n great danger. The King, overwhelmed by the powers in alliance
against him, can no longer reinforce our army here. The English fleet is
supreme--for the moment only, I hope!" added the Governor, as if with a
prevision of his own future triumphs on the ocean. "English troops are
pouring into New York and Boston, to combine with the militia of New
England and the Middle Colonies in a grand attack upon New France. They
have commenced the erection of a great fort at Chouagen on Lake Ontario,
to dispute supremacy with our stronghold at Niagara, and the gates of
Carillon may ere long have to prove their strength in keeping the enemy
out of the Valley of the Richelieu. I fear not for Carillon, gentlemen,
in ward of the gallant Count de Lusignan, whom I am glad to see at our
Council. I think Carillon is safe."

The Count de Lusignan, a gray-headed officer of soldierly bearing, bowed
low to this compliment from the Governor. "I ask the Count de
Lusignan," continued the Governor, "what he thinks would result from
our withdrawing the garrison from Carillon, as is suggested in the
despatches?"

"The Five Nations would be on the Richelieu in a week, and the English
in Montreal a month after such a piece of folly on our part!" exclaimed
the Count de Lusignan.

"You cannot counsel the abandonment of Carillon then, Count?" A smile
played over the face of the Governor, as if he too felt the absurdity of
his question.

"Not till Quebec itself fall into the enemy's hands. When that happens,
His Majesty will need another adviser in the place of the old Count de
Lusignan."

"Well spoken, Count! In your hands Carillon is safe, and will one day,
should the enemy assail it, be covered with wreaths of victory, and its
flag be the glory of New France."

"So be it, Governor. Give me but the Royal Roussillon and I pledge you
neither English, Dutch, nor Iroquois shall ever cross the waters of St.
Sacrament."

"You speak like your ancestor the crusader, Count. But I cannot spare
the Royal Roussillon. Think you you can hold Carillon with your present
garrison?"

"Against all the force of New England. But I cannot promise the same
against the English regulars now landing at New York."

"They are the same whom the King defeated at Fontenoy, are they not?"
interrupted the Intendant, who, courtier as he was, disliked the tenor
of the royal despatches as much as any officer present,--all the more as
he knew La Pompadour was advising peace out