trust; that neither treachery nor evasion shall be
practised; and that you will, to the utmost of your power,
aid in conveying these gentlemen to their destination.
Kneel and swear it."

"I do swear it!" fervently repeated the aubergiste,
kneeling and imprinting his lips with becoming reverence
on the symbol of martyrdom. "I swear to do dat I shall
engage, and may de bon Dieu have mercy to my soul as I
shall fulfil my oat."

"Amen," pronounced the governor, "and may Heaven deal by
you even as you deal by us. Bear in mind, moreover, that
as your treachery will be punished, so also shall your
fidelity be 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 successful! I fear," offering his hand to
the younger, "I have spoken harshly to you, but at a
moment like the present you will no longer cherish a
recollection of the unpleasant past."

The only answer was a cordial return of his own pressure.
The Canadian in his turn now announced the necessity for
instant departure, when the young men, following his
example, 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
parties met only in a short and hurried grasp, there was
an expression in the touch of each that spoke to their