“Gentlemen,” he said, “Captain Roger will tell you what he has seen and heard. You will judge whether the plan he proposes be possible; myself I tell you at once that, notwithstanding all the apparent difficulties, I consider it the only thing open for us to attempt; there is a possible chance of success. Will you explain your plan, Captain?”
“It is not necessary for me to tell you,” said Roger, “how I came by the facts I am going to lay before you, and from them to the conception of a plan which, though desperate, is in itself simple. You saw my disguise. I have assumed several during the last few days, by means of which, and by my knowledge of Indian and Canadian habits, I have managed to approach the different camps, and at last penetrated even into Quebec. Here, by means of bribery, I succeeded in being introduced into Captain Vergor’s own quarters on the heights overlooking Quebec, and can now assure you from personal evidence that, fully persuaded of their secure position, they are left practically unguarded. The officer in command goes quietly to bed, and has, moreover, weakened his guards by allowing the Canadians to go home to their villages to help get in their harvest.”
“But, taking all this for granted,” said Lord St. Vincent, “we have still those heights to scale before we can dislodge even so poor a watch.”
“I am coming to that,” said Roger. “Food is not only lacking in Quebec, but the soldiers in camp are absolutely without bread, or even flour. The commissariat declared yesterday it could distribute no further rations. You may imagine the effect of this; but they were buoyed up with the assurance that a number of boats are coming from Quebec to the camp with provisions. Where these boats land, we can,” said Roger, “and I discovered that the spot fixed upon is the Anse de Foulon, the old smuggling cove. Last night, disguised as an Indian, I paddled into it, accompanied by a man I have sworn not to name. He pointed out to me what he called a path, and then left me in terror lest we should be surprised. The moon was fitful, if you remember, last night; nevertheless, it sufficed me to discover what we want. It is a steep, precipitous ascent; half-way up trees have been felled and laid across, forming a thick abattis; then there is a deep gap some ten feet across and six feet deep; after this the road widens out, and though the ascent is steep, it is comparatively easy. I will undertake to lead a body of men to the top to-morrow night, if you consent. We shall take Vergor and his guard by surprise; and when this is accomplished you can land your troops under cover of night, and by morning you can range them in order of battle on the heights overlooking Quebec.”
“Land a whole army! It is incredible!” said Lord St. Vincent. “Allowing that the path be unguarded, there are sentries all along the river.”
“But they are expecting their own provision boats,” said Wolfe. “If our boats go down in advance, they may easily mistake us for them in the darkness. Howe, will you take the lead with Captain Roger? He will show you the way.”
“Certainly I will,” said Colonel Howe. “I have implicit confidence in the Captain. Give us a score of men, and we will see if we cannot reach the top and dislodge a parcel of sleepy Frenchmen;” and he laughed lightly, as if he had been proposing a pleasure party.
“Then, gentlemen, that is settled; to-morrow night we make the attempt,” said Wolfe, in a decided voice. “Captain Roger, you had better turn in and take a good long rest,” and he held out his hand to Roger.
“Thank you, I shall be all the better for a good sleep;” then, turning to Colonel Howe, he added, “Unless I am very much mistaken, Colonel, you and I shall see the sun rise over Quebec the day after to-morrow. I am glad it should be so.”
“So am I,” answered the Colonel heartily, and they shook hands.