of their defence, should hereafter attest against him,
and expose him to the punishment he would so richly merit?
Distracted by these doubts, the young men scarcely knew
what to think or how to act; and anxious as they had
previously been to quit the hut, they now considered the
moment of their doing so would be that of their destruction.
The importance of the enterprise on which they were
embarked was such as to sink all personal considerations.
If they had felt the influence of intimidation on their
spirits, it arose less from any apprehension of consequences
to themselves, than from the recollection of the dearer
interests involved in their perfect security from discovery.

"Francois," feelingly urged the taller officer, again
adverting to his vow, "you recollect the oath you so
solemnly pledged upon the cross of your Saviour. Tell
me, then, as you hope for mercy, have you taken that oath
only that you might the more securely betray us to our
enemies? What connection have you with them at this
moment? and who is HE who stood looking through that
window not ten minutes since?"

"As I shall hope for mercy in my God," exclaimed the
Canadian with unfeigned astonishment, "I have not see
nobody. But what for do you tink so? It is not just. I
have given my oat to serve you, and I shall do it."

There was candour both in the tone and countenance of
the man as he uttered these words, half in reproach, half
in justification; and the officers no longer doubted.