t the thrill lasted only a
moment. It was clearly impossible that he should go even as a prisoner,
though a willing one, to France, and he did not see any reason why the
Marquis de Montcalm should take any personal interest in his future. But
responding invariably to the temperature about him his manner was now as
polite as that of the French general.

"You have my thanks, sir," he said, "for the kindly way in which you offer
to treat a prisoner, but it is impossible for me to go to France, unless
you should choose to send me there by sheer force."

The slight smile passed again over the face of the Marquis de Montcalm.

"I fancied, young sir," he said, "that this would be your answer, and,
being what it is, I cannot say that it has lowered you aught in my esteem.
For the present, you abide with us."

Robert bowed. Montcalm inspired in him a certain liking, and a decided
respect. Then, still under the escort of Langlade, he withdrew.

CHAPTER IX

THE SIGN OF THE BEAR

Robert returned with Langlade to the partisan's camp at the edge of the
forest adjoining that of the main French army, where the Indian warriors
had lighted fires and were cooking steaks of the deer. He was disposed to
be silent, but Langlade as usual chattered volubly, discoursing of French
might and glory, but saying nothing that would indicate to his prisoner the
meaning of the present military array in the forest.

Robert did not hear more than half of the Owl's words, because he was
absorbed in those of Montcalm, which still lingered in his mind. Why should
the Marquis wish to send him to France, and to have him treated, when he
was there, more as a guest than as a prisoner? Think as he would he could
find no answer to the question, but the Owl evidently had been impressed by
his reception from Montcalm, as he treated him now with distinguished
courtesy. He also seemed particularly anxious to have the good opinion of
the lad who had been so long his prisoner.

"Have I been harsh to you?" he asked with a trace of anxiety in his tone.
"Have I not always borne myself toward you as if you were an important
prisoner of war? It is true I set the Dove as an invincible sentinel over
you, but as a good soldier and loyal son of France I could do no less. Now,
I ask you, Monsieur Robert Lennox, have not I, Charles Langlade, conducted
myself as a fair and considerate enemy?"

"If I were to escape and be captured again, Captain Langlade, it is my