ry, the hiss
of rockets, the wail of the wounded, the shriek of the dying, the
malediction over the dead. Then a long interval, and after it, I have
heard the crackling of flames, the cry of the hungry, the moan of those
who suffered, the lamentation of the sick, and the loud, terrible voice
of insurrection. And all this in the camp of our friends, while within
the city, where the Wolves are gathered, I have heard the clink of
glasses, the song of revelry, the shout of defiance, the threat against
treason,--mark the word, my friends. Are we traitors, you and I, because
we love our old motherland too well, and hate the Wolves that have
devoured our inheritance? Yes, I repeat, I have heard to-night the shout
of defiance, the threat against treason, the mocking laugh against
weakness, and the deep growl of inebriate repletion. Another interval
and then the catastrophe. I heard the soft voice of the night, the fall
of the snow, the muffled tread of advancing regiments, the low word of
command,--then all at once a thunderous explosion of cannon,--and,
finally, silence, defeat and death."

Barbin and his two companions stood listening to the old man in rapt
wonder. To them he appeared like a prophet, as he unfolded before their
eyes the vision of war and desolation which the genius of music had
evoked for him. And when he had concluded, they looked at each other, as
doubtful of what to say. Batoche added:

"I fear that things will not turn out as favorably as we could wish. We
may hurt, but shall not succeed in destroying the pack of wolves.
However, we must do our best."

The men did not reply, but abruptly changed the current of the old
hermit's thoughts by walking towards the door, and urging him to follow
them.

"It is late," said Barbin. "We have work to do and must hurry."

The four then walked out of the house, leaving little Blanche and
Velours to the calm slumbers which they had resumed, so soon as the
voice of the violin was hushed.

X.

BLOOD THICKER THAN WATER.

Batoche and his companions plunged into the forest. On the way, the
object of the expedition was fully explained to the old man. He was
expected to have an interview that night with some officer of the
Continental army for the purpose of organizing a system of action
between them and the malcontents of the environs of Quebec. These
malcontents were of various degrees of earnestness, courage and
activity. Some had boasted a great deal of