The awe and consternation on every face was indescribable, and when at last the solemn cortege came in sight they all, with bared heads, gathered round the waggon to look upon the lifeless form, clad in the uniform of a British general.
The Duke's two attendants, who had followed him all the way, were too overcome with grief to be able to give an intelligent account of the tragedy.
"The steamer is in," said the Chief. "One of you had better cross over at once and tell Captain Stewart to lose no time in getting up steam. And you, Rug," he said, "had better relieve the suspense at home. Tell them that I shall see the body safely to Montreal. Any of you," he continued, addressing the crowd, "who wish to pay your last respects to the Commander-in-Chief should come with us."
In less than two hours the body was conveyed to the little steamer on a rude stretcher, and they were soon en route for Montreal.
In the meantime Rug had reached home and found them all in tears. Chrissy was wringing her hands in anguish of spirit.
"O Rug! Rug!" she said, "have you heard the sad news?"
"Yes," he replied; "but how could you have heard it so soon?"
"Mike brought it from the farm," she said.
"And how could Mike have known about it?" he asked.
Chrissy could not answer. She had lost all control of her feelings.