d of the party among whom these outrages arise. I
simply spoke truth, Colonel Philibert. I do not eke out by the inch my
opinion of any man. I care not for the Bourgeois Philibert more than for
the meanest blue cap in his following."

This was an ungracious speech. Bigot meant it to be such. He repented
almost of the witness he had borne to the Bourgeois's endeavors to
quell the mob. But he was too profoundly indifferent to men's opinions
respecting himself to care to lie.

Colonel Philibert resented the Intendant's sneer at his father. He faced
Bigot, saying to him,--"The Chevalier Bigot has done but simple justice
to my father with reference to his conduct in regard to the riot. But
let the Intendant recollect that, although a merchant, my father is
above all things a Norman gentleman, who never swerved a hair-breadth
from the path of honor--a gentleman whose ancient nobility would dignify
even the Royal Intendant." Bigot looked daggers at this thrust at his
own comparatively humble origin. "And this I have further to say,"
continued Philibert, looking straight in the eyes of Bigot, Varin, and
Cadet, "whoever impugns my father's honor impugns mine; and no man, high
or low, shall do that and escape chastisement!"

The greater part of the officers seated round the council-board listened
with marks of approval to Philibert's vindication of his father. But no
one challenged his words, although dark, ominous looks glanced from one
to another among the friends of the Intendant. Bigot smothered his
anger for the present, however; and to prevent further reply from his
followers he rose, and bowing to the Governor, begged His Excellency to
open the Council.

"We have delayed the business of the King too long with these personal
recriminations," said he. "I shall leave this riot to be dealt with by
the King's courts, who will sharply punish both instigators and actors
in this outrage upon the royal authority."

These words seemed to end the dispute for the present.

CHAPTER XIV. THE COUNCIL OF WAR.

The Council now opened in due form. The Secretary read the royal
despatches, which were listened to with attention and respect, although
with looks of dissent in the countenances of many of the officers.

The Governor rose, and in a quiet, almost a solemn strain, addressed the
Council: "Gentlemen," said he, "from the tenor of the royal despatches
just read by the Secretary, it is clear that our beloved New France is
i