"An answer is required within three hours.
"Zion Awake CoX. — "Master of the schooner 'Rev. Amos Adams.'
"Minas Basin, May 28, 1743."
This Zac folded and addressed, thinking that if no one in Grand Pré could read English, it would be taken to Claude himself for translation.
He next prepared to hoist a large British ensign. It was not often that the Parson showed her colors, but on this occasion it was necessary, and Zac saw that this display of English colors would be an act which would tell its own story, and show Moosoo that the schooner had once more changed masters. The colors lay on deck, ready to be hoisted at the proper moment. What that moment was to be he had already decided. Zac, in his preparations on this occasion, showed that he possessed a line eye for dramatic effect, and knew how to create a sensation. There was a small howitzer amidships,—Zac's joy and pride,—which, like the ensign, was made use of only on great and rare occasions, such as the king's birthday, or other seasons of general rejoicing. This he determined to make use of at the present crisis, thinking that it would speak in tones that would strike terror to the heart of Moosoo, both on board and ashore.
Last of all, it remained to explain to the Acadians on board the purposes upon which he was bent. They were still below. Jericho had supplied them with their breakfast there, but Zac had not allowed them on deck. Now, however, he summoned forth their chief man, leaving the others behind, and proceeded to endeavor, as far as possible, to explain to this man what he wished.
The Acadian's stock of English words was but small, yet Zac was able, after all, by the help of signs, to give him some idea of his purpose. The letter also was shown him, and he seemed able to gather from it a general idea of its meaning. His words to Zac indicated a very lively idea of the danger which was impending over the prisoners.
"Me go," he said. "Put me 'shore. Me go tout de suite; me deliver M. Motier; make come here tout de suite—bon!"
"All right," said Zac; "but mind you, he must be here in three hours—three," he repeated, holding up three fingers; "three hours."
"O, oui—yes—certainement—tree hour."