side Chevet's knee, eagerly interested in the scene. Once I
spoke, pointing to the grim guns on the summit of the crest above, but
he answered so harshly as to compel silence. It was thus we swept up
to the edge of the landing, and made fast. Cassion met us, attired so
gaily in rich vestments that I scarcely recognized the man, whom I had
always seen before in dull forest garb, yet I permitted him to take my
hand and assist me gallantly to the shore. Faith, but he appeared like
a new person with his embroidered coat, buckled shoes and powdered
hair, smiling and debonair, whispering compliments to me, as he helped
me across a strip of mud to the drier ground beyond. But I liked him
none the better, for there was the same cold stare to his eyes, and a
cruel sting to his words which he could not hide. The man was the same
whatever the cut of his clothes, and I was not slow in removing my
hand from his grasp, once I felt my feet on firm earth.

Yet naught I might do would stifle his complacency, and he talked on,
seeking to be entertaining, no doubt, and pointing out the things of
interest on every hand. And I enjoyed the scene, finding enough to
view to make me indifferent to his posturing. Scarcely did I even note
what he said, although I must have answered in a fashion, for he stuck
at my side, and guided me through the crowd, and up the hill. Chevet
walked behind us, gloomy and silent, having left the Indians with the
furs until I was safely housed. It was evidently a gala day, for flags
and streamers were flying from every window of the Lower Town, and the
narrow, crooked streets were filled with wanderers having no apparent
business but enjoyment. Never had I viewed so motley a throng, and I
could but gaze about with wide-opened eyes on the strange passing
figures.

It was easy enough to distinguish the citizens of Quebec, moving
soberly about upon ordinary affairs of trade, and those others idly
jostling their way from point to point of interest--hunters from the
far West, bearded and rough, fur clad, and never without a long rifle;
sailors from the warship in the river; Indians silent and watchful,
staring gravely at every new sight; settlers from the St. Lawrence and
the Richelieu, great seigniors on vast estates, but like children in
the streets of the town; fishermen from Cap St. Roche; _couriers du
bois_, and _voyageurs_ in picturesque costumes; officers of the
garrison, resplendent in blue and gold; with here