then remained
standing near the door, whilst Montcalm, dropping his voice so as not
to be overheard, concluded as follows:--

"As for me, I do not think so badly of these dandies as you do; some of
them only need to have all the pains they take upon themselves directed
into the proper channel to realise great things. From what I have seen
of our young friend I think he is one of these; at any rate I will give
him the chance." Then, turning to Isidore, he added aloud: "Monsieur
de Beaujardin, I have noticed with satisfaction your courage and
self-command during the assault, and have selected you for a duty of
importance. You will take this despatch and deliver it, with the least
possible delay, into the hands of Monsieur de Longueuil at Fort
Chambly. On your way you will observe the formation of the ground and
any obstacles or facilities for the march of troops, and will take note
of any appearance of an intention on the part of the enemy to throw
forward advanced posts on your line of route. At Chambly you will hold
yourself at M. de Longueuil's orders either to return or proceed
elsewhere."

Isidore took the despatch which the general held out to him, and as the
latter remained silent, he again saluted, and was turning to withdraw
when Montcalm stopped him, saying--

"You seem to make very light of the matter, my young friend; but you
will not find the task before you so easy an affair as dancing a
gavotte or a minuet, I can tell you. Do you know that Chambly is some
seventy leagues distant? How do you mean to find your way there?"

"I presume I shall be furnished with a guide, and if so, I shall trust
to him for that; if not, I shall find the way as best I can."

"Yes, and get scalped by some of our red friends before you have gone a
league; and then what becomes of my despatch on the king's service?"

"In that case," replied Isidore, coolly, "I shall be no longer in His
Majesty's service, and be accountable to another King for having at
least done my duty."

"Good," said Montcalm. "You will find that I have provided you with a
guide--one in whom you may place implicit confidence. Adieu, sir."

On leaving the general's quarters Isidore was followed by Monsieur de
Valricour.

"I congratulate you heartily, my dear fellow," said the baron. "Our
general has evidently taken a fancy to you; only carry out this affair
to his satisfaction, and the path to distinction is open to you. As
for me, I am under