The Forge in the Forest
nder is E
marsh, whereon were many sleek Acadian cattle cropping the rich aftermath, and ascended the gentle slope of the uplands. Amid a few scattered cabins were ranged the tents of the soldiers. Camp fires and sheaves of stacked muskets gave the bright scene a warlike coun
ct us to headquarters. As we climbed the last dusty rise and turned in, past the long well-sweep and two gaunt, steeple-like Lombardy poplars, to the yard before the cot
he cried. "I have
warmth than he had evinced, "or you would surely have seen me here to g
" said he, as he turned with an air of courteous inquiry to my companions. Perce
Monsieur de Ra
, but de Ramezay with a sudden and most noticeable coldness. At this I flushed with anger, but the mome
rish, who desires to enlist for service under you. More of him, and all to his credit, I w
. "As you recommend him, he shall serve in Monsieur
orderly, both Marc and I stepped up to him and wrung his hands, and thanked him many times
-night or in the mornin
my talk with the comman
on't remain in your debt for a small thing like that; though for the
short Tamin's attempted protestations, "eve
paces aside, and said, with a courtesy that was some
gh much with us and for us. And now, my son and I
fearless countenance. I had ever liked him well. Good cause to like him, indeed, I had in my heart, for I had once stood over his body in a frontier skirmish, and saved his scalp from the knives of
coldly, "Monsieur de Ramezay wi
t was in its uniform of white and gold-straightened itself haugh
n hint it,-" and he kept his eyes upon the floor as
upon him, spri
said I,
sorrowful inquiry, into which
ow, I shall require you to prove beyond a peradventure,-or to make good wit
ay, to France?" interrup
little as I noticed the change in his countenance. "And oh, Ramezay," I continued, "had any man an hour ago told me that you would condemn a son of mine unheard,-that you, on the mere word of
ment, his eyes fixed upon the
of those tales in suspicion, knowing of him what I do know. And now, since you give me your word the tales are
w, but appeared no
adians to accept the rule in good faith;-if you have heard that I then urged them not to be misled to their own undoing by an unscrupulous and merciless intriguer who disgraces hi
scarce blame him. Our host, however, motioned us to our seats, taking his own chair immediately that
me say that my son is wholly devoted to the cause of France. His former friendly intercour
amed Marc de Mer, it did not come at all to my mind-and can you wonder?-that the person so spoken of was a son of my Briart, of the man who had so perilled his own life to save m
l think no more of it!" said Marc, he
understand something which had before been dark to him. When the Black Abbé came upon the scene (I had none of our host's reluctance to mention the Ab
ng out a hand to each of us. The frank welcome that illuminated the
recious documents!" said I
d both letters wit
e than of thrifty New England. When Boston holds the purse-strings, information is bought cheaper t
, "though I have seen Masca
the paper, and hel
ly, Monsieur," he continued, addressing Marc, "
hat, Monsieur!" replied Mar
h I must therefore seem not to see. I am forced to use the tools which are placed in my hands. This priest of whom you speak is a power in Acadie. He is thought to be indispensable to our cause. He will do the things that, alas, have to be done, but which no one else will do. And I believe he does love France,-he is s
und himself, and would be content if he would merely give t
the most part, beyond the good Abbé's reach. But we have business at Grand Pré and Canard that will hold us there
ay; "and in return, perchance I may count on your support when
ave made for me no other plans!" And he
t home and await de Ramezay's summons. As the Commander's guests we were lodged in his own quarters, and Tamin was detailed to act as our orderly. The good Beaudry, with his good boat, was sent home not empty-h