“This looks natural,” he observed to his companion, who arose lazily and stretched himself. “I must say these soldiers of General Wolfe look as if they meant business.”
It was not long after this that a guard came in and told them to prepare for an interview with General Wolfe. They at once brushed up as best they could, and the guard supplied them with caps, to replace those which had been lost.
General Wolfe’s headquarters were in a house some distance back from the Falls of Montmorenci. The general had been taken seriously ill about the middle of August and was now slowly recovering.
At the time of this campaign, which was to make him famous in the world’s history, General James Wolfe was but thirty-two years of age. He was tall and slender, with sloping shoulders and with a face that showed more of quietness than determination. But his eyes were bright and under certain circumstances could flash forth a hidden fire that meant much. His hair was red, and worn in a cue, as was the fashion at that time.
James Wolfe came of fighting stock, his father, Major-General Edward Wolfe, being a distinguished officer before him. The son entered the King’s army at the age of fifteen, and one year later served in Flanders as the adjutant of a regiment. From Flanders he went to Scotland, to fight gallantly at Culloden, and then at Stirling, Perth, and Glasgow. At twenty-three he was a lieutenant-colonel, holding that rank for five years, when he obtained leave of absence and spent a long vacation in Paris.
With the breaking out of the war with France Wolfe was again in his element. He sailed on the expedition against Louisburg, where he served with great honor to himself. Because of this service he was chosen by Pitt to command the expedition against Quebec. He sailed on the 17th of February, his fleet consisting of twenty-two ships of the line, and also numerous frigates, transports, and other craft. We have already seen how he landed on the Island of Orleans and at other points, and how he tried to break in upon the almost impregnable French position at the Falls of Montmorenci.
Henry had heard much about General Wolfe and of what a sturdy and well-trained army officer he was, and the young soldier was rather surprised to find himself ushered into the presence of one who looked so young and mild. Wolfe’s sickness had left him pale and weak, yet he soon showed that he had all his old-time determination to win still in him.
“You may tell me your story, but be brief,” he said, to Henry, who had been brought in first, and then settled back in his chair to listen. He did not interrupt the recital, but when the young soldier had finished he asked a number of questions, all of which Henry answered as clearly as he could.
“You have certainly had your share of adventures,” said General Wolfe. “I imagine you did not expect to find yourself here when you started out for Oswego.”
“That is true, sir,” answered Henry.