“Ay, the governor’s guard; what did they say?”
“There is a fear in the city that something is going to happen. Omens have been observed. A wall fell towards the north against a high wind. A bright light was seen in the northern sky three nights ago. These things are causing much excitement.”
“Excitement at what? What conclusions do they draw?”
“I could not hear; someone spoke of an invasion.”
“Fools! It will not come from the north. Pardon my heat. The County Frontenac is no such fool. He has tried the wilderness before and failed. No, it will not come from the north.”
“Yet,” said I, “if the French count has tried the wilderness before, why may he not try it again? If I were the Earl of Bellamont, I should look to the defense of Albany.”
“Albany! Why yes, Albany to be sure; Albany is the thing. I should defend Albany at all hazards. By my faith, that is an idea, my Vincent. I should advise the Earl myself, but I am not in the council now. God’s curse upon that man Le Bourse.”
I wished to change the subject, now that it drew so near myself, and I wished also to say a word for Miriam. So I spoke of the Red Band.
“Your instructions to guard your daughter’s ears make me wonder that you do not see that she must learn all this some day.”
“All this? What do you mean by that?”