irst time
the terrible Bastonnais were seen by the inhabitants, and they did not
inspire any terror. Roderick Hardinge pretty well interpreted the
general feeling in a conversation which he held that same afternoon with
Pauline and Zulma. The latter had argued that the flag of truce should
have been received. Roderick replied that he had, of course, no
explanations to give in regard to the order of his superiors, but
judging for himself he would say that any other commander except Arnold
might perhaps have deserved more consideration. But Arnold was well
known in the city. He had often come to Quebec from New England to buy
horses for the West Indies trade in which he was engaged. Indeed he was
nothing better than a Horse Jockey, with all the swagger, vulgarity and
bounce appertaining to stablemen. He had been appointed to head this
expedition, chiefly because of his local knowledge of the country. He
boasted that he had friends in Quebec who could help him. It was well
therefore to treat him with merited contempt from the first, and prove
to him that he had no allies among them.

VII.

THE COVERED BRIDGE.

After this interview the two girls separated. Pauline was anxious to
reach home in order to get information about her father. Zulma proposed
driving back to Pointe-aux-Trembles. Her friend did her best to dissuade
her. She pleaded that the day was too far advanced for safe travel, and
entreated Zulma to postpone her departure till the following morning.

"And my old father?" objected the latter.

"He will have no apprehensions. The news of the enemy's arrival will not
reach him to-day."

"Oh, but it will. Such news travels fast."

"But he can have no fear, knowing you to be safe with your friends in
the city."

"My father has no fears about me, Pauline. He knows that I can take care
of myself; but it is for himself that I am desirous of returning. He is
feeble and infirm, and requires my presence."

"But, my dear, consider the risk you run. The roads will be infested
with these horrid soldiers, and what protection have you against them?"

For all answer the cheek of Zulma flushed, and her blue eyes gleamed
with a strange light that was not defiance, but rather betokened the
expectation of pleasurable excitement.

"Wait till to-morrow morning," continued Pauline, "and you can go under
the shelter of some military passport. I am sure Roderick would be
delighted to get you such a paper."

Zulma's