But from this dream of hope and happiness they were destined to have a sudden and very rude awakening. There was a sound in the shrubbery behind them, and a voice said, in a low, cautious tone,—
"H-s-s-t!"
At this they both started, and turned. It was the Père Michel.
Both started as they saw him, partly from surprise, and partly, also, from the shock which they felt at the expression of his face. He was pale and agitated, and the calmness and self-control which usually characterized him had departed.
"My dear friend," said Claude, hurriedly, turning towards him and seizing his hand, "what is the matter? Are you not well? Has anything happened? You are agitated. What is the matter?"
"The very worst," said Père Michel—"M. de Cazeneau!"
"What of him? Why, he is dead!"
"Dead? No; he is alive. Worse—he is here—here—in Louisbourg. I have just seen him!"
"What!" cried Claude, starting back, "M. de Cazeneau alive, and here in Louisbourg! How is that possible?"
"I don't know," said the priest. "I only know this, that I have just seen him!"