me, having
just arrived in Canada, after a search for me in Scotland, when word
came from the lady gossip at Fort Du Quesne (with whom he had been on
most familiar terms in Quebec) that I was there.

"When I said I had the papers, he asked me lightly for 'those
compromising letters,' remarking that a good price would be paid, and
adding my liberty as a pleasant gift. I instantly refused, and told him
I would not be the weapon of La Pompadour against her rival. With cool
persistence he begged me to think again, for much depended on my answer.

"'See, monsieur le capitaine,' said he, 'this little affair at Fort
Necessity, at which you became a hostage, shall or shall not be a war
between England and France as you shall dispose.' When I asked him how
that was, he said, 'First, will you swear that you will not, to aid
yourself, disclose what I tell you? You can see that matters will be
where they were an hour ago in any case.'

"I agreed, for I could act even if I might not speak. So I gave my word.
Then he told me that if those letters were not put into his hands, La
Pompadour would be enraged, and fretful and hesitating now, would join
Austria against England, since in this provincial war was convenient
cue for battle. If I gave the letters up, she would not stir, and the
disputed territory between us should be by articles conceded by the
French.

"I thought much and long, during which he sat smoking and humming, and
seeming to care little how my answer went. At last I turned on him, and
told him I would not give up the letters, and if a war must hang on a
whim of malice, then, by God's help, the rightness of our cause would be
our strong weapon to bring France to her knees.

"'That is your final answer?' asked he, rising, fingering his lace, and
viewing himself in a looking-glass upon the wall.

"'I will not change it now or ever,' answered I.

"'Ever is a long time,' retorted he, as one might speak to a wilful
child. 'You shall have time to think and space for reverie. For if you
do not grant this trifle you shall no more see your dear Virginia; and
when the time is ripe you shall go forth to a better land, as the Grande
Marquise shall give you carriage.'

"'The Articles of Capitulation!' I broke out protestingly.

"He waved his fingers at me. 'Ah, that,' he rejoined--'that is a matter
for conning. You are a hostage. Well, we need not take any wastrel or
nobody the English offer in exchange for you. Indeed, w