She sprang up, exclaiming,—
“My dear brother, forgive me. I came to find you and take you home.”
“And instead of one you have found two,” said Charles, kissing her. “My brave sister, you deserve to be rewarded after such a quest. We will all go home together. Surely if you came through the snow alone with Jim, we can return the same way. What do you say, Roger?”
“As soon as your strength permits it we will go,” answered Roger. “I saw that Madame who came here yesterday again this morning, and she promised to send me the passes necessary for us to get through that part of the country still held by the French; once we receive them we can start—at least, as soon as you feel strong enough.”
“Then we shall not be here much longer,” said Charles. “The sight of Loïs seems to have given me back my strength. We must be home for Christmas. Jim, good Jim,” he said, patting the Indian boy’s head, as he crouched before the fire.
“I called him Jim when he was quite a little chap,” said Charles. “He has run my commissions ever since he was able to run at all. You’ll stay with us always now, Jim? After this last exploit of bringing Loïs up to Quebec we can’t part with you.”
“Jim never leave you, Nosa,”[8] answered the lad, raising his eyes, full of a dog-like devotion, to Charles’ face.
[Footnote 8: Father—Master.]
“That is well. We will all go home together.”
For the first time in her life Loïs knew what it was to be made much of, to be cared for and thought for; she who had always cared for others. They remained a week in Quebec, during which time Charles regained his strength with marvellous rapidity. It seemed almost as if Loïs had brought the breath of life with her from the old home. During that week Loïs visited the battle-field on the Plains of Abraham, and all the spots which from henceforth would be landmarks in the history of Quebec. Roger was, moreover, busy making preparations for the homeward journey; sleighs were bought, strong horses to draw them, furs to wrap themselves in, and a goodly store of provisions for the journey. They were not going alone; besides his two faithful servants, a company of Roger’s Rangers volunteered to accompany them; so that when they started from Quebec they mustered about a score of souls. Loïs was like a queen amongst them. General Levis had sent them free passes through the French lines, so that no difficulties arose to impede their rapid progress.