 
 snow. The water changed from a friendly blue 
 to a menacing gray, and heaved itself against 
 the ship in angry waves that drove her far from 
 her course. After many days of buffeting and 
 arduous tacking the sturdy L'Ardente passed 
 out of this region of storm, only to glide into 
 another more terrifying; for as she advanced 
 upon her way, she encountered her old enemy, 
 the fog. At last even this mysterious foe was 
 vanquished, and one bright day early in June, 
 1689, the dim outlines of a strange coast were 
 sighted. 
 
 The passengers, who had led a miserable ex- 
 istence a large proportion of the voyage, cooped 
 up in their stuffy quarters below decks, crowded 
 to the rail and strained their eyes to catch a 
 glimpse of the new country whither they were 
 bound. 
 
 The speaker was a man past middle age, whose 
 mustache, well streaked with gray, but partly 
 concealed a mouth which bore a gracious smile, 
 
 2
 
 A STRANGE WELCOME 
 
 one that betokened a friendly feeling and invited 
 confidence. He had been gazing with the rest at 
 the faint contour against the sky that denoted 
 land, but, tiring of this, had turned to observe 
 his fellow passengers. His eyes had fallen upon 
 the figures of two boys standing a little apart 
 from the crowd, whose wistful glances betrayed 
 their joy at the journey's progress. A strong 
 family resemblance indicated that they were 
 brothers. The elder, about fifteen, was tall for 
 his age, with a sturdy frame which gave prom- 
 ise of development into a splendid physique by 
 the time the owner reached maturity. The 
 other, some three years younger, was of a slighter 
 build, but bore an air of gentle manly inde- 
 pendence that indicated a brave heart and kindly 
 disposition. 
 
 The larger boy looked up with a smile of rec- 
 ognition, for he had often noticed the speaker 
 during the voyage and had returned his polite 
 bow when they chanced to meet, although they 
 had never before exchanged any words. 
 
 " Certainement, monsieur," he replied. 
 3
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 " One does not naturally enjoy the foretaste of 
 purgatory that we have received during the 
 past weeks. I shall be content never again to 
 cross the ocean when once I shall put foot on 
 land." 
 
 " Parbleu! This must be your first voyage. 
 And yet I wonder a little at your evident dis- 
 gust at the sea, for I have observed you were 
 both excellent sailors, while I have been more or 
 less sick from the day we started. This is my 
 fifth journey across, and yet I am always mis- 
 erable." 
 
 "Perhaps it is because we come of a sea- 
 faring race. Our ancestors for many genera- 
 tions back have been followers of the sea," was 
 the proud reply. " I am inclined to doubt, how- 
 ever, the claim of my brother Jean here to our 
 family name, because for three whole days he 
 could not hold up his head." 
 
 "I believe, monsieur," spoke up Jean with a 
 smile, " that if Pierre had always looked as he 
 really felt he would have presented a miserable 
 appearance during a good part of our voyage. 
 
 4
 
 A STRANGE WELCOME 
 
 It was only his strong will that prevented him 
 from betraying his real feelings." 
 
 The stranger laughed. "Whither are you 
 bound, if I may be permitted to ask so personal 
 a question? " 
 
 " To Quebec," was Jean's ready answer. 
 
 Pierre, reassured by the polite demeanor of 
 their new acquaintance, proceeded to enlighten 
 him still further. " You see," he began, " my 
 father came to New France three years ago to 
 join his brother in a trading enterprise. Our 
 uncle, being an officer in the Colonial Army, was 
 prohibited from openly engaging in trade, so he 
 advanced a sum of money and formed a partner- 
 ship with my father, who was the one actively 
 engaged in the business of buying furs from the 
 Indians, collecting and storing them, and ship- 
 ping them to France. A year ago he disap- 
 peared, carried off and murdered by the sav- 
 ages. Our mother was heartbroken at the news, 
 and never recovered from the shock. She died 
 within six months. Unfortunately we had but 
 little money and no near relatives, so we were ad- 
 
 5
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 vised to set sail for Quebec to find our uncle, who 
 will undoubtedly aid us in making a start in the 
 New World. Jean is not very strong, and can- 
 not do much work yet, but I can work enough 
 for two," and as he spoke Pierre laid an affec- 
 tionate hand upon his brother's shoulder. 
 
 " Bravo ! " exclaimed the stranger, who 
 seemed much interested in Pierre's narrative. 
 " You have courage and an unselfish heart, a rare 
 combination in this wicked world, one that will 
 stand you in good stead in your new home. But 
 tell me," he continued thoughtfully, " what was 
 your father's name? I live in Quebec, and have 
 something to do with the fur trade. Perchance I 
 knew him 1 " 
 
 " Oh, monsieur ! " cried Pierre eagerly, " per- 
 haps you were his friend. His name was An- 
 toine Bordeleau." 
 
 " Ah, yes, I remember him well ! " replied the 
 stranger. " Then your uncle must be Captain 
 Louis Bordeleau." 
 
 "Yes," said Jean. "He was considerably 
 older than my father and entered the army when 
 
 6
 
 A STRANGE WELCOME 
 
 very young. We have never seen him. He does 
 not even know we are coming." 
 
 The stranger was silent. He looked moodily 
 off across the water for a moment, then eyed his 
 companions in a hesitating manner, as though 
 he were about to tell them something. He 
 checked himself, however, and turned his gaze 
 seaward again. Presently he spoke in the same 
 kindly tone as before. 
 
 " I am indeed glad to meet the sons of my 
 former friend, whose strange disappearance was 
 a much-talked-of mystery at Quebec until your 
 uncle discovered an Indian from a far distant 
 tribe who related to the Governor Frontenac 
 himself the horrible account of the death by tor- 
 ture of a certain white prisoner at the hands of 
 his people, and furnished satisfactory details 
 that proved the identity of the unfortunate man. 
 I shall take pleasure upon our arrival in present- 
 ing you to your uncle. He is perhaps a trifle 
 well, eccentric, but I have no doubt you will 
 get along well enough with him and he will do 
 his duty toward you." 
 7
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 The next day the ship passed so near the shore 
 that the passengers were able to distinguish an 
 occasional fisherman's cabin, a small clearing 
 covered with growing grain, or the clustered huts 
 of an Indian village. Soon they entered the 
 mouth of the St. Lawrence, the majestic stream 
 that drained a continent. Gradually the oppo- 
 site shore grew nearer as they ascended until 
 at last, one beautiful clear morning when the 
 voyagers appeared on deck, they beheld in the 
 distance the spires and roofs of the noble city 
 of Quebec, that, seated like a monarch upon a 
 rocky throne, ruled all the fair colony of the 
 King of France. 
 
 All was confusion on board ship, the pas- 
 sengers hastily collecting their belongings pre- 
 paratory to landing; officers bawling orders at 
 the top of their voices ; sailors running hither and 
 thither, scrubbing decks, coiling ropes, and get- 
 ting the vessel into a trim and tidy condition. 
 At noon a cannon was fired, and the answering 
 salute reverberated from the lofty citadel. The 
 anchor was dropped and sails furled, and the 
 
 8
 
 A STRANGE WELCOME 
 
 weary passengers realized that at last their long 
 journey was at an end. 
 
 A swarm of canoes put out from the shore and 
 soon surrounded the ship, each one containing 
 an eager gesticulating owner, who offered for a 
 small sum to land his passengers in safety to- 
 gether with their personal effects. Pierre and 
 Jean, each with his little bundle containing all 
 that he possessed in the world, stood watching 
 the confusion with curious eyes. They were in- 
 terrupted by the familiar voice of the stranger. 
 
 " Well, mes amis, are you ready to disembark 
 and begin your adventures in a strange land? " 
 Not waiting for a reply, he hailed one of the 
 canoes, and, directing the two boys to descend, he 
 followed with their bundles, and soon all three 
 were speeding rapidly over the surface of the 
 water toward the landing place. They found 
 this to be a rude sort of pier, which was crowded 
 with people assembled to welcome the new ar- 
 rivals. Soldiers, sailors, fishermen, women with 
 children in their arms or tugging at their skirts, 
 a few Indians, officers, even the great Frontenac, 
 
 9
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 Governor of all New France stood ready to 
 offer a hearty greeting to friends and strangers 
 alike. 
 
 Their companion passed quietly through the 
 crowd, closely followed by Pierre and Jean 
 Bordeleau. They found themselves walking up 
 a steep street that ran from the lower town to 
 the upper, where were situated the public build- 
 ings and most of the residences of the better 
 class. The ascent was tiresome to their stiffened 
 limbs after so many weeks of inactivity on ship- 
 board, and they stopped when halfway up to 
 rest and look back upon the river and the lower 
 town, now lying some distance beneath them. 
 After a few minutes' observation they continued 
 the ascent. 
 
 When the upper town was reached, their guide 
 led them rapidly along a street until he stopped 
 before a shop bearing the name of Ormesson. 
 
 " Enter, mes amis, and welcome to New 
 France. You have told me your names ere now, 
 but are ignorant of mine. This is the home, the 
 shop of Jacques Ormesson, trader, at your serv- 
 
 10
 
 A STRANGE WELCOME 
 
 ice. Enter, I say, and do me the honor of par- 
 taking of your first meal in the Colony beneath 
 my roof." 
 
 They obeyed, and, following his lead, passed 
 through the shop, and soon found themselves in 
 a little sitting room at the rear. Their host ex- 
 cused himself a moment to receive the greetings 
 of his assistant, a young man whose eyes fairly 
 danced with delight as he beheld once more the 
 sight of his beloved master. He was quickly 
 dispatched for something to eat, and in a half 
 hour the kind-hearted trader and his two young 
 friends were seated about a generous table, at- 
 tacking vigorously the food provided, with tre- 
 mendous appetites, the young assistant beaming 
 joyfully as he waited upon them. 
 
 When they had finished Jacques Ormesson 
 poured out three glasses of wine and, turning to 
 the two boys, said : 
 
 " What say you to a toast, mes braves gar- 
 gonsl Here is a pledge to our friendship so 
 happily begun ; may it increase with the passing 
 of the days ! " 
 
 11
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 The glasses were emptied, Pierre and Jean 
 murmuring their thanks. " And now," contin- 
 ued their host, " we must be off to make the ac- 
 quaintance of your uncle. Ma foil I do not rel- 
 ish the task ! " 
 
 After a few moments' walk, they stopped be- 
 fore a large house near the edge of the town 
 while their guide knocked sharply for entrance. 
 They were admitted by a decrepit old man, who 
 bowed low to the trader and stared hard at his 
 companions, and were ushered into a large room, 
 separated from another by huge folding doors. 
 
 " Tell Captain Bordeleau that Jacques Ormes- 
 son, just arrived from France, wishes to see him 
 on a matter of importance." Then turning to 
 the boys he added in an undertone : " I shall go 
 in first and prepare him for the unexpected news 
 of your arrival. I shall then leave, and you can 
 meet your uncle alone. Do not fail to call upon 
 me if you are ever in need. Remember, I am 
 your friend. Come to my shop in a few days 
 and report how you are getting on. Anyone will 
 direct you to the place." 
 
 12
 
 A STRANGE WELCOME 
 
 By this time the old servant had returned and 
 signified that his master would see his visitor at 
 once. Opening one of the doors into the adjoin- 
 ing room he bowed the trader in, closed the door 
 behind him, then shuffled off into another part 
 of the house without deigning to notice the two 
 lonely boyish figures at the farther end of the 
 room. 
 
 Pierre and Jean looked about them wonder- 
 ingly, but could see little in the gloomy apart- 
 ment in which they sat. They had barely begun 
 to distinguish some of its furnishings when their 
 attention was attracted by the sound of voices. 
 They recognized the low tones of Jacques Or- 
 messon, which were constantly interrupted by the 
 deeper sounds of their uncle's voice. Suddenly 
 this was raised in a volley of articulate oaths, 
 followed by a torrent of angry speech, a portion 
 of which they were able to understand. 
 
 " Ten thousand devils ! " came clearly to their 
 ears. " What interest have I in Antoine's brats ? 
 I will have naught to do with them ! " 
 
 Then came the voice of the trader in mur- 
 13
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 mured explanation, followed by more of Cap- 
 tain Bordeleau's indistinct wrathful ejacula- 
 tions. Finally the conversation ceased. A door 
 was quietly opened and closed and the retreating 
 steps of Jacques Ormesson were heard in the hall. 
 They were alone. No friend was with them to 
 be present at the coming interview. Pierre and 
 Jean looked at one another in silence, then at the 
 door. The knob turned. Jean clutched Pierre's 
 arm nervously. The door swung open, and Cap- 
 tain Bordeleau stood before them. 
 
 14
 
 CHAPTER II 
 
 IN WHICH IT IS DISCOVERED THAT PIERRE POSSESSES 
 COMMENDABLE SPIRIT AND JEAN RECEIVES A 
 FRIGHT 
 
 HE was a man of commanding figure, tall and 
 straight as an Indian bowstring, the result of 
 his military training. At a second glance, how- 
 ever, one perceived that he was a trifle overheavy, 
 his flesh flabby and lacking in firmness, probably 
 due to excessive indulgence in meat and drink 
 and lack of sufficient exercise. His hands and 
 features betokened, in general, good birth and 
 breeding. His eyes, however, betrayed an igno- 
 ble character, for they were not those of a frank 
 and honest man. They seldom met openly the 
 gaze of one to whom he spoke, preferring to 
 rest upon the other's neckcloth or a button of 
 his waistcoat ; only occasionally did they seek his 
 face, and then with a furtive look. In their 
 depths there lurked a constant menace, as though 
 
 15
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 their owner were at war with all the world; a 
 menace that would blaze forth at the slightest 
 provocation. 
 
 He gazed silently for a moment at the two 
 lads, who arose at his entrance and stood respect- 
 fully before him. 
 
 " Well, so you are my brother's children," he 
 said at length in a voice of great depth and pe- 
 culiar tone, more like the growl of an angry ani- 
 mal than of human origin. " What brought you 
 here?" 
 
 "A ship, monsieur," answered Jean inno- 
 cently. 
 
 Captain Bordeleau turned quickly upon him 
 with a snarl. "What have we here? A wit, 
 eh? I hate a wit. A ship, forsooth! I thought 
 you walked." 
 
 Jean, terrified at this outbreak, shrank still 
 closer to Pierre, who endeavored to cover up his 
 unfortunate remark by saying : 
 
 " Monsieur Ormesson, whom we met on the 
 voyage, may have told you that our mother died 
 a few months ago, leaving us entirely alone and 
 
 16
 
 PIERRE AND JEAN 
 
 almost penniless. You were our nearest relative, 
 so, after selling what remained of our household 
 goods, we took passage for Quebec." 
 
 " Expecting me to support you in idleness the 
 rest of my life and make you my heirs when I 
 died ! " was the sneering reply. 
 
 " No, monsieur, hoping only that for our fa- 
 ther's sake you would aid us in getting a start 
 in the New World. I am ready for hard work 
 now, and Jean will be also in a few years more." 
 
 His uncle made no reply, but throwing back 
 the heavy curtain allowed the light to fall upon 
 his two nephews, then looked at them search- 
 ingly. 
 
 "You," he at length said, addressing Pierre, 
 " are like your father, and are a true Bordeleau. 
 But you," turning to Jean with disapproval, 
 " are not. I presume you favor your mother, 
 that lowborn country wench your father was 
 fool enough to marry." 
 
 Pierre flushed red and controlled himself with 
 difficulty. "You cannot be a true Bordeleau 
 yourself, monsieur, or you would know that it 
 
 17
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 is not the part of a gentleman to insult the mem- 
 ory of a woman his equal in birth, and evidently 
 immeasurably his superior in heart and disposi- 
 tion. If that is your feeling toward our mother 
 we will not remain with you longer, but will seek 
 the protection of Monsieur Ormesson, who I 
 know will do everything he can to aid us. Surely 
 with my two hands ready and able to labor hard 
 we need not starve, even in New France," and 
 the boy's eye gleamed and his bosom heaved with 
 suppressed emotion. 
 
 "And have it noised about Quebec by my 
 enemies that I have driven you forth, refusing 
 shelter to my dead brother's children 1 " Then 
 after a moment of silence the man continued, 
 changing his tone and manner into something 
 more cordial. 
 
 " Ma foil but you have a pretty spirit that I 
 like. It was an ungentle speech, for which I 
 apologize to you both. Your mother I never 
 saw, and do not even know her maiden name. 
 Doubtless it was the report of some lying tongue 
 that prejudiced me. Forget what has been said, 
 
 18
 
 PIERRE AND JEAN 
 
 I pray you. Remain with me and let me show 
 that I can fulfill my duty to you both. Come, 
 mes amis, there is my hand. True gentility is as 
 ready to accept reparation when offered as it is 
 to resent injury under provocation." 
 
 Pierre's anger vanished at this manly speech, 
 while the fear in Jean's heart was changed to a 
 feeling of reassurance. They both seized their 
 uncle's hand in a hearty grasp that betokened 
 their ready pardon for his rough words. 
 
 " Now you will want to get settled in your own 
 room." Captain Bordeleau rang a bell; when 
 the old servant appeared he ordered him to show 
 the young gentlemen upstairs, saying that he 
 would follow shortly. 
 
 The boys found that the room to which they 
 had been assigned was in the second story, over- 
 looking a small back garden, bounded in the rear 
 by a low stone wall. The room itself was large, 
 with high walls and massive furniture of an old- 
 fashioned but good Paris make. The window 
 was large, and in its embrasure was built a low 
 seat, where one could kneel and gaze out across 
 
 19
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 the roofs of the neighboring buildings to the 
 broad waters of the river and the wooded shore 
 opposite, or sit and read with one's hand resting 
 easily against the woodwork and the light 
 streaming over either shoulder. 
 
 Both were greatly pleased at the comfortable, 
 almost luxurious surroundings. They were in 
 the midst of a more detailed examination of the 
 furnishings, commenting in a low tone to one 
 another at what they saw, when Jean, who 
 chanced to raise his eyes toward the door, gave 
 a sudden cry of terror, and, retreating into the 
 farthest corner, tried to get behind the bed. 
 Pierre wheeled about in the direction indicated 
 by his brother's gaze, and started back in spite 
 of his greater self-control, hastily putting a 
 large chair between himself and the door. The 
 object that was the cause of this sudden conster- 
 nation was a human face peering in at them. A 
 human face it was, but entirely different from 
 anything that either of the boys had ever seen 
 before. Jet black was the color of the skin ; the 
 lips were red and thick, very much protruded ; a 
 
 20
 
 PIERRE AND JEAN 
 
 grinning smile revealed a double row of immense 
 glistening white teeth ; while about the head was 
 tied in a sort of turban, a bright red cloth dotted 
 with white. 
 
 Before another movement was made by any- 
 one in this strange tableau the face of Captain 
 Bordeleau appeared behind the strange appari- 
 tion. He recognized the situation at a glance 
 and burst into a hearty peal of laughter. Enter- 
 ing the room, he seated himself, still laughing. 
 
 " So you were startled by what must have 
 seemed an imp from the realm of Satan himself ! 
 No wonder, perhaps, if you have never seen a 
 black man before. But be reassured, he would 
 not harm a fly. It is only Bolo. Poor Bolo was 
 an African slave in one of the English Colonies, 
 who was carried off by the Indians on a maraud- 
 ing foray. When I found him on a visit to one 
 of the tribes they were about to kill him by tor- 
 ture, believing him to be in league with evil 
 spirits. They had already cut out his tongue. 
 I bought him of their head chief, and he has been 
 a faithful servant ever since. He, of course, can- 
 
 21
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 not talk, but understands French perfectly. 
 Come, Jean, and make friends with Bolo. * Bolo, 
 these are two new masters for you. They will 
 treat you kindly, and you must serve them well." 
 
 Jean, now completely reassured, came nearer 
 to the negro, although he still viewed him with 
 curiosity. Bolo grinned amicably, placed his 
 hand over his heart and made a low obeisance 
 to the two strangers, touching the floor three 
 times with his forehead in token of submission. 
 
 During the evening meal Captain Bordeleau 
 made every effort possible to promote a cordial 
 feeling between himself and his nephews, and 
 to obliterate all recollection in their minds of the 
 unpleasantness of their first interview. He re- 
 lated droll escapades of his early service in the 
 Continental wars ; narrated vividly numerous ad- 
 ventures in the Colonial campaigns against the 
 English; and held his hearers spellbound with 
 blood-curdling tales of incidents of Indian war- 
 fare. When the table was finally cleared, and 
 each sat with his filled wineglass before him, he 
 silently filled and lighted a pipe and, after blow- 
 
 22
 
 PIERRE AND JEAN 
 
 ing a few preliminary puffs of the fragrant 
 tobacco above his head, began a conversation of 
 a more personal nature. 
 
 " I have been thinking over the matter of your 
 future since your arrival, and have come to cer- 
 tain conclusions. When your father died, his 
 share of our last trading venture was not nearly 
 sufficient to pay back his indebtedness to me that 
 had accumulated for several years. But," he 
 continued with a deprecating gesture, as he saw 
 that Pierre was about to speak, " I will not 
 charge that up against either of you. Death 
 pays all debts as well as heals all wounds. I 
 prefer that you should start with a clean balance 
 sheet in your new life. My position as an officer 
 forbids my engaging openly in trade, hence what 
 I have accomplished in that line since your fa- 
 ther's death has had to be done secretly. My idea 
 is to fit you both, so that you can eventually take 
 your father's place. You, Jean, will need a few 
 more years at school, so that you can learn to 
 figure correctly. I shall place you in the care of 
 one of the monks from the Seminary when win- 
 3 23
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 ter comes on. In the meantime you had better 
 take advantage of the summer weather in order 
 to grow strong and hearty. The winters here 
 are long and severe. You, too, Pierre, can run 
 wild until your brother begins his schooling. 
 Then I shall instruct you in the mysteries of the 
 fur trade. Until then I wish you both to learn 
 as much as you can about the woods, the wild 
 animals and their haunts all of which will be of 
 service to you in your future business. I shall 
 provide you each with firearms and place you 
 in charge of some competent person, who will 
 instruct you in the knowledge of woodcraft. For 
 the first few years your services will not be worth 
 much to me, but you can have your home here. 
 When you really become valuable I shall arrange 
 a fair remuneration for you both." 
 
 Pierre and Jean both broke forth into expres- 
 sions of gratitude, but their uncle waved them 
 aside with a smile. 
 
 "Ma foil Would you expect me to do less 
 for my own flesh and blood? Be diligent and 
 faithful to me and I shall feel fully repaid. And 
 
 24
 
 PIERRE AND JEAN 
 
 now," he continued, as lie arose and lifted his 
 wineglass, " I doubt not but you are fatigued 
 after the excitement of the day and will be glad 
 to seek your rest. Before you retire, will you 
 not pledge with me this beginning of our friendly 
 relations ; may they continue long ! " 
 
 Pierre drained his glass manfully, Jean 
 touched his lips to his, and soon they were both 
 asleep, dreaming of the many strange experi- 
 ences of this their first day in the New World. 
 Jean saw now and then the grinning face of 
 Bolo, while Pierre moved uneasily, the hidden 
 menace in his uncle's eyes, seen at their first in- 
 terview, continually recurring to his dreaming 
 fancy. 
 
 25
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 SHOWS HOW THE RECITAL OF WARLIKE DEEDS 
 AEOUSES AMBITIOUS DESIRES IN THE MINDS OP 
 THE HEARERS 
 
 THE bright rays of the morning sun falling 
 on the face of Pierre caused him to awaken with 
 a start and look for a moment with a dazed ex- 
 pression at his strange surroundings. The 
 quick recollection of the events of the previous 
 day soon reassured him, and after rousing his 
 brother, he leaped from his bed eager to meet 
 whatever adventures his new life might bring 
 him. Together the two lads stood before the 
 open window looking out over the city, and 
 watching the early morning mists as they 
 swept upward from the surface of the river far 
 below, rapidly dissipated by the ever-increasing 
 warmth of the sun. They remained there some 
 moments looking at the unaccustomed scene, and 
 
 26
 
 AMBITIOUS DESIRES 
 
 breathing in the intoxicating draughts of cool, 
 clear air that sent the blood tingling through 
 every part. Then they quickly dressed and de- 
 scended to the dining room, where they found 
 their uncle just seating himself before a plain 
 but substantial breakfast. He greeted them 
 heartily, inquired politely as to their comfort 
 during the night, and motioned them to their 
 places at the table. He then busied himself with 
 some papers that he had brought with him, 
 apparently oblivious of their presence. Finally 
 he arose when he had finished his meal and turn- 
 ing to Pierre said : 
 
 " I have important matters that will occupy me 
 to-day, so I shall be compelled to leave you to 
 your own resources. You can wander over the 
 city and acquaint yourself with your future 
 place of residence. There is no danger of your 
 getting lost. You will not find Quebec a very 
 large place. As for you, youngster," he ex- 
 claimed, as he playfully pinched Jean's ear in 
 passing, " be careful you do not fall off the para- 
 pet of the fort into the Lower Town. If you did, 
 
 27
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 I fear there would not be enough of you left to 
 pick up afterwards." 
 
 When Captain Bordeleau took his departure 
 the boys finished their breakfast at their leisure, 
 and strolled forth down the narrow street. 
 Pierre was for making a voyage of discovery 
 alone, but Jean reminded him of their friend of 
 the day before, and suggested that they accept 
 his hearty invitation to make a call upon him at 
 an early date. Pierre good-naturedly consented, 
 and after making a few inquiries they found 
 themselves again entering the shop of the 
 friendly Jacques Ormesson. That worthy trader 
 gave them a cordial welcome. He led them back 
 to his little private room, so that their conversa- 
 tion would not be overheard. 
 
 " Tell me," he said with interest, " how your 
 interview with your worthy uncle turned out. 
 He was much disturbed when I told him of your 
 arrival. No wonder, perhaps, for he is an old 
 bachelor, who has always lived by himself, and 
 I doubt not, when I announced that his brother's 
 children were come to live with him, he had 
 
 28
 
 AMBITIOUS DESIRES 
 
 visions of a couple of infants that would require 
 the attention of a nurse, forming a constant dis- 
 turbing element in the household. But when 
 I told him your ages and what a manly pair 
 you were, he cooled down considerably. How- 
 ever, I did not envy you the first meeting with 
 him." 
 
 Pierre accordingly gave a detailed account of 
 the spirited scene of the day before, omitting 
 nothing. His friend listened attentively. When 
 he came to the insulting speech of Captain 
 Bordeleau he frowned and his brow darkened, 
 but when he heard Pierre's brave answer he 
 broke into a smile, clapped the boy on the shoul- 
 der, and exclaimed : "Ma foil a good shot ! " 
 When the narrative was finished he remained a 
 moment or two in deep thought, and after mut- 
 tering, " I do not understand his plan. Perhaps, 
 though, he means well," he congratulated them 
 both on the evident good impression they had 
 made on their uncle, and warned them that they 
 should be careful to merit his favor, as he was in 
 a position to be of great assistance to them if 
 
 29
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 he chose to do so, and that it was much wiser to 
 have him for a friend than an enemy. Then, 
 picking up his hat, he continued: 
 
 " And now, mes amis, what say you to a tour 
 about Quebec with me for guide? I am at lib- 
 erty this forenoon, and shall be delighted to go 
 with you." 
 
 For answer Jean tossed his cap in the air with 
 delight. Pierre, on his part, started to express 
 his thanks, but Ormesson interrupted him by 
 placing an arm about each boy's shoulders in 
 an affectionate manner, and saying gravely: 
 " Nothing I can do for either of you will be other 
 than a pleasure. My life had grown hard and 
 empty until you entered it. Already you have 
 brought into it a joy and interest I have not 
 known for many years. My greatest grief has 
 been that my girl wife did not leave me a son 
 before she died, just such a son as either of you. 
 But God is good. Perhaps I was unworthy so 
 great a gift." 
 
 A few moments later they were on their way, 
 their friend pointing out the various strange 
 
 30
 
 AMBITIOUS DESIRES 
 
 sights with a word of explanation or personal 
 reminiscence. 
 
 " Yonder in the distance is the Intendant's 
 Palace, the home of the king's officer, who is 
 second only in authority to the Governor. This 
 side of it you will see the spire of the Hotel Dieu 
 or hospital where the good nurses care for the 
 sick. Near at hand is the Jesuit College, while 
 in front of us is the Cathedral." 
 
 A little farther on they came into an open 
 space. 
 
 " What square is this ? It looks as though it 
 would make an excellent drilling ground for the 
 soldiers," cried Jean, his face beaming with in- 
 terest. 
 
 " Parbleu! but you have made a good guess. 
 This is called the Place d'Armes, and is used for 
 the purpose you supposed. But it has other 
 uses," continued Ormesson, with a twinkle in his 
 eye, " for here it is that they will lead you 
 some fine morning if you should prove a traitor 
 to the King, and stand you up to be shot at by 
 a file of soldiers; an unpleasant incident that 
 
 31
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 would tend to mar your career in the New 
 World." 
 
 Jean gave an involuntary shudder. The 
 trader pointed to a building on the farther side 
 of the square. " That," he said, " is the Fort. 
 The portion facing us we call the Chateau St. 
 Louis, and is the residence of the Governor, the 
 famous Comte Frontenac, as wise a ruler and 
 as valiant a soldier as the Colony has ever seen. 
 I shall take you around to the other side, which 
 is the fort proper, the crowning fortification of 
 this huge rock on which the Upper Town is built, 
 and the first object visible to our eyes as we 
 ascended the river yesterday." 
 
 In a few moments the three were standing 
 upon the rampart of the fort. Immediately be- 
 neath them lay the roofs of the Lower Town, 
 some two hundred feet below, from whose chim- 
 neys the smoke lazily arose until wafted away by 
 the upper air currents. Farther on stretched the 
 placid surface of the St. Lawrence, deserted 
 now of all craft save the good ship that had 
 brought them safely across the seas. Beyond 
 
 32
 
 AMBITIOUS DESIRES 
 
 stretched the wooded border of the opposite 
 shore, a mile and more away. Above them flut- 
 tered idly the white fleur-de-lis banner that 
 announced to all the world that this wide ex- 
 panse of wood and river and mountain, stretch- 
 ing in all directions for countless leagues, be- 
 longed to the King of France. A silence per- 
 vaded all, broken only by the distant muffled 
 sounds of human activity in the Lower Town or 
 the barking of some vagrant dog by the river's 
 edge. The only sign of military life was a soli- 
 tary sentinel slowly pacing his lonely beat a 
 hundred feet distant from the little group. 
 
 The three surveyed with mingled feelings of 
 awe and pleasure the beauty and grandeur of the 
 scene. At length Pierre, whose attention had 
 been attracted by the moving soldier, asked : 
 
 " If, as you say, the Comte Frontenac was such 
 a valiant soldier, why did the King visit him with 
 disgrace some years ago by recalling him?" 
 
 " That," replied Ormesson feelingly, " was 
 done through his enemies who, together with his 
 Intendant, Duchesneau, sent lying letters to the 
 
 33
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 King, alleging that the difficulties that beset the 
 Colony were due to his mal-administration. That 
 this was untrue was quickly shown by the fact 
 that under the new governor, La Barre, matters 
 only became worse. His successor, Denonville, 
 brought affairs to such a terrible pass that, in 
 despair, the King, realizing that he had mis- 
 judged his faithful servant, besought Frontenac 
 to return once more and attempt to bring order 
 out of the chaos that had arisen since his de- 
 parture." 
 
 " I think I should like to be a soldier instead 
 of engaging in the fur trade," said Pierre medi- 
 tatively, still watching the sentry as he paced 
 up and down. 
 
 " It is a hard lot, but a noble one," exclaimed 
 Ormesson fervently. " What can be nobler than 
 to gain this fair land for our great King, teach- 
 ing and converting the savages, opening up new 
 territory and a new life for the multitudes of un- 
 fortunate ones in France who otherwise can 
 never hope to achieve anything amid the narrow 
 conditions in which they live. Would that I were 
 
 34
 
 AMBITIOUS DESIRES 
 
 thirty years younger, and I would devote all my 
 youthful energies in the King's service instead of 
 the one campaign in which I participated." 
 
 " Have you, then, really fought against the 
 English or the Indians f " asked Jean in admira- 
 tion and surprise. 
 
 "Yes, last winter. It was my first and last 
 attempt in that direction. One must have not 
 only a brave heart but a strong constitution to 
 withstand the privations of Colonial warfare. I 
 am fit at my age only to help garrison the city 
 should it ever be attacked." 
 
 The two boys were now eagerly listening, for- 
 getful of the scene before them. It was a great 
 treat to hear the recital of military activity in 
 the New World from the lips of one who had 
 been a participator. 
 
 " The trouble began," continued the trader, 
 who, pleased at the interest displayed, warmed to 
 his subject as a flood of recollections entered his 
 mind, "by the vacillating policy of the former 
 Governor Denonville. The redskins, formerly 
 kept in check by the firm grasp of Frontenac, 
 
 35
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 quickly realized that they had a different mas- 
 ter to deal with. The atrocities they committed 
 against some of the outlying settlements remained 
 unpunished. Urged on by the English at Al- 
 bany, who supplied them with rum, gunpowder, 
 and bullets, they grew more and more trouble- 
 some, until finally they assumed an attitude of 
 defiance and hostility toward the French, openly 
 taking their furs to the English traders, and 
 often professing allegiance to the King of Eng- 
 land. They even approached the outskirts of 
 Montreal and Quebec in their attacks, killing 
 many of the French settlers and taking hundreds 
 away prisoners to be tortured and eaten at their 
 convenience." 
 
 Pierre scowled and murmured " The wretch- 
 es ! " between his set teeth. 
 
 " But all was changed when, a year ago, Fron- 
 tenac arrived as Governor, displacing the ineffi- 
 cient Denonville. He quietly reorganized the 
 military force at his disposal, secured the coop- 
 eration of some friendly Indians, and prepared 
 for action. Realizing that the savages received 
 
 36
 
 AMBITIOUS DESIRES 
 
 their chief support from the English, he decided 
 to strike a decisive blow against these allies of the 
 redskins. He accordingly dispatched three ex- 
 peditions : One against the settlements in Maine, 
 another against those in New Hampshire, while 
 a third was directed against the important post 
 at Albany. It was this last one that I joined at 
 the head of about fifty of my trusty trappers or 
 coureurs-de-bois. It was in the depth of winter 
 that we started, hoping to surprise the enemy, 
 who, we believed, would never dream of our ven- 
 turing forth at that time of year. We passed 
 over the frozen surface of the St. Lawrence and 
 through the forest on snowshoes, each with his 
 head enveloped in the hood of his warm coat, a 
 bullet pouch at his belt, a hatchet, knife, and 
 tobacco pouch at the waist, while in our hands, 
 protected by huge mittens, were our trusty guns. 
 The provisions, supplies, and ammunition we 
 dragged behind us over the snow on sledges. 
 Finally we arrived at the Richelieu River and, 
 passing over it, soon reached Lake Champlain. 
 "In about two weeks' time we came to the Hud- 
 37
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 son, not far from Albany. Here we decided to 
 attack the post as Schenectady instead, as it was 
 almost impossible to advance farther in the 
 direction in which we were going. A thaw set in, 
 and we were compelled to wade knee-deep 
 through the half -melted snow and ice and a part 
 of the way through swampy ground." 
 
 The silence about them had deepened. It was 
 the noon hour when the inhabitants of the city 
 ceased their labor and partook of their midday 
 meal. The two auditors were engrossed so 
 deeply in the story that they had no thought for 
 the passage of time. 
 
 " Suddenly the weather changed. It grew bit- 
 terly cold and a heavy snowstorm fell. We faced 
 westward, and advanced rapidly in our deter- 
 mination to reach our destination before the 
 enemy learned of our approach. We were all 
 half-dead with hunger, but we dared not stop to 
 prepare food; we were worn out with fatigue, 
 but we had nothing but deep snowdrifts in which 
 to rest ; we were well-nigh frozen, but we feared 
 to light a fire lest it betray us. The storm in- 
 
 38
 
 AMBITIOUS DESIRES 
 
 creased, so that we could see but a few yards 
 ahead of us as we stumbled on. At length night 
 fell just as our scouts descried the palisade that 
 surrounded the village. 
 
 " About eleven o'clock we approached the two 
 gates. Imagine our surprise to find them open, 
 and in front of each stood a snow man with a 
 stick in his hand. ' These had been made in fun 
 by the soldiers guarding the gates, who, never 
 dreaming of a surprise, had retired to warmer 
 quarters on account of the storm. Rapidly we 
 entered the village, keeping silence until every 
 house was surrounded. Then, at a given signal, 
 our Indians raised their war whoops and attacked 
 the doors with their hatchets, while we fired in 
 at the windows. There was little resistance save 
 at the blockhouse, where we met with a stubborn 
 fight. But finally it was captured, its defenders 
 killed, and the building set on fire. Fires were 
 soon built, and we were able for the first time 
 in two days to warm our stiffened hands. A 
 guard was set and we entered the houses, satis- 
 fied our ravenous appetites, and sought much- 
 4 39
 
 needed sleep. The next day we set out with 
 nearly a hundred prisoners on our return march, 
 before the news of our attack could reach Albany 
 and reinforcements be sent. The whole town 
 was fired, and by the light of the burning build- 
 ings we started homeward. As a number of days 
 passed without any signs of pursuit we became 
 somewhat careless, until, when we had almost 
 reached Montreal, we were attacked at night by a 
 small party of English from Albany who had 
 followed on our trail, and some fifteen of our 
 number killed. This was the only mishap, and 
 we finally arrived at Quebec in safety after hav- 
 ing inflicted a terrible blow upon the English that 
 would tend for years to come to keep them from 
 interfering with our fur trade, and would strike 
 terror into the souls of the redskins who had 
 wavered in their allegiance to the French." 
 
 The two boys breathed deeply when their com- 
 panion finished, and remained silent on their way 
 home. Late that night, as they were falling 
 asleep, Pierre whispered to his brother the de- 
 termination that he had made during the day. 
 
 40
 
 AMBITIOUS DESIRES 
 
 " As soon as I am grown I shall become a sol- 
 dier and fight against the English and the cruel 
 savages." He was much astonished at Jean's 
 sleepy answer : " So am I. But I am not going 
 to wait that long." 
 
 41
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 IN WHICH A NEW ACQUAINTANCE IS MADE AND 
 A NEW LIFE BEGUN 
 
 THE next morning the two boys breakfasted 
 alone. When they had finished they amused 
 themselves for an hour or more watching the 
 passers-by from the windows of the large front 
 room into which they had been ushered on their 
 first arrival, and talking over in a low tone the tale 
 of warlike adventure they had listened to the day 
 before. They were interrupted in this by the 
 sight of Captain Bordeleau walking rapidly 
 along the street toward the house. With him was 
 a half-grown youth of about seventeen, tall and 
 lithe, whose free swinging stride, bronzed cheek, 
 and well-developed chest would have betrayed 
 the woodsman had not his attire made the 
 fact certain. His garments were those of the 
 trapper, or coureur-de-bois as they were termed, 
 
 42
 
 of rough, coarse material, well calculated to 
 resist the attack of brier and thorn, the pelt- 
 ing of the rain, and the fury of the wind, 
 which even in the summer storms was often chill 
 and penetrating. His cap was of fur, from one 
 side of which the broad tail feather of some bird 
 of prey projected upward and backward, giving 
 a jaunty air to its otherwise heavy appearance. 
 
 A moment later the two had entered the room. 
 Without further preamble Captain Bordeleau in- 
 troduced his companion to the two boys. 
 
 " This is Francois Ledun, son of a censitaire 
 whose farm lies about a league from Quebec. 
 He is well versed in all the mysteries of wood- 
 craft and hunting, having lived in the forest all 
 his life. I have engaged him to act as your com- 
 panion for the summer to instruct you along the 
 lines that will be useful to you later on in the fur 
 trade. He will live at home, but come to the 
 city every day. After a little he will take you 
 on short expeditions, in order that you may fa- 
 miliarize yourselves with this new method of liv- 
 ing. I trust that you will prove yourselves apt 
 
 43
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 pupils. I have instructed him to provide you 
 with the necessary weapons and clothing." 
 
 With these words and a friendly wave of the 
 hand he disappeared in his private room, leaving 
 the three youths together. 
 
 Francois stood awkwardly fingering his cap in 
 embarrassed silence. His solitary outdoor ex- 
 istence had tended to make him diffident in the 
 presence of strangers. The two brothers eyed 
 him for a time, themselves bashful before one 
 whose life had been placed in such a different 
 sphere from their own. Their first impression 
 of him was, however, wholly favorable. His 
 frank look, keen eye, and friendly smile, together 
 with an enviable strength of frame and glow of 
 perfect health, were undoubtedly attractive, and 
 gave promise of a long and agreeable compan- 
 ionship. 
 
 Pierre was the first to make an advance. Ap- 
 proaching the stranger he extended his hand and 
 said simply : 
 
 " I am glad to meet you, Frangois. I am 
 Pierre Bordeleau, and this is my brother Jean." 
 
 44
 
 A NEW ACQUAINTANCE 
 
 Francois's confusion vanished, and he returned 
 their hearty grasp. Soon all three were convers- 
 ing as easily as though they had been old ac- 
 quaintances. It was the first time that the coun- 
 try-bred youth had ever met anyone of his own 
 age who had come across the seas from that 
 strange motherland he had heard and read so 
 much about. Their eyes had gazed upon the noble 
 cities, the busy streets and wharves, the hurry- 
 ing crowd, and all the splendors of the older 
 civilization. They had perhaps beheld famous 
 generals coming home from foreign wars vic- 
 torious, and had heard the welcoming shouts of 
 the enthusiastic populace. Perchance even they 
 had seen some members of that mysterious circle 
 who lived their exalted lives in close contact with 
 that glorious personality the King. The two 
 brothers on their part looked with curiosity upon 
 one who knew the secrets of the forest and the 
 trail, who had met the wild beasts in their na- 
 tive haunts, who had seen the cruel and crafty 
 savages, and perhaps had had encounters 
 with them. That some such thoughts were in 
 
 45
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 their minds was evidenced by their first ques- 
 tions. 
 
 " Did you ever kill a bear, an old one, I mean, 
 not a cub ? " was Jean's eager inquiry. 
 
 " Yes, before I was your age," was the quiet 
 answer. Jean's eyes opened wider in admiration. 
 "How?" 
 
 " By putting a bullet where it would do the 
 most good," replied Francois, laughing at his 
 companion's astonishment. 
 
 Pierre, although surprised, felt that it would 
 not do to appear overawed. 
 
 " Pooh ! that would be easy. If you got be- 
 hind a tree, a bear, however big, could not hurt 
 you. All you would have to do would be to shoot 
 him before he got too near. Now a redskin is 
 another matter. Have you ever shot an In- 
 dian?" 
 
 " No," was Francois's answer, delivered in a 
 serious tone. " As you say, that is another mat- 
 ter. And I hope I shall never have to. This scar 
 on my forehead was made by an Indian arrow 
 when I was a baby. My father was barely able 
 
 46
 
 A NEW ACQUAINTANCE 
 
 to reach a place of safety with his family in one of 
 their attacks. But I should not be afraid to try 
 if it were necessary," he added bravely. 
 
 Thus they talked on, Franois good-naturedly 
 answering the eager questionings of his two com- 
 panions. At last he stopped as the distant bell 
 from the clock at the Chateau was heard chiming 
 the hour. 
 
 " Your uncle told me to take you without delay 
 and see that you were properly fitted out. Will 
 you not come with me now? " 
 
 The two boys gave eager assent, and soon all 
 were standing in a shop before a bewildering col- 
 lection of clothing, weapons, and the thousand 
 and one things that made up the stock of the 
 Quebec tradesmen. Two suits were quickly se- 
 lected, and found to be satisfactory. Jean spied 
 a cap almost identical with that belonging to 
 Francois, which he chose, promising himself to 
 select just such a feather as he wore from the 
 first large bird that he killed. A good heavy 
 gun was taken by Pierre, while a lighter piece 
 was selected for Jean. Powder horns and bul- 
 
 47
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 let pouches quickly followed. At Francois's 
 suggestion two hunting knives were bought. 
 Jean chose one with a broad, keen blade that 
 would prove admirable for slitting the throats 
 of deer or moose or skinning their slain car- 
 casses, while Pierre picked out one the shape 
 of a dirk, whose sharp point promised well for 
 a hand-to-hand conflict with an Indian. A quan- 
 tity of powder and bullets was also bought, and 
 the purchases taken home. 
 
 After dinner Jean and Pierre hastily donned 
 their new clothes and eagerly assented to Fran- 
 Qois's proposal that they should take their first 
 lesson in marksmanship. Passing out of the city, 
 they followed the river bank for a half a league 
 until they came to a level, half -cleared spot that 
 seemed suitable for the purpose. Francois then 
 instructed them in the proper method of loading 
 their guns, and pointing out a knot on a tree 
 some fifty yards away as a target took steady 
 aim and fired. On going to the spot they dis- 
 covered the bullet firmly embedded in the wood 
 in the very center of the knot. 
 
 48
 
 A NEW ACQUAINTANCE 
 
 " That did not look very difficult," cried Pierre. 
 " Although I have never shot a gun before I be- 
 lieve I could do nearly as well." 
 
 Going back to their original standing place he 
 raised his weapon. But somehow when he at- 
 tempted to sight along the barrel, as he had seen 
 Francois do, he found that the muzzle seemed 
 possessed, for it absolutely refused to stay still, 
 but wabbled about in an unaccountable manner. 
 Finally he thought he had the mark exactly 
 covered and pulled the trigger. A twig fall- 
 ing from a limb of the tree some ten feet 
 higher than the knot showed how far the bullet 
 had gone astray. He looked at his companions 
 with a mortified air, then laughed. " Had 
 that been a redskin I should probably never 
 have had the opportunity of making a second 
 shot," he exclaimed. "Now, Jean, it is your 
 turn." 
 
 Jean, who to tell the truth was a little afraid 
 of his gun, took as careful aim as he could, shut 
 his eyes, and fired. His bullet struck the tree 
 trunk a yard below the knot. 
 
 49
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 Pierre, a little nettled at being thus beaten by 
 his younger brother, turned to Francois. 
 
 " Your shot was all very fine, but when you 
 are hunting live things they will not stand still 
 for you to shoot at. Can you do as well with a 
 moving object ? " 
 
 For reply Francois pointed to a black speck 
 in the sky. As they waited it became larger, and 
 they soon perceived it to be a hawk, soaring 
 lazily in the air far above them. He waited 
 until it was directly overhead before he raised 
 his gun. The sound of its report had scarcely 
 subsided when the bird struck the ground at their 
 feet, dead with its head pierced by the swift 
 bullet. 
 
 Pierre ran up to their new-made friend and 
 seized his hand. " Forgive me, Francois," he 
 exclaimed with enthusiasm, " for being envious 
 of your skill. It is wonderful ! " 
 
 Francois reddened with pleasure. " That is 
 nothing," he said ; " in time you should be able to 
 do as well as I." 
 
 The next week or two were spent in daily care- 
 50
 
 A NEW ACQUAINTANCE 
 
 ful practice, in which a great deal of powder and 
 shot was wasted, but with results highly gratify- 
 ing to all parties. Gradually Pierre obtained 
 better and better control over his gun, while even 
 Jean learned not to flinch when he pulled the 
 trigger. Their sport was sometimes varied by 
 instructions in the art of canoeing. The shallow, 
 still waters of the St. Charles, that emptied into 
 the St. Lawrence just below Quebec, afforded an 
 excellent place for the learning of this very 
 necessary portion of a woodsman's education. 
 Extended journeys would be possible only by 
 means of these frail craft. Long swift rivers 
 and their tortuous tributary streams would be 
 thus made easily navigable, and rapid progress 
 to or from the wilderness assured. 
 
 The two brothers were excellent swimmers, 
 and were proud of their skill. It was often called 
 into requisition, for both of them in their atten- 
 tion to the elusive paddle stroke, or eagerness to 
 urge the canoe to a higher rate of speed, were 
 apt to forget the necessity of preserving a careful 
 balance, with frequent disastrous results. But 
 
 51
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 they swam cheerfully to shore with their over- 
 turned craft, drying themselves beside an impro- 
 vised camp fire, and returning again with un- 
 abated zeal to the labor of mastering the secret. 
 Sometimes after several successive duckings 
 they ran home at a dogtrot, tired and soaked, but 
 happy. 
 
 At length Francois announced that they had 
 made sufficient progress in their aquatic and 
 hunting labors to warrant their taking a week's 
 trip into the interior, where they could put into 
 practice the skill they had already acquired, and 
 learn additional mysteries from the woods. 
 
 Great was their excitement at this prospect. 
 All their previous efforts had been merely pre- 
 paratory. Now they were to obtain a real taste 
 of the bold, free, roving life of the silent 
 places. All civilization was to be left behind, 
 and the lonely forest was to be their temporary 
 home. What adventures might they not encoun- 
 ter, what strange experiences would be theirs! 
 A canoe was procured and carefully laden with 
 a stock of provisions and ammunition, and one 
 
 52
 
 bright July morning they pushed off, entering 
 the St. Charles just as the sun's first rays tipped 
 the flagstaff of the fort. Gradually the city re- 
 ceded from their view, until finally it was lost 
 completely behind a bend of the river, and they 
 were alone in the great wilderness. 
 
 53
 
 CHAPTER V 
 
 DEVOTED TO LIFE IN THE WOODS AND ENDING IN 
 A CONFLICT 
 
 A NEW world unfolded itself before the eyes 
 of the two brothers, a world strange, boundless, 
 fascinating. Beneath and about them was the 
 rushing swirl of the hurrying stream against 
 whose resisting current their eager paddle 
 strokes urged the birch-bark craft. On either 
 side stretched the deep-shadowed silence of the 
 primeval forest in whose depths lurked the wild 
 dwellers of the hidden places, who seemed to the 
 boys' active imagination to glare out at them from 
 the gloom in resentful surprise at this unwar- 
 ranted intrusion upon their domains. A faint 
 moaning from the wooded depths as the breeze 
 stirred the tree limbs was the only sound that 
 reached their ears from the land, a sound that 
 might easily have been interpreted as being 
 
 54
 
 LIFE IN THE WOODS 
 
 either a threatening murmur of disapproval at 
 their advent or a gentle note of welcome, wooing 
 them to leave the bright sunlight of the stream 
 and seek the hidden mysteries of the cool 
 shadows. 
 
 Bird life was the only portion of animate na- 
 ture that was visible. Crows cawed harshly 
 from their perches on the gnarled and naked 
 branches of blasted pines near the water's edge 
 or flapped their huge black wings noisily in their 
 clumsy flight across the stream. The tiny bod- 
 ies of small birds flashed for an instant as they 
 lightly skimmed the surface of the water, then 
 disappeared as rapidly as they had come. 
 
 A sudden turn of the river showed them the 
 quick dive of a gigantic hawk as he drove his 
 claws deeply into the body of an unwary fish 
 and rose heavily into the air with his glistening 
 burden, uttering a glad, free cry of triumph. 
 Up and up above the forest tops he mounted, bent 
 on carrying his prey to some far-off nest. As the 
 boys watched in admiration the strong motion 
 of his powerful wings they heard a harsh, sharp 
 s 55
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 scream of anger and saw an eagle, who, unno- 
 ticed, had been circling about in the upper air, 
 drop with marvelous rapidity and directness 
 upon the brave hunter of the stream. The hawk 
 heard the scream and saw the huge body of his 
 foe coming down upon him with the speed and 
 accuracy of a bullet. Uttering a cry of mingled 
 fear and rage he dropped his prey and fled. 
 The eagle, content at having made him surren- 
 der his prize, continued his rapid downward 
 course until he overtook the falling fish and 
 gripped it with his talons. Then with a mighty 
 effort his descent was stayed and he rose proudly 
 and grandly with magnificent sweep of wing, 
 finally settling upon a distant branch, there to 
 enjoy his stolen meal in comfort. 
 
 The human spectators watched the spirited 
 scene breathless with interest, paddling mechan- 
 ically while their eyes were raised aloft. When 
 all was over they resumed their energetic work 
 in silence, but a thought entered the minds of all 
 three: here was a world where might and cun- 
 ning alone prevailed; where the strong preyed 
 
 56
 
 LIFE IN THE WOODS 
 
 upon the weak ; where each succeeding victor was 
 in turn vanquished. And now they had come, 
 men, lords of the eartn, with their human skill 
 and ingenuity to conquer even the mightiest of 
 this brute creation. A fierce throb of joy tin- 
 gled through their veins, the joy of living and 
 achieving, while the desire of conquest thrilled 
 them with its strange pervasive power and 
 nerved them for the accomplishment of brave 
 deeds. 
 
 An hour before sunset a point on the river was 
 reached that struck Frangois's fancy as being a 
 suitable place for a camp. They accordingly 
 landed. A grassy spot lying between the river 
 and the shadowy woods was chosen, and they 
 quickly set to work to make their preparations 
 for the night. Francois ordered the others to 
 collect a large pile of firewood while he unloaded 
 the canoe. When this was accomplished the 
 sunlight had already begun to fade. A fire was 
 then lighted, and soon the three tired travelers 
 were stretched out before its genial warmth 
 busily engaged in satisfying the appetites that 
 
 57
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 the day's exercise in the open air had aroused. 
 Soon the last gleam of day disappeared and the 
 stars came out clear and bright. The murmur 
 of the river on one side was for a long time 
 the only sound audible. Gradually, however, 
 stranger murmurs came from the depth of the 
 forest, indefinite, inarticulate, a multitude of 
 voices merged into one. As the evening ad- 
 vanced this noise became louder, and was di- 
 vided into many distinct sounds, as the creatures 
 of the night awakened and glided forth through 
 the darkened aisles of the woods in search of 
 food. 
 
 Pierre and Jean listened attentively, interested 
 and not a little awed by the novelty of their situ- 
 ation. Francois, whenever a new cry was heard, 
 told them to what animal it belonged. Occasion- 
 ally a distant crashing in the underbrush be- 
 trayed the hurried passage of some large ani- 
 mal, while one far-off scream of agony told of the 
 tragic end of a mortal combat in the darkness. 
 These strange, uncanny sounds made Jean shiver 
 apprehensively more than once, while Pierre 
 
 58
 
 LIFE IN THE WOODS 
 
 now and then glanced furtively at their guns, 
 and was glad to see them still close at hand. 
 Francois, accustomed as he was to the weird mys- 
 tery of the forest by night, lay unconcernedly 
 before the fire. Soon all three of the boys began 
 to feel the effects of the day's hard work, and 
 their eyelids drooped despite their efforts at con- 
 versation. Finally Francois, after replenishing 
 the fire, rolled himself up in his blanket, and, 
 after bidding his companions follow his example, 
 was sound asleep in a moment. 
 
 The night hours passed rapidly. Jean, who 
 was dreaming of an exciting adventure with a 
 wild-cat, awoke suddenly with a start. The fire 
 had died down, making the darkness of the neigh- 
 boring forest seem very near and threatening. 
 As his eyes opened and rested in confusion upon 
 the blackest spot in his surroundings, he beheld 
 his dream become a reality, for as he gazed in 
 stupefied surprise he saw two large catlike eyes 
 staring fixedly at him. Two yellow balls of 
 flame they were, glowing steadily with a mena- 
 cing glitter. Jean, feeling himself fascinated by 
 
 59
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 the horrible stare, glanced uneasily to the right, 
 only to behold another pair of fiery eyeballs re- 
 garding him steadfastly. To the left he turned. 
 There, too, was the same terrifying spectacle. 
 All about them, save only in the direction of the 
 river, ranged a semicircle of glittering eyes, 
 watching, watching in an ominous silence. Ter- 
 ror entered into Jean's soul at this appalling 
 sight, so with a mighty effort to overcome the 
 benumbing fear that had seized him he uttered 
 a piercing cry. Frangois awoke quickly, and 
 seeing from Jean's frightened gaze and point- 
 ing finger the cause of his alarm, sprang toward 
 the fire, seized one of the few remaining glow- 
 ing sticks, and threw it in the direction of the 
 offending eyes. They instantly vanished be- 
 fore this attack, and the sound of snapping 
 twigs betrayed the stealthy retreat of their 
 owners. 
 
 Francois stirred the fire, threw on more fuel, 
 and soon the light from the flames illuminated 
 brightly their surroundings. Seeing how fright- 
 ened Jean had been, he bade him go to sleep, 
 
 60
 
 LIFE IN THE WOODS 
 
 promising that he would stay awake and watch 
 the fire, so as to keep all possible intruders at a 
 distance. 
 
 When Jean next opened his eyes it was broad 
 day. Pierre was just beginning to stir, while 
 Francois knelt before the fire, busily engaged in 
 cooking a couple of fish that he had just caught. 
 Breakfast over, they shouldered their guns and 
 entered the silent shadows of the forest. Here 
 Francois showed them the trails of several wild 
 animals, explaining carefully their differences. 
 Farther on he pointed out the trunk of a tree 
 that disclosed a number of freshly made 
 scratches on its bark not far from the ground, as 
 the probable recent haunt of a wild cat or lynx. 
 Even as he spoke he raised his gun and directed 
 its aim toward one of the upper limbs. The two 
 boys strained their eyes in their effort to make 
 out what it was that had attracted Francois's 
 attention, but were at first unsuccessful. Finally 
 Pierre perceived what looked like two tufted 
 ears protruding from behind a large limb. These 
 grew larger, and he saw a pair of greenish- 
 
 61
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 yellow eyes peer forth for an instant. This was 
 what FranQois had been waiting for. His gun 
 flashed, and at the same instant a horrid scream, 
 strangely human in its tones, resounded through 
 the forest, and a dark object fell at their feet. 
 On examination it proved to be a full-grown 
 lynx. The bullet hole between the eyes gave evi- 
 dence of Francois's accurate aim. " This was 
 probably one of the spies whom you saw watch- 
 ing us last night," he remarked to Jean, who shiv- 
 ered in spite of himself, as he felt the sharp 
 claws of the dead beast. 
 
 Thus several days were passed in happy activ- 
 ity. Fresh meat was provided by a lucky dis- 
 tant shot by Francois at a deer, or a splendid 
 catch from the river. The warm fire at night 
 wooed them into healthy slumber, while the cold 
 plunge in the river at dawn roused them to the 
 day's activity. Gradually the strangeness of 
 their surroundings disappeared for the two 
 brothers, and they strode along through the 
 woods in their daily expeditions with something 
 of the confidence of old hunters, even daring to 
 
 62
 
 LIFE IN THE WOODS 
 
 stray off alone at times to investigate some sign 
 that gave promise of good game. 
 
 It was while thus engaged in following a 
 strange trail that Jean became separated from 
 his companions. He had not proceeded far 
 when he came suddenly upon the unknown ob- 
 ject of his pursuit, a small bear cub. The little 
 fellow, when he perceived he was followed, 
 quickened his clumsy, rolling gait. Jean thought 
 it would be great fun to capture him alive and 
 take him back to Quebec with him. He accord- 
 ingly made no attempt to shoot, but endeavored 
 merely to catch up with the little beast, a thing 
 he found to be difficult to do. Some time thus 
 elapsed in the pursuit. Finally when Jean had 
 almost come up with the cub he suddenly disap- 
 peared. The boy paused and examined care- 
 fully the spot where he had last seen him, but 
 without avail. On looking about him he discov- 
 ered that he had been following a narrow gully 
 whose sides were almost perpendicular. The 
 only explanation he could find for the cub's es- 
 cape was that he had crept into some hidden hole 
 
 63
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 or cave, probably his home. After searching 
 for the entrance to this supposed place of con- 
 cealment without success, Jean turned to retrace 
 his steps. Then it was that he first realized how 
 long he had been separated from his companions. 
 Obeying his first impulse he gave a loud halloo, 
 hoping that the others might possibly hear him. 
 The echo resounding from the sides of the gully 
 was the only answer. Again he shouted, and 
 was surprised to hear a deep growl in reply, and 
 to behold a huge, full-grown bear emerge from 
 among the trees and come rapidly toward him. 
 Inasmuch as the animal came from the direction 
 in which he wished to go, Jean turned and re- 
 treated up the gully. 
 
 At first he hoped the bear would give up the 
 chase, as he remembered hearing that they were 
 usually afraid of human beings unless cornered 
 and compelled to fight, or through fear of an 
 attack upon their young. Then it flashed over 
 him that the bear's lair being probably close at 
 hand, his presence might enrage the powerful 
 beast, alarmed lest he harm its cub. He accord- 
 
 64
 
 LIFE IN THE WOODS 
 
 ingly retreated rapidly and without formality, 
 but the bear followed steadily after him. He 
 was excited at the adventure, yet laughed aloud 
 at the thought of the figure he must cut as he 
 fled before his pursuer. His mirth was quickly 
 silenced, however, when he suddenly came to the 
 end of the gully a high, smooth wall of rock, im- 
 possible to climb, while the sides were equally 
 inaccessible. He was thus caught in a sort of 
 blind alley, with the bear between him and free- 
 dom. Determined to put up as good a fight as 
 he was able, he braced his back against the rock, 
 examined his gun carefully, and awaited the at- 
 tack. The huge animal came steadily on until 
 it was about ten feet in front of him, when it 
 stopped, and, rising on its haunches, opened wide 
 its jaws and emitted an angry growl. Jean 
 raised his gun and fired. A roar from the in- 
 furiated beast showed that it had not been hit in 
 any vital part. Smarting with pain it rushed 
 upon the unfortunate youth with arms outspread 
 to gather him in a deadly embrace. 
 Time was lacking for Jean to reload. Drop- 
 65
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 ping his now useless gun, he drew the only other 
 weapon he had with him his long hunting knife 
 and prepared for an almost hopeless hand-to- 
 hand encounter. Unless he was able to drive the 
 blade home at the first stroke he would be at the 
 animal's mercy. On it came. The small eyes 
 gleamed with fury while the open jaws moved 
 convulsively in pain caused by Jean's bullet. 
 The paws, armed with long claws, were almost 
 touching him; the hot, sickening breath of the 
 beast reached his nostrils. Then it was that he 
 felt that the time for action had arrived, so with 
 an unflinching heart he met the danger. Seizing 
 his knife with both hands he sprang to meet the 
 bear's embrace, putting all his strength into a 
 stroke aimed at the animal's heart. For an in- 
 stant his face was buried in the beast's heavy 
 fur ; for one long moment he felt the squeeze of 
 the powerful paws as they encircled him. Then 
 the pressure was removed, the hold relaxed, and 
 the huge body, toppling over backward, fell to the 
 ground with a crash. Jean had won the conflict. 
 The keen knife had done its work. 
 
 66
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 
 IN WHICH A GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK IS PLAYED, A 
 STRANGE DISCOVERY MADE, AND A COMPACT 
 FORMED 
 
 WHEN Jean saw the monster, which, a moment 
 before, had been alive and threatening with all 
 the ferocity of its savage nature, lying dead at 
 his feet his heart gave a leap for joy. A distant 
 halloo from his companions recalled him to his 
 surroundings. He gave an answering cry that 
 soon brought them to him. 
 
 " Bravo, mon cher ami I " exclaimed Frangois, 
 in genuine amazement at his success. Pierre 
 could hardly comprehend for a moment that his 
 brother had actually slain the huge beast with 
 one well-directed blow. When he did, he sprang 
 at Jean and hugged him with as much delight as 
 though he himself had been the successful hunter. 
 Francois at once proceeded deftly to remove the 
 
 67
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 animal's skin, an undertaking which the other 
 two watched with much interest. When this 
 task was completed they set out for camp, which 
 they reached without further adventure. The 
 next morning they started for Quebec, and after 
 a day's vigorous paddling they shot out into the 
 St. Lawrence once more. An hour or two 
 later they arrived at home. Captain Bordeleau 
 had just come in and listened indulgently to the 
 boys' recital of their hunting trip. He examined 
 the bearskin, pronounced it an excellent speci- 
 men, and complimented Jean on his success, pre- 
 dicting that erelong he would become a mighty 
 hunter. 
 
 In two or three days' time the boys had entirely 
 recovered from the fatigue of their journey and 
 were eager for more sport. Francois, who had 
 gone home meanwhile, soon returned. He sug- 
 gested that they should put to practical use some 
 of the knowledge gained in their two weeks in the 
 woods. He led them to the river's edge a mile 
 below Quebec, Here he proposed that Jean 
 should be given a five minutes' start and en- 
 
 68
 
 A GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK 
 
 deavor to hide himself in the underbrush lining 
 the side of the river and the low bluff adjoining, 
 while he and Pierre should follow him by what- 
 ever trail he might leave behind. This was read- 
 ily assented to, and Jean started off, leaving the 
 other two behind with stopped ears and closed 
 eyes. 
 
 When they had waited the length of time 
 agreed upon they opened their eyes and looked 
 about for some trace that would indicate the 
 direction taken. Soon Pierre discovered the im- 
 pression of Jean's foot in the sand that showed 
 he had started up the river. Francois allowed 
 Pierre to make all the discoveries he could, offer- 
 ing no aid until he lost the trail. The latter 
 demonstrated that he had been a ready learner 
 of all Francois had previously taught him, and 
 that his natural powers of observation were 
 keen. Soon he spied a broken branch that di- 
 rected them a little to the right nearer the bluffs. 
 He became baffled, however, in a few moments 
 not discovering any further indications of Jean's 
 progress, and was compelled to return to the 
 
 69
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 point where he first beheld the broken branch, 
 and devote his attention to that vicinity. Soon 
 another trace was found that led them toward 
 the river again. Once more did the trail lead to 
 the underbrush beneath the bluff, which was cov- 
 ered with short stunted bushes and vines. Here 
 Pierre became confused, and was compelled to 
 call upon Francois for assistance. His compan- 
 ion then directed his attention to two possible 
 routes Jean might have taken. One was blocked 
 by a tiny spider's web. Hence the other must be 
 the correct one. They followed this, and met 
 several confirmatory evidences. Finally a point 
 was reached when even Frangois was puzzled. 
 The trail was as completely lost as though the 
 earth had swallowed Jean up. Around and 
 around they went in ever-widening circles in 
 their endeavors to find some clew, but all in vain. 
 The search was continued through the bushes 
 and vines up to the very base of the bluff, but 
 without success. Breathless they stood, continu- 
 ing their search with their eyes. At last Fran- 
 exclaimed : " I give it up. He must have 
 70
 
 A GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK 
 
 turned on his track, and we have probably passed 
 him some distance back." 
 
 Just then Jean's voice was heard, almost in 
 their ears, it seemed so near. " If you acknowl- 
 edge yourselves beaten come here and see what I 
 have discovered." 
 
 The two boys turned quickly about, and look- 
 ing upward a trifle they saw Jean's face peer- 
 ing at them from between the leaves of the vine 
 covering the bluff, and at a distance of only a 
 yard from where they were standing. 
 
 " Come this way, and be careful not to injure 
 the vine," warned Jean, as he separated some of 
 its branches for the others to pass through. 
 They did so, and much to their astonishment 
 found themselves standing in the entrance of a 
 cave in which Jean had been hiding all the time, 
 watching their discomfiture from behind the 
 leafy screen. 
 
 " It was by the merest accident that I found 
 
 the way in," he explained. " I had stopped a 
 
 moment to breathe and decide what direction I 
 
 should take. Looking at this bluff it occurred to 
 
 6 71
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 me to try and draw myself to the top, which you 
 see is only about fifteen feet high in this place, 
 by means of the vines, and thus escape. I started 
 to test them, when they broke and I fell inward, 
 not against the face of the rock, as I supposed, 
 but into this strange hole. I only had time to re- 
 arrange the entrance properly when you came in 
 sight. I have had no opportunity to explore the 
 interior." 
 
 He thereupon held the vines widely apart so as 
 to admit as much light as possible, while the other 
 two proceeded to investigate carefully the extent 
 of the cave. They found that it ran back a dis- 
 tance of some twenty feet, with an average width 
 of about ten, while its height in its lowest por- 
 tion, the entrance, was fully six feet. The height 
 gradually increased toward the middle, until 
 finally a small opening was discovered in the 
 roof that showed the daylight faintly through. 
 Evidently some hidden stream in the olden time 
 had burrowed its way through the limestone 
 rock, eventually increasing the interior to its 
 present dimensions. 
 
 72
 
 A GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK 
 
 The three boys sat down near the entrance 
 and gazed at one another in mute surprise 
 and delight. At last Francois broke the 
 silence : 
 
 " What a fine place it would be in which to 
 camp. We could have a fire at night, the smoke 
 would go up through the hole in the roof, while 
 these vines would prevent the light from being 
 seen from the river." 
 
 " Say rather a refuge from the Indians in case 
 of need. With a store of provisions here we 
 could stay as long as we wished, without running 
 any risk of discovery. One of us could steal 
 down at night to the river for a supply of water," 
 suggested Pierre. 
 
 " What a pity we are not robbers or pirates," 
 exclaimed Jean excitedly. " We could store all 
 of our gold and other plunder here, and hold 
 midnight meetings to discuss our plans." 
 
 " Nonsense ! " was Pierre's reproving reply. 
 " There are no pirates about here. Besides, we 
 are not thieves, but honest men. But it would in- 
 deed be the place for secret meetings." 
 
 73
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 Jean was thoughtful, not noticing the tone 
 of his brother's speech. At length his eyes 
 flashed with excitement. " I have it, the very 
 thing," and he lay back upon the floor of the cave, 
 chuckling with delight. 
 
 " If you have anything worth saying, say it, 
 instead of rolling around in the dirt," was 
 Pierre's impatient answer. 
 
 " Listen then," replied Jean, sitting up again 
 and talking eagerly. " You know when men have 
 a great regard for each other or a deep purpose 
 in life to carry out they always form themselves 
 into a secret brotherhood. For example, I have 
 read that when the nobles conspire to dethrone 
 a king they always form a secret alliance, bind- 
 ing themselves together with a terrible oath for 
 the purpose of carrying out their object. They 
 also have mysterious signs and words of com- 
 munication, and strange lonely places of assem- 
 bling in the late hours of the night. Or take the 
 priests, do they not form brotherhoods, take sol- 
 emn vows, meet secretly to conduct their affairs 
 all that their noble aims may be the better 
 
 74
 
 A GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK 
 
 carried out ? Why cannot we form a brotherhood 
 of three? " 
 
 " But there is no king to be deposed we love 
 our King too well for that. Besides, I for one 
 do not want to become a monk," objected Pierre 
 dubiously. 
 
 " True," replied Jean persistently, " but are 
 we not very fond of Francois, here? Suppose 
 some enemy of his should arise and try to do him 
 harm, would we not want to help him in every 
 way we could ? And would he not in turn aid us I 
 If we three should form an alliance for mutual 
 protection we could thus defend each other." 
 
 "And we could have this cave as our secret 
 meeting place," added Pierre, beginning to be in- 
 terested. 
 
 " Ever since our friend the trader told us of 
 his military expedition against the English I 
 have been thinking how we boys could fight for 
 the Colony and the King. It would be too long to 
 wait until we were old enough to enter the army. 
 Besides, from something my uncle said recently, 
 there are rumors that the English are liable to 
 
 75
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 attack Quebec. If they did, might we not be able 
 to render good service as scouts? If they came 
 by water, as they probably would, we could spy 
 out their movements from this place, and per- 
 haps gain important information to carry to the 
 Governor." 
 
 " Good ! " cried Francois, speaking for the 
 first time. " We could undoubtedly accomplish 
 something that the soldiers themselves shut up 
 in the city could never do. For my part I am 
 willing." 
 
 " What would we have as our secret? " 
 queried Pierre. " For a brotherhood without a 
 secret would be no brotherhood at all." 
 
 " Let the existence of this cave, the location of 
 which is known only to us three, be our secret," 
 suggested Francois. 
 
 "But would it be right to have any secrets 
 from our uncle ? " asked Jean doubtfully. 
 
 " Pshaw ! " replied Pierre. " How can our 
 discovery of this cave hurt him? He would not 
 care. It would spoil our fun not to have some 
 sort, of secret." 
 
 76
 
 A GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK 
 
 " Very well," said Jean, convinced. " But 
 what shall we do for signs and passwords? " 
 
 " We do not need any signs or passwords," 
 answered Francois. " But we can have a system 
 of signals. If I wanted to communicate with you 
 I would stand under your window and hoot like 
 an owl. For example, if I wanted to tell you 
 to come out I would give three long hoots for the 
 letter ' C,' because that is the third letter of the 
 alphabet. ' 0,' is the fifteenth, and would be 
 represented by one long hoot and five short ones. 
 ' M,' by one long and three short, ' E,' by five long 
 cries." 
 
 " Splendid ! " cried Pierre, thoroughly aroused, 
 " And if you were in the next room you could tap 
 on the wall." 
 
 " Certainement! " responded Francois ; " a lit- 
 tle practice will make us quite expert." 
 
 " How could we arrange for our night meet- 
 ings? We could not leave and enter the house 
 without some one discovering us; Bolo, for ex- 
 ample, who would surely tell my uncle." 
 
 " I will make you a rope ladder which you can 
 77
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 easily hide in your room. When you want to go 
 out all you will have to do will be to attach it to 
 a piece of heavy furniture like your bed, and 
 drop the other end to the ground from your win- 
 dow. Then when you return, it can be pulled in 
 after you." 
 
 This idea was received with applause by the 
 other two. 
 
 "What kind of an oath shall we take? " was 
 Pierre's next question. 
 
 " I will tell you," cried Jean after a moment's 
 thought. " All three stand up and clasp hands." 
 This was done. " Now do you repeat after me : 
 I solemnly promise " 
 
 " I solemnly promise," replied his companions. 
 
 " To be loyal and true to all the members of 
 this our brotherhood." 
 
 " this our brotherhood," echoed the two older 
 boys. 
 
 " And I hereby agree to aid, defend, and love 
 them, at all times and under all circumstances, 
 to the best of my ability, until released from my 
 promise by their unanimous consent. Their loss 
 
 78
 
 A GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK 
 
 shall be my loss, their secrets my secrets, their 
 peril my peril. All this I promise on my honor 
 as a gentleman." 
 
 Thus was the solemn obligation assumed by 
 the three boys with a gravity beyond their years. 
 Within the cave all was silent. Without, the 
 river flowed by noiselessly, the clinging vine at 
 the entrance swayed in the soft breeze with an 
 almost imperceptible rustle, while the afternoon 
 sun, pouring its warm rays between the leaves, 
 fell upon their earnest faces, already lighted up 
 by the glow of youth and fine feelings. Thus did 
 the day ebb slowly to its close, but all unknown 
 and unseen there dawned a new epoch in the lives 
 of these youths, fraught with heavy responsi- 
 bility and grave peril. 
 
 79
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 CONTAINS SOME MYSTERIOUS EVENTS THAT BODE 
 ILL FOE THE MEMBERS OF THE BROTHERHOOD 
 
 THE following week was spent in fitting up the 
 cave so as to render it habitable. Frangois de- 
 clared he would enjoy spending many of his 
 nights there in preference to going home. The 
 floor was carefully swept clear of the dried leaves 
 that had collected, while in the center a pile of 
 flat stones was erected on which a fire could be 
 built. From Jacques Ormesson the boys re- 
 ceived a goodly supply of powder and bullets 
 without telling him the purpose for which they 
 wished to use them. Francois brought a number 
 of skins, dilapidated and worn to be sure, but 
 still serviceable, which were used as rugs on 
 which to sit or lie. A quantity of rope was ob- 
 tained out of which he constructed a ladder. The 
 remainder was coiled up in a corner and pre- 
 served against the time when it might prove very 
 
 80
 
 SOME MYSTERIOUS EVENTS 
 
 useful. The bluff was scaled in order to deter- 
 mine what sort of outlet it was through which the 
 smoke of their fire would pass when it was built. 
 It was discovered that a large cone-shaped rock 
 about ten feet high rested immediately over the 
 cave. This rock had been split by some strange 
 agency of nature, and it was through the wide 
 crevice in its side some five feet from the base 
 thus made that the daylight was visible from be- 
 low. Frangois expressed considerable surprise 
 at this discovery. 
 
 " Strange indeed ! " he said to his companions. 
 " This rock is known far and wide as * Chimney 
 Rock ' from its shape, and is used as a landmark 
 for ships coming up the channel of the river. 
 Little will the navigators think that we are using 
 it as a real chimney for our fire." 
 
 In the mean time, the hunting and tramps 
 through the woods were not neglected. These 
 latter gave the two boys an excellent opportunity 
 to observe and mimic the cries of various birds, 
 and in a short time they became quite proficient. 
 When separated they would practice exchanging 
 
 81
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 signals, until they could both send and receive 
 short messages with ease. They met regularly 
 two nights a week in the cave at midnight ; Pierre 
 and Jean slipping out and returning by means 
 of their rope ladder without fear of detection. 
 At these meetings a huge fire of driftwood was 
 built on the pile of flat stones which lighted up 
 every corner and diffused a comfortable warmth 
 throughout the cavern, dispelling the chill which 
 in this northern latitude was felt even in summer 
 as soon as the sun went down. On these occa- 
 sions the three boys, stretched at full length upon 
 the skins about the fire, discussed their own 
 future plans and hopes with enthusiasm, together 
 with those of the Colony, for the English invasion 
 was an assured fact. Reliable information had 
 been brought to Quebec that the English had 
 already set sail from Boston, and might erelong 
 ascend the St. Lawrence in their bold attempt to 
 subdue the mighty stronghold that stood as the 
 bulwark of all New France. 
 
 Governor Frontenac, fearing some such action 
 on the part of the enemy as a result of the three 
 
 82
 
 SOME MYSTERIOUS EVENTS 
 
 war parties he had dispatched against them the 
 previous winter, had given much attention to the 
 strengthening of the weak points in the fortifica- 
 tions of the city. The last of July he had gone 
 up the river to Montreal to take part in the an- 
 nual meeting there of the friendly Indians from 
 the Great Lakes, the Hurons and Ottawas, as- 
 sembled with their cargoes of furs to trade with 
 the French. In his absence a multitude of rumors 
 filled the air, many of which the boys heard 
 and which served to increase their excitement. 
 Among these rumors was one to the effect that 
 the hated savage allies of the English, the Iro- 
 quois, were about to make a land attack from the 
 west, to coincide with the expected bombardment 
 from the English fleet. 
 
 One night Jean, whose mind had probably 
 been dwelling upon this new danger, experienced 
 a terrible dream. He had been pursued by a 
 band of painted savages who gained steadily on 
 him until he was surrounded and about to be cap- 
 tured when he awoke with a start, all atremble 
 with excitement. Sitting up in bed he looked 
 
 83
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 about him wildly for a moment, until he recog- 
 nized by the light of the moon his familiar sur- 
 roundings. Settling down he attempted to go to 
 sleep again, but his nervous condition prevented 
 his doing so. His thoughts were busy along the 
 line suggested by his dream namely, Indians. 
 Suddenly his attention was arrested by the soft 
 tread as of moccasined feet in the hall outside his 
 door. The hour was late, the house was perfectly 
 still, so that the slightest noise was distinctly au- 
 dible. The sound continued. Leaping from bed 
 he quietly opened the door and glided into the 
 hall. He proceeded but a few feet when he be- 
 held the figure of an Indian wrapped in a blanket, 
 standing full in the moonlight before the door of 
 his uncle's room. Motionless it stood, but every 
 feature of the savage face was plainly visible in 
 the bright glare. 
 
 The boy uttered a piercing cry that reechoed 
 through the lonely hall. Instantly the Indian 
 vanished. A moment later the door of Captain 
 Bordeleau's room opened, and he appeared in the 
 doorway fully dressed and with a lighted candle 
 
 84
 
 SOME MYSTERIOUS EVENTS 
 
 in his hand. As soon as he perceived Jean's 
 trembling form, he frowned. 
 
 " Ventreblen! " he said in an irritated tone, 
 "what mean you by such a noise! One would 
 think you were being murdered." 
 
 " The Indian ! The Indian ! " cried Jean, 
 pointing toward the shadows of the farther end 
 of the hall in the direction in which the figure had 
 vanished. 
 
 "Indian? What Indian?" queried Captain 
 Bordeleau anxiously. 
 
 Jean then related his experience. His uncle 
 looked much provoked. "Peste! " he exclaimed 
 roughly, " there are no Indians about this house. 
 Be about your business. Go back to bed and 
 sleep. It is late." Then, as though desirous of 
 convincing the lad, he beckoned to him. To- 
 gether they advanced toward the darkened end 
 of the hall. " See," he continued as he held the 
 candle aloft, " there is no one here. You must 
 have been dreaming of the redskins, were you 
 not? " 
 
 " Yes, monsieur." 
 
 85
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 " Ah, that explains it ! " he said with an air of 
 relief. " You were under the influence of your 
 dream, when, through some impulse, you got up 
 and entered the hall, and thought you saw a live 
 savage. Back now to your room or you will get 
 cold. You have interrupted me in my work, 
 which keeps me up late to-night." 
 
 Jean returned, but not to sleep. He crept in 
 beside Pierre, who was slumbering through it all, 
 and lay down to troubled thoughts. That he had 
 been wide awake when he heard the soft footfalls 
 he was certain. No one could convince him that 
 he had not seen a veritable Indian in the moon- 
 light. What was the intruder doing in the house ? 
 Why was his uncle up and dressed so late at 
 night? Why had he seemed angry when he told 
 him what he had seen? Why had he tried to 
 explain it away as a mere illusion ? 
 
 These and similar thoughts filled his mind un- 
 til finally, just at daybreak, he sank into a light 
 slumber. When he awakened he told the whole 
 story to Pierre, who was unable to fathom the 
 mystery, for mystery it undoubtedly was. 
 
 86
 
 SOME MYSTERIOUS EVENTS 
 
 At breakfast Captain Bordeleau greeted them 
 affably. " And how is my dreamer of dreams 
 and seer of visions this morning? " he remarked 
 playfully to Jean as he took his seat. " I fear 
 your supper was too rich for you to sleep rest- 
 fully. I must speak to Bolo about it so that he 
 may give us simpler fare." 
 
 Later in the day the two boys called at the 
 trader's shop, and when they were able to get him 
 alone told him of the strange adventure of the 
 night before, omitting no detail. Ormesson lis- 
 tened gravely until they had finished, then leaned 
 back in meditative silence for some moments. At 
 length he looked at his two companions with a 
 sympathetic eye. 
 
 " You did well," he began, " to come to me at 
 once in your perplexity. Troublous times are 
 upon us, and it is fitting that you should know 
 what I have wished to tell you long ago. Ugly 
 rumors have been plentiful concerning your 
 uncle for some years. He has managed in some 
 way to quiet them until lately, when they have 
 been more numerous than ever. Were it not that 
 7 87
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 more weighty matters have engaged the mind of 
 the Governor recently, I doubt not but that some 
 of your uncle's affairs would have been closely 
 examined, resulting, I firmly believe, in conse- 
 quences disastrous to him. What my own inter- 
 pretation of last night's proceeding is, I shall not 
 now tell you. You are, however, in no personal 
 danger from him. Only be careful lest he call 
 upon you to perform some act, apparently harm- 
 less, that might prove to be serious in its conse- 
 quences to you. Avoid his society as much as 
 possible, and if anything further occurs remem- 
 ber I am your friend, as much so as though you 
 were my own flesh and blood ; come and advise 
 freely with me." 
 
 Pierre and Jean left the trader thankful for 
 his warm interest in them, but with an added feel- 
 ing of alarm because of the dangers vaguely 
 hinted at. They resolved, however, to follow his 
 advice carefully. In addition they determined 
 not to report their friend's fears to Francois, but 
 only to relate their recent adventure and allow 
 him to draw his own conclusions. 
 
 88
 
 SOME MYSTERIOUS EVENTS 
 
 Affairs with their uncle grew worse instead of 
 better. His attitude changed from apparent 
 frankness to one of doubt and suspicion. If he 
 chanced to peruse a letter or document of any 
 sort at the table, he was continually glancing up 
 sharply to see that they were not endeavoring to 
 read its contents. In the daytime he seemed un- 
 easy while they were in the house. At night he 
 was restless until they had retired. On several 
 occasions Jean awakened and heard the same 
 silent tread in the hall, or the low, muffled hum 
 of human voices engaged in secret conversa- 
 tion. Twice did a mysterious stranger arrive, 
 his face closely muffled, and remain closeted 
 with Captain Bordeleau until the night was far 
 spent. 
 
 Living in this atmosphere of suspicion and 
 dread of an unseen danger soon told upon the 
 two boys. At night they tossed restlessly in 
 their sleep or awakened panic-stricken by some 
 strange dream. Even their interest in the af- 
 fairs of the brotherhood waned under this load 
 of constant anxiety. Matters went on in this 
 
 89
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 fashion day after day until they were terminated 
 in a singular manner. 
 
 One night they were suddenly awakened by a 
 knock on their door. Before either could speak 
 it was opened and Captain Bordeleau entered 
 bearing a candle. By its light they saw that he 
 was laboring under some unusual excitement. 
 
 " Get up," he said hurriedly, " and put on your 
 clothes." 
 
 While they obeyed he went on : "I wish you to 
 do me an important service. I am unexpectedly 
 summoned to see the Intendant. There is no one 
 in the house; the servants are asleep." Then 
 pointing out of the window : " I am expecting a 
 signal from some friends at any moment. I want 
 you to stand here and watch carefully. When 
 you see a light flash, then disappear and flash 
 again, you are to hold this candle in the window, 
 then lower it to the floor, and hold it up a second 
 time. Be careful to count the answering signal. 
 It will consist of one flash or three. Remember 
 which it is and report to me in the morning." 
 
 He placed the candle on the table and started 
 90
 
 SOME MYSTERIOUS EVENTS 
 
 to withdraw. Pierre suddenly recollected the 
 warning of the trader not to become involved in 
 any of his uncle's irregularities. 
 
 " Pardon me, monsieur," he said in a respect- 
 ful tone, " but what does all this signaling mean! 
 We can do nothing blindly. It would be wrong 
 for us to do anything of that sort unless we knew 
 the reason for it." 
 
 Captain Bordeleau turned upon him in a fury. 
 " Ten thousand devils ! " he cried. " Do you re- 
 fuse me the first request for aid I have made! 
 You, beggar that you are, living on my charity ! 
 Wrong! You must know, forsooth, what it all 
 means ! " and he stopped speaking through sheer 
 inability to express his feelings. 
 
 " That we are beholden to you for much, mon- 
 sieur, we freely admit," replied Pierre firmly. 
 " We owe you any service that we can honorably 
 render. But we owe a higher service to our King 
 and country. Our enemies are soon to attack 
 Quebec, it is said, and we are willing to aid in any 
 way possible against them, boys though we are. 
 If the service you require of us be entirely a 
 
 91
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 worthy one, why make a mystery of it ! The sig- 
 nals might convey important information to our 
 friends. They might also disclose something of 
 value to the enemy. The English " 
 
 At the word Pierre saw his uncle's face pale 
 suddenly, despite its angry flush. Then it flamed 
 redder than before, while a black malignant look 
 spread over his features. Before he could reply 
 his eye caught sight of the flashing of a dis- 
 tant light. The tiny spark disappeared, then 
 glowed another instant in the darkness and 
 went out. 
 
 Captain Bordeleau quickly caught up the 
 candle to make the answering signal. Pierre, 
 who was standing near and had seen all that hap- 
 pened, by a quick movement of his hand struck 
 the light to the floor, thus extinguishing it. His 
 uncle stumbled toward the door uttering a volley 
 of curses, and rushed to his own room for another 
 candle. The boys heard him run up a flight of 
 stairs to the room directly above their own. 
 Then, after he had spent a moment in signaling 
 from the upper window, the answering light 
 
 92
 
 SOME MYSTERIOUS EVENTS 
 
 flashed three times. A little later he hurried 
 down, passed their door without stopping, and 
 went out into the night, slamming the street door 
 behind him. 
 
 93
 
 CHAPTER VIII 
 
 THE PLOT THICKENS, AND PERPLEXITIES ABE MET 
 WHICH END IN A SURPRISE 
 
 THE boys slept little during the night. Their 
 situation was indeed alarming, for Pierre by one 
 impulsive act had turned their uncle from a well- 
 wisher into a foe. He shuddered as he remem- 
 bered the words of Jacques Ormesson : " It is 
 much wiser to have him for a friend than an ene- 
 my." They were utterly dependent upon his 
 favor, which would undoubtedly now be with- 
 drawn. But in addition with his resentment 
 raised against them, what harm might he not do to 
 them ! Pierre's estimate of his uncle's character 
 was none of the highest. That he was a man 
 who, in public and concerning affairs where his 
 own interest might be involved, would act with 
 scrupulous courtesy and honor he well believed. 
 But where his will was thwarted or his plans of 
 gain were placed in jeopardy, he felt that Cap- 
 
 94
 
 THE PLOT THICKENS 
 
 tain Bordeleau would give his natural bent for 
 cunning intrigue full sway. 
 
 Pierre's conscience, however, was clear con- 
 cerning his own part in the night's adventure. 
 The fact of his uncle's unwillingness to offer 
 some assurance regarding the meaning of the 
 mysterious signals, made it evident that the busi- 
 ness in which he was engaged was of a nefarious 
 nature. The boy's primitive sense of right and 
 wrong was strong. Had it not been involved, he 
 would never have acted as he had done, or if so, 
 he would have gladly offered whatever apology 
 was necessary. As it was, it never occurred to 
 him that he himself was to blame in any way, and 
 he felt assured that if the thing were to be done 
 over again, the result would be the same. 
 
 In a couple of hours they heard their uncle 
 return, and the sounds of human voices that 
 reached their ear betrayed the fact that he was 
 not alone. Shortly before dawn the voices ceased 
 and the boys recognized the same stealthy tread 
 passing down the hall that had previously ter- 
 rified Jean. 
 
 95
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 They were in the midst of dressing when a 
 knock was heard and Bolo entered bearing their 
 breakfast, together with an order from Captain 
 Bordeleau to the effect that they should not leave 
 their room until he gave them permission. Jean 
 looked at his brother in dismay. Evidently war 
 between themselves and their uncle was declared. 
 Believing that he would only be still further in- 
 censed against them if they disobeyed, they re- 
 mained all day in their room, amusing themselves 
 as best they could through the long hours, the 
 monotony being broken by the arrival of Bolo 
 at meal times. Pierre forbore questioning him, 
 knowing that he was attached heart and soul to 
 his master's interests. 
 
 Bedtime arrived and still no further message 
 came. At last when eleven o'clock had struck 
 and the house was still, the two boys, who had 
 finally decided upon a plan, took their guns and, 
 after bolting the door, quietly departed by 
 means of the rope ladder. The night was cloudy 
 with occasional glimpses of clear sky in which the 
 half-moon rode like a silver boat, dipping and 
 
 96
 
 THE PLOT THICKENS 
 
 plunging among the fleecy waves that over- 
 whelmed her completely, only to appear again 
 later victorious. When they touched the ground, 
 they quietly scurried off, bent on reaching the 
 cave as soon as possible, for they knew that Fran- 
 ois would be awaiting their arrival, anxious to 
 learn the cause of their absence during the day. 
 Had they stopped to look about carefully when 
 they descended, they would have seen by the light 
 of the newly emerged moon the dark figure of 
 Bolo crouched behind a corner of the house watch- 
 ing their movements intently. Had not their 
 hearts beat so loudly with excitement as they hur- 
 ried to their meeting place, they might have heard 
 the sound of his light footfall as he followed 
 them a short distance behind. When they 
 reached their destination the dark face of the 
 negro peered an instant through the vine curtain 
 at the mouth of the cave. Having seen all he 
 wished, he silently glided homeward, after mark- 
 ing the spot carefully. 
 
 The two brothers found the faithful Francois 
 reclining before the fire as they had expected. 
 
 97
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 He glanced inquiringly at the guns in their 
 hands. 
 
 " We have met with a real adventure," Pierre 
 explained, " that may necessitate our making this 
 hiding place our home at a moment's notice. 
 Hence we thought it best to prepare in time for 
 sudden flight." 
 
 He thereupon related in full the events of the 
 night before, a proceeding that made Francois 
 open his eyes to an alarming extent. When his 
 companion finished his recital he asked simply, 
 "What can I do?" 
 
 " You? " queried Jean. 
 
 " Yes, does not that which affects one member 
 of our brotherhood affect all? Is not your loss 
 my loss, and your peril my peril, according to 
 our mutual agreement? " 
 
 Pierre and Jean sprang up impulsively and 
 seized his hands. " You give us courage," cried 
 the former. " We did not want to involve you 
 in our troubles, and had determined to release 
 you from your promise," exclaimed Jean. 
 
 A grieved look came over Francois's face at 
 98
 
 THE PLOT THICKENS 
 
 these words. " And do you think my promises 
 are made only to be withdrawn at the first mo- 
 mont of testing? You would not have wished to 
 be released from your pledge had I been the one 
 in danger." 
 
 " No, no ! " cried the other two. 
 
 " Then why should you suppose that I would 
 desire to seek cover at the first sign of peril? " 
 
 Pierre flushed at this reproach. " Forgive us, 
 Frangois, but we meant no harm. It was only 
 your safety we had in mind. We did not wish to 
 bring upon you our uncle's displeasure." 
 
 Francois smiled, somewhat mollified. " I un- 
 derstand. It was your own unselfish regard for 
 me that prompted the thought. But never fear. 
 Your uncle's enmity will cause me no alarm. 
 This is a free land ; also a large one. I venture 
 to say I could find some corner in it where I would 
 be beyond the reach of his anger." 
 
 Good feeling being thus restored, they dis- 
 cussed at full length their precarious situation. 
 If Captain Bordeleau's resentment abated, then 
 there would be no need of further anxiety. If 
 
 99
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 not, then they could speedily retire to this hiding 
 place and remain for a time until the sky cleared. 
 With guns and plenty of ammunition they could 
 procure abundance of food, while a canoe and 
 some fishing lines, which Frangois agreed to 
 bring the next day, would enable them to travel 
 whither they would and provide them with addi- 
 tional means of sustenance. 
 
 Finally, they broke up their meeting, agreeing 
 to assemble again on the following night. Pierre 
 and Jean reached their room in safety. 
 
 In the morning Bolo brought their breakfast 
 as before, and with it a message from Captain 
 Bordeleau requesting their presence in a half- 
 hour in his library. 
 
 At the time appointed the two boys descended 
 to the lower floor, not without some feelings of 
 trepidation and dread of the approaching inter- 
 view. Would he storm angrily at them for their 
 ingratitude and disobedience, telling them to be- 
 gone, that he would henceforth wash his hands of 
 them and their affairs f Or, worse still, would he 
 turn Pierre adrift and force Jean to stay with 
 
 100
 
 THE PLOT THICKENS 
 
 him, thus separating them? They had resolved 
 that if the latter were the case they would steal 
 away that night never to return, trusting to a 
 kind Providence and the worthy trader to aid in 
 removing them far from the power and influence 
 of their uncle. 
 
 Neither of these fears was realized, but a 
 greater surprise awaited them. When they en- 
 tered the room and stood near the door in some 
 embarrassment, they were greeted with courtesy 
 and cordiality by Captain Bordeleau, who re- 
 quested them to be seated. Then with an encour- 
 aging smile he began to address them, looking 
 with kindly eyes at Pierre : 
 
 " You doubtless felt that I had summoned you 
 to upbraid you for your refusal to accede to my 
 request two nights ago. You are mistaken. Per- 
 haps my words to you at the time were hasty and 
 ill advised. If so, I ask your pardon. When one 
 labors under great excitement, events which ordi- 
 narily would not ruffle him often cause transient 
 anger. You are, however, too young not to have 
 some discipline in your lives ; hence my command 
 
 101
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 that you should keep your room until further 
 notice, a command," he continued with an espe- 
 cially engaging smile, " which I was pleased to 
 see that you carefully obeyed, for I have not 
 heard you descend once, and my servants have 
 not seen you anywhere about the house while I 
 have been absent." 
 
 Jean blushed and looked down, feeling very 
 uncomfortable under this praise. When his uncle 
 paused he opened his lips impulsively to speak, 
 but Pierre, who noticed his action and whose 
 hand rested upon his shoulder, gave it an admoni- 
 tory pressure that checked him. Captain Borde- 
 leau continued : 
 
 " That discipline having been endured, you are 
 free now to do as you will. I would, however, 
 make a request mind you, not a command that 
 you do not leave the house to-day or to-morrow. 
 You will have plenty to do, however, for I desire 
 that you should make all necessary preparations 
 for a rather long journey. You have had time to 
 learn all that your companion, whom I engaged, 
 can teach you. I have therefore made arrange- 
 
 102
 
 THE PLOT THICKENS 
 
 ments for you to enter a broader field. It hap- 
 pens that one of my Indian trappers, who acts as 
 agent for me in collecting furs among the Hurons, 
 is in Quebec and returns to the Huron country day 
 after to-morrow, and it is my wish that you both 
 return with him. You will be gone a month and 
 will have every advantage under his care of 
 learning much concerning the friendly tribes, 
 their customs and manner of trading, together 
 with the life that such people lead. The Indian 
 to whom I intrust you is thoroughly reliable, and 
 will be answerable to me for your comfort and 
 safety. He speaks very good French, and is a 
 man of great influence among his own people. 
 You will thoroughly enjoy as well as profit by the 
 experience." 
 
 The minds of the boys were filled with dismay. 
 This matter of being sent into the wilderness 
 among savages with only one of them as their 
 friend and ally, was more than they had bar- 
 gained for. Pierre started to speak, but his uncle 
 interrupted him : 
 
 " Not a word, mon cher ami, not one word of 
 8 103
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 thanks. I know you appreciate fully the effort 
 I am making in your behalf, and am content," 
 and with a wave of dismissal toward the door 
 he turned to his desk, and picking up a paper be- 
 came immediately engaged in its attentive peru- 
 sal. Neither of the youths felt like interrupting 
 him, so they quietly withdrew to their own room. 
 When their door was closed they gave vent to 
 their disapproval. Jean strove manfully to 
 choke back the sobs that would rise despite his 
 best endeavors. 
 
 " Pierre ! what shall we do 1 " he exclaimed. 
 " We surely do not want to go so far away from 
 all white people with no one but savages about 
 us." 
 
 " Never mind, Jean," replied Pierre reas- 
 suringly. " We do not want to go and we shall 
 not." 
 
 This firm determination was brought about in 
 Pierre's mind by his fancied detection of the 
 same lurking menace in his uncle's eyes, for all 
 his fair speaking, that he had seen at the time 
 of their first interview. This, together with the 
 
 104
 
 THE PLOT THICKENS 
 
 natural distrust of his uncle's integrity occa- 
 sioned by the affair of the strange signals, had 
 awakened the spirit of rebellion within him. 
 He determined to go at once to Captain Borde- 
 leau and explain their dread of such an expedi- 
 tion, and attempt to persuade him to alter his 
 plan to an extended hunting trip under Fran- 
 Qois's care, which would undoubtedly be of much 
 benefit to them. Before he could put this resolve 
 into effect he heard the front door close, and 
 going to a window at the front of the house he 
 saw his uncle hurrying down the street. This 
 necessitated a postponement of the contemplated 
 interview. 
 
 At dinner the boys were alone. The afternoon 
 was spent awaiting Captain Bordeleau's return. 
 Supper was eaten, and still he had not come back. 
 Finally, at about ten o'clock the two boys de- 
 scended their ladder and stole in a circuitous 
 track to the house of Jacques Ormesson. They 
 felt that they needed his advice in the present 
 crisis. They found him just closing up for the 
 night, but he welcomed them heartily and sat 
 
 105
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 down with them to learn if they had any news to 
 communicate. 
 
 Pierre began with the relation of the scene in 
 their room over the signal question. As he pro- 
 ceeded, Ormesson's eyes opened with interest, 
 although his brow darkened. When Pierre de- 
 scribed his refusal to become a party to the 
 affair without knowing something of its pur- 
 pose, he chuckled with approval, but when he 
 learned of Pierre's attempt at preventing his 
 uncle from flashing back an answering light, he 
 burst into a shout of commendation. " Bravo ! " 
 he cried, " that is the sort of spirit that I like." 
 The imprisonment in their room and the inter- 
 view of that morning were next related. Ormes- 
 son's face denoted genuine alarm. " Never ! " he 
 exclaimed. " It was on just such a trip as that 
 that he sent your father to his death. You must 
 not go." 
 
 He approved heartily of Pierre's plan to en- 
 deavor to alter his uncle's purpose, but without 
 much faith in its success. 
 
 " If he still persists," he continued, " there is 
 106
 
 THE PLOT THICKENS 
 
 but one thing to do; seek refuge in the hiding 
 place you have told me about." Then relapsing 
 into a meditative silence he began to frown more 
 deeply. " No," he finally said, " that would ac- 
 complish nothing and it might be dangerous to 
 delay. I feel assured he has some scheme on 
 foot for your harm. Escape to-night while you 
 can to your cave. Let Francois keep in touch 
 with me occasionally, and I shall endeavor to plan 
 out your future actions. I would insist on your 
 coming here, but you would run a risk through 
 my assistant, who, although a worthy fellow, 
 might possibly let something slip that would be 
 disastrous." 
 
 After leaving their friend the boys decided to 
 return home and get their hunting clothes and a 
 few other little things. On arriving there they 
 found the house dark and silent. They made 
 their way up the ladder and entered their room. 
 Nothing had been disturbed during their ab- 
 sence. Quickly gathering together what they 
 wished, they took their departure, waving fare- 
 well to the house that after all was the only home 
 
 107
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 they had in spite of the unpleasant occurrences 
 that had happened within its walls. 
 
 They reached the cave and found Frangois a 
 trifle uneasy at their delay. When told about 
 their uncle's proposed trip for them, his eyes 
 flashed ominously. When he learned that they 
 had really left him, and were come to take up 
 their residence in the cave, he waxed enthusiastic 
 as the spirit of adventure rose within him. 
 
 They carefully placed the things which they 
 had brought with them alongside their guns in 
 the farther end of the cave, exchanged the clothes 
 they wore for their hunting attire, and then 
 stretched themselves lazily before the fire to rest 
 and talk over future plans. They were deeply 
 engrossed in this occupation when a slight sound 
 from the direction of the entrance caused them to 
 glance up. Imagine their surprise on beholding 
 the forms of three Indians standing near, each 
 with his rifle pointed straight at them. 
 
 108
 
 Three Indians . . . each with his rifle jxnnted straight 
 at them."
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 DESCRIBES A LONG JOURNEY AND MUCH 
 DISCOURAGEMENT 
 
 THE three boys looked in consternation at the 
 threatening gun muzzles that covered them, then 
 at one another, without venturing to stir. They 
 all instinctively appreciated the uselessness of 
 resistance. Their own weapons were stacked in 
 a far corner of the cave, entirely out of reach. 
 Their assailants, besides being armed, were all 
 full-grown men against whose strength they were 
 no match. 
 
 A moment of motionless silence followed. 
 Then a fourth savage, who had remained con- 
 cealed behind the others, stalked forth into the 
 light, holding several short pieces of rope, with 
 which he proceeded to bind the hands and feet 
 of the boys together, rendering them entirely 
 helpless. He then carefully gagged each so that 
 
 109
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 it would be impossible for him to cry out. When 
 this was accomplished the guns were lowered and 
 the captors squatted together near the fire to 
 warm themselves, conversing in low guttural 
 tones. 
 
 Jean, as he lay watching the firelight playing 
 upon their faces, gave a start of surprise when 
 he viewed that of the leader, for in him he recog- 
 nized the mysterious visitor at his uncle's house 
 whose presence had so terrified him. This dis- 
 covery greatly increased his alarm. His first 
 thought was that they had been seen and fol- 
 lowed to their rendezvous by the Indians with the 
 idea of capturing them and holding them for ran- 
 som or to exchange them for some of their own 
 tribe, perhaps, that were then in the hands of the 
 French. But if, as it appeared, Captain Borde- 
 leau had a hand in the affair, it boded worse for 
 them. 
 
 He was interrupted in his train of thought by 
 a spirited argument that arose among the Indians. 
 From the glances cast at the prostrate Franois it 
 was evident that he was the subject of their con- 
 
 110
 
 A LONG JOURNEY 
 
 versation. The leader seemed to be trying to 
 convince his confederates of the necessity of 
 taking him with them instead of leaving him be- 
 hind, as they apparently wished to do. At last 
 the debate ended by their acquiescing in their 
 chief's view, for they rose and lifting Frangois 
 between them carried him out of the cave. A 
 moment or two later they returned and removed 
 Pierre. Finally, Jean, too, was taken. 
 
 By the light of the moon two canoes were vis- 
 ible drawn up on the shore. Frangois was placed 
 in the bottom of one of them, while the two broth- 
 ers were laid in the other. Two Indians then 
 entered each canoe, pushed off, and soon they 
 were silently gliding over the surface of the 
 river. A diagonal course was taken at first until 
 the opposite shore was near, when the prows 
 were pointed directly upstream. The few lights 
 still burning in Quebec were soon passed, but 
 their speed was not slackened. On with tireless 
 paddle stroke they dashed, the only sound audible 
 to the recumbent captives being the gurgling of 
 the waters beneath them. 
 
 Ill
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 Several hours went by. Finally, when the first 
 gray of dawn came a landing was made. The 
 boys, stiff and cold, were lifted out, the canoes 
 were hidden behind some bushes near the water's 
 edge, and the whole party withdrew into the 
 woods. Here a tiny fire was made, over which 
 they shivered for a while. The gags were re- 
 moved from the boys' mouths and food and water 
 were given them. Being thus refreshed, a few 
 pine boughs were heaped together ; they were then 
 placed thereon and bidden to sleep. The Indians 
 likewise stretched themselves out .wearily and 
 soon were deep in slumber. All danger of noise 
 being gone, the gags had not been replaced. This 
 was some alleviation to their misery, although 
 they suffered considerably from the chafing of 
 their bonds. When the deep breathing of the 
 savages had persisted regularly for an hour, the 
 captives deemed it safe to converse with one an- 
 other in low whispers. They discussed their 
 situation thoroughly and endeavored to cheer one 
 another up. Francois, although well acquainted 
 with the Indian tongue, had been unable to over- 
 
 112
 
 A LONG JOURNEY 
 
 hear any conversation among the savages, hence 
 was unenlightened from that source. Jean re- 
 ported his discovery as to the identity of the 
 leader of the band. This news so effectually 
 dampened the spirits of the three that after a few 
 desultory attempts at mutual encouragement 
 they gave up and soon were sleeping with the 
 rest. 
 
 When they awakened they found it was late 
 afternoon. One of the Indians was cooking at 
 the fire a couple of birds and a rabbit, which he 
 had knocked over with well-aimed blows of his 
 hatchet. The boys were hungry and partook 
 readily of the food offered them. This, together 
 with some brandy which the leader poured out 
 for them from a receptacle which he jealously 
 guarded, strengthened them to endure the fa- 
 tigue of their journey. 
 
 In this fashion did they proceed, traveling by 
 night and resting in hidden security by day. 
 , When the chief settlements, such as Three Rivers 
 or Montreal, were reached, the gags were re- 
 placed lest a warning cry should bring pursuit. 
 
 113
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 At length upon their right appeared the en- 
 trance of a smaller stream, the Ottawa, into which 
 they turned. At their next camping place not 
 only were the gags removed, but the ropes which 
 bound the captives so cruelly were taken off. 
 Evidently all danger of capture or escape of the 
 prisoners was at an end. One of the savages 
 rubbed their wrists and ankles until the circula- 
 tion was entirely restored and the stiffness 
 gone. Henceforward they could kneel in the 
 canoes like the Indians, and see something of the 
 country through which they were going. Travel- 
 ing was now done in the daytime and their rest 
 taken at night. They were treated kindly by 
 their captors, who allowed them considerable lib- 
 erty, although they always kept a close watch of 
 their movements. The bright, clear air, the 
 changing scene, the occasional use of the paddle, 
 the tramp through the woods at the portage, the 
 glad relaxation of tired limbs as they reclined 
 upon the springy boughs at night all would 
 have been delightful had not the haunting 
 thought that they were prisoners being conveyed 
 
 114
 
 A LONG JOURNEY 
 
 toward a mysterious fate disturbed their 
 minds. 
 
 The only precaution to insure against their es- 
 cape was taken at night, when each boy's wrists 
 were fastened securely by a short rope to the arm 
 of one of his captors. The discipline among the 
 Indians themselves was also relaxed. A more 
 leisurely course was pursued. They shot abun- 
 dant game without fear of the sound of their 
 firearms. At night about the camp fire they par- 
 took freely of their stock of brandy. 
 
 One night it chanced that more of this was 
 taken than usual, until the redskins became some- 
 what stupid and surly. Their demeanor toward 
 the boys changed, and an attitude of insolent 
 authority was assumed. They were ordered to 
 replenish the fire, to prepare the boughs for their 
 couches, and do other menial tasks. They obeyed 
 willingly, fearing to provoke their enemies while 
 under the influence of the potent liquor. Finally, 
 Francois was commanded by the leader to step 
 to the canoes, which were stranded on the shore 
 a hundred yards away, and fetch some tobacco 
 
 115
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 which he would find in one of them. He disap- 
 peared on his errand. Upon his not returning 
 in a few minutes the leader grew angry at the 
 delay and sent one of the Indians after him. 
 Presently a shout of alarm was heard and the 
 savage returned in great excitement. Motioning 
 to the captives to precede them, each of the red- 
 skins lighted a pine stick and running to the 
 shore they discovered that the alarm of their 
 comrade was well founded, for the smaller canoe, 
 containing a portion of their provisions, a gun, 
 and some ammunition, had disappeared. Fran- 
 C.ois had escaped! Two of them sprang to the 
 larger canoe to shove off in hot pursuit when a 
 cry of rage from one of their number revealed 
 the fact that before leaving Frangois had taken 
 pains to stave a huge hole in its bottom that ren- 
 dered it useless. What was worse, it was beyond 
 repair. A simultaneous yell of anger from the 
 throats of their captors made Pierre and Jean 
 tremble for their own safety. 
 
 The entire party returned to the camp fire. 
 The leader superintended the tying of the wrists 
 
 116
 
 A LONG JOURNEY 
 
 and ankles of the brothers, and appointed one of 
 his men to stand on guard until relieved a few 
 hours later by a second, thus dividing the sleeping 
 time into three equal periods, he himself choosing 
 to sleep all night. Pierre and Jean lay a long time 
 in deep dejection. The sentry stationed near 
 them remained wide awake so that they could not 
 talk to one another, and they were thus left alone 
 with their own thoughts, which were discour- 
 aging enough. As long as Francois was with 
 them they had felt a sense of security, and a 
 vague hope that somehow with his assistance 
 they might effect their escape, but now that he 
 was gone they realized more fully their utter 
 helplessness. That he had seized this opportu- 
 nity of getting away for any selfish end they did 
 not for a moment believe. They knew he would 
 use his best endeavors to bring them assistance. 
 But even if he were able to make the journey 
 back to Montreal without interruption, it would 
 be several weeks before he could return with a 
 force sufficient to compel the Indians to release 
 their prisoners. He had discovered that their 
 
 117
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 captors were members of an Algonquin tribe 
 whose remnants still roamed the regions of the 
 Upper Ottawa. But they were a migratory peo- 
 ple who stayed but a short time in any one place. 
 Hence it would be extremely difficult for him to 
 discover them on his return. Even if this feat 
 were possible, so long a time would necessarily 
 elapse that any one of several horrible fates 
 might easily be theirs. Their sudden surprise 
 and treatment as prisoners told them too plainly 
 that their uncle's description of a peaceable 
 hunting trip was false. Thus tormented by 
 foreboding thoughts, and disturbed by fearful 
 dreams, they tossed the long night through, 
 awaking often only to find the eye of the wary 
 sentinel fixed upon them. 
 
 The loss of their canoes necessitated important 
 changes in the plans of the savages. Abandoning 
 the river they made ready to continue their jour- 
 ney by land. The contents of the large canoe 
 were accordingly distributed among them all, the 
 boys being compelled to carry their share. A 
 start was then made, the party proceeding in 
 
 118
 
 A LONG JOURNEY 
 
 single file, two of the Indians leading, closely 
 followed by the prisoners, while the remaining 
 savages brought up the rear. 
 
 Their progress was inevitably slow, as it was 
 necessary to accommodate the pace of all to the 
 strength of the brothers. At nightfall they were 
 entirely worn out, their feet were swollen, hot, 
 and tender, while their shoulders ached from 
 carrying the heavy load. They flung themselves 
 down in utter exhaustion, until they were roused 
 by one of the savages who brought them some 
 food. After this was eaten they fell into a heavy 
 sleep. 
 
 The next morning their condition was but little 
 improved. Nevertheless they were obliged to 
 start despite their blisters and stiffened ankles. 
 Frequent stops were made during the day, as it 
 became apparent that the boys would soon be ab- 
 solutely unable to stand unless great care was 
 exercised. Thus did they proceed through the 
 forest, fording tiny streams, plowing through 
 bits of swampland, painfully toiling up an occa- 
 sional steep ascent. 
 
 9 119
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 Gradually the boys became hardened to the 
 work, and they were able to increase their rate of 
 speed. 
 
 Finally, from a few words of encouragement 
 spoken to them by the leader, they knew that their 
 journey was near its end. The next day a hunt- 
 ing party of six was met with, who greeted the 
 newcomers cordially and eyed the prisoners with 
 considerable curiosity, followed by looks of sat- 
 isfaction when an explanation was offered them 
 in a low tone by the leader, a circumstance that 
 seemed certainly ominous to the unhappy boys. 
 
 Toward evening the distant yelping of dogs 
 was heard, followed later by the cries of children. 
 The woods thinned out considerably until they 
 disappeared entirely in an open place some five 
 acres in extent, on which was erected an Indian 
 village, consisting of some thirty rude bark huts. 
 When their arrival was perceived, a succession 
 of shouts arose and soon they were surrounded 
 by a crowd of excited savages warriors, squaws, 
 and children all of whom attempted to talk at 
 once. When the confusion had subsided a little, 
 
 120
 
 A LONG JOURNEY 
 
 the boys were taken to one of the huts. Here 
 they were securely tied hand and foot and left 
 to themselves, either to sleep or listen to the 
 strange sounds arising on all sides, sounds com- 
 mon enough in any Indian village, but which to 
 their unaccustomed ears were fraught with fore- 
 bodings of disaster. 
 
 121
 
 CHAPTER X 
 
 IN WHICH THE COUEAGE OF THE CAPTIVES IS 
 SEVERELY TESTED 
 
 THERE came a time at length when the com- 
 motion about them subsided and silence reigned 
 as the inhabitants of the village sought their rest. 
 Pierre and Jean, however, found it impossible to 
 sleep. Their strange surroundings coupled with 
 the thoughts of their perilous situation kept them 
 wide awake. After talking for some time Pierre 
 determined to explore their prison. Bound hand 
 and foot as he was he was unable to walk, so he 
 attempted to move about by rolling his body over 
 and over the smooth dirt floor. By this slow 
 means he made his way toward the entrance, 
 which was closed by a huge bearskin. This, how- 
 ever, did not fit the aperture completely, but left 
 several openings close to the ground through 
 which he was able to peep. Peering cautiously 
 
 122
 
 COURAGE TESTED 
 
 out he beheld a fire burning a short distance in 
 front of the hut, before which a solitary Indian 
 sat smoking, evidently a guard stationed to pre- 
 vent their possible escape. As Pierre watched 
 him he yawned several times, stretched vigor- 
 ously as though very tired, then got up, replen- 
 ished the fire, and lay down. The light of the 
 flames as they shot up disclosed another hut close 
 to that in which they were confined. These two 
 huts seemed to be separated a little from the rest 
 of the village. Close behind them yawned the 
 blackness of the forest. Pierre by careful obser- 
 vation was able to determine something of the 
 outside structure of his prison. The walls seemed 
 to consist of a framework of poles planted in the 
 ground, the intervening spaces being covered 
 with bark. How easy it would be to cut their way 
 out if their hands were but free and his keen hunt- 
 ing knife were only with them ! He very sensibly 
 did not waste any time in idle wishing, but after 
 another glance around returned to Jean and ex- 
 plained the results of his investigations. 
 
 Suddenly, while thus engaged, a sound arose 
 123
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 that chilled them both to the bone. It was a hu- 
 man voice raised in a prolonged feeble wail. 
 Again its weird note sounded, then died away. 
 Judging from the direction of the cry Pierre was 
 convinced that it came from the neighboring hut 
 which he had seen. 
 
 " How horrible ! " whispered Jean, his teeth 
 chattering with terror. 
 
 " Yes," replied Pierre, no less disturbed, for it 
 brought the thought of some unfortunate in great 
 pain, a prisoner like themselves, perhaps, who 
 had undergone some savage torture. " But lis- 
 ten ! perhaps it will sound again." 
 
 The two boys waited breathless, but the cry 
 was not repeated. Instead they heard a low mut- 
 tering. Now and then a few French words were 
 intelligible, but no sense could be made from 
 them. Both the brothers uttered a smothered ex- 
 clamation, for they recognized the voice as that 
 of a white man ! 
 
 Jean, whose tender heart was touched, began 
 to cry softly to himself. The hardships he had 
 undergone recently, together with his anxiety, 
 
 124
 
 COURAGE TESTED 
 
 had been too much of a nervous strain for him. 
 This cry of suffering from French lips appealed 
 strongly to his sympathies. Pierre, too, was 
 greatly moved. 
 
 " Fiends and cowards ! " he muttered, writhing 
 impotently as he strove to free himself from his 
 bonds, " who torture one poor, helpless fellow 
 who happens to be in their power. A single 
 Frenchman is worth a tribe of these red devils ! " 
 
 The muttering sound ceased, and no further 
 noise was heard from that direction. The boys 
 were thus left alone to their own thoughts, which 
 were despondent to a high degree. Silence still 
 reigned about them. Only the mysterious night 
 sounds of the woods were audible in the distance. 
 An owl in some far-off tree began its weird hoot- 
 ing. Pierre gave an impatient groan at the 
 sound. They had had enough to endure without 
 its uncanny cry. Finally, to divert his mind he 
 began counting the hoots, and as he counted he 
 unconsciously translated the numbers into the 
 letters of the secret code of the brotherhood. 
 Imagine his surprise when he found himself 
 
 125
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 spelling out the letters P-I-E-R-R-E. This was 
 repeated three times and then the sound ceased. 
 In a flash he understood. It was the faithful 
 Francois signaling to them. He hurriedly ex- 
 plained his discovery to Jean. The two boys 
 then awaited with feverish interest a renewal of 
 the cries. They were soon rewarded. " I-T 
 I-S F-R-A-N-g-0-I-S," was the next communi- 
 cation. A thrill of joy and renewed hope filled 
 them. " T-A-K-E C-0-U-R-A-G-E," came the 
 cheering sound. Then the hooting ceased, and 
 the quavering cry of some other night bird took 
 up the burden of the message. " S-T-A-N-D 
 -0-U-T-S-I-D-E Y-O-U-R D-O-O-R T-0- 
 M-0-R-R-O-W S-0 I C-A-N S-E-E 
 W-H-I-C-H H-U-T Y-O-U 0-C-C-U-P-Y." 
 
 The signal ended, and the boys, comforted, 
 sank into a quiet sleep. 
 
 They were awakened in the morning by the 
 entrance of one of their captors bearing food. 
 This consisted of some underdone meat and sev- 
 eral cakes made of pounded maize mixed with 
 water and baked on the hot stones. They were 
 
 126
 
 COURAGE TESTED 
 
 very hungry and eagerly devoured the latter, but 
 the meat they found tough and unpalatable. 
 They did the best they could, however, fearing to 
 offend by their refusal. Soon the Indian re- 
 turned to bind their wrists again after they had 
 finished their breakfast. Pierre asked to see the 
 leader of the band, whom he knew spoke and un- 
 derstood French. In a few minutes he appeared. 
 Pierre then requested that they be allowed to 
 stand outside in the sunlight, complaining of the 
 chill and closeness of their prison. After a mo- 
 ment's hesitation he assented, giving directions 
 that their ankle bonds should be loosed so that 
 they could stand upright. Their wrists, however, 
 remained tied. Pierre ventured to ask him what 
 they intended doing with them and when they 
 should be restored to liberty, promising him a 
 good reward from Jacques Ormesson if they 
 were returned to Quebec at once. The only an- 
 swer was a grim shake of the head. 
 
 The boys enjoyed the change from the dark- 
 ness of the hut, and stood or sat as conspicuously 
 as possible in front of the door during the day. 
 
 127
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 They knew the eye of Frangois would be search- 
 ing for them from some hiding place. Toward 
 evening they were led back inside, their ankles 
 again tied securely, and after being given more 
 food, they were left to themselves. They awaited 
 anxiously for the time of Francois's arrival. 
 Surmising that he would approach from the 
 forest, they rolled themselves to the side of their 
 prison facing in that direction. The same sounds 
 of suffering in the adjoining hut greeted their 
 ears when the village had settled to its slumbers. 
 A few bird cries were heard, but none that could 
 be interpreted as signals. 
 
 Finally, when their patience seemed about ex- 
 hausted, they detected a slight rustling outside, 
 close to the spot where they were lying. This 
 stopped, and a muffled tapping was heard against 
 the bark covering the hut. 
 
 Emboldened by this sound, Pierre called in a 
 low whisper : 
 
 " Francois ! is that you ! " 
 
 " Yes," came the reply from the outside. 
 
 " Grace a Dieu! " murmured Pierre devoutly. 
 128
 
 COURAGE TESTED 
 
 " Hush ! " came the warning voice of Frangois. 
 " Do not speak any louder than necessary ; there 
 is no telling what eager ears may be listening. 
 I only wanted to tell you that you are in immi- 
 nent danger. Be ready to escape to-morrow 
 night when I come. Conceal as much of your 
 food as you can about you, so that you may have 
 something to eat on our return journey. I hear 
 some one coming ! Good night ! Have courage 
 and all will be well." 
 
 With these words Francois made his retreat, 
 while the two boys hastily rolled themselves 
 toward the middle of the floor. The bearskin at 
 the entrance was lifted, and their guard entered 
 to see that all was well. A glance at the captives 
 lying where he had left them apparently asleep 
 satisfied him, for he immediately quitted the hut, 
 leaving its inmates to try and obtain the rest 
 necessary to fortify themselves against the events 
 of the morrow. 
 
 In the morning word was brought them that 
 they were to seat themselves outside the door of 
 the hut and remain there all day until permission 
 
 129
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 was given them to reenter it. This message 
 caused the boys considerable uneasiness, as it 
 seemed to intimate that something unusual was 
 about to occur. Their anxiety proved to be well 
 grounded, for before noon a shouting was heard 
 in the forest near by, which was quickly an- 
 swered by the villagers. In a few moments a 
 crashing in the underbrush was heard and a 
 party of about a dozen newcomers appeared, 
 leading in their midst a captive Indian. Their 
 arrival was greeted with shrieks of joy, and they 
 were immediately surrounded by a jabbering, 
 gesticulating crowd, who welcomed them even 
 more vociferously when they beheld their pris- 
 oner. He was led to a point not far from that 
 where Pierre and Jean were stationed, and a pile 
 of skins being thrown on the ground, he was 
 urged to seat himself thereon. The boys were 
 much surprised at the courtesy and attention 
 with which he was treated, so marked a contrast 
 to the indifference and neglect which had been 
 their lot. Food was brought in great abundance 
 and placed before him, several of his captors 
 
 130
 
 COURAGE TESTED 
 
 kneeling beside him and feeding him. The pris- 
 oner, a young man of remarkable physical devel- 
 opment, accepted all of these civilities with a 
 stolid face, betraying neither pleasure nor dis- 
 taste at the actions of his enemies. When he had 
 finished a hearty meal he was left to himself, save 
 a guard who stood near, the rest of the people 
 having apparently satisfied their curiosity con- 
 cerning him. 
 
 Soon the brothers' attention was attracted by 
 a group of savages who were engaged in erecting 
 a sort of scaffold in the open space in the center 
 of the village, about six feet from the ground. 
 Near at hand another party were digging a hole 
 in which they planted a huge stake formed from 
 a young green tree shorn of its branches. A few 
 paces farther on a pile of dried sticks and twigs 
 was heaped up by the women and children, who 
 ranged the near-by forest, returning well laden 
 with this inflammable material. Still others pre- 
 pared two supports with a crosspiece on which 
 several large kettles partly filled with water were 
 swung. These sights aroused the boys' curi- 
 
 131
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 osity, without at first affording any clew to their 
 meaning. 
 
 But, when the heaps of dried wood were 
 placed underneath the kettles and about the 
 stake, there suddenly flashed across Pierre's 
 mind the recollection of the tales he had heard of 
 the horrible atrocities perpetrated by the In- 
 dians the fiendish torture of hapless prisoners, 
 white or red, and the cannibalistic feast that 
 frequently followed. He understood now the 
 meaning of these deliberate preparations, and 
 the reason why they had been commanded to re- 
 main outside the door of their hut. Some terrible 
 scene of savage cruelty was to be enacted, and it 
 was decreed that they should be unwilling spec- 
 tators of the horrible sight. He explained his 
 fears to Jean, who paled a little at his brother's 
 suggestion, but betrayed by a firmer pressure of 
 the lips and a resolute look of the eyes, his manly 
 determination to face whatever harrowing spec- 
 tacle might be in store for them with all the for- 
 titude he was able to summon. 
 
 Finally, the preliminaries were arranged. All 
 132
 
 COURAGE TESTED 
 
 labor ceased, and the inhabitants of the village 
 assembled in a huge elongated semicircle, with 
 the open side toward the boys, who could thus see 
 everything that transpired. A deputation of the 
 chief men approached the prisoner, removed his 
 bonds, and assisted him with every appearance of 
 kindness to arise. " Come," cried one in a coaxing 
 voice, " will you not dance and sing for us, who 
 are your friends 1 " Another exclaimed : " See, 
 the sun is bright ; the camp fires in your Iroquois 
 towns far away burn high. Tell us of your own 
 deeds, of the bravery of your tribe; how many 
 bears and moose you have killed, the number of 
 enemies you have slain." 
 
 In compliance, the captive stood calmly sur- 
 veying the assembly of his tormentors with sim- 
 ple dignity and scorn. Although he knew full 
 well the diabolical ingenuity that they would 
 exercise for his torture, while before his eyes 
 there lay all the arrangements for a revolting 
 and agonizing death, yet he showed no sign of 
 fear. His lips did not tremble nor his heart 
 quail before the ferocious hatred that he recog- 
 
 133
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 nized lying back of the friendly glances. Slowly 
 and in perfect measure did he begin his march, 
 stamping the ground and swaying his body from 
 side to side, his voice raised in liquid, modulated 
 tones, that were preliminary to the coming words. 
 Before them all he passed, proudly defiant, bold, 
 courageous. Soon his steps quickened, his move- 
 ments became more animated as his chant burst 
 into the full sweep of his death song. Boastfully 
 he sang of the power of his people, of their num- 
 ber, their greatness, and their glory. With in- 
 creasing arrogance did he extol the superiority 
 of his tribe above all others, taunting his foes as 
 being but a nation of squaws, fit only for the 
 drudgery of the camp. Faster and faster he 
 whirled, urged on by the encouraging cries of the 
 crowd. His blanket was thrown aside, display- 
 ing in all its superb strength his breadth of chest 
 and strength and suppleness of limb. Louder 
 and yet more loud swelled his tones as he boasted 
 of his own success in the chase, of the number of 
 scalp locks that he had taken, of the terror among 
 his enemies that his name inspired. Defiance 
 
 134
 
 COURAGE TESTED 
 
 after defiance did he hurl into the very faces of 
 his captors. Suddenly he stopped amid a chorus 
 of " ho ! ho ! ho ! " uttered by the crowd, and fold- 
 ing his arms across his chest, that rose and fell 
 tumultuously with feeling and exertion, he stood 
 gazing haughtily about him, awaiting the next 
 stage in the proceedings. 
 
 He had not long to wait, for his tormentors, 
 arming themselves with stout sticks or clubs and 
 knives, formed two parallel lines facing each 
 other, leaving a passage clear between them. He 
 was then led to one end, and at a given signal 
 he darted down this perilous path amid a chorus 
 of yells. Blows rained down upon him, on his 
 head, his shoulders, breast, and back, wherever 
 he could be reached by the clubs in the hands of 
 his tormentors. Some, as he passed, slashed at 
 him with their knives, leaving behind a spurting 
 gash; others ran huge sharp-pointed splinters 
 into his flesh that remained there like smarting 
 thorns a continual source of pain. Finally, he 
 emerged at the farther end of this lane of torture 
 one mass of wounds and bruises, his skin drip- 
 10 135
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 ping with blood, but still defiant, proud, and 
 boastful. He mocked them as a race of weak- 
 lings, who could not cause a brave Iroquois to 
 wince or tremble, and jeered at their efforts to 
 cause him suffering. Instantly he was sur- 
 rounded by a maddened crew of shrieking fiends. 
 His hands were seized, and one by one the nails 
 were torn loose and the finger bones broken. Yet 
 through the din, strong and passionate, arose his 
 voice reviling, deriding, sneering. The crowd 
 separated, some running to light the fires, others 
 seizing burning bits of bark which they applied 
 to his quivering flesh. The splinters still stick- 
 ing in him were lighted and burned brightly as 
 he once more began his dance. Live coals and 
 hot stones were placed in his path, over which he 
 passed composedly. A rush was made, and he 
 was thrown upon the burning bush heap. He 
 was up in an instant with a mocking cry, and 
 seizing in his bare hands the flaming firebrands, 
 he approached his enemy, throwing them into 
 their faces. Again he was seized and again 
 thrown into the flames. This time he arises with 
 
 136
 
 COURAGE TESTED 
 
 difficulty, but still the note of defiance and hatred 
 sounds in his weakened voice. Dragged to the 
 scaffold, he is pinioned to a crossbeam, while 
 blazing fagots are applied to his feet. A cal- 
 dron of boiling water drenches him. He chokes 
 a moment, but soon regains his voice. Can the 
 force of nature bear more 1 ? Yes, for a young 
 brave adroitly scalps him, holding aloft the 
 grewsome trophy before the screeching mob. 
 Quick ere he die and pass out of their reach be- 
 yond the realm of suffering ! A burning brand 
 is passed into the socket of each eye. He shud- 
 ders with the coming of the end. His voice by 
 one superhuman effort is raised again for one 
 last taunt of undying hatred, and then is silent. 
 With a quick stroke his breast is opened and the 
 feebly beating heart is torn out and tossed to the 
 waiting throng below, where it is quickly cut into 
 bits and swallowed, still warm and throbbing with 
 the last spark of life, by the young men, that 
 they may imbibe some of their victim's mag- 
 nificent courage. The head is severed, while 
 the limbs are dismembered and dropped into 
 
 137
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 the bubbling kettles for the orgy of the coming 
 night. 
 
 During this scene of savage cruelty and Satanic 
 barbarity Pierre and Jean stood before their 
 prison hut, their eyes shocked by the awful spec- 
 tacle, their ears ringing with the terrible din. At 
 length their strength gave way and they sank to 
 the ground sick and trembling, striving to cover 
 their heads and thus shut out the sights and 
 sounds of the tragedy being enacted before them. 
 
 When the end had come, new cries caused them 
 to look up, and they beheld the arrival of three 
 stalwart braves, bearing with them a number of 
 muskets, powder, and a huge cask of brandy. 
 This latter was the object of greatest attention, 
 for it was gleefully seized and put to one side 
 under a strong guard to await the evening. 
 
 During the former excitement they were dimly 
 conscious of many interested looks being directed 
 toward them. Imagine their horror when they 
 beheld the same group of men who had first ap- 
 proached the captive Iroquois with soft words 
 now advance toward them with kindly gestures. 
 
 138
 
 COURAGE TESTED 
 
 The cords were removed and their wrists and 
 ankles rubbed, while in a mixture of French and 
 Algonquin their health was solicitously inquired 
 after and many assurances of friendliness were 
 expressed. A quantity of food was also brought 
 and the two boys were led into their hut, where 
 a repast was spread before them. The savages 
 then withdrew, leaving the two brothers to them- 
 selves. They were almost paralyzed with horror, 
 for they recognized what all this sudden friend- 
 liness and attention meant. The appetite of the 
 Indians for blood had been but whetted by the tor- 
 ments of the first victim, and now craved further 
 indulgence. They were themselves destined for 
 the torture. 
 
 139
 
 CHAPTER XI 
 
 IN WHICH A RASH VENTURE IS MADE THAT ALMOST 
 ENDS IN FAILURE 
 
 WITH the full realization of their terrible pre- 
 dicament came a moment of despair, when all 
 their plans and hopes of rescue seemed doomed 
 to failure. But soon a reaction set in and a firm 
 determination to outwit their enemies, to match 
 their own ingenuity and daring against the cun- 
 ning of their ferocious foes, possessed their 
 minds. Remembering the caution of Francois 
 to prepare for coming emergencies, they filled 
 their pockets with food, bits of smoked meat and 
 maize cakes, while they ate as much as they could 
 bear of the malodorous stew, that had been given 
 them. All despair vanished, and their pulses 
 beat quick and strong with hopeful expectancy. 
 Perhaps their torture was reserved for the mor- 
 row ! If so, provided the faithful Frangois did 
 not fail them, they would be miles away ere dawn. 
 
 140
 
 A RASH VENTURE 
 
 If the brandy, mounting to the savage brains, 
 would only induce forgetfulness of the hapless 
 prisoners, instead of stimulating them on to a 
 midnight orgy of pain and ferocious inhumanity ! 
 
 Soon a couple of Indians entered to remove 
 the remains of the captives' supper. They ut- 
 tered friendly grunts and showed every apparent 
 evidence of kindly feeling. Before leaving, how- 
 ever, they bound the boys again securely hand 
 and foot. This augured well for their safety, as 
 the Indians would undoubtedly have left them 
 unbound if they had had any intention of making 
 them undergo the ordeal that night. 
 
 Soon after dark sounds of festivity were 
 heard. Pierre rolled his way to the entrance and 
 beheld the open space of the village filled with 
 savages. Some were gathered about the boiling 
 kettles into which the dismembered fragments of 
 the young Iroquois had been thrown. From the 
 shouts and laughter that arose, Pierre judged 
 that they were enjoying their cannibalistic re- 
 past. At a little distance from them a still larger 
 group stood about the newly arrived brandy, 
 
 141
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 which was poured into huge gourds and passed 
 about, each drinker taking a copious draught of 
 the scalding stuff before handing it on to his 
 neighbor. Already had the fiery stimulant begun 
 its work, for every moment the cries and shrieks 
 from the crowd increased. Pierre noticed that 
 no guard had been placed in front of the hut, the 
 savages evidently relying upon their helpless 
 bound condition to keep them captive. 
 
 Well satisfied at the state of affairs, Pierre re- 
 turned to Jean and related to him his observa- 
 tions. They then both took up the same position 
 they had occupied while talking to Fr^ngois the 
 previous night, and waited anxiously for the first 
 sound of his arrival. 
 
 An hour of suspense passed. Then a slight 
 rapping on the outside was heard, followed by a 
 familiar voice. 
 
 " Take courage, mes amis, all goes well. Do 
 you, Pierre, watch by the door, and if you see 
 anyone approaching whistle softly to Jean and 
 he will warn me. Hasten, for our time is short." 
 
 Pierre quickly did as he was bid. Francois 
 142
 
 A RASH VENTURE 
 
 began boldly to tear off the bark covering of the 
 hut with a knife. He worked rapidly and with- 
 out fear of being heard, as the tumult of the sav- 
 ages had reached so high a pitch that they would 
 have heard nothing short of a rifle shot. When 
 the bark was removed from a sufficient space, 
 Frangois attacked the upright saplings that 
 formed the inner wall, quickly cutting and tear- 
 ing until he had made a hole close to the ground 
 large enough for him to squeeze through into the 
 interior. A moment later and he had severed the 
 bonds of the prisoners. With silent joy the three 
 boys embraced each other again and again. 
 Frangois, however, warned the other two that no 
 time was to be lost, and helped them through the 
 opening he had made. They found themselves 
 in the shadow of their prison, which mingled its 
 shade a few paces back with that of the forest. 
 As they passed the adjoining hut Jean stopped 
 them. Again that cry of agony, of weakness, of 
 death itself, came to their ears despite the shouts 
 of the drunken savages. Again were heard the 
 muttered French words that now and then merged 
 
 143
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 into the articulate cry, " Au secours! " This cry 
 for help touched the deepest chords of sympathy 
 in the boys' natures. In a few hurried words 
 Pierre told Franc.ois of their neighbor's heart- 
 rending cries and moaning of the night before. 
 Francois was deeply moved. "Would that we 
 could offer him some help," he murmured. 
 
 " We can," suggested Pierre. 
 
 "How?" 
 
 " By rescuing him the same as you have res- 
 cued us, and taking him with us." 
 
 " Mon Dieu! and make our own capture certain 
 by the delay? Impossible! " 
 
 " Will not the brandy keep the Indians occu- 
 pied and give us plenty of time 1 " persisted 
 Pierre. 
 
 " Perhaps. But at any moment their inflamed 
 minds may suggest to them the idea of seeking 
 you out to add to the pleasure of their feast. 
 We need every moment we can get before they 
 discover your escape. It would be folly to at- 
 tempt it." 
 
 Pierre wavered at these words, the good sense 
 144
 
 A RASH VENTURE 
 
 of which he readily appreciated. He was there- 
 fore about to give his reluctant consent to their 
 instant departure when Jean spoke boldly: 
 
 " Folly or no folly, I shall never stir from this 
 spot until we make the attempt. You two can go 
 on if you will, leaving me the knife, but I shall 
 remain and do my best alone. I can but fail and 
 be recaptured. But I would rather endure all the 
 torture those drunken fiends can devise than es- 
 cape and forever after be haunted by the groans 
 of the helpless white prisoner whom I might have 
 saved but whom I did not even try to aid." 
 
 Like the striking of steel against the flint did 
 these noble words ring in the ears of his com- 
 panions, causing the spark of self-sacrifice and 
 gallant resolve to flash in their hearts. Each im- 
 pulsively grasped one of his hands and silently 
 pressed it. All three with one accord then turned 
 their attention to their hazardous plan of rescu- 
 ing the strange prisoner. 
 
 They discovered that the hut was a very old 
 affair, the bark covering having been worn off by 
 the force of the wind and rain, leaving the inner 
 
 145
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 sapling wall bare. This, too, had rotted from 
 long exposure, so that the branches could be 
 pulled apart sufficiently k> make an aperture 
 wide enough for a man to slip through. This 
 necessitated scarcely any cutting. The boys were 
 delighted at the discovery, and quickly pressed 
 their way inside. 
 
 They found themselves in a hut considerably 
 smaller than that in which Pierre and Jean had 
 been confined, ill-smelling and dark. Guided by 
 the sounds uttered by the prisoner, they groped 
 their way about until they found him lying on a 
 heap of leaves. He was unconscious of their ap- 
 proach, but continued to rave and mutter in a 
 weak voice, the only intelligible words being 
 those that they had heard before, " Au secours! " 
 which he repeated over and over. Francois, in 
 feeling of his hand, was horrified at the discov- 
 ery that it was literally nothing but skin and 
 bone. He found that his arms and legs were in a 
 similar condition. Evidently the Indians had 
 abandoned their prisoner to a lingering death by 
 starvation, and had almost succeeded in their 
 
 146
 
 A RASH VENTURE 
 
 fiendish desires. Drawing a hunter's flask con- 
 taining water from his pocket, he applied it to 
 the parched lips that eagerly partook of the life- 
 giving fluid with a weak sigh of satisfaction. He 
 then produced another containing brandy, a little 
 of which he allowed to trickle down the sick 
 man's throat. After a few moments the moans 
 ceased. He then moistened a cake of maize that 
 Jean handed him with the brandy, and carefully 
 fed it to the unfortunate. By this time he was 
 able to swallow, and ate the food offered him 
 with a ravenous snarl more like that of a starving 
 dog than a human being. 
 
 All of this procedure consumed considerable 
 time. They had begun to prepare for their de- 
 parture when they were all struck dumb with ter- 
 ror at a new danger which threatened them. The 
 orgy of the savages had reached a point where 
 some evil spirit had evidently reminded them of 
 their two prisoners, for with a wild yell the whole 
 company made a rush to the hut in which they 
 had left them. The escape of the boys was now 
 impossible. Their flight would be immediately 
 
 147
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 discovered ! They heard the footsteps of the mad- 
 dened mob as it passed and surged about the en- 
 trance of their former prison. A partial silence 
 ensued as several of the braves entered to drag 
 forth the captives for the sport of the crowd. An 
 instant later a yell of rage announced the dis- 
 covery of the empty hut. With wild shouts and 
 execrations they crowded in. One lighted a torch, 
 whose glare quickly showed the hole in the wall 
 through which the prisoners had passed. With 
 more yells they rushed out and around to the 
 back. Luckily for the boys the ground around 
 the huts was hard, so that they had left no trail 
 behind. 
 
 Francois held his breath and listened eagerly. 
 If their foes determined not to pursue them, they 
 were lost, for some one would undoubtedly think 
 of the starving prisoner, and would enter to see 
 if he, too, had escaped. The drunken crowd 
 seemed to hesitate a moment. Then under the 
 leadership of one of the braves who bore a torch, 
 they made a dash for the forest in a body in 
 eager chase of the captives who, they knew, could 
 
 148
 
 A RASH VENTURE 
 
 not be far away. Gradually they separated, go- 
 ing over the ground slowly, each party lighting a 
 new pine stick as they left the rest. 
 
 Frangois breathed freely once more. Going to 
 the door of the hut he peered forth. By the light 
 of the fires he saw that the village was deserted 
 save by the squaws and children who still hung 
 about the loathsome kettles. He then cautiously 
 separated the saplings through which they had 
 entered and listened. Not a sound was heard 
 from the direction of the forest save the distant 
 shouts of the pursuing party. He then returned 
 to his companions. 
 
 " Quick ! " he said. " This is our only chance ! " 
 and seizing the unfortunate prisoner he dragged 
 him to the opening. Jean and Pierre held the 
 branches aside while Francois hauled the sick 
 man through. They then quickly followed. 
 Francois stooped, and drawing their helpless 
 friend on his back, started off, the others com- 
 ing close on his heels. He pursued the track of 
 the savages a short distance into the forest, then, 
 turning sharply to the right, he made his way 
 
 149
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 cautiously around the village until he came to a 
 point directly opposite to that from which he had 
 started, then plunged into the gloom and shadow 
 of the woods again, stopping every now and then 
 to listen for any sounds of the returning savages. 
 Over fallen trees they scrambled, through bushes 
 and vines they plunged, now down into the bed 
 of a brook, now up the opposite bank. At length, 
 after an hour or more of this exhausting work, 
 they stopped for rest. Frangois laid his burden 
 upon the soft pine needles and gave him more 
 strengthening food and liquid. The two brothers, 
 breathless with fatigue, threw themselves pant- 
 ing upon the ground. Looking up through the 
 tree tops, they could see the stars beginning to 
 pale before the early streaks of dawn. Erelong 
 the forest lost its gloom and a faint shadowy 
 gray suffused itself among the trees. When it 
 was light enough for them to see their way, Fran- 
 Qois ordered the march to begin again. Once 
 more did he place the burden upon his stalwart 
 shoulders, and they advanced rapidly, fear lend- 
 ing strength to their wearied limbs. 
 
 150
 
 A RASH VENTURE 
 
 Suddenly he stopped with a gesture of silence. 
 They all listened carefully. Far ahead the sound 
 of distant shouts was heard. They turned to the 
 left only to discern the sound of approaching 
 savages in that direction ; quick to the right they 
 darted, but there, too, quavered the far-off an- 
 swering cry of a returning party. They were 
 surrounded by their enemies, who were evidently 
 beating the woods carefully on their way back to 
 the village. To retrace their footsteps meant cer- 
 tain capture. Instinctively they halted. Fran- 
 ois glanced about them with a desperate look. 
 Not a moment could be lost. If anything was to 
 be done, it must be done at once. With a muffled 
 cry he sprang forward again. Before them stood 
 the remains of a forest giant. A king among 
 trees had it been at one time, but its proud head 
 blasted by the lightning, its trunk eaten by hid- 
 den insects, it now stood a melancholy ruin, yet 
 withal possessing still a regal air. 
 
 The keen eye of Francois had spied next to 
 the ground a hole leading into its hollow trunk. 
 This was their haven of refuge. Should they 
 H 151
 
 reach that in time and without leaving any trace 
 of their entrance, they might yet be saved. 
 
 Quickly they stooped and scrambled into the 
 gloomy interior of the huge trunk, which they 
 found commodious enough for a dozen fugitives. 
 Hastily retreating to the farthest side they lay 
 down, covering themselves with the large quan- 
 tity of leaves they found there, and waited the 
 approach of their enemies with trembling hearts. 
 Nearer and nearer came the shouts from three 
 directions, until they knew that the savages must 
 be but a few hundred yards distant. 
 
 At that moment a new danger presented itself. 
 A low growl was heard, and a scratching as of 
 sharp claws upon the ground; the dim light of 
 the doorway vanished as a huge bear squeezed 
 itself into the refuge the boys had chosen for 
 themselves. 
 
 152
 
 CHAPTER XII 
 
 WHEEEIN A DANGER IS ESCAPED AND SOME PER- 
 PLEXITIES ARE SOLVED 
 
 FRANCOIS understood the situation at once. 
 The hollow tree was undoubtedly the animal's 
 lair, to which he had naturally fled when dis- 
 turbed in his nightly prowl by the approaching 
 Indians. Hence it was that the fugitives were the 
 real intruders. 
 
 It was a serious enough state of affairs to find 
 the woods round about them infested with their 
 savage enemies, but in addition to have to deal 
 at close quarters in the dark with this already 
 infuriated beast with no other weapon than a 
 hunting knife was a condition that even the 
 bravest of men could not face without dread. 
 
 The boys, however, realized that nothing could 
 be gained by dwelling in thought upon the danger 
 of their situation, and resolved to meet their 
 
 153
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 perils as best they could. Their first effort was 
 to avoid discovery by the bear. All would cer- 
 tainly be lost if, while the Indians were near at 
 hand, the impending conflict with the huge ani- 
 mal was precipitated. Accordingly, they re- 
 mained motionless among the leaves, scarcely 
 breathing. Francois held his hand ready to 
 smother any mutterings from their wretched 
 companion, who luckily had fallen into an easy 
 sleep. The bear did not prowl around the inte- 
 rior of the hollow tree, but watched and listened 
 just inside the entrance, as though waiting for 
 an attack from without. In a few moments the 
 sound of voices and the crackling of broken twigs 
 announced the arrival of a party of their foes in 
 the open space about their hiding place. These 
 halted as though to rest. Francois's heart sank. 
 He had hoped that they would pass on without 
 stopping. Every moment that they lingered in- 
 creased the danger of the boys' discovery. 
 
 Presently a second party arrived from another 
 direction, and in a few moments later a third 
 came up. The fugitives had unluckily chosen 
 
 154
 
 DANGER AND PERPLEXITY 
 
 for their shelter the very spot selected as a meet- 
 ing place by the various bands of their pursuing 
 enemies. Francois was able, through his knowl- 
 edge of the Indian tongue, to understand a good 
 deal of their conversation. He thus learned that 
 they were on their way back to the village, and 
 had given up all hope of finding the escaped pris- 
 oners, attributing their success in eluding them 
 to the action of some one of the various evil spir- 
 its in whom the Indians firmly believed. At last 
 the signal was given to start, and Frangois's anx- 
 iety was somewhat relieved. Imagine his horror 
 when he heard one of the tribe whose brain was 
 less befuddled with brandy than the rest mention 
 the hollow tree before them as a possible place of 
 concealment. This suggestion was hailed with a 
 shout of approval. Several of the braves ap- 
 proached the entrance. One of them peered in, 
 then getting down on all fours proceeded to en- 
 ter, with the evident purpose of exploring the 
 interior. He had advanced only halfway when 
 the bear, who had been lying in wait for any in- 
 truder, brought his heavy paw down on the mid- 
 155
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 die of his back with great force, tearing the flesh 
 severely with his sharp long claws. With a 
 scream of pain the Indian disappeared, only to be 
 greeted by a roar of derision from his com- 
 rades, to which sound the bear growled a gruff 
 reply. 
 
 A moment later another Indian approached, 
 and, after scratching on the ground to excite the 
 attention of the bear, inserted the end of his mus- 
 ket inside the entrance. This action infuriated 
 the animal the more, and he seized the muzzle 
 between his teeth, endeavoring to crush it by the 
 force of his powerful jaws. This was what the 
 Indian wished, so he quickly pulled the trigger, 
 sending the bullet through the bear's brain, who 
 fell heavily forward dead. Two Indians, reach- 
 ing inside, then seized each a paw and pulled the 
 carcass through the hole in the tree and stretched 
 it full length upon the ground. Knives were 
 quickly used, and in a few moments the skin had 
 been removed and the choicest parts of the meat 
 cut off. The entire party then quietly took their 
 departure without further investigation of the 
 
 156
 
 DANGER AND PERPLEXITY 
 
 hollow tree, taking it for granted from the pres- 
 ence of the bear that the captives they were in 
 search of were not there. 
 
 A full half -hour elapsed in silence before Fran- 
 c.ois stole forth to reconnoiter. When he finally 
 did so, he found the place deserted. Calling to 
 Pierre and Jean to come out, he busied himself 
 in cutting off strips of bear meat that had been 
 left by the savages. He ordered them to collect 
 a small heap of leaves from the interior of the 
 tree, while he drove two stakes into the ground 
 with forked tops. A crosspiece was then laid 
 upon them, and the strips of meat hung on it. 
 Finding the right sort of dried wood, he began 
 rubbing the surfaces of two sticks together in 
 Indian fashion, until a smoldering flame was pro- 
 cured. This, when applied to the dried leaves 
 placed beneath the strips of meat, soon made a 
 fire which he carefully fed with selected twigs. 
 He did this boldly, knowing from the words of 
 their foes overheard that there were no other 
 parties to follow. Not until all this was accom- 
 plished did he speak again. 
 
 157
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 "A narrow escape, mes amis, was it not!" 
 he exclaimed. 
 
 " I thought our end had come when I saw the 
 bear enter," Pierre replied. 
 
 " I did not fear the bear so much," added Jean 
 retrospectively, " because you will remember I 
 killed one larger than he. It was when I saw the 
 Indian's head appear crawling stealthily in that 
 everything grew black before my eyes, and I 
 nearly fainted." 
 
 " We must forget past dangers," continued 
 Francois, " and devote our energies to present 
 affairs and provide for future perils. One of 
 them, lack of food, I am already trying to take 
 measures to avoid by preparing this smoked bear 
 meat. Ah ! Monsieur Bear," he exclaimed laugh- 
 ingly, as he doffed his cap and bowed to the re- 
 mains of the animal on the ground, " we indeed 
 owe you much. Living, you guarded us against 
 our enemies; dead, you provide us with suste- 
 nance for our journey. But come, to work, all 
 of us. Do you, Jean, fill this water flask from 
 the brook we hear off there to the left, while 
 
 158
 
 DANGER AND PERPLEXITY 
 
 Pierre can aid rne in bringing our unfortunate 
 friend out where he can have fresh air and day- 
 light to aid in his recovery." 
 
 Carefully the man was partly carried, partly 
 dragged from their retreat and laid down beside 
 the fire. All three boys started back in surprise 
 on thus beholding him for the first time. He was 
 a Frenchman of medium height, whose age might 
 have been anywhere between forty and fifty. 
 His hair, streaked with gray, was long and 
 matted, while a beard, tangled and dirty, covered 
 his face. The skin was drawn tightly over the 
 bones, which threatened every moment to burst 
 through this thin covering. The eyes were 
 sunken deep within their sockets, and glowed 
 with the brilliancy of severe illness, yet lacked 
 the look of human understanding as they moved 
 restlessly from one object to another. His 
 clothes consisted of a few ragged garments 
 that only partially covered the emaciated form. 
 Wherever the skin showed, terrible looking scars 
 were visible, while the hands were knotted and 
 twisted, without finger nails and with one thumb 
 
 159
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 missing all mute witnesses of the terrible tor- 
 ture he had been through. 
 
 The three boys turned away for a moment, 
 sickened at the horrible sight, but soon a sym- 
 pathetic pity arose that overcame all other feel- 
 ings. After giving him a copious drink of the 
 fresh, cool water, he was allowed to eat sparingly 
 of the food Pierre and Jean had brought with 
 them, they themselves partaking of the tougher 
 bear meat. After his hunger had been in a meas- 
 ure abated, the man sank into an unconscious 
 state, half-sleep, half-stupor. The boys took 
 turns at watching while the others slept. At 
 length all awoke near sundown greatly refreshed. 
 The fire, which had died out, was not relighted for 
 fear of detection during the night. The entire 
 party then retired to the hollow tree, the sick 
 man to sink into a healthy invigorating sleep, the 
 others to talk over their future plans. 
 
 " And now," said Pierre, when they were all 
 comfortably settled, " tell us what happened after 
 your escape from the Indians in the canoe." 
 
 " Yes," chimed in Jean, " I am dying to know 
 160
 
 DANGER AND PERPLEXITY 
 
 how you managed to follow us without dis- 
 covery." 
 
 " Well, to begin with," began Francois, " when 
 I was sent to the river and saw the empty canoes, 
 the idea of escape naturally suggested itself to 
 my mind. I just made a hole in the big canoe 
 so they could not follow me, and made off through 
 the darkness in the smaller one. A half league 
 up the river I hid the canoe with the gun, am- 
 munition, and other things that it contained, 
 marking the place carefully so we can get it 
 again on our return. I took a hunting knife, two 
 flasks of brandy, and some dried meat with me. I 
 then returned by a roundabout way to the vicinity 
 of the camp and climbed a tall tree at dawn, from 
 which I was able to determine the direction taken 
 by you and your captors. I easily followed your 
 trail by day, hiding myself against surprise at 
 night," 
 
 " To think," cried Jean, " that* all the time 
 when we felt so alone you were only a short dis- 
 tance off ! " 
 
 " As soon as you reached the Indian village," 
 161
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 continued Francois, " I hastened to the top of a 
 pine tree a short distance off that overlooks the 
 entire settlement, and at night began signaling 
 to you. I could not tell whether you had heard 
 my signals or not, until I saw you standing out- 
 side your hut the next morning. I prowled about 
 the edge of the camp during the evening and 
 picked up considerable information." 
 
 " Did you learn any reason for our capture 1 ? " 
 inquired Pierre eagerly. 
 
 "Yes. I was able in the darkness to creep 
 near one of the larger houses where the chief 
 men of the village were talking. I learned that 
 the leader of this portion of the tribe is none 
 other than the infamous half-breed who has 
 caused the Governor so much trouble. He is 
 called * The Rat ' by the French from the way he 
 has of slipping into some hole and escaping when 
 his enemies have him surrounded and believe his 
 capture certain. He it was whom one of you sur- 
 prised in the middle of the night at your uncle's 
 house. It seems that your uncle for some reason 
 wanted you out of the way. He learned of the 
 
 162
 
 DANGER AND PERPLEXITY 
 
 existence of our cave by setting his negro servant 
 Bolo to watch you. Every time you slipped out 
 by means of your rope ladder, he followed you 
 and reported your actions. Your uncle made a 
 bargain with some friends of ' The Eat * to carry 
 I you off, paying them in guns, ammunition, and 
 brandy for their trouble. The brandy that the 
 Indians were drinking last night was part of the 
 price paid for getting rid of you. I suppose, 
 finding me in the cave with you, they determined 
 to take me also for fear I might tell of your cap- 
 ture. He stipulated that no harm should happen 
 to you while on the way. He even suggested that 
 they adopt you into their tribe and bring you up 
 as Indians, threatening you with death by torture 
 if you ever deserted them." 
 
 A prolonged sigh of astonishment at thus 
 learning of their uncle's baseness issued from 
 the lips of the two brothers. 
 
 " But why did he hate us so T " queried Pierre. 
 " Why did he not simply turn us adrift in 
 Quebec? " 
 
 " He fears you have discovered some of his 
 163
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 secrets, and is afraid of your divulging them, no 
 doubt, hence his desire to have you lost in the 
 wilderness." 
 
 Instantly through the brothers' minds there 
 flashed the memory of the midnight visitor, the 
 signal lights, and all the mysterious sounds they 
 had heard about the house, and they compre- 
 hended clearly their meaning. 
 
 " I was puzzled," continued Francois, " when 
 the leader asked one of the chiefs about ' The 
 Frenchman,' as he called him. The answer was 
 that he was gradually growing weaker, that the 
 food had been reduced each day, until nothing 
 but a little water was now being given. When 
 you told me about the sounds of suffering issuing 
 from the neighboring hut, I understood. I also 
 learned that an Iroquois prisoner was expected 
 to arrive the next day, and that he would be at 
 once tortured. Your case then came up for dis- 
 cussion. Several urged that you be adopted into 
 the tribe, but the prevailing sentiment was for 
 your death by torture, so it was decided to hold 
 you over until the day after the Iroquois was 
 
 164
 
 DANGER AND PERPLEXITY 
 
 killed, so that they could prolong their cruel 
 sport. The brandy evidently made them change 
 their minds and decide to have all their pleasure 
 at once. Now, no more questions, but all try to 
 get some rest. There is no knowing how soon we 
 can sleep all night again." 
 
 165
 
 CHAPTER XIII 
 
 BEGINS WITH A FRIGHT FOR JEAN AND ENDS WITH 
 A NOVEL JOURNEY 
 
 AT daybreak the entire party was astir. The 
 sick man seemed greatly strengthened, and even 
 attempted to hobble weakly about. His mind, 
 however, was far from clear. Although at times 
 apparently understanding in a measure what was 
 said to him, he was unable to reply save by unin- 
 telligible mutterings. He often watched his com- 
 panions with a look of curiosity and helpless anx- 
 iety that betrayed the struggle his reason was 
 making to regain control of the physical system 
 so grievously shattered by torture and starva- 
 tion. After a hearty meal of fresh bear meat, 
 hurriedly cooked over a tiny fire, they destroyed 
 all evidences of their sojourn, and started off 
 slowly, their unfortunate friend being carried in 
 a sort of chair formed by the sturdy arms of 
 Pierre and Frangois. 
 
 166
 
 A FRIGHT AND A JOURNEY 
 
 " We shall go directly north," explained the 
 latter, " although every step in that direction is 
 taking us farther from Quebec. The savages will 
 count on our going toward the south, and will un- 
 doubtedly keep a sharp lookout for us during the 
 next few days. We shall probably soon come to 
 a small stream which we can follow to the river." 
 
 Proceeding thus, with frequent delays for rest, 
 the small party made its way through the forest, 
 silent as regards all human sounds, but echoing 
 with the animate voices of nature. Cries of birds 
 flying from branch to branch overhead were 
 mingled with the chatter of squirrels or the near- 
 by crashing among the undergrowth of some wild 
 animal startled from its seclusion by their ap- 
 proach. They slept that night at the foot of a 
 giant tree, and never did weary limbs sink to rest 
 on a soft bed more gratefully than did theirs on 
 the yielding carpet of pine needles covering the 
 ground. The next day was a repetition of the 
 day before. Late in the afternoon they came to 
 a large brook that splashed fussily over its stones 
 in its haste to meet the larger river a few leagues 
 12 167
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 away. Beside this stream they spent the night, 
 starting next morning to follow its course, keep- 
 ing a short distance from its bank. 
 
 They had proceeded thus far without mishap 
 or adventure, when shortly after noon there oc- 
 curred an event that well-nigh put an end to 
 Jean's further journeying. Frangois and Pierre 
 with their human load were leading, while Jean 
 followed a short distance behind. They had just 
 entered a small open space among the trees when 
 Francois suddenly stopped. His practiced ear 
 had caught a sound foreign to the usual noise of 
 the forest. Signaling caution to the others, he 
 listened silently for a moment. 
 
 "Indians ! " he whispered warningly. " Hide ! " 
 At the word he directed Pierre with a motion of 
 the head toward the underbrush at the left, and 
 together they noiselessly bore their helpless com- 
 rade to a place of safety. Jean, who found him- 
 self nearer the right edge of the open glade which 
 they had entered, sprang in that direction and 
 hid himself behind a rotting log in front of the 
 base of a stately pine. A wild vine had attached 
 
 168
 
 A FRIGHT AND A JOURNEY 
 
 itself to the surface of this log, covering it and 
 the ground behind it with a profusion of leafy 
 growth. Beneath its protecting cover he wriggled 
 and lay close against the log, apparently per- 
 fectly concealed, while he was able to look out in 
 safety through an opening between the leaves. 
 
 Several moments passed without any appear- 
 ance of the enemy, and Jean began to think that 
 Francois had been unduly alarmed, when he be- 
 held at the farther end of the open space the forms 
 of five savages emerging from the woods. On 
 they came at a dogtrot in single file making their 
 way noiselessly save for the occasional breaking 
 of a twig under foot. It was evidently a hunting 
 party, for the first four carried guns ready to 
 hand for instant use should the alert glances 
 which they cast from side to side reveal the sight 
 of the desired game. The fifth, who lagged some- 
 what behind the others, carried no firearm, but 
 bore on his shoulders the carcass of a young deer. 
 Swiftly the silent company approached, passing 
 within a dozen feet of Jean's hiding place. The 
 leader had already plunged into the forest with 
 
 169
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 his three companions. Jean had just begun to 
 breathe a sigh of relief when he was horrified 
 at beholding the last one of the party suddenly 
 stop directly in front of him with his intent gaze 
 directed on the very spot where his own eyes 
 were peering forth. His heart gave a quick 
 bound as he believed himself to be discovered. 
 The Indian stood motionless and tense for an 
 instant, then he quickly slipped the deer to the 
 ground, snatched his hatchet from his belt, and 
 raised it high in air. A wild fear seized Jean 
 as he watched with fascinated gaze the move- 
 ments of the threatening weapon. An instant 
 later it left the upraised hand and came hurtling 
 through the air toward him. He involuntarily 
 closed his eyes, and with difficulty repressed a cry 
 of terror. He heard the weapon strike the tree 
 above and behind him. The redskin had missed 
 his aim ! He opened his eyes. The savage was 
 running toward him. He jumped lightly over 
 the log. A second later he had leaped back hold- 
 ing in one hand the glittering hatchet, in the 
 other a dead squirrel, which he had spied upon 
 
 170
 
 A FRIGHT AND A JOURNEY 
 
 the tree directly over Jean's head, and which 
 he had killed with a clever stroke. Returning the 
 weapon to his belt he picked up the deer once 
 more and disappeared after his companions, with 
 the new trophy of his skill dangling from his 
 hand. 
 
 Fully fifteen minutes passed before any of the 
 fugitives stirred. Then Frangois's head was cau- 
 tiously protruded from its hiding place, and he 
 looked and listened for a moment to make sure 
 that there were no other savages following the 
 hunting party. Presently all emerged and stood 
 together in the glade. Jean related his harrow- 
 ing experience. Francois smiled sympathetic- 
 ally as he pointed out the spot where he had 
 lain. 
 
 " I do not wonder you were the least bit fright- 
 ened. From your position you could not know 
 what was going on behind you, and did not see 
 the squirrel on the tree trunk. But come, we 
 must not delay. There may be other bands of 
 redskins roving in this neighborhood. I shall not 
 be easy until we reach the river." 
 
 171
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 That night they encamped upon the bank of 
 the Ottawa. When the brothers awoke it was 
 broad daylight, and they found themselves alone 
 with their unfortunate companion. Francois had 
 disappeared. Some time elapsed, and they were 
 beginning to be a little anxious over his absence 
 when they heard some one approaching. It was 
 he, carrying a capful of berries, and with a cheer- 
 ful, eager look upon his face that told of a happy 
 discovery. 
 
 " Here ! " he cried, " try these as a change for 
 breakfast. I thought I would let you sleep while 
 I started at sunrise on a tour of investigation. 
 I knew we were running low in our stock of food, 
 so I climbed a tree to a hole in which I saw a 
 squirrel disappear. Just as I reached it he 
 popped out his head, and I was lucky enough to 
 catch him before he could retreat." He pulled 
 the body of the animal in question out of one 
 pocket, and from the other drew a double hand- 
 ful of nuts. " I found he had not exhausted his 
 store of last winter, so I brought these along too. 
 Now, while we eat the berries and nuts, I will tell 
 
 172
 
 A FRIGHT AND A JOURNEY 
 
 you some good news. We will have to save Mon- 
 sieur Squirrel to be devoured later." 
 
 All four proceeded to partake of the breakfast 
 thus provided. Franc.ois continued: 
 
 " I lay awake a long time last night thinking 
 over the next step in our return. To continue 
 on foot along the river until we came to the spot 
 where I hid the canoe would be a long and dif- 
 ficult journey. There is no telling when we 
 would come across just such another party of 
 Indians as we did yesterday, and I fear we would 
 not escape their notice as easily a second time. 
 Besides, our means of procuring food when our 
 present store is exhausted is too precarious. The 
 only alternative to my mind was to build a raft 
 and thus float down, but with only one knife with 
 which to cut the necessary wood it would be weeks 
 probably before we would be ready to start." 
 Then seeing the look of consternation on Jean's 
 face, he added laughingly : " Do not be alarmed, 
 mes amis, for I have found a solution to the dif- 
 ficulty. Le bon Dieu has provided us with a boat, 
 and all we have to do is to embark." 
 
 173
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 To the eager inquiries of the boys he merely 
 shook his head, and went on calmly munching his 
 share of the nuts and berries he had brought. 
 
 When they had finished, they all repaired to a 
 spot on the water's edge near by. Here they 
 found that a large dead tree undermined by the 
 spring flood had recently tumbled into the water, 
 a few of its roots still clinging to the soil and 
 alone preventing it from being swept away by 
 the current. 
 
 " Behold our vessel ! " exclaimed Francois, 
 " that only lacks a rudder." 
 
 The remainder of the day was spent in fash- 
 ioning a rude oar or sweep out of a young fallen 
 tree, and by evening all was in readiness for 
 their departure. The sick man was laid among 
 the gnarled mass of roots, while the improvised 
 rudder was thrust between them, so as to trail 
 along behind. The few remaining attachments 
 were cut, and the boys, springing aboard, soon 
 swung out into the stream and their homeward 
 voyage was commenced. By dint of hard work 
 with the oarlike rudder, the strange craft was 
 
 174
 
 A FRIGHT AND A JOURNEY 
 
 guided in its course. A bright starlit night with 
 a moon half full gave them sufficient light. The 
 current, although not swift, was rapid enough to 
 insure a much quicker progress than would have 
 been the case had they attempted to proceed by 
 land. 
 
 It was necessary to travel by night in order to 
 escape observation, so the three lads remained 
 awake, not a difficult thing to do under the cir- 
 cumstances. The stranger, in his secure location 
 among the roots, slept peacefully. 
 
 Just before day Francois skillfully steered 
 their ungainly looking vessel behind a point 
 where there was little or no current, then by vig- 
 orous paddling and poling brought it close to 
 shore. After landing, they made fast to the bank 
 and clambered once more on to firm soil. They 
 felt very stiff and tired from their night's ride, 
 and after eating sparingly of their provisions 
 sought the shelter of a near-by leafy thicket, and 
 soon all were asleep. 
 
 In the evening they put off once more, and suc- 
 ceeded ere dawn in covering a considerable dis- 
 
 175
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 tance of their journey. Thus they proceeded, 
 concealing themselves by day for rest and travel- 
 ing by night. Nothing eventful happened save 
 on the third night when, the current taking them 
 close to shore, they passed a low burning camp 
 fire about which lay the blanketed forms of six 
 Indians. 
 
 The fifth night Francois began to scan anx- 
 iously the left-hand bank for sight of the land- 
 mark two blasted pines near the waters of a 
 quiet bay by which he could recognize the spot 
 where he had hidden the canoe. At last, just as 
 dawn broke, he spied them, and an hour later 
 they had landed, discovered the canoe, and were 
 ravenously eating of the store of provisions and 
 examining the firearms and ammunition it con- 
 tained. Luckily everything had been preserved 
 intact. Now that they were armed and had pro- 
 ceeded so near to the St. Lawrence, they decided 
 to travel by daylight. Hence, disdaining any 
 rest, they embarked at once, and soon their flash- 
 ing paddles were sending their swift craft rush- 
 ing through the water toward Quebec. 
 
 176
 
 " They passed a low burning camp fire.
 
 A FRIGHT AND A JOURNEY 
 
 The sick man, while still very weak, sat in the 
 stern contented and happy, each day showing a 
 further stage in his mental recovery. Soon the 
 St. Lawrence was reached, and they felt that all 
 danger was now past. On they sped by day, rest- 
 ing before a warm camp fire by night. Good 
 game fell before their aim, and so all physical 
 evidence of the hardships they had endured soon 
 disappeared. 
 
 La Prairie was passed ; then Montreal. Their 
 desire to reach home prevented them from stop- 
 ping anywhere. Finally, after four days longer, 
 the distant view of the fort burst upon their 
 vision. They greeted the sight with a cheer, and 
 pressed on until, just as the great clock of the 
 chateau tolled midnight, they landed at Quebec. 
 
 177
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 
 DEPICTS A GLAD HOME-COMING FOB THE TRAVELERS 
 AND ONE OTHER 
 
 TOGETHER the four voyagers climbed the steep 
 street leading up from the lower town. The 
 sick man had recovered sufficient strength, after 
 his long rest in the canoe, to enable him to walk 
 slowly without assistance. The town was silent, 
 save for the distant cry of the sentries changing 
 post on the battlements above them, and the 
 streets seemed deserted. Quietly and carefully 
 they proceeded within the shadows lest they 
 should meet some late comer who, perchance rec- 
 ognizing some one of them, might spread abroad 
 the news of their return. Naturally they di- 
 rected their steps toward the house of Jacques 
 Ormesson, he who had been their counselor and 
 friend. They knew his sympathy and friendship 
 
 178
 
 A GLAD HOME-COMING 
 
 could be relied upon to aid them in their present 
 plight. 
 
 At length they stood before his shop door, 
 dark and forbidding in the midnight shade. 
 Pierre, bidding the others await him there, ran 
 around to the side beneath the window of the 
 room he knew his friend occupied. Feeling on 
 the ground he found a pebble, which he tossed 
 gently against the glass. The click produced no 
 effect. He threw another. Still no response. A 
 fear seized him that perhaps the trader was not 
 at home, but had left the city on some business 
 errand. A third time he hit the glass. This re- 
 sulted in the window being opened and a voice 
 calling harshly, " Who's there ? " For all its 
 gruffness, Pierre recognized it as belonging to 
 his friend. " It is I, Pierre Bordeleau," he re- 
 plied in a low tone. 
 
 " Mille tonnerresl" was the astonished re- 
 joinder as the window was opened to its full 
 extent and a head was thrust out into the 
 darkness. 
 
 " It is I, mon ami," continued Pierre. " We 
 179
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 have all returned in safety, and are waiting at 
 your door. Will you not hasten down and let 
 us in?" 
 
 " Grace a Dieu! It is he indeed," exclaimed 
 the excited Ormesson as he quickly withdrew his 
 head and shut the window with a bang. 
 
 Pierre returned to his companions at the front 
 of the house. Presently a glimmer of light was 
 seen beneath the sill, the sound of bars being 
 removed was heard, and the door swung open, re- 
 vealing the eager figure of the trader in his night 
 attire, holding a candle in one hand while he 
 peered anxiously forth at the small group. They 
 entered, and he quickly shut the door and barred 
 it, then turning to his companions held the light to 
 their faces with a look in which joy and incredu- 
 lity were struggling for the mastery. A glance 
 was sufficient to reassure him. Putting the candle 
 down upon the counter he sprang forward, and 
 seizing the two brothers in his strong grasp he 
 embraced them heartily, then holding them at 
 arm's length he gazed at them affectionately for 
 a moment, and almost crushed them again in his 
 
 180
 
 A GLAD HOME-COMING 
 
 arms, so great was his fervor. Then for the first 
 time did he realize that the boys were not alone. 
 Quickly recognizing Francois, he gave him a 
 hearty welcome. His eyes fell upon the stranger, 
 who stood gazing with a helpless, puzzled look at 
 the shelves filled with their stock of skins and 
 goods, partially revealed by the flickering light 
 of the candle. The trader turned an inquiring 
 glance toward Pierre. The latter answered his 
 mute question in a low voice. " A sick man 
 whom we have brought back with us. He is not 
 quite right here," touching his forehead. " He 
 is weary. If you will give him a bed, we will 
 await your return. We have a long story to tell." 
 Ormesson nodded and, leading the way to his 
 little sitting room back of the shop, lighted an- 
 other candle, stirred the dying embers on the 
 hearth, flung on some wood, and, motioning to 
 the boys to remain, beckoned to the stranger and 
 disappeared with him up the stairs. In a few 
 moments he returned alone, partly dressed. " A 
 pitiable sight indeed," he exclaimed. " The poor 
 wretch was completely worn out, and was asleep 
 
 181
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 before I left his room." Then going to a cup- 
 board, he produced some cold meat, bread, a bot- 
 tle of wine, and some glasses, which he placed 
 before his guests, who were not slow to help 
 themselves. He then lighted his pipe and, lean- 
 ing back in his chair, sat silently puffing while he 
 watched the boys with an air of delight and in- 
 tense satisfaction. When they had finished eat- 
 ing he broke the silence. 
 
 " Now, mes amis, that you have eaten, you will 
 perhaps let me hear the sound of your voices to 
 assure me that I am not dreaming, and tell me 
 from what quarter of the universe you have 
 dropped at this hour of the night. Hasten, for 
 I am fairly bursting with curiosity." 
 
 " It is a long story," answered Pierre, " and I 
 shall commence at the beginning and tell you the 
 whole history of our adventures." 
 
 He then began his recital with an account of 
 their surprise and capture in the cave, followed 
 by a rapid yet full narrative of all that had hap- 
 pened to them since that event. 
 
 The trader listened attentively to every word 
 182
 
 A GLAD HOME-COMING 
 
 in silence, the nervous pull at his pipe and the 
 clouds of smoke he emitted from his mouth be- 
 traying his absorbing interest. When Pierre de- 
 scribed the torture of the Indian brave, and told 
 of their discovery that they were to be treated in 
 a like manner, he stopped smoking and sat open- 
 mouthed, with a gaze of affectionate anxiety 
 upon his honest features. When he learned of 
 Francois's appearance upon the scene with a 
 view to their rescue, his face lighted up and he 
 muttered " Bravo ! " When he heard of Jean's 
 insistence in the face of great danger on the res- 
 cue of the unknown prisoner, his feelings over- 
 mastered him and, rising, he seized him in his 
 arms and fairly shook him with admiring delight. 
 " Noble youth ! " he cried. " Would that my 
 blood were in your veins and I could claim you as 
 mine ! But, pardon, I will not interrupt again," 
 and resuming his seat he relighted his pipe. He 
 chuckled with delight at their final escape, and 
 laughed heartily at the episode of the hollow tree. 
 He remained quiet until Pierre related what 
 Francois had overheard regarding the perfidy of 
 13 183
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 their uncle. Then with a cry he threw his pipe 
 across the room, and springing to his feet walked 
 up and down in a fury. " Villain, rascal, rogue, 
 knave, scoundrel, miscreant, vile wretch, fiend ! " 
 he exclaimed in his anger. " I suspected some of 
 his contemptible work at the start, but my imagi- 
 nation never conceived such vile depths to his 
 reprobate nature." 
 
 When he had quieted himself he stopped be- 
 fore the fire. " I, too, have a tale to tell and news 
 to communicate that will prove of interest to you. 
 The day after your departure I learned from 
 outside sources that you had disappeared. I 
 hastened to the house of Captain Bordeleau for 
 information, and found him apparently in a state 
 of great excitement over your absence. He took 
 me to your room, showed me the rope ladder still 
 fastened to your window, and declared his belief 
 that you had taken to the woods to enter upon 
 the wild roving life of the coureurs-de-bois. The 
 fact that Frangois also could not be found 
 strengthened his view. I sympathized with him, 
 but, of course, believed you were safe in the cave. 
 
 184
 
 A GLAD HOME-COMING 
 
 Not hearing from you during the next few days, 
 I went myself to * Chimney Rock,' which you told 
 me was directly over your hiding place, and 
 called to you. On receiving no response I has- 
 tened to the city and conferred with the Gover- 
 nor. In the mean time your uncle had publicly 
 offered a reward of a hundred louis for informa- 
 tion concerning your whereabouts. Finally, a 
 censitaire living on the other side of the river 
 appeared to claim the reward, saying that while 
 hunting he had discovered a small party of Iro- 
 quois making their way southward toward their 
 own country. He hid on their approach, and as 
 they passed him he declared he saw three white 
 youths being led along as prisoners. Your uncle 
 then offered to pay a thousand louis for your safe 
 discovery and return, and sent several small par- 
 ties at his own expense in the direction it was 
 reported the band of Iroquois had taken. They 
 returned empty-handed, of course. He then ap- 
 pealed to the Governor Frontenac to allow him 
 to go at the head of an expedition of five hundred 
 soldiers against the Indians. The Governor sym- 
 
 185
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 pathized with him in his distress, but because of 
 the threatened English invasion by sea dared not 
 spare any of his forces. Your uncle then shut 
 himself up in his house for a week, ostensibly to 
 mourn for you. Ma foi! he acted his part well 
 and deceived everyone, even myself, who had 
 reason to suspect him. At length, I, too, gave 
 up hope and regarded you as dead, for I well 
 knew what the fate would be of any French cap- 
 tive that might fall into those devils' hands at 
 the present time. But now, grace a Dieu, you 
 are returned safely," and he gazed silently at the 
 boys, the light of a great joy shining from his 
 moistened eyes. 
 
 After a moment or two of silence he again 
 spoke. 
 
 " Many changes have occurred since you left. 
 The country is threatened with an invasion by 
 the English, who are reported to be ascending 
 the St. Lawrence in full force under Sir William 
 Phips, of Boston. In fact a messenger arrived 
 to-day reporting that the fleet had already ad- 
 vanced above Tadousac. Quebec is newly for- 
 
 186
 
 A GLAD HOME-COMING 
 
 tified on its weak side, and many of the soldiers 
 have been withdrawn from Montreal and Three 
 Rivers for its defense. You have come in time 
 to witness stirring events, and perhaps have a 
 share in them. But first must be decided what 
 you will do next. The sick man can be left in 
 my care. As to yourselves, I know not what to 
 say. It will never do for your uncle to learn of 
 your return at this time. In the confusion and 
 excitement of an attack upon the city, there is 
 no knowing what bloody deed he might not be 
 able to effect against you. He is capable of 
 anything." 
 
 " Why not go back to the cave I " suggested 
 Francois simply. 
 
 " And run the risk of capture by the English! " 
 " I will guarantee that they will never discover 
 us," replied Pierre, who waxed enthusiastic at 
 the thought of once more taking up their abode 
 in their secret place. " Besides it will keep us 
 out of our uncle's way, and who knows but that 
 we might be of some service against the enemy 
 by learning of their plans? " 
 
 187
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 " Yes, or blowing up one of their ships by 
 night," exclaimed Jean valorously. 
 
 " Leave such warlike measures to those whose 
 trade it is to fight, mon ami," replied the trader 
 with a smile. Then added thoughtfully : " I 
 do not know but after all Frangois's suggestion 
 is good. You are distant far enough to avoid 
 danger from the enemy and can keep out of your 
 uncle's way. The attack will be over in a short 
 time, as I understand there are but two thousand 
 in the approaching force, while in two days more 
 we will have over three thousand here for the 
 defense. And now," he continued briskly after 
 a few moments of thoughtful silence, " that we 
 have decided the matter, you must be off at once ; 
 it lacks but two hours till day." 
 
 The party thereupon broke up, the three 
 boys leaving as they had returned, taking with 
 them a load of blankets and provisions as well 
 as ammunition forced upon them by the kind 
 trader. 
 
 They regained their canoe without discovery, 
 and soon had left the city behind them, paddling 
 
 188
 
 A GLAD HOME-COMING 
 
 swiftly toward their new dwelling place, until at 
 the first gray of dawn they entered the cave, 
 and, thoroughly tired, flung themselves content- 
 edly down to sleep in peace within its familiar 
 shadows. 
 
 189
 
 CHAPTER XV 
 
 DAY dawned, and while the boys slumbered 
 an unaccustomed scene was enacted upon the 
 mighty river. Scarcely had the morning mists 
 vanished when up swept the forces of the Eng- 
 lish, thirty-four sail in all. One by one they 
 passed the Point of Orleans, and glided noise- 
 lessly into the Basin of Quebec. A half dozen 
 were large ships, the rest dwindled down in size, 
 brigs and schooners, until finally some there 
 were no larger than fishing craft. One by one 
 they dropped anchor and furled sails, while from 
 each masthead there broke the cross of St. 
 George, amid lusty cries of " God save King 
 William " from the men who swarmed the decks. 
 From the flagstaff at the Chateau St. Louis, 
 
 190
 
 AN INSOLENT MESSAGE 
 
 perched on the giant rock, there floated a white 
 banner, spangled with fleur-de-lis, boldly waving 
 defiance in the morning breeze, while the crowds 
 of soldiers, coureurs-de-bois, peasants from the 
 outlying farms, and townsfolk shouted derision 
 at the motley craft below them, and cheered 
 heartily for their beloved monarch, Louis XIV. 
 About ten o'clock a boat put out from the flag- 
 ship flying a flag of truce. It was met halfway 
 by several canoes from the landing place. The 
 boat contained a young officer who bore a letter 
 from Sir William Phips to the Governor. He 
 was allowed to land, and, after being carefully 
 blindfolded, was led to the upper town. In 
 order to bewilder him a circuitous route was 
 taken, now up, now down. Barricades were met 
 with over which he was compelled to climb, while 
 all the while a large crowd accompanied him, 
 creating as much stir as possible, so as to impress 
 him with the large number of the defenders. 
 Finally the Chateau was reached, and when he 
 had entered the Governor's room the bandage 
 was removed from his eyes and he found him- 
 
 191
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 self in the presence of Frontenac, haughty and 
 stern, and his officers, resplendent in their bright 
 uniforms, all wearing a determined and warlike 
 demeanor. He saluted the Governor with re- 
 spect, and presented him with the letter which 
 he bore. Frontenac handed it to an interpreter 
 who translated it aloud. In brief it was a com- 
 plaint of the various inroads made by the French 
 against the English colonies in the past, ending 
 with a formal demand for the surrender of 
 Quebec. 
 
 " I, the aforesaid William Phips, knight, do 
 hereby, in the name and in the behalf of their 
 most excellent majesties, William and Mary, 
 king and queen of England, Scotland, France, 
 and Ireland, defenders of the faith, and by order 
 of their said majesties' government of the Mas- 
 sachusetts Colony in New England, demand a 
 present surrender of your forts and castles, un- 
 demolished, and the king's and other stores, un- 
 embezzled, with a seasonable delivery of all cap- 
 tives. Your answer positive within an hour is 
 required upon the peril that will ensue." 
 
 192
 
 AN INSOLENT MESSAGE 
 
 The young English officer then pulled his 
 watch out of his pocket, showed Frontenac that 
 it was ten o'clock, and that he must have his 
 answer before eleven. The general insolent tone 
 of the message provoked a cry of indignation 
 from the group of officers surrounding the gov- 
 ernor, one of them even exclaiming that Phips 
 was nothing but a pirate and his messenger 
 should be straightway hanged. 
 
 Frontenac rebuked their lack of courtesy, and 
 turning to the young officer replied : 
 
 "I will not keep you waiting so long. Tell 
 your general that I do not recognize King Will- 
 iam. That he who so styles himself is a usurper. 
 I know no King of England but King James. 
 Even if your general offered me conditions more 
 gracious, and if I had a mind to accept them, 
 does he suppose that these brave gentlemen," 
 waving his hand toward his officers, " would give 
 their consent and advise me to trust a man who 
 broke his agreement with our Governor of Port 
 Royal, or a rebel who has failed in his duty to 
 his King? I will give you no written answer to 
 
 193
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 your commander's insolent demand. Tell him I 
 shall answer him only by the mouths of my can- 
 non, that he may learn that a man like I am is 
 not to he summoned after this fashion. Let him 
 do his best, and I will do mine." With a bow 
 of dismissal Frontenac turned and walked away. 
 The English officer was then blindfolded, led 
 over the barricades again, and sent back to the 
 fleet by the boat that brought him. Frontenac 
 then assigned his officers to their respective posi- 
 tions, ordering them not to fire until the enemy 
 had sent the first shot. The moments passed in 
 eager expectancy. The gunners waited with 
 fuses lighted and cannon trained on the hostile 
 fleet. Mass was said in the cathedral and pray- 
 ers for success were offered. The townspeople 
 sought safety behind the doors of their own 
 houses. A half-hour passed. Then a signal ap- 
 peared upon the flagship, a sudden activity 
 arose on board all the vessels, anchors were 
 raised, and the entire flotilla drifted down with 
 the current to a point half a league below Que- 
 bec, where anchors were again dropped and a 
 
 194
 
 AN INSOLENT MESSAGE 
 
 council of war was held. This lasted all day and 
 night came on with nothing done. The attack 
 had been postponed until the morrow. 
 
 Meanwhile the boys slept peacefully, uncon- 
 scious of the warlike events occurring at their 
 very door. It was long past noon when they 
 awakened. Francois, looking out of the mouth 
 of the cave, beheld the surface of the river dotted 
 with the foreign fleet. Hastily summoning his 
 companions, he pointed out the new arrivals. 
 Together they spent the afternoon watching the 
 boats going and coming between the different 
 vessels, conveying officers to the war council on 
 board the admiral's ship, carrying orders and 
 distributing ammunition among the smaller 
 craft. Toward sunset the sky became overcast, 
 and the short twilight quickly faded into night. 
 Francois announced his determination to slip out 
 in the direction of Beauport, and see if he could 
 not learn from some one what the probable 
 course of events would be. He promised to re- 
 turn by midnight and advised the two brothers 
 not to stir out. 
 
 195
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 For a long time the boys sat looking out into 
 the night, watching the twinkling of the lights 
 on board the fleet, and conversing in low tones. 
 At length Pierre yawned and exclaimed in a 
 peevish voice : "I do not see why Francois 
 should have left us behind. He is actively en- 
 gaged while we are shut up here accomplishing 
 nothing; we might as well be prisoners in the 
 Indian hut." 
 
 Jean was silent for a moment. Then without 
 apparently noticing his brother's remark: 
 
 " I wish while Frangois is busy on shore that 
 we might visit those lights out yonder and learn 
 what sort of people the English are." 
 
 " We might go in the canoe ; it is so dark I 
 do not think we would run much risk of being 
 seen," replied Pierre. 
 
 " Agreed." 
 
 In a moment they had dragged forth the canoe 
 from its hiding place. In another they were 
 launched and paddling swiftly toward the dis- 
 tant fleet. Neither spoke, but both bent to the 
 work with a will. Soon they approached one of 
 
 196
 
 AN INSOLENT MESSAGE 
 
 the lights. It was that of a small vessel. The 
 night was so still they could hear the voices of 
 men on deck chatting and laughing in subdued 
 tones. They passed on. Soon the dim outlines 
 of a large ship were visible ahead. They glided 
 under the bow. No sound was heard save the 
 slight rippling of the current against the anchor 
 chain. As they drifted by they could make out 
 the form of a small boat attached to the landing 
 stage. They waited, thinking that some one was 
 about to leave whom they could follow. No one 
 appeared. Silently they dropped beneath the 
 stern. The windows were open and a soft light 
 suffused itself through the darkness. The low 
 murmur of voices engaged in earnest conversa- 
 tion was heard. They floated away. As soon 
 as they were out of earshot Jean whispered to 
 his brother : " Let us go back. I can draw my- 
 self up by the rudder chains; perhaps I will 
 overhear their plan of attack discussed. Do you 
 keep the canoe ready for me to drop into when 
 I wish to leave." In a moment they had re- 
 turned. Jean laid aside his paddle and at the 
 
 197
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 right instant obtained a firm hold and drew him- 
 self silently up and soon was safely perched just 
 beneath the open window. He dared not look 
 in, but placed his ear as near as possible and 
 listened. 
 
 The voices were stilled. A rustling as of a 
 sheet of heavy paper being unrolled broke the 
 silence. Then a voice sounded that made Jean 
 gasp. 
 
 " Here is a rough sketch of Quebec and its sur- 
 roundings. The city is impregnable except in 
 one spot. If you once gain that, the place is 
 yours. Under cover of darkness you must land 
 your men here. Let them follow up the right 
 bank of the St. Charles and conceal themselves 
 in a large wooded area they will find here. 
 While you engage the attention of the defenders 
 by a brisk cannonade from the river by your en- 
 tire fleet, your party in ambush must cross the 
 St. Charles by the ford indicated here. Once 
 crossed, with a sufficiently large body of men, 
 you can enter the city from this side." 
 
 Jean's eyes grew large with wonder. It was 
 198
 
 AN INSOLENT MESSAGE 
 
 his uncle's voice he heard thus directing the 
 enemy to victory. An interpreter was translat- 
 ing each sentence into English. 
 
 " I shall be in command of the force guarding 
 the ford. After firing one volley at your men 
 as they rush from cover, I shall announce that 
 our ammunition is exhausted and give the order 
 to retreat. The fault will be yours if you do 
 not succeed. If you decide to accept my terms, 
 send your representative to-morrow night at 
 midnight to that rock on the bluff near the shore 
 that looks like a chimney we call it ' Chimney 
 Rock.' Let him bring with him one thousand 
 louis in gold, and bills on the royal treasury 
 drawn for the equivalent of ten thousand louis 
 more, signed by yourself and countersigned by 
 your second in command. The price is absurdly 
 cheap. In addition my life is to be protected 
 and I am to escape to Boston in the first vessel 
 that leaves if I so desire. My house, which will 
 be marked by a white cross chalked on the 
 door, is to be preserved for me with all that 
 it contains." 
 
 u 199
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 Some one moved toward the window. Jean 
 heard his step and dropped lightly down into the 
 canoe and they floated away. " Let us go back 
 to the cave," was all that he said. On arriving 
 there they found that Francois had returned. 
 He had learned little and was disappointed. Jean 
 then related what he had overheard. Pierre 
 gave a long whistle. Francois was silent. 
 
 " What are you going to do ? " Pierre queried. 
 
 " I hardly believed my own ears," was Jean's 
 reply. " But I could not be mistaken. How- 
 ever, there is but one thing to do when a treason- 
 able plan is on foot to betray the colony. The 
 governor must be informed in some way, so that 
 the plot can be frustrated. I would suggest that 
 we go and tell Jacques Ormesson all I have 
 learned. His older head will readily devise the 
 proper action to take." 
 
 Without a further word all three descended to 
 the river and soon were making the canoe skim 
 rapidly toward the city. In their haste they 
 nearly ran into one of the enemy's boats lying at 
 anchor without lights. The noise they made was 
 
 200
 
 AN INSOLENT MESSAGE 
 
 heard, for a shot was fired in their direction, but 
 went wide of the mark. Exercising more care 
 they finally reached Quebec. Leaving Francois 
 in charge of the canoe they stole quickly up the 
 street. Although it was nearly midnight many 
 people were abroad, but they escaped observa- 
 tion and were soon at the trader's shop. A light 
 burning in his back room showed that he was 
 still up. In a few minutes they were all three 
 busily talking. When Jean finished recounting 
 his recent experience, Jacques Ormesson be- 
 trayed no excitement. " At last," he exclaimed, 
 "his crimes have found him out. Come with 
 me ! " he continued, as he reached for his hat. 
 
 " Where are we going? " asked Pierre. 
 
 " To see the Governor." 
 
 Jean faltered. " I do not want to be the means 
 of injuring my uncle," he exclaimed anxiously. 
 
 " You want to do your duty to the King and 
 Colony. Come ! " was the trader's stern answer. 
 
 Together they approached the Chateau. The 
 Governor, who had just finished a council with 
 his officers, was alone. 
 
 201
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 " I have come to present to your Excellency 
 the two nephews of Captain Bordeleau, who re- 
 cently disappeared," began Ormesson. 
 
 The great man looked curiously and with 
 sympathy at the boys. " Mon Dieu! " he ex- 
 claimed heartily, " I am rejoiced to hear you 
 have escaped from the hands of those red devils 
 the Iroquois." 
 
 " Not from the hands of red devils, your 
 Excellency," replied the trader, " but a white 
 one." 
 
 Frontenac looked puzzled. Ormesson related 
 very briefly the experiences of the brothers. 
 Then told of their uncle's connection with the 
 affair. The Governor frowned heavily. " That 
 is a hard accusation to make against an officer," 
 he muttered. 
 
 " But I have one still harder," was the quiet 
 reply. " Jean, do you tell his Excellency what 
 you have overheard to-night. Spare nothing, 
 remembering that your duty to your King and 
 country far exceeds that due your scoundrel 
 relative." 
 
 202
 
 AN INSOLENT MESSAGE 
 
 Jean did as he was bid, speaking at first with 
 a good deal of trembling at finding himself talk- 
 ing face to face with the famous Governor. But, 
 reassured by a kindly smile, he related in full 
 detail the conversation on the English vessel. 
 As he proceeded the Governor's brow darkened, 
 his hands were clinched, and a red flush mounted 
 to his forehead. When he had finished, Fron- 
 tenac rose from his chair and stamped heavily 
 about the room in anger. 
 
 " Peste! " he exclaimed hotly. " Has not the 
 King foes enough among the savages and Eng- 
 lish but that there must be found some in his 
 own household, those that draw his pay and 
 swear to defend his honor and possessions, that 
 must needs traffic in treason ! Venire bleu! and 
 does this snake, this vile reptile, cover his tracks 
 so well that not one of my trusted men, my 
 friends, my intimates, knows anything whatever 
 about this base plot, and it is left to babes to 
 warn me of the impending blow the moment 
 before it falls ! " 
 
 Then subduing his emotion he approached the 
 203
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 two boys and laying a fatherly hand on each 
 he said calmly: 
 
 "You have done good work this night. I 
 shall remember it. The King himself shall hear 
 of it. And you, too, Ormesson, you have once 
 more proved yourself the honest, straightfor- 
 ward, loyal subject and friend as of yore; you 
 shall not be forgotten either." 
 
 Then, pausing in thought a moment, he beck- 
 oned the trader to him, and in a low voice con- 
 tinued : " Keep them with you for a few days. 
 They must not be present when the net is drawn. 
 Come to me alone to-morrow." 
 
 204
 
 CHAPTER XVI 
 
 DEALS MAINLY WITH MILITARY AFFAIRS. SHOWS 
 HOW A TRAP WAS SPRUNG AND A BATTLE WON 
 
 ON leaving the Chateau the trader directed the 
 boys to return to Francois and bring him with 
 them to his house. In the morning they break- 
 fasted early. Jean inquired after the sick man, 
 and was informed that he had been sent to the 
 home of a doctor who had taken entire charge 
 of him, and that he was improving rapidly. Or- 
 messon warned the boys against stirring out 
 during the day, and leaving them to their own 
 devices set out again for the Chateau. The Gov- 
 ernor received him warmly : 
 
 "I have been trying to think of some plan 
 whereby positive corroborative evidence of Cap- 
 tain Bordeleau's guilt can be obtained, but I con- 
 fess I have failed so far. What have you to 
 suggest! " 
 
 " Suppose your Excellency, together with a 
 205
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 trusted officer, were to be present at the meeting 
 to-night between the plotters, and witness the 
 payment of the price agreed upon." 
 
 Frontenac laughed. " I fear Captain Borde- 
 leau and the English emissary would object to 
 my presence at such an interesting moment." 
 
 The trader then described the location of the 
 cave. " If your Excellency were to be in hiding 
 there you could undoubtedly overhear all conver- 
 sation held between them. The opening extend- 
 ing from the interior of the cave through the 
 cleft in ' Chimney Rock ' would easily carry the 
 sound of their voices." 
 
 The Governor brought his fist down upon his 
 chair with a resounding blow. 
 
 "Parbleu!" he exclaimed enthusiastically. 
 "A capital idea! We will destroy their plot 
 with a counterplot, and match our cunning against 
 theirs. But how can we find the cave without 
 the assistance of the two lads? I am unwilling 
 to force them to be witnesses of their uncle's 
 downfall." 
 
 " Their companion, Francois, will have no 
 206
 
 A TRAP AND A BATTLE 
 
 compunction about aiding in bringing the traitor 
 to justice. He can guide you." 
 
 " Tres bienl Do you arrange with him to 
 direct us. You must be one of the party. Have 
 a canoe ready and bring him with you to the 
 Chateau at nine o'clock." 
 
 All day the garrison and its hardy defenders 
 maintained an attitude of vigilance, ready to 
 repel any attack, Frontenac fearing lest the Eng- 
 lish might decide not to accept Captain Borde- 
 leau's offer of assistance. The distant fleet, 
 however, remained quietly at anchor, and the day 
 was passed without any warlike movement being 
 made on either side. 
 
 At nine o'clock precisely Ormesson and Fran- 
 c.ois appeared at the Chateau. A few moments 
 later they descended to the Lower Town in com- 
 pany with the Governor and one of his officers, 
 carefully muffled to escape recognition, and after 
 silently embarking started for their destination. 
 The night aided their effort, for a light rain was 
 falling, thus rendering easy the task of slipping 
 by the enemy's ships without detection. 
 
 207
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 A season of vigorous paddling ensued, then 
 they turned inshore and landed. The canoe was 
 carefully hidden among the bushes, and the 
 party entered the cave. After an hour's silent 
 waiting, Francois, who had remained on watch 
 at the entrance, reported the appearance of a 
 boat. Presently the muffled stroke of oars was 
 heard, followed by a slight grating sound as the 
 bow touched the land. Two figures were dimly 
 visible disembarking and disappeared up the 
 bank. The party then collected directly under- 
 neath the opening in the roof. Soon they heard 
 the approach of the English emissaries, who 
 stood beside the rock talking in an undertone, 
 awaiting the arrival of the traitorous captain. 
 Presently the sound of some one approaching 
 from the land side was heard, then came in low 
 tones a voice that all recognized. 
 
 " Well, your commander has decided to accept 
 my terms ? " 
 
 " He has," was the reply of the officer, who 
 spoke French. 
 
 " Have you brought the gold and the bills ? " 
 208
 
 A TRAP AND A BATTLE 
 
 "Here they are. I will unhood this lantern 
 and you can count them for yourself." 
 
 Breathlessly the listeners waited. The sound 
 of clinking metal came to their ears as the traitor 
 examined it. 
 
 " The amount is correct," he presently said, 
 "and the bills are properly drawn. Tell your 
 commander I shall faithfully fulfill my part in 
 the transaction. Have your men in ambush by 
 dawn. Remember, after the first volley, when 
 you attack the ford, there will be no opposition. 
 Recollect, too, that the house with the white cross 
 chalked on the door is to remain untouched. 
 That is all, messieurs; may victory be yours. 
 Good-night." 
 
 The boat with the English officers had been 
 gone a full half-hour before the Governor and 
 his companions emerged from their hiding place 
 and started homeward. On landing, the Gover- 
 nor walked rapidly toward the Chateau. " The 
 evidence is complete," he said in a stern voice to 
 Onnesson as they separated. " Woe be to the 
 guilty man ! " 
 
 209
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 Morning dawned, at first misty, but soon clear- 
 ing. The city was early astir. Captain Borde- 
 leau left his home shortly after daybreak to 
 attend a final meeting of the officers at the Cha- 
 teau. As he closed the door he turned, and draw- 
 ing a piece of chalk from his pocket carefully 
 made a cross upon its panels. His eyes gleamed 
 with suppressed excitement, and a satisfied smile 
 played for a moment upon his lips. An instant 
 later, when he resumed his walk, his face was 
 immobile and presented to the world only the 
 stern look of a brave soldier laden with the 
 responsibilities of his position. 
 
 The plan of defense was once more gone over 
 carefully by Frontenac and his officers, as the 
 deferred attack was now imminent, a report of 
 the approach of the hostile fleet having been re- 
 ceived. The Governor dismissed the group after 
 giving detailed orders to each one. Turning to 
 Captain Bordeleau, he rested his cold, stern 
 eyes upon him. " To you I have assigned the 
 defense of our weakest point, that facing the 
 ford of the St. Charles. It is of vital impor- 
 
 210
 
 A TRAP AND A BATTLE 
 
 tance that you hold it obstinately against all 
 odds." 
 
 Captain Bordeleau bowed respectfully. "I 
 feel honored by your confidence, your Excel- 
 lency, and shall do all that human power can 
 accomplish in behalf of King and Colony this 
 day." And with this final lie upon his lips he 
 retired. 
 
 Up the river swept the flotilla bent at last on 
 an attack that should humiliate the proud for- 
 tress of the King of France, with flags flying, 
 drums beating, and the crews shouting them- 
 selves hoarse with cries of " God save King 
 William." The French on their part were no 
 less noisy. Their yells of defiance were mingled 
 with cries of joy at the opportune arrival of 
 seven hundred men, consisting of regular sol- 
 diers coureurs-de-bois, and lusty young farmers 
 from up the river. These entered the western 
 gate full of fight, and singing and whooping in 
 their eagerness to meet the enemy. Soon the 
 fleet reached a position before the town and 
 anchored. Its guns were pointed at the fortress 
 
 211
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 and the battle began. The French replied vigor- 
 ously, and erelong the river and rock became one 
 mass of smoke, from which belched forth the 
 spiteful red tongues of flame. The noise was 
 deafening as the cannon roar reverberated from 
 the heights and rolled back from the distant 
 mountains upon the scene of conflict. The guns 
 of the fleet were poorly aimed, and many of the 
 shot struck the side of the cliff, dropping harm- 
 lessly below. Some of the stone buildings were 
 struck, but save a few splinters of rock that fell, 
 little damage was done. 
 
 The guns of the fort, by Frontenac's direction, 
 were centered upon the four largest ships. This 
 action soon bore results. One of them hauled off 
 and abandoned the fight. The admiral's vessel 
 suffered most. The rigging was torn, the main- 
 mast splintered, the hull riddled with shot, until, 
 her condition becoming desperate, Phips ordered 
 her to be cut loose from her anchor, and she 
 gradually drifted out of range of the fire from 
 the fort, amid the cheers and exultant cries of 
 the defenders, who saw her slowly fade away 
 
 212
 
 A TRAP AND A BATTLE 
 
 through the smoke. Several of the smaller craft 
 were almost in a sinking condition, and soon fol- 
 lowed the admiral's lead. The rest managed to 
 keep their positions with bulldog persistence, and 
 endeavored bravely to silence a battery in the 
 Lower Town. 
 
 Meanwhile a force of English, thirteen hun- 
 dred in number, who had lain since before day 
 shivering and impatient in ambush near the ford 
 on the St. Charles, had broken from cover at the 
 first sound of cannonading on the river. Some 
 five hundred men under Captain Bordeleau were 
 posted to resist their advance. At the first rush 
 they fired a deadly volley into the enemy's ranks, 
 who pushed bravely on, heedless of the fallen. 
 The French were reloading and about to send an- 
 other volley after the first, when in the lull the 
 voice of their commander was heard excitedly 
 exclaiming : 
 
 " Back, men, to the city ! Our supply of am- 
 munition has been detained. They are four to 
 our one. You will all be slaughtered ! " 
 
 His soldiers paused confused. To retreat 
 213
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 after firing only once seemed cowardly. Again 
 came the summons in more authoritative tones. 
 A few of the more impetuous ones, disregarding 
 all discipline, fired again. The majority, al- 
 though chafing inwardly, turned to withdraw. 
 At this moment the deep bass tones of Frontenac, 
 who appeared suddenly from the rear, reached 
 their ears. 
 
 " For shame ! Are you cowards to turn tail at 
 the first blow from the heretic English? Your 
 ammunition is here, and I bring seven hundred 
 reinforcements. At them again for King and 
 Colony!" 
 
 The retreating line halted and faced about with 
 a shout and poured into the oncoming ranks a 
 fire that caused them to waver. 
 
 " Once more and they will run," came the 
 cheering voice of the Governor. 
 
 They obeyed, and the enemy's line halted and 
 slowly began to recede. Captain Bordeleau stood 
 blankly staring at the burly form of Frontenac, 
 stupefied with surprise and alarm. Why had the 
 Governor appeared so inopportunely! He had 
 
 214
 
 A TRAP AND A BATTLE 
 
 thought he was superintending the fire from the 
 citadel. Quickly recovering himself, he started 
 forward to urge his men on to action. But the 
 governor motioned sternly to him. 
 
 " Back to the city, whither you were about to 
 lead your force. You are wanted here no longer," 
 he said angrily. Then turning to two officers who 
 had accompanied him, he commanded : " Disarm 
 him and bind his wrists. He is under arrest. 
 Take him to the Chateau and guard him carefully. 
 Your lives depend upon his safe custody." He 
 then advanced to the front, and soon his voice 
 was again heard above the din of battle calling 
 on the soldiers to do their best. 
 
 Captain Bordeleau stood a moment petrified 
 with amazement at his words, then, as the two 
 officers approached him, he handed them his 
 sword and side arms, and with a cynical smile 
 submitted to the humiliation of being bound. 
 
 15 215
 
 CHAPTER XVII 
 
 WHEREIN A TRAITOR IS BROUGHT TO JUSTICE 
 
 FRONTENAC'S presence among his troops roused 
 their enthusiasm to the highest pitch. The en- 
 emy rallied again and again to the attack, but 
 were as often repulsed. Finally they withdrew 
 into the woods, the French mercifully ceasing 
 their fire to enable them to bear away their 
 wounded. In the mean time the remainder of 
 the English fleet withdrew, crippled and dis- 
 heartened, to the point where they had anchored 
 the day before. Word being brought of the de- 
 feat of the land force, Phips ordered boats 
 ashore and brought away the wounded, leaving 
 the survivors to camp where they were, pending 
 a council of war which he at once ordered. When 
 this was held a unanimous verdict was given by 
 his officers in favor of a prompt withdrawal of 
 
 216
 
 A TRAITOR 
 
 all forces and a return to Boston forthwith. This 
 plan being decided upon, all the forces on shore 
 were recalled, and the disabled vessels moved a 
 couple of leagues farther down the river in order 
 that the work of repairing the ships sufficiently 
 to render them seaworthy might be undertaken 
 unmolested. 
 
 At the withdrawal of the enemy, all Quebec 
 rejoiced. Bells were rung and at night bonfires 
 were lighted around which the hardy trappers 
 (the coureurs-de-bois) , excited by joy and 
 brandy, danced and shouted. The cathedral 
 was filled with thankful worshipers, while the 
 choir sang a Te Deum in gratitude for the de- 
 liverance of the city. A plentiful dinner was 
 served to all the officers in the evening, at which 
 the Governor, flushed with pride and success, 
 presided. 
 
 The three boys were entertained in the cozy 
 back room at Ormesson's house until a late hour, 
 listening to his recital of the different events of 
 the day. The trader seemed overflowing with 
 good spirits, and showed his affection for the 
 
 217
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 brothers by clapping them on the back at fre- 
 quent intervals, and every now and then giving 
 each a bearish hug. These signs of joy were in- 
 terspersed with sundry mysterious winks and 
 chuckles that the boys were at first disposed to 
 interpret as the manifestation of over-indulgence 
 in wine. But, noticing the fact that he barely 
 touched his glass during the entire evening, 
 they were at a loss to account for his unusual 
 merriment. When they finally separated for the 
 night, he approached Pierre and Jean and throw- 
 ing an arm affectionately about each he said, 
 addressing Francois: 
 
 " To-day has been a great day for New France. 
 To-morrow will be a greater one for these two 
 friends of ours." With which enigmatical re- 
 mark he bade them good night. 
 
 In the morning the streets of Quebec were 
 thronged by an excited crowd. A rumor had 
 somehow spread about that Captain Bordeleau 
 had been detected in an act of treason during the 
 battle of the previous day, and that he was to 
 be tried before the council that morning at ten. 
 
 218
 
 A TRAITOR 
 
 The square in front of the Chateau was packed 
 as the hour approached. The rumor was con- 
 firmed by the sight of the different members 
 of the council making their way toward the 
 Chateau. 
 
 Finally four soldiers appeared leading the 
 accused from the house where he had been con- 
 fined to the place of trial. As he passed, the 
 people crowded near, and angry murmurs and 
 jeers arose as he proceeded. Between the sol- 
 diers the man walked, his arms bound and his 
 eyes cast upon the ground. His face was pale 
 and bore a mingled look of fear and anger upon 
 it. As the taunts of the populace greeted his 
 ears he flushed and a sneer appeared upon his 
 countenance. Only once did he look up. Then 
 as his glance fell upon the assembled people, his 
 eyes chanced to rest upon the face of an Indian 
 standing quietly among the excited throng. A 
 look of recognition flashed between them, the 
 officer's lips parted as though to speak, but he 
 closed them without uttering a sound and passed 
 thoughtfully on with lowered eyes. 
 
 219
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 Within the council chamber at the Chateau 
 preparations for the trial had been completed. 
 About a long table in the middle of the room sat 
 the members of the council, stern and solemn- 
 looking, as befitted the occasion. At the head, 
 seated in his high-backed chair of state, was the 
 Governor, his brow dark and foreboding. About 
 the room stood many officers. At one side, partly 
 hidden by those standing up, Ormesson, in com- 
 pany with the two brothers, sat on a low bench. 
 
 The prisoner was led in, his arms unbound, 
 and he was shown to his allotted position. Fron- 
 tenac arose. 
 
 " Captain Bordeleau," he began in a cold, hard 
 voice, " you stand here accused of high treason ; 
 of attempting to deliver the city to the enemy; 
 of betraying the colony for English gold." 
 
 The accused man started at these words. He 
 had not been informed of any reason for his 
 arrest, and had supposed that the utmost against 
 him would be a charge of cowardice on the field 
 of battle. He trembled in spite of himself. 
 
 The Governor continued : 
 220
 
 A TRAITOR 
 
 " In detail your accusation is as follows," 
 Here he gave in full the various steps in the 
 treasonable plot. When he finished Captain 
 Bordeleau opened his mouth and said, with an 
 effort to appear at ease : " And who, pray, is 
 my accuser! Has the enemy volunteered this 
 strange piece of information ! I wonder at your 
 giving credence to anything coming from such 
 a source." 
 
 " It is not from English lips that you shall hear 
 the first testimony, but from French," replied 
 the governor. He motioned to Jean, who arose 
 and came forward beside the table. 
 
 At sight of his nephew, whom he supposed to 
 be at that moment safe in the hands of the red- 
 skins many leagues distant, if indeed he were 
 alive at all, the prisoner started back in undis- 
 guised surprise. Jean, a good deal abashed at 
 speaking before this assembly, told in a simple, 
 straightforward manner the history of the con- 
 versation overheard at the stern of the English 
 flagship. When he finished a murmur of aston- 
 ishment ran around the group of officers. A 
 
 221
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 moment's silence followed. With an effort Cap- 
 tain Bordeleau smiled : 
 
 " My nephew, who ran away from my friendly 
 roof, I see has come back. In return for my pre- 
 vious care and protection he brings you this im- 
 probable story. Fearing my anger because of 
 his escapade he strives to injure me. I have no 
 fear that he will be believed. My reputation, I 
 flatter myself, is secure against any lies this 
 young cub may tell. I presume you will go on to 
 claim that the appointment mentioned in his fan- 
 ciful tale was kept by me. Perchance you have 
 a witness who will testify that he was present at 
 the mythical meeting ? " and the speaker, some- 
 what reassured, looked at the Governor with an 
 ironical smile. 
 
 " I have," was the answer, delivered in such a 
 menacing tone that the prisoner's smile died 
 quickly away, and a look of alarm took its place. 
 
 " Produce him," he managed to articulate 
 half-defiantly. 
 
 " He stands before you," was the calm reply. 
 Frontenac then gave his testimony regarding his 
 
 222
 
 A TRAITOR 
 
 visit to the cave and the words overheard there. 
 After him spoke the officer who had been present, 
 and then Jacques Ormesson. 
 
 As Captain Bordeleau listened, his knees grew 
 unsteady and smote against each other and his 
 hands trembled. The company before him be- 
 came one blurred mass of faces; a roaring 
 sounded in his ears. He struggled unsuccess- 
 fully to regain his composure. The last blow 
 was struck as Frontenac, reaching down beneath 
 the table, produced a bag of money and a roll of 
 papers, which he threw down in front of the pris- 
 oner. " There is the gold we heard you count 
 and the bills you so carefully examined. Your 
 house was searched last night, and they were 
 found in a drawer of your private desk. Each 
 member of the council was requested to pass 
 your home on the way here and note the white 
 cross upon the door. You all saw it, did you not, 
 messieurs?" Each member nodded. Frontenac 
 then called one of the soldiers who had aided in 
 the defense of the ford. He testified as to the 
 order to retreat after the first volley. 
 
 223
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 Completely crushed, Captain Bordeleau sank 
 into a chair amid an accusing silence. In a mo- 
 ment he had gathered his remaining energies 
 together and sprang to his feet shouting : " It is 
 a lie, a false, wicked lie, a plot of some enemy to 
 ruin me. You surely cannot believe this atro- 
 cious thing of me, who have lived so long among 
 you all without reproach." Eagerly he ad- 
 dressed with a look the faces of the council. 
 Reading in the eyes of each one only cold disbe- 
 lief of his protestations, he gave a convulsive 
 gasp, then with a supreme effort drew himself 
 up and looked in silence for a moment on all 
 about him, and finally broke into a discordant 
 laugh. 
 
 "Ha! Ha! Ha! The game is played and I 
 have lost. It is a risk we all must run who gam- 
 ble with fate. But tell me, messieurs, was it not 
 a pretty game, and was not the stake worthy? 
 Think of it, eleven thousand louis, more money 
 than this impoverished Colony has seen in many 
 years all told ! Had I succeeded I should not be 
 here to-day, but safe on my way to enjoy the 
 
 224
 
 A TRAITOR 
 
 reward of my ingenuity. How could I foresee 
 that that sneaking brat " here he cast a malevo- 
 lent glance at Jean " was listening outside the 
 cabin window. However, I nearly succeeded, 
 and failed through no fault of my own. There 
 is some comfort in that. Come, your Excellency, 
 let us finish with this business. I am weary, and 
 our interview is beginning to bore me." The 
 man ceased speaking and, folding his arms, 
 awaited the further action of the council with im- 
 passive features. 
 
 Frontenac then proceeded to the vote. As he 
 called the name of each member of the council, he 
 arose, bowed, and answered "Guilty!" When 
 all had finished, the prisoner, bowing with mock 
 solemnity at the Governor, exclaimed, " And I, 
 too, say ' Guilty ' ! " 
 
 The Governor, not noticing his insolence, pro- 
 ceeded to his final duty. " I hereby sentence 
 you to be led to the Place d'Armes at noon 
 to-morrow in the presence of your fellow- 
 townsmen, and after being degraded from 
 your rank, shot. So may the punishment of 
 
 225
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 this abominable crime prove a warning 
 to all." 
 
 After a moment's silence Frontenac turned to 
 the council and officers and said : 
 
 "I have kept back another accusation lest I 
 should seem to prejudice your minds against the 
 prisoner before the verdict was rendered. Had 
 he been held innocent of the crime of treason I 
 should have preferred other charges against 
 him that of abduction of his two nephews, and 
 connivance at their probable destruction." 
 
 He thereupon related briefly the history of the 
 seizure of the boys, their terrible experiences 
 and escape, ending with : 
 
 " You thus see the character of the man. He 
 who would not hesitate to destroy his own flesh 
 and blood would hardly stop at the betrayal of 
 his king." 
 
 Captain Bordeleau burst into a roar of mock- 
 ing laughter. " Ma foil Your Excellency does 
 not know all, for all your wisdom. The brats 
 were in my way and I removed them. It seems 
 I was not entirely successful. However, I did the 
 
 226
 
 A TRAITOR 
 
 same thing with their father three years ago, and 
 succeeded admirably, for he, at least, will never 
 come back," and as he was led away he still shook 
 with hysterical mirth, the sounds of which sent 
 a thrill of horror through the startled spectators. 
 
 227
 
 CHAPTER XVIII 
 
 DEPICTS A GREAT SURPRISE, WHICH IS FOLLOWED BY 
 AN UNEXPECTED TRAGEDY 
 
 THE strain on the two brothers at the trial had 
 been severe, and when it was all over they were 
 glad to seek again the welcome quiet and retire- 
 ment of the trader's home. Jacques Ormesson's 
 unselfish good nature was much in evidence, for, 
 after spending an hour with Pierre and Jean 
 in an endeavor to divert their minds from the 
 trying scene they had just witnessed, he hastened 
 off to the house of the doctor to inquire concern- 
 ing the condition of the sick stranger. His in- 
 terview here seemed satisfactory, for he left 
 smiling, and in an unusual good humor, going 
 directly to the Chateau. The Governor evidently 
 enjoyed his call, for he remained there nearly an 
 hour, and when he left he promised to return at 
 two. 
 
 228
 
 A GREAT SURPRISE 
 
 After he and the boys had finished dinner, he 
 bade Pierre and Jean follow him to the Chateau. 
 Arriving there he left them in one of the ante- 
 rooms, asking them to wait. Passing on to the 
 Governor's room he found him seated alone, ex- 
 pecting him. Presently a knock was heard at 
 the door. It was opened and two soldiers 
 marched in leading Captain Bordeleau between 
 them. Having placed him in a chair with his 
 back to the door, in obedience to Frontenac's sig- 
 nal they withdrew. The prisoner looked at the 
 two men before him. 
 
 " Well, your Excellency, what new scene of 
 pleasure have you prepared for me? I trust 
 it will be more interesting than that of this 
 morning." 
 
 Frontenac frowned sternly and remained 
 silent. Some minutes passed. A sound was 
 heard outside and another knock was heard. 
 The Governor opened the door himself and admit- 
 ted the doctor and the sick stranger. The lat- 
 ter had improved wonderfully in appearance. 
 His hair had been cut, his face shaved, and he 
 
 229
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 was attired in well-fitting clothes. His walk be- 
 trayed no physical weakness. Only the dazed 
 look and roving, careless eye showed that his 
 mental state was still abnormal. 
 
 The Governor took him by the arm and led him 
 around so as to face the prisoner, saying at the 
 same time: 
 
 " Behold some of your wicked work ! " 
 
 Captain Bordeleau glanced at the stranger in- 
 differently, then suddenly his gaze became fixed 
 and he uttered a cry of terror, springing up so 
 quickly as to send the chair backward to the floor 
 with a crash. 
 
 " Antoine ! You alive ? " he exclaimed. 
 
 The sick man looked dully at him for an in- 
 stant, then to the onlookers there was visible a 
 new light in the eye, a faint glimpse of return- 
 ing reason. The prisoner's cry, his startled 
 voice, his quick movement, the sound of the fall- 
 ing chair, all combined to produce a powerful 
 impression on the weakened brain. The strug- 
 gling gleam became stronger, until suddenly 
 there flashed the full light of intelligent recogni- 
 
 230
 
 A GREAT SURPRISE 
 
 tion across his face. Passing his hand across his 
 brow with a troubled look, he said in a puzzled 
 tone : " Brother Louis ! It is you. When did 
 you return? You have been away, have you 
 not?" 
 
 Then noticing the others he greeted them: 
 
 " Your Excellency, too. I have not seen you 
 for some time. Have I not been well ? And my 
 good friend Ormesson here also." 
 
 The little doctor in the background was un- 
 noticed, but he rubbed his hands in delight. His 
 plan of causing the two brothers to meet face to 
 face had resulted in a shock to the weakened 
 mind that had rolled back the curtain of forget- 
 fulness, and his patient had taken up the thread 
 of memory again at a point more than a year 
 back. The terrible experiences and suffering 
 that had intervened were mercifully forgotten. 
 
 The prisoner in the mean time had kept his 
 eye upon his brother, watching the various stages 
 of his returning memory. A glance at his 
 scarred face and distorted hands revealed to him 
 the fearful experiences through which he had 
 16 231
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 passed. For the first time since his trial in the 
 morning did he lose his insolent, cynical air, and 
 a look of concern, almost of remorse, took its 
 place. 
 
 Ormesson whispered to Frontenac, who nod- 
 ded, and with an engaging air invited him who 
 was indeed Antoine Bordeleau to accompany 
 him. He did so and followed the Governor who, 
 going to a door leading into the room in which 
 Ormesson had left the boys, opened it, and mo- 
 tioned to him to enter, saying that there were 
 two of his friends there whom he would be 
 pleased to see. As soon as he had done so, 
 Frontenac quietly closed the door. 
 
 For a moment there was a silence, then a great 
 cry of joy and : " Pierre ! Pierre ! My little 
 Jean ! " came to the ears of the listeners on the 
 other side of the door, followed by glad boyish 
 shouts, and then a muffled sobbing. Ormesson 
 grinned with delight. The little doctor mur- 
 mured reassuringly : " Joy does not kill, it re- 
 vives." 
 
 A tear of sympathy and pleasure at their re- 
 232
 
 A GREAT SURPRISE 
 
 united happiness glistened in the good Governor's 
 eyes, but they grew hard and stern again as he 
 summoned the guard to lead Captain Bordeleau 
 back to his cell. 
 
 The prisoner raised his eyes, pleading now 
 instead of insolent and defiant. 
 
 " One moment, your Excellency, if you please. 
 I know I have no right to ask for favors at your 
 hands, but recollect that I have but a few hours 
 to live, and grant me two requests." 
 
 The man's apparently sincere humility moved 
 the Governor to inquire what they were. 
 
 " One is that my brother shall not be allowed 
 to see me again before before noon to-morrow. 
 The worst of men have some slight remnants of 
 conscience left. I could not bear to meet his eyes 
 again now that he has regained his reason, know- 
 ing what agony he has endured through my 
 fault. He does not yet remember any of those 
 hideous experiences, and does not know the 
 wrong I have done him." 
 
 The Governor bowed. "It shall be as you 
 wish." 
 
 233
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 " The second request is suggested by the 
 thought of the meeting in yonder room between 
 parent and sons. I, too, have a son. No wonder 
 you all start, but it is true nevertheless. When 
 I first came from France, in my wandering in 
 the wilderness I met an Indian maiden, beauti- 
 ful and loving. We were married. A son was 
 born. The mother died soon after. I refused 
 to acknowledge the relationship openly, but have 
 secretly cared for the boy all these years. He 
 grew up among his own people and has fre- 
 quently visited me here in Quebec. You know 
 of him. The French call him The Rat.' He 
 has often caused you trouble, for he has his 
 father's taste for intrigue. He is the only one 
 of my flesh and blood I can look upon, knowing 
 I have never harmed him. He is the only one 
 who can look upon me without shrinking in hate 
 or disgust. He is now in the city. I saw him 
 in the crowd this morning on my way to the 
 Chateau. I know where he can be found. I 
 crave a meeting with him that I may say fare- 
 well." 
 
 234
 
 A GREAT SURPRISE 
 
 The Governor was touched in spite of himself. 
 He gave his consent. The guard was called in 
 and after a murmured word of thanks the pris- 
 ones was led away. 
 
 By the Governor's orders a messenger was 
 dispatched to the address given by the prisoner, 
 and in a short time he returned accompanied by 
 the Indian, who was none other than " The Eat," 
 the leader of the party who had carried the boys 
 off. Fifteen minutes was allowed for the inter- 
 view, which was held in the cell of the con- 
 demned, a soldier being present. The time was 
 spent in earnest conversation, and at its expira- 
 tion the Indian took his final leave, Captain Bor- 
 deleau giving him a parting embrace. 
 
 Ormesson found the boys and their father in 
 the happy enjoyment of each other's society. 
 The joy of the father had been tempered by the 
 news of his wife's death, but he manfully strove 
 to control his feelings that the pleasure of the 
 boys should not be lessened. All three soon set 
 out for the trader's house to sup, and on the way 
 Ormesson took the opportunity of whispering to 
 
 235
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 both Pierre and Jean that they must not mention 
 their uncle's plight to their father, as it was not 
 deemed advisable by the doctor for him to ex- 
 perience any further deep emotion that day. A 
 short period of rest must elapse before he could 
 learn all. It was with this end in view that the 
 trader separated them all at an early hour, send- 
 ing them to bed to recover from the excitement 
 of the past twelve hours. On parting with 
 them, Ormesson playfully pinched Jean's ear 
 and said: 
 
 " Did I not say last night that to-day would 
 be a great day for you two? " 
 
 " Yes," replied the lad with a happy sigh. " It 
 has been the very greatest we have ever known." 
 
 As the noon hour approached on the following 
 morning, the Place d'Armes, the open square in 
 front of the Chateau, was filled with a jostling, 
 excited mob, eager to witness the execution of 
 the faithless officer. A number of soldiers were 
 on guard keeping the crowd back from the fatal 
 spot. At the first stroke of twelve from the 
 great clock of the Chateau, the grim procession 
 
 236
 
 "A bit of steel flashed in the air."
 
 A GREAT SURPRISE 
 
 started out from the fort in its slow progress to 
 the place appointed. As before, the condemned 
 man proceeded between four soldiers, two of 
 whom walked about six feet ahead of him and 
 the other two six feet behind. He wore his full 
 uniform and was not bound in any way. His 
 appearance was greeted by yells of execration 
 from the throng, to which he paid no attention, 
 keeping his chin down, but allowing his eyes to 
 rove furtively over the near-by faces. Finally, 
 when about halfway across the Place he caught 
 sight of the familiar face of " The Eat " stand- 
 ing stolidly in the front rank of the onlookers, 
 wrapped in a dirty blanket. The prisoner kept 
 his eyes fixed upon the savage's face as he ad- 
 vanced along his path. 
 
 When directly opposite him and but a few feet 
 distant, the Indian made a sudden movement of 
 his arm, and a bit of steel flashed in the air. He 
 had tossed a dagger to the condemned man, who 
 deftly caught it, and before the nearest soldier 
 could move to stop him, plunged it into his own 
 breast with the cry, "I've cheated you all at 
 
 237
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 last," and fell dead upon the pavement. In an 
 instant all was confusion, during which the In- 
 dian slipped off through the press and could not 
 be found later, when all Quebec was carefully 
 searched for him. 
 
 Alone in a room at the trader's house the 
 father and the two boys awaited solemnly the 
 striking of the hour. That morning Ormesson 
 had quietly told Antoine Bordeleau a full history 
 of his brother's crimes and the fate he was about 
 to meet. At the first stroke of twelve the three 
 knelt and continued in silent prayer for the man 
 who had used them all so ill, straining their ears 
 to catch the sound of the shot that was never 
 fired. 
 
 238
 
 CHAPTER XIX 
 
 A CHAPTER OF MEEITED REWARDS AND HAPPINESS 
 
 THE day after this tragic event another meet- 
 ing of the council was called. The three boys, 
 together with Antoine Bordeleau and Jacques 
 Ormesson, were hidden to attend. On arriving 
 at the Chateau they were asked to wait in an 
 adjoining room. An hour passed, and they were 
 beginning to wonder at the delay, when word was 
 received from Frontenac for them to enter the 
 council chamber. They did so and quietly took 
 their seats, wondering what was about to take 
 place. They had not long to wait, for the Gov- 
 ernor spoke to them in a kindly tone : 
 
 " The last time some of you were present in 
 this room you beheld this honorable body as- 
 sembled in a judicial capacity. But it exercises 
 other powers. It can reward as well punish. 
 Antoine Bordeleau," he continued after a pause, 
 addressing the father, " the council has investi- 
 
 239
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 gated the claim of Captain Bordeleau, your 
 brother, that the Indian known to us as ' The 
 Rat ' was his son. This has been disproved, 
 and it was found to be only a ruse of the pris- 
 oner to gain an interview with the savage and 
 instruct him regarding the part he was to play 
 in his intended suicidal act. You are therefore 
 the nearest living heir to the deceased. The 
 council hereby confirms you in your heirship and 
 grants you immediate possession of his house 
 and contents and whatever other property be- 
 longed to him at his death. We have learned of 
 the hardships you have undergone, the result of 
 your brother's baseness, and as an expression of 
 our sympathy and regret we have accorded you 
 special trading privileges, here detailed, which 
 will be of future value to you." And he held 
 out a paper confirming all that he had said. 
 
 Antoine Bordeleau received this with a bow, 
 together with many words of gratitude. 
 
 " To you three lads," Frontenac continued, 
 looking admiringly at the boys, " the King prob- 
 ably owes the preservation of his fair city of 
 
 240
 
 REWARDS AND HAPPINESS 
 
 Quebec. Through your alertness, activity, and 
 deep loyalty to duty and honor, even though it 
 involved the disgrace of a near kinsman, the 
 enemy has been repulsed. His Majesty shall be 
 fully informed of the important part you have 
 played in the events of the past few days, and 
 I shall leave it to him to reward you according 
 to his royal pleasure. 
 
 " The council has learned of the existence of 
 the brotherhood, the bonds of which have been 
 so successfully tested. It has also heard with 
 pleasure of your military aspirations. Such 
 courage, such faithfulness to each other and loy- 
 alty to the King must not be wasted. They are 
 the qualities that make the finest soldiers and 
 most worthy subjects. Although you are all too 
 young to enter the regular service at present, 
 I have created the posts of Colonial scouts for 
 you to fill. Your experience in woodcraft will 
 make it possible for you to render the King and 
 Colony invaluable service during the troublous 
 times we have entered upon. Your pay will be 
 each that of a lieutenant to compensate you for 
 
 241
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 the extra risks you will be called upon to run. 
 In addition Francois will receive a gift of a hun- 
 dred louis to indemnify his father for the loss 
 of his services at home. May you all bring to 
 your new work the same earnestness and devo- 
 tion you have shown hitherto." 
 
 The boys were overpowered at the good news 
 that opened to them the careers they long had 
 coveted. They murmured their thanks half- 
 bashfully, but their beaming countenances told 
 better than words of their great joy. 
 
 " And now, Ormesson, my friend," and Fron- 
 tenac glanced at him with a look of deep feeling, 
 " what can we do for you"? Your interest in these 
 lads, your counsel, your unswerving loyalty, have 
 all contributed to the success of their efforts." 
 
 " Thanks, your Excellency," replied the trader 
 in a modest, deprecating tone; "what little I 
 have done needs no reward. My affection has 
 prompted me to aid them in whatever way I was 
 able. Their evident regard for me is ample rec- 
 ompense. What I have done for my King is but 
 the duty of every loyal subject. The knowledge 
 
 242
 
 REWARDS AND HAPPINESS 
 
 of having helped in some small degree in the 
 preservation of his beloved Colony is more pre- 
 cious to me than any material compensation. I 
 have gold sufficient for my needs." Then with a 
 glance at the boys and a sigh : " I crave nothing 
 your Excellency or the honorable council could 
 give me. Mine is a lonely life. I have few 
 wants." 
 
 " Nobly spoken," exclaimed the Governor, as 
 he warmly seized Ormesson's hand. " If every 
 heart were as true as yours New France would 
 soon be mistress of a hemisphere." 
 
 At ten o'clock that night the last meeting of 
 the brotherhood was held in the cave. A good 
 fire was kindled, and soon its warm glow lighted 
 up every part of its interior. The adventures of 
 the past three months were discussed, and eager 
 plans for the future were made. Francois an- 
 nounced his intention of returning home the next 
 day. His face glowed with pleasure. " The hun- 
 dred louis given me by the Governor," he ex- 
 plained, " will enable my father to buy a piece 
 of land for himself. He will have to rent no 
 
 243
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 longer. It has been the dream of his life to own 
 a farm." 
 
 A moment of silence followed. Then Pierre, 
 who had been gazing thoughtfully into the fire, 
 exclaimed : " I wish the sum had been a hundred 
 times larger, for I feel that to you alone the suc- 
 cess of the brotherhood is due. Without your 
 aid we could have done nothing." 
 
 " Yes, indeed," chimed in Jean ; " had you not 
 delivered us from the hands of the savages, we 
 should never have returned." 
 
 " Nonsense ! " replied Francois. " Had it not 
 been for your insisting we would have left the 
 sick prisoner behind in his hut, and you would 
 not now both be rejoicing in your restored 
 father. Had it not been for Pierre's help we 
 never could have carried him away. One of us 
 has done no more than the other two. Did we 
 not all agree to be loyal and true to each other? 
 We have all tried to keep our promise, that is all. 
 We have learned to know and esteem each other. 
 Our experiences have taught us how much better 
 an unselfish care for others is than a thoughtless 
 
 244
 
 REWARDS AND HAPPINESS 
 
 concern for self alone. If we have learned this, 
 the brotherhood has been a success. Let us hope 
 our past association is but the beginning; that 
 in the future opportunities for mutual help in 
 time of peril may increase rather than diminish. 
 Then will our friendship be the greatest thing 
 in our lives." 
 
 A week passed and found the boys and their 
 father comfortably settled in the large house 
 Captain Bordeleau had formerly occupied, 
 whose gloom was already partly dispelled by 
 ' the happiness and joy they had brought into it. 
 Night had come, and they were gathered about 
 the broad fireplace in which were heaped the 
 flaming logs that made the lighted candles un- 
 necessary. With them sat their friend and con- 
 stant visitor, Jacques Ormesson, one boy on each 
 side of him in affectionate proximity. Conver- 
 sation had flagged, and that moment had come 
 which is only possible among close friends, when 
 no necessity for talk was felt, but each followed 
 silently the leading of his own thoughts, yet 
 keeping in conscious communion with the others. 
 
 245
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 Antoine Bordeleau was the first to break the 
 silence. 
 
 " Mon ami," said he, addressing the trader, 
 " my cup of joy is almost filled to-night. Two 
 things only are wanting. One is that you, who 
 have done so much for us and whom we all love, 
 should lack some deep personal happiness such 
 as we ourselves enjoy in our reunited lives." 
 
 The trader smiled dreamily, still watching the 
 fire, and a shadow of loneliness passed over his 
 face. " Who knows," he murmured ; " perhaps 
 my Joy is on the way; perhaps it is already 
 knocking at the door ! " 
 
 " The second thing," continued Bordeleau, his 
 voice trembling with rising emotion, " is that her 
 face is missing, she who so nobly suffered in the 
 days of our distress and was taken ere the dawn 
 came my wife." Then going to the desk he 
 opened a drawer and taking out a small object 
 returned to the firelight. "I found this in a 
 box of my effects that had been untouched by 
 my brother. It is a miniature painted just after 
 our marriage, a likeness of my Angelique." 
 
 246
 
 REWARDS AND HAPPINESS 
 
 At the name Onnesson's heart gave a painful 
 throb of recollection. Taking the picture he 
 leaned toward the fire to examine it, then as his 
 eyes scanned the tiny features he leaped to his 
 feet with a cry: 
 
 " Your Angelique 1 It is my Angelique, too, 
 my long-lost and beloved sister ! " 
 
 Antoine Bordeleau started and stared incredu- 
 lously at the speaker. 
 
 " Ormesson Ormesson " he stammered ; 
 " the name was so common I never thought 
 when I met you in Quebec 
 
 The trader, overcome with emotion, mur- 
 mured : " It was a runaway match. We never 
 knew the man's name whom she married." 
 Then, as a gleam of deepest happiness irradiated 
 his face, he cried : 
 
 "Did I not say perhaps a great joy was 
 already knocking at the door? I was right. It 
 has already come. Behold, to-night," he con- 
 tinued, as he extended his right hand, which Bor- 
 deleau eagerly grasped, "you meet a brother, 
 and you," turning to the two astounded boys, 
 17 247
 
 COMRADES THREE 
 
 who, beginning to grasp the truth, rushed into 
 his extended arms, " find an uncle to take the 
 place of the one you have recently lost. While 
 I my solitary heart overflows with joy, for I 
 discover that I am no longer alone, but have 
 three bound to me not only by ties of love but 
 also of blood. Ah! Le bon Dieu, He is so 
 good ! " 
 
 (i) 
 
 THE END 
 
 248
 
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