“He is certainly very stern,” thought the young soldier. “And unless Henry can clear himself it will surely go hard with him. But perhaps Henry is dead!” And he shook his head sorrowfully.
Dave had gone with Barringford to the general hospital and seen to it that the old frontiersman had every attention. At first he was afraid Barringford was going to die in a few days, but now the surgeon in attendance held out a faint hope of his recovery.
“But he was hard hit,” said the surgeon. “An inch nearer, and the bullet would have passed through his brain.”
For days Barringford lay unconscious, knowing nobody and breathing heavily. During that time Dave came to see him as often as permitted, and had his own wounds dressed. The young soldier had lost the end of his little finger, but he counted this as nothing in comparison with his other troubles. “I’d rather lose the hand than see Sam go,” was what he told himself.
General Lévis lost no time in strengthening his position around Quebec. Extra cannon were sent for, and the French commander waited anxiously for some news of a French warship which was expected.
“If he gets the help of a fleet we are doomed,” said more than one English officer, and a watch was set, to announce the coming of any sail up the St. Lawrence. At the same time, the cannon planted on the walls of Quebec did all they possibly could to make Lévis keep his distance, and prevent him from throwing up the intrenchments he so much desired.
“A ship is in sight!” was the cry that was raised in the city on the ninth day of May. “A ship! A ship!”
“What is she?” was the question asked.
This could not, as yet, be answered, and General Murray lost no time in making his way to where a good look could be had of the lower St. Lawrence. Sure enough, there was a large ship, but without a flag.
“Hoist the colors at Cape Diamond!” ordered the English commander, and the flag was raised without delay. In the meantime the warship came closer and could be seen to be crowded with men. Would she prove to be a friend or an enemy?