f it! for such thieves to
have the right to sit among loyal, honorable men," exclaimed, or rather
groaned, the Governor. "They have the real power in New France, and we
the empty title and the killing responsibility! Dine with me to-night
after the Council, Philibert: I have much to say to you."

"Not to-night, your Excellency! My father has killed the fatted calf
for his returned prodigal, and I must dine with him to-night," answered
Philibert.

"Right! Be it to-morrow then! Come on Wednesday," replied the Governor.
"Your father is a gentleman who carries the principles of true nobility
into the walks of trade; you are happy in such a father, Philibert, as
he is fortunate in such a son." The Governor bowed to his friend, and
rejoined the groups of officers upon the terrace.

A flash, and a column of smoke, white and sudden, rose from the great
battery that flanked the Chateau. It was the second signal for the
Council to commence. The Count de la Galissoniere, taking the arm of
La Corne St. Luc, entered the Castle, and followed by the crowd of
officers, proceeded to the great Hall of Council and Audience. The
Governor, followed by his secretaries, walked forward to the vice-regal
chair, which stood on a dais at the head of a long table covered with
crimson drapery. On each side of the table the members of the Council
took the places assigned to them in the order of their rank and
precedence, but a long array of chairs remained unoccupied. These seats,
belonging to the Royal Intendant and the other high officers of the
Colony who had not yet arrived to take their places in the Council,
stood empty.

The great hall of the Castle of St. Louis was palatial in its dimensions
and adornments. Its lofty coved ceiling rested on a cornice of rich
frieze of carved work, supported on polished pilasters of oak. The
panels of wainscoting upon the walls were surrounded by delicate
arabesques, and hung with paintings of historic interest--portraits of
the kings, governors, intendants, and ministers of state who had been
instrumental in the colonization of New France.

Over the Governor's seat hung a gorgeous escutcheon of the royal arms,
draped with a cluster of white flags sprinkled with golden lilies, the
emblems of French sovereignty in the Colony.

Among the portraits on the walls, besides those of the late and present
King,--which hung on each side of the throne,--might be seen the
features of Richelieu, who first organized