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