Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1884-02-02
THE LAST OF THE MoHlCANS.
CONTINUED from first page.l

+
II am rejoiced, monsieur, that you
have given US the pleasure of your
company on this occasion. There will
be no necessity to employ an ordinary
interpreter; for, in your hands, l feel
the same security as if l spoke your
language myself !"
Duncan acknowledged the compli-
ment, whom Montcalm, turning to his
guard, which, in Imitation of that of
their enemies, pressed close upon him,
continued
"En arriere, mes enfans-il fat
chaud ; retirez-qous un peu."
Before Major Hayward would initiate
his proof of confidence, he glanced his
eyes around the plain, and beheld with
uneasiness the numerous dusky groups
Of savages who looked out from the
margin of the surrounding woods, Gu
rious spectators of the interview.
"Monsier de Montcalm will readily
acknowledge the difference in our sit
uation," he said, with some embarrass-
ment, pointing at the same time to-
wards those dangerous foes, who were
to be seen in almost every direction.
"Were we to dismiss our guard, we
should stand here at the mercy of our
enemies"
Monsieur, you have the plighted
faith Of 'un gentilhomme Francais,'
for your safety" returned Montcalm,
laying his hand impressively on his
heart cit should SUFFICE"
at shall. Fall back" Duncan
added to the officer who led the escort !;
: "fall back, sir, beyond hearing, and
wait for orders"
Munro witnessed this movement
with manifest uneasiness; nor did he
fail to demand an instant explanation.
''Is it not our interest, sir, to betray
no distrust 7" retorted Duncan. "Mon-
sieur de Montcalm pledges his word for
our safety, and have ordered the men
Va to withdraw little, in order to prove
how much we depend on his as
surance."
ut may be all right, sir, but 1 have
no overweening reliance on the faith
OF these marquesses, or marquis, as
they call themselves. Their patents
OF nobility are too common to be certain
that they bear the seal of true honor"
"You forget, dear sir, that we confer
with an officer, distinguished alike in
Europe and America for his deeds
From soldier of his reputation we
can have nothing to apprehend."
The old man made gesture of
resignation, though his rigid features
still betrayed his adherence to dis
trust, which he derived from a heredi-
tary contempt of his enemy. Mont
calm waited patiently until this little
dialogue in demi-voice was ended,
when he drew higher, and opened the
subject of their conference.
81 have solicited this interview from
your superior, monsieur" he said,
"because believe he will allow him
self to be persuaded, that he has
already done everything which is nee
essary for the honor of his prince, and
will now listen to the admonitions of
humanity. I will forever bear tes-
tlmony that his resistance has been
gallant, and was continued as long as
there was hope
When this opening was translated
to Munro, he answered with dignity,
but with sufficient courtesy
However l may prize such testi--
mony from Monsieur Montcalm, it will
be more valuable when it shall be bet
ter merited."
The French General smiled, as Dun
can gave him the purport of this re-
ply, and Observed
''What is now so freely accorded to
approved courage, may be refused to
useless obstinacy. Monsieur would
wish to see my camp, and witness for
himself our numbers, and the i'm
possibility OF his resisting them with
success"
~ know that the king of France is
E well served" returned the unmoved
Scotsman, 'but my own royal master
has as many and as faithful troops"
Though not at hand, fortunately
for u.s." said Montcalm. ':There is a
destiny in war, to which brave man
knows how to submit with the same
courage that he faces his foes"
Had been conscious that Monsieur
Montcalm was master of the English.
l should have spared myself the trou-
BILE of SO awkward translation said
the vexed Duncan.
"Your pardon, monsieur" rejoined
the Frenchman. "There is a vast diff
ference between understanding and
speaking foreign tongue you will,
please assist me STILL Then he added.
''these hills afford us every opportun-
ity of accommodating your works, mes
sieurs, and am, possibly, as we'll ac-