"'Un fou fait toujours commencement,' madame, and I know not how to begin. But the English began with M. de Sarennes, and they found him so little to their taste that they have ended by burning the manor at Beaulieu level with the ground, and not a barn nor out-building is left on the domaine." "If their sons could give such cause for reprisal, there is not a woman in Canada who would not be proud to suffer a like revenge," responded the old lady, with unfaltering voice. "Do not fear, madame, our day will come; and when it comes we will all have our scores to wipe out. I know that I have mine!" "Surely they have not stooped to burn your cottage?" "No; it is safe; and so is my Amelia. My quarrel is on my own account. They tricked me on board their fleet by flying our colours, and carried me here." "Do not dare to stand here and tell me that you piloted them!" cried the old lady, with the utmost scorn. "No, madame, I did not." "Then you may go on," she said, sternly. "I did not; but it makes little difference, madame." "It makes every difference whether we are traitors or not! Go on." "Well, madame, when I found I was trapped I made all the stir I could. I blustered and swore, and, Heaven forgive me! I lied to them as I had never lied before. I boasted like a Bostonnais, and when they commanded me to take charge in the Traverse, I said no, though I had a pistol behind my head and my Amelia before my eyes all the time. But they did not blow my brains out--they only laughed at me. Madame, it is dreadful to be ready to die, and find they only laugh," and the tears streamed down his rugged cheeks as he spake. "My good Gabriel, we are proud of you! Go on!" "It was of no use; they had their boats out with flags to mark the channel, and an old devil they called Killick swept me aside as one might a dirty rag, and took command, calling out his directions to the boats and edging the ship along without a mistake, though I prayed with all my soul he might ground her. He was a sorcerer, madame, for he took the ship up as if he had done nothing else all his life. When they were through, they jeered at me in their damnable English, and treated me with a kindness that was harder than blows; and then, to add to my shame, they sent me on shore with the women last week, as if they feared me just as little, which was worst of all." "Never mind, Gabriel. You did all that a brave man could--and the siege is not over yet!" "That is true, madame," he cried, brightening under her kindly words, "and, saving your honour, 'le mulet garde longuement un coup de pied a son maitre,' as we say. That is my comfort." "Will you join M. de Sarennes, Gabriel?" asked Mme. de Sarennes. "I would like to think he had so good a man beside him." "No, madame; I have orders to go on board the vessels at Sillery. I will be of more use there than on shore." "Good. You will remember Beaulieu when your turn comes with the English!"