The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-12-04
BOOK II.
For the Empire of the West.
CHAPTER TX.
The Generals Heart.

years
since and had been successfully engaged
In his profession In many seas. His father
had died meanwhile and he was alone in
the world TO no woman among the many
who had looked love in his eyes had he
given his affection, and his friends re-
garded him as confirmed bachelor. Was
ne still dreaming of Anne? 1t is enough
to say he had not forgotten her-perhaps
that is all. - " E-r.
1t was evening on the 18th Of Septem-
Der, 1859. clear though mooness night.
The wind fell as the sun set, and the
ships slowly drifted up the river with the
heavy fiood-tide. On the shore to the left
lay the camp of Bougainville. The white
tents Of the soldiery on the heights Of
Cap-Rouge could be dimly detected in the
soft illumination from the irradiating stars
overhead. Lights twinl1led here and there
on the heights. or moved along on the
crest of the bluffs, showing that, as usual
the French were on the alert and watch
full.
There was much unwonted but subdued
hustle on the English fleet as we'll Men
were being paraded and mustered on the
decks, arms and equipments looked to-,
ammunition pouches filled to repletion,
and the haversacks and canteens of the
men provided with food and water, for it
was hardly known when and where they
would get anything to eat after they left
the ships.
Far down the river the distant lights
on Cape Diamond were almost hidden in
clouds of smoke, and the muffed yet con-
tinuous roaring of the heavy guns from
Admiral Saunders ships of the line and
the batteries at Point Lewis, with the
answer of the French from the works at
BEAUFORT and the citadel of Quebec. told
a tale of furious cannonade. The admiral
was certainly doing his part. AS he had
promised. he would keep them busy at
his end of the line.
Four bells in the first night watch had
just been struck on the fifty gun ship
sutherland, carrying the flag of Admiral
Holmes, commanding the. squadron off
Cap-Rouge, when a boat was seen maxi
ing it's way through the water approach
ing the starboard gangway Of the ship.
Halls passed between the Sutherland and
the approaching cutter.
BOAT ahoy!'
''The Porcupine!'' promptly answered a
rather small man in the stern sheets
of the boat, giving the name Of the ves-
sci he commanded and following his re-
ply with the sharp command "Way
enough! In bows!'
AS he spoke he motioned to a mid
shipman who sat beside him. Following
his officers direction. the helm was put
over and the boat swept gently along
side the gangway, the men unshipping
the oars at the same time.
Leave a keeper in the: boat and let
the men go aboard the ship" continued
the officer rising. then have the boat
dropped astern. You will follow me on
deck, Mr.. Robson" he added, as he
seized the manrOpes and ran rapidly up
the battens to the gangway f.,
Good evening, Captain Grafton" said
the officer Of the deck, removing his
he stepped aboard. 1.-The general has
been asking for YOU
"Ah, good evening, Hatfield. You say
the general is waiting for me? Where
is hep
I'm the cabin yonder, SIR
THAT'S we'll. Will you have me an
nounced?''
Mr.. Giles said Hatfield. turning to
his own midshipman, present my compli-
ments to the general and say that Cap
tain Grafton is here to see him.
"Ay. ay. SIR replied the boy, touch
ing his cap and springing aft toward
the cabin.
Grafton, as they stood waiting.
Indeed yes, SIR
and a good time for our enterprise. I
believe it is set finally for this eve
ming
Il believe So sir. The orders have been
sent around to all the Ships
and time enough responded Graf
much longer. Winter will soon be on
us. Oh, by the way. you have no OBJ
jections to my men coming on deck, of
course?' .-.
None at all, SIR answered Hatfield.
Both watches are on deck in anticipa-
ton of the expedition, and. they will dis
turb no one. Let them go forward and
| make themselves at home.'' '''"''a
1.-The generals compliments to Mr.. Hat
field, and will Captain Grafton please
come below in the cabin" interrupted
the midshipnlan.
by the way, Hatfield said Grafton,
as he turned to follow the midshipman,
where are Captain Rous and the ad-
miral?"
Below, sir, in the admirals cabin. SUI
pervising the details for the evening. Do
you go with them, captain?''
II believe that I am to have charge
of the debarkat ion," answered Grafton,
heartily; would you like to go?''
Indeed I would, sir
Every we'll, I'll speak to Captain Rous.
I shall doubtless see you again in a few
Moments -'--~.
Presently Grafton entered the cabin.
"Ah, Grafton, glad to see you," said a
tall, thin man seated at a table. who
appeared to be very Ill. Prompt as usual,
I see.'
| you said 9 o'clock, general, and you
know we sailors can be quite as punctual
| as you gentlemen Of the army-wind and
| tide permitting, of course
WELL captain, but stay! You will
excuse us, Monckton, and gentlemen all,
I am sure said the general, turning to
his most trusted subordinate and three or
! four staff officers with whom he had been
| in consultation, II have something of a
private nature to say to Captain Grafton,
and with your permission-1lo, no, keep
your seats!'' he added, as he saw them
rising, 1--WE will withdraw to the inner
| cabin. You see, I have two rooms, Graf
| ton. by the courtesy Of Captain Rous,
luxuriant quarters for a soldier in the
| course of an active campaign
The two men, bowling to the officers,
who returned their salutations with elab-
crate courtesy, withdrew into the inner
| cabin. Motioning the sailor to a seat
the general sat down on a transom, rested
his elbow on the port sill, leaned his head
| upon his hand, and gazed through the
open port toward Cap Rouge. Grafton
did not presume to break the silence
/ Philip he said at last, turning about
and leaning forward toward his. friend
I'VE try it tonight
Eyes, James
! And you are to have charge of the
/ boats
THANK you for that
! II wanted asgood man upon whom ]
could depend. There must be no miscar-
riage here if we can help it. IT'S our last