"But why do you not carry this matter to Major Gladwyn, who is in command, instead of to me, who now possess no authority?"
"Because, monsieur, the commandant makes of us a jest and cares not to listen. Aussi, because we care not for him; but to you, monsieur, who have formerly turned many of our sorrows into joys, we wish not that harm should come. For ourselves, we have no fear. The savages will not harm the French. But for the English, whom they love not—well, there it is different."
"You think, then, that the fort is in danger?"
"Of an attack, monsieur. Yes."
"How soon?"
"Who can tell? Perhaps in one week. Perhaps even to-morrow."
"Will you come again this evening, before the gates are closed, and bring any further information you may gain during the day?"
"We dare not, monsieur. All the French are now too closely watched. This morning we sell eggs. In the evening it would be known that we had no business."
"If I leave the post an hour after sunset and walk just beyond the church, will you meet me there and deliver to me your information?"
"If it is possible, we will; for the thing that monsieur demands must be granted on account of his, ofttimes of the heart, kindness."