ne is never
safe with a servant of these Louises; at the same time, we will show
them the front of men in deep security. Ye'll understand me, Major
Heyward!"

He was interrupted by the clamor of a drum from the approaching
Frenchmen, which was immediately answered, when each party pushed an
orderly in advance, bearing a white flag, and the wary Scotsman halted,
with his guard close at his back. As soon as this slight salutation had
passed, Montcalm moved towards them with a quick but graceful step,
baring his head to the veteran, and dropping his spotless plume nearly
to the earth in courtesy. If the air of Munro was more commanding and
manly, it wanted both the ease and insinuating polish of that of the
Frenchman. Neither spoke for a few moments, each regarding the other
with curious and interested eyes. Then, as became his superior rank and
the nature of the interview, Montcalm broke the silence. After uttering
the usual words of greeting, he turned to Duncan, and continued with a
smile of recognition, speaking always in French,--

[Illustration: _Copyright by Charles Scribner's Sons_

THE MEETING OF THE GENERALS

_As soon as this slight salutation had passed, Montcalm moved towards
them with a quick but graceful step, baring his head to the veteran, and
dropping his spotless plume nearly to the earth in courtesy_]

"I am rejoiced, monsieur, that you have given us the pleasure of your
company on this occasion. There will be no necessity to employ an
ordinary interpreter; for, in your hands, I feel the same security as if
I spoke your language myself."

Duncan acknowledged the compliment, when Montcalm, turning to his guard,
which, in imitation of that of their enemies, pressed close upon him,
continued,--

"En arriere, mes enfans--il fait chaud; retirez-vous un peu."

Before Major Heyward would imitate this proof of confidence, he glanced
his eyes around the plain, and beheld with uneasiness the numerous dusky
groups of savages, who looked out from the margin of the surrounding
woods, curious spectators of the interview.

"Monsieur de Montcalm will readily acknowledge the difference in our
situation," he said, with some embarrassment, pointing at the same time
towards those dangerous foes, who were to be seen in almost every
direction. "Were we to dismiss our guard, we should stand here at the
mercy of our enemies."

"Monsieur, you have the plighted faith of _un gentilhomme Francais_; for
your safety," re