“Ah, Madame Schuyler,” said William Parkmann to their hostess, “if you could only see my pretty Marie! She is like a white lily. To think of those savages approaching her is agony.”
“Try and not think of it,” said the lady gently. “Surely their brother will take care they are not molested?”
“He cannot prevent the tribes making raids on the settlements,” said Lord Howe; “and, besides, I have heard that Montcalm keeps him as much as he can with him. It is St. Luc de la Corne and Nivernelle who were at the head of the late expeditions. But here comes Roger; better say nothing more at present.”
The next few weeks were spent in hard, matter-of-fact preparation for the coming campaign. Roger’s Rangers came from all parts, and gathered round him a stronger force than ever, delighted to have once more found their leader, and prouder than ever of his exploits. They were to take up their position on Lake St. George, and to drive Montcalm from several advantageous positions he held there, more especially from the plateau of Ticonderoga.
“Yes, dear lady, we shall part to-morrow,” said Lord Howe, the eve of the day fixed for the departure of the army. “I have come to bid you farewell and to thank you for my happy holiday. I trust before many weeks are over to return to you victorious. Everything is in our favour; we have a splendid army, 6367 officers and soldiers, regulars, and 9054 colonial troops.”
“If they are well disciplined, I wonder who is to thank for it!” said Madame Schuyler significantly.
“Certainly not Mrs. Nabby-Cromby, the ‘Aged One,’”[1] said William Parkmann, who had accompanied Howe, on his farewell visit.
[Footnote 1: This nickname was generally applied to Abercromby throughout the army, though he was only fifty-two years of age; but he was incapable and infirm.]
“Whatever may be your private opinion, it would be more agreeable to me if you would express yourself, when speaking of our General-in-Chief, more respectfully,” said Lord Howe severely.
“I am sorry,” said William Parkmann, who knew full well that the least breach of discipline was an unpardonable offence in the eyes of his leader.