ries among them. But LaCorne is a true Frenchman,
and so long as our own people retain their allegiance, he will maintain
his."

After a pause, Hardinge said:

"I have heard, sir, in addition, that Colonel McLean, at the head of his
Highlanders, has not been able to form a junction with Governor
Carleton, at Longueuil, so as to intercept Montgomery between St. Johns
and Montreal."

"It is true."

"That, owing to the defeat of Governor Carleton at Longueuil by a
Vermont detachment, and the spread of Continental troops through the
Richelieu peninsula, Colonel McLean was forced to fall back
precipitately to Sorel."

"That is unfortunately too true. Do you know more?"

"That is all."

"Then, I will tell you more. McLean will have to retreat from Sorel. My
_coureurs des bois_ and Indian messengers have been arriving in
succession all last night and this morning. They inform me that while
Montgomery is marching on Montreal, a considerable body, under one of
his best officers, is moving towards Sorel, with a view of occupying it,
and thus commanding the river. McLean is in no condition to withstand
this attack. What will hasten his retreat is the news he has by this
time received from Quebec. Last night, so soon as I had read the
despatches which you brought me, I sent him one of my fleetest
messengers with the intelligence. The messenger must have reached Sorel
early this morning. The special messenger to Governor Carleton, with the
same news, will arrive in Montreal about noon to-day."

During the whole of this conversation, Hardinge's face had been grave
and almost downcast. But at the last words of his interlocutor, it
suddenly flushed with an expression of enthusiasm.

"If Colonel McLean and Governor Carleton know exactly how we stand at
Quebec, I am content," he exclaimed.

"Then you may be content. I have stated all this briefly to
Lieutenant-Governor Cramahe, but you may repeat it to him with
emphasis."

"I will not fail."

And after a few parting words, he respectfully took his leave.

When he had cleared the streets of Three Rivers, and was alone upon the
road, he could not restrain a long, loud whoop of exultation.

"The game is up," he cried. "The war is in full blaze. In twenty-four
hours, my name has gone from one end of the province to the other. My
mission has indeed succeeded. How proud little Pauline will be of her
cavalier."

With such thoughts uppermost in his mind, he forgot his bodily