The next morning we passed the wide mouth of the Gouffre at la Baie St. Paul, but fortunately without experiencing its formidable wind, and early in the afternoon we saw rising before us the purple mass of Cap Tourmente. We stood well out here to escape the strong current; in the distance before us lay the green point of the island of Orleans, and behind it, to the north, Gabriel pointed out the beautifully rising slopes of the Cote de Beaupre, with the pride of a man who is in love with his country. But soon his attention became fixed on a boat of better appearance than any we had as yet seen, standing in for the main shore. "No fishing-boat that!" he exclaimed. "It must be some of the officers down from Quebec." He altered our course so that we stood in to intercept her. His excitement grew as we approached. "I am right," he shouted. "She is the yacht from Quebec. I must go on board. They will wish to hear what news I carry from below." As soon as we were within a reasonable distance he made some signal with his sail and, both boats staying their way, he launched his shallop over the side, and quickly rowed to the stranger. We watched him with keen interest, especially as we saw there were officers on board. Before long he was on his way back to us, and, as soon as he was within speaking distance, he called in the greatest excitement: "Oh, madame! On board there is his Excellency, M. de Montcalm. He wishes to see you. Pardon, madame, pardon if I say hurry. Do not keep him waiting." It was indeed a startling summons, and the last I was expecting, but I accepted it without hesitation, and, making such slight preparation as was possible, Gabriel helped me carefully into the tossing boat; and put such heart into his rowing that in a few moments we were safely alongside the yacht, and a strong hand was held down to me. "Courage, madame! hold firmly and step slowly," and, as the shallop lifted, I stepped lightly on the deck, where I was surrounded by a group of gentlemen. "Madame," said one of them, bowing, "I am Monsieur de Montcalm, and, believe me, my best endeavours are entirely at your service. We have heard something of your adventure from our good Maitre Gabriel here." "Monsieur le marquis, it is to your friend le pere Jean we owe our safety, and he has added to my obligation by commending me to your care in this letter," said, handing him the precious billet. "Any lady in your position, madame, would command my service of right, but such a recommendation makes it obligatory; there is little I would not do to please my friend le pere Jean." [Illustration: "There is little I would not do to please le pere Jean."]