be a true prophet or no I cannot tell. His words are these, and
they were spoken to M. de Montcalm: 'You are safe now, for England
is governed by an imbecile--the Duke of Newcastle--a minister
without parts, understanding, or courage. But there is another man
in England of a different calibre. If ever you hear that Pitt is at
the head of the administration, then look to your laurels; for, if
I be not greatly deceived, that man has brain and energy to turn
the whole tide of battle. Three years after he begins to rule
England's policy, and France will have begun to lose her empire in
the West!'"



Chapter 4: Vengeance And Disaster.


The episode of Corinne, and the prophecy she had quoted to them,
formed one of the bright episodes in a year which brought little
success or relief to the army encamped upon the waters of Lake
George. There was no campaign that year. The two armies lay inside
their respective fortifications, each keeping on the defensive; and
the bold Rangers alone did active skirmishing service, as has been
related, appearing at all sorts of apparently impossible points,
swooping down upon an unwary hunting party or a sleeping sentinel,
bringing in spoil to the fort, burning transports bound for
Ticonderoga, and doing gallant irregular service which kept the
garrison and the Rangers in spirits, but did little or nothing to
effect any change in the condition of affairs.

Anxiously was news waited for from England. What was the parent