"That the French of Montreal are secretly working for the enemy."
"It is false. Those who told you so are treacherous friends, and we have several here in Three Rivers. Next?"
"That the Indians under LaCorne have dug up the hatchet which they buried in the Recollets church, one month ago, and declared against us."
"That would be terrible news if true, but it is not true. My last courier from the west, who arrived not an hour ago, has particular information from the Indians about Montreal. They still maintain the neutrality pledged in the Recollets church. I admit, however, that it would not take much to turn them into foes, and I know that Montgomery has already his emissaries among them. But LaCorne is a true Frenchman, and so long as our own people retain their allegiance, he will maintain his."
After a pause, Hardinge said:
"I have heard, sir, in addition, that Colonel McLean, at the head of his Highlanders, has not been able to form a junction with Governor Carleton, at Longueuil, so as to intercept Montgomery between St. Johns and Montreal."
"It is true."
"That, owing to the defeat of Governor Carleton at Longueuil by a Vermont detachment, and the spread of Continental troops through the Richelieu peninsula, Colonel McLean was forced to fall back precipitately to Sorel."
"That is unfortunately too true. Do you know more?"
"That is all."