The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1904-08-22
CHAPTER XII.

had never come so near death as with
In the past few months. Indeed, HIS
Grim Majesty, the King OF Terriers.
had s,ared the young officer full IN
the face and his cold hand had been
fairly clasped around his throat, IL
would have gone hard with him OUT
for the timely interference OF friend.
De Wire was a hardy, bold young
man. who loved fighting as ne loVeo
sunlight, on account. perhaps, Oh the
Irish touch In his nature from a FAR
off strain of the Emerald Isle on
the distaff side. One OF the hlgher
Canadian noblesse, whose family was
of first importance in New France
owning wide possessions and high IN
favor in the governors court, ne hau
received a commission in the navy Oh
France. While In command or the
boats Of a scouting expedition IN the
lower St Lawrence he had been cap
tured by Admiral Durells squadron.
When the feet Of Vice Admlrai
Saunders entered the river and started
upon that toilsome and dangerous as
cent 10 Quebec the vice admiral haa
required his eaptives. OF whom oe
Wire was chief, to pilot the great SHIPS
M the uncertain river. Inc young
officer. for one, had peremptorily re-
fused to do this, and neither threat
uor appeal had induced him TO fecede
from his position,
The process of intimidation had IN
deed been carried so far as TO cause
Monsieur de Wire to be mounted upon
the rail of ship with rope AROUND
his neck. the other end of which was
rove through a block at the top-sall
yard-arm. Had 1t not been Tor the
friend mentioned he would have been
hanged for his contumacy, and 10 dis
courage-or encourage--the other pi-
lots. men of less rank and station, VINO
showed disposition to emulate ms
refusal.
From this dificult--and, for a man
of birth and station, unpleasant-posi-
ton the Frenchman had been rescued
by the intereessions of the young cap
tain of the. ship, brave man, VINO
loved courage and resolution even III
his enemies. AS his intercession was
seconded by the influence OF zen.
Wolfe. to whose request Admiral
Saunders graeiously deferred, 1t was
eficacious In releasing Monsieur DC
Wire from his appalling and unpieas'
ant predicament.
other men were found with less ex-
allied views of their duty 10 their couh-
try who could be persuaded by inc
means which failed so signally IN the
case of de vitre. and the ships we're ae-
cordingly piloted up the river. Mean
while. his quality having been demon
atrated by his heroism, de Wire was
held a close prisoner in the fleet ne
had refused to give his parole, ana &C.
cordingly had been closely connned
and was carefully guarded.
A winning tongue, little money
and specious promises of ultimate re-
ward had made friend for hin
among his guards, and the 'suoorne'
soldier had at last found means t'
supply him with a British uniform
In the hurry and confusion OF the de
barkation of the soldiery for the al
tempt on the Plains of Abraham, a.
Wire had succeeded in joining himsei
to one of the landing parties wltnou
attracting attention. The captain 0
the sutherland. on which he had beel
held prisoner. was surprised the mex
morning to find the sentry bound an
gagye6-bv his own collision.
course. though that was unknown
de Wires room and his prisoner gone
However. there was so much bust
ness OF moment on hand the day Q
the battle that no search was mao
for him. indeed. none could be mad'
and the certain fall of Quebec. whic
erorybody realized must take plao
when the news OF the victory wa
brought to the feet rendered his pun
suit useless II was too late for eve
man of his courage TO effect anythin
of Importance then. His knowledg
of British affairs would be of no sci
vice now.
In the natural course Of events. to-
do Wire would fall toto the hands {
the English again in a few day
Meanwhile. as ne was pieasahl ie''''
agreeable and debonair. his captol
were rather glad that he had the PRIV
lege of a few hours of liberty. especia
" ss it was known that the inspiratio
of his escape was the most beautif
woman in New France.
De Wire had met with no opportu'
ity of escaping from the English i'm
until the battle was joined. He M
been>sompelled by the exigencies OF u
situation to point his gun at his oH
countrymen. and though he took ca
II was not loaded with ball, the me
motion gave him exquisite angus
In the smoke and confusion OF v
battlefield. however. he at last foul
occasion to miDgle with the retreatil
French. In the panic terror OF th'
retreat no one in the crowding. pus
ing mob paid any attention to hi
and be gained the city with the rest
the fugitiyes through the St Lol
gate. Forcing his way through I
multitude he ran rapidly down
street toward the place where DIV
the object OF his alteration. He fou