All three quickly brought their hands to the salute as they stood before a large table, at which sat three officers of high rank. They were Generals Murray, Monckton and Townshend, and although unknown to the youths, who wondered which of the three was Wolfe, they have each left an honoured name on the scroll of Empire.
But who was that pale, ascetic-looking invalid, reclining on a couch beside General Murray? Surely he was no soldier! He was weak and sickly, and appeared to be suffering from some painful malady. What was he doing here? wondered Jamie, giving him a passing glance, and then directing his attention to the three officers, who were conversing amongst themselves, and examining charts and maps with such intensity that they scarcely seemed as yet to have noticed the newcomers.
Suddenly the invalid on the couch said something, and instantly the three soldiers ceased their conversation, dropped the charts and maps, and listened to his every word with marked reverence and respect.
"Murray," he said, "which are the two scouts who were prisoners in Quebec till last spring? Let them come to me."
The aide-de-camp indicated Jamie and Jack, and then General Murray approached them and said--
"Step forward! General Wolfe desires to speak with you," at the same time making a respectful gesture in the direction of the couch.
"General Wolfe! Could that feeble person be the great soldier on whom England relied to win the Canadas from the French?" thought Jamie, as he stepped forward and saluted the invalid. He was amazed and dumfounded. It was well for him at that moment that he had learnt something of the Indian virtue of hiding his feelings, or his face might have shown something of his disappointment.
"Why, you are quite a lad! Come, let me look at you! There, that will do! I like your face, and yours, too."
"Thank you, General!"
"Now tell me what you know of Quebec, and when you landed there, and when you left, and how."