Lévis had his way, and at once the sleepy town of Montreal awoke to life. The colonists who had been allowed to go home on furlough were recalled, drills were had daily, and large quantities of army stores were collected. Some troops demurred at what was required of them, but Vaudreuil was firm, and told them that they must either fight or suffer death.
It was decided to descend upon Quebec by way of the river, and for this purpose two frigates, two sloops-of-war, and a perfect swarm of bateaux and other small craft were pressed into service. The army numbered about six thousand men, and was, further down the St. Lawrence, increased to over eight thousand.
Some distance above Quebec is the small stream of Cap-Rouge, which flows into the St. Lawrence, and just beyond this is the settlement of St. Augustin. Amid much difficulty, for the river was still full of floating ice, the army, half perished with the cold, landed at St. Augustin, built a temporary bridge over the Cap-Rouge, and marched forward on the English outpost at Old Lorette.
It is likely that the outpost was taken somewhat by surprise, and after a lively skirmish the English garrison fell back to St. Foy, where active preparations were made to combat the French as soon as they should appear.
Had nature permitted it, it is possible that St. Foy would have fallen as quickly as did Old Lorette, for the marching enemy was strong in numbers. But as General Lévis advanced, through a long stretch of dangerous marshland, a heavy thunderstorm came on, and the rain descended in torrents. To this difficulty was added the darkness at night, and foot soldiers and troopers floundered about, scarcely knowing where they were going.
The delay had aided the English, and when, the next morning, the French appeared in front of St. Foy, they found the village fortified with cannon. There was an assault, and the French were driven back, and then Lévis, not knowing how few English soldiers were really intrenched before him, determined to wait until night before meeting the English again.
CHAPTER XXVIII
IN THE RANKS ONCE MORE
Dave and Barringford had found quarters with some rangers down near the river front, and here the two remained day after day, each wondering what they had best do next.
“I don’t feel much like returning to Oswego,” said the young soldier. “I want to hear something from Henry before I do that.”