"If Carleton had not returned to Quebec the war would perhaps be ended now. He was beaten everywhere in the upper country, at Isle-aux-Noix, at Chambly, at Longueuil, at St. Johns. He fled from Montreal without striking a blow. All his men surrendered there and at Sorel. All his ships were captured. All his stores were seized. And do you know how he escaped?"
"In an open boat, I am told."
"Yes, in an open boat. He passed at Sorel, where the Americans were watching for him, and the oars were muffled in their locks so that he could not be heard. The boat was even paddled with open hands in the most dangerous places."
Zulma listened eagerly to these details, which she had not heard before. Sieur Sarpy's single remark was:
"Wonderful!"
"And do you know who piloted him?"
"Captain Bouchette, I believe."
"Yes, Joseph Bouchette. And what is Joseph Bouchette?"
"A French Canadian!" exclaimed Zulma, unable to contain herself.
"Aye, mademoiselle, a French Canadian. But for this Joseph Bouchette, a French Canadian, Carleton would never have reached Quebec, and the war would now be ended."