Wacousta: A Tale of the Pontiac Conspiracy (Complete)

nt of the garrison, lowered; not, as previously, with a disregard of the intimation that might be given to those without by the sullen and echoing rattle of its ponderous chains, but with

alone were to be seen walking up and down in front of their post, apparently with a view to check the influence of midnight drow

principal portion of their garb. Each, moreover, wore a false queue of about nine inches in length, the effect of which was completely to change the character of the countenance, and lend to the features a Canadian-like expression. A red worsted cap, resembling a bonnet de nuit, was thrown carelessly over the side of the head, which could, at any moment, when deeper disguise should be deemed necessary, command the additional protection of the rude hood that fell back upon the shoulders from the collar of the coat to which it was attached. They were both well armed. Into a broad belt, that encircled the jacket of each, were thrust a brace of pistols and a strong dagger; the whole so disposed, however

therefore, escaped the lips of one of the surrounding group. Every countenance wore a cast of thought,-a character of abstraction, ill suited to the indulgence of levity; and the little conversation that passed between them was in a low and serious tone. It was evident some powerful and absorbing dread existed in the mind of each, inducing him rather to indulge in communion with his own thoughts and impressions, than to communicate them to others. Even the governor himself had, for a moment, put off the dignity and distance of his usually unapproachable nature, to assu

the group, and addressing the two adventurers, he enquired, in a tone that startled

strangely blended with despondency. The interview, however, was short, for Mr. Lawson now made his appearance, conducting an individual who has alre

en, by this cross; that you will be faithful to your trust; that neither treachery nor evasion shall be practised; and

lips with becoming reverence on the symbol of martyrdom. "I swear to do dat I sh

e rewarded. But the night wears apace, and ye have much to do." Then turning to the young officers who were to be his companions,-"God bless you both; may your enterprise be succe

ample, threw their long guns carelessly over the left shoulder. Low, rapid, and fervent adieus were uttered on both sides; and although the hands of the separating partie

otten there is something quite as necessary to sustain the inward man. Duck shooting, you know, is wet work. The last lips that were moistened from th

with his hand, uttered a faint groan, and bending his head upon his chest, stood in an attitude expressive of the deep suffering of his mind. The governor, too, appeared agitated; and sound

served the Canadian, "or we shall be taken

in he drew up his commanding figure, extended his hand to the governor in silence, a

is parting for the last, and who now held the hand of the younger adventurer closely claspe

here is that within me, which whispers I shall never see you more. But keep up your spirits, and hope for the best. We e

he military road that led to the eastern extremity of the town. Soon afterwards, the heavy chains of the drawbridge were hear

safe passage by the village. Through this our little party now pursued their way, and without encountering aught to impede their progress. The simple mannered inhabitants had long since retired to rest, and neither light nor sound denoted the existence of man or beast within its precincts. At length they reached that part of the road which turned off abruptly in the direction of the Fleur de lis. The rude h

young officers; and each, obeying the same impulse, unfastened one of the larg

and of their conductor rather in supplication than in threat; "if there be aught

e Canadian; "it is my Babette who is sorry at m

building, and completely veiled in the obscurity produced by the mingling shadows of the hut itself, and a

ch those sounds of welcome with which a daughter might be supposed to greet a parent so unexpectedly restored, they listened in vain. At length, howe

woman's love. It is evident the ordinary tones of speech cannot find their way to us here from the front of

in the same almost inaudible

n sticks and leaves under the cautious but unavoidably rending tread of a human foot. At intervals it ceased, as if the person treading, alarmed at

a renewal of the sound, but nothing was now audible, save the shor

," again whispered the younger officer; "had it been a ma

hut, and stand behind me. If my dagger fail, you must try your own. But fire not, on your life, unless there

ffering or death to stimulate to exertion in self-defence. Footsteps were now distinctly heard stealing round that part of the hut which bordered on the roa

m. Had the intruder stolen unannounced upon the alarmed but determined officers by the latter route, the dagger of the first would in all probability have been plunged to its hilt in his bosom. As it was, each had sufficient presence of mind to distingui

ught I was gone to be kill. She scream so loud, as if she had seen my ghost. But we must w

er officer; "we shall never clear the river in time; and if the da

canoe, which I have not use for a long times. But you shall not wait ten minute, if you do not

ves. Under all circumstances, therefore, it was advisable rather to appear to confide implicitly in his truth, than, by manifesting suspicion, to pique his self-love, and neutralize whatever favourable intentions he might cherish in their behalf. In this mode of conduct they were confirmed, by a recollection of the sacre

return," said the taller officer; "it was like the footstep of a man tread

ing the slightest uneasiness at the information. "They run a

consent to enter the hut,-how will you account to your daughter for our presence? and what suspi

id me in de canoe to shoot de ducks for two tree days. You know, sir, I go alway

n the name of Heaven, use all possible despatch, and if money will lend a spur to y

rection of the orchard, resembling that of one lightly leaping to the ground. A gust of wind, however, passing rapidly at the moment through the dense foliage, led him to believe it might have been produced by the

s in so remote a region, had been patched with slips of paper in various parts. The two corner and lower panes of the bottom sash were out altogether, and pine shingles, such as are used even at the present day for covering the roofs of dwelling houses, had been fitted into the squares, excluding air and light at the same time. The centre pane of this tier was, however, clear and free from flaw

of the daughter of their conductor, whose moist black eyes expressed, as much by tears as by smiles, the joy she felt at this unexpected return of her parent, no living object met their enquiring glance. The Canadian placed a couple of r