rge.
They trust to the nature of the ground, which is inhospitable to
the last degree, to hinder any attempt at landing. And our vessels
in the river below are leading poor Bougainville a fine dance up
and down the banks. He has some twenty miles to protect with less
than two thousand men--so far as we can learn--and Admiral Holmes,
who commands the fleet, takes care that he shall have no rest night
or day. The men begin to know the ground; they are full of desire
for the attack. It sounds desperate, we are well aware; but then so
do all the plans. Yet if we are to make one great dash upon Quebec
before we give up the hope of taking it this season, we must
attempt the apparently impossible!"

Into Wolfe's eyes had sprung the battle light. Desperate it might
be to scale almost perpendicular cliffs and plant batteries on the
top whilst exposed to the fire of a sleepless enemy there, who
could send for reinforcements by thousands when once aware of the
threatened peril. And yet now that he knew his strength in the
upper river, and the wishes of his officers, he hesitated not one
instant.

"It shall be tried," he said, "and it shall be tried quickly. The
issues of life and death, of battle and victory, are in higher
hands than ours. It is for us to do our utmost to brave all. We can
do no more, but we can do that!"

The meeting broke up. The Brigadiers went back to their respective
stations to announce the decision and to make preparation. Eager
enthusiasm prevailed throughout the ranks of the army, and the
question in all mouths was, would the General be fit to lead them
in person.

This was Wolfe's own great anxiety. His physician shook his head,
but received this characteristic admonition:

"I know perfectly well you cannot cure me; but pray make me up so
that I may be free from unbearable pain for a few days, able to do
my duty by my brave soldiers, That is all I ask or want."

As soon as ever he was able, Wolfe visited the Admirals on their
ships and discussed his plan with them. They were all becoming
rather anxious at the lateness of the season, and were thinking of
moving away. But they consented to remain till this attempt should
be made; Wolfe, on his part, agreeing that if it failed he must
abandon the hope of reducing Quebec this season, and not expose his
soldiers to the needless hardships of a winter in these inclement
latitudes,

As it was, there was a good deal of sickness amongst the men, and
th