Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-11-10
CHAPTER XII.
THE SAILOR AND THE NOR.

THE SAILOR AND THE NOR.
r. IEUT. DENIS DE WIRE
had been in peril OF his life
IL many times during his shoM
but exciting career, but ne
had never come so near death as with
in the past few months. Indeed, His
Grim Majesty, the King of Terrors.
had stared the young officer full in
the face and his cold hand had been
fairly clasped around his throat. 1t
would have gone hard with him but
for the timely interference of friend.
DE Wire was a hardy, bold young
man. who loved fighting as he loved
sunlight. on account. perhaps, Of the
Irish touch in his nature from far
OF strain OF the Emerald Isle on
the dis aft side. One of the higher
Canadian noblcsse. whose family was
of first Importance in New France.
owning wide poss, ssiUns and high in
favor in the governors court. he had
received a commission III the navy or
France. While in command OF the
boats OF scouting expedition in the
lower ST. Lawrence he had been cap
tured by Admiral Durells squadron.
When the fleet of Vice Admiral
Saunders entered the river and started
upon that toilsome and dangerous as
cent TO Quebec the vice admiral had
required his captives. OF whom de
Wire was chief, TO pilot the great ships
| up the uncertain river. The younS
officer. for one. had peremptorily re-
fused TO do this. and neither threat
nor appeal had induced him to recede
from his position.
The process Of intimidation had in
deed been carried 50 far as to cause
Monsieur de Wire to be mounted upon
/ the rail of a ship with rope around
his neck, the other end of which was
rove through a block al the top-sail
yard-arm. Had it not been for the
friend mentioned he would have been
hanged for his cOntumacy, and to dis
couraee--o- encourage the other pi-
lots. men of less rank and station, who
showed disposition to emulate his
refusal
From this difficult-and, for man
of birth and station. unpleasant--posi-
ton the Frenchman had been rescued
by the intercessiOns OF the young cap
tain of the ship, brave man, who
loved courage and resolution even in
his enemies. As his interCession was
seconded by the influence of Gen.
| Wolfe. to whose request Admiral
Saunders graciously deferred. II was
efficacious in releasing Monsieur dc
Wire from his appalling and unpleas-
ant predicament.
Other men were found with less eX-
allied views Of their duty to their coun-
try who could be persuaded by the
means which failed so signally in the
case of de Wire, and the ships were ac-
cordingly piloted up the river. Mean
while, his quality having been demon
strated by his heroism, de Wire was
held a close prisoner in the fleet He
had refused to give his parole. and ac-
cordlngly had been closely confined,
and was carefully guarded.
A winning tongue, a little money,
and specious promises OF ultimate re-
ward had made friend for him
soldier had at last found means to
supply him with a British uniform.
In the hurry and confusion Of the de-
barkation OF the soldiery for the at
tempt on the Plains of Abraham, dc
Wire had succeeded in joining himself
to one of the landing parties without
attracting attention. The captain OF
the Sutherland, on which he had been
held prisoner was surprised the next
morning to find the sentry bound and
gagged-by his own collision. OF
course. though that was unknown-in
de Wires room and his prisoner gone
However, there was so much bust
ness OF moment on hand the day OF
the battle that no search was made
for him. indeed, none could be made
and the certain fall of Quebec, which
everybody realized must take place
when the news OF the victory was
brought to the feet rendered his pur