Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-11-03
CHAPTER TX.
THE GENERALS HEART.


Of the Rohans In tears, and
a thousand leagues of ocean
now divided him from the old Breton
tower; five years filled with high en-
deavor aud honorable enterprise He
had risen TO the rank of post-captain
some yeSos since and had been sue
cessfully engaged in his profession in
many Geas His father had died mean
while 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-
carded him as a confirmed bachelor.
Was he still dreaming Of Anne? 1t
Is enough 10 say he had not forgotten
hcr-perhaps that is all.
II was evening ON the 10th OF Sep
TENDER, 1853. clear though moonless
night Tie wind fen rs the sun set.
and the ships slowly drifted up the
river with the heavy noOd-tide. On
the shore 10 the left lay the cc.n,p =.
Bougainvile The white tents of the
eoldiery on the heights of Cap-Rouge
could be dlmly detected in the soft il
Elimination from the irradiating stars
overhead Lights twinkled 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 ard watchful
There was much unwonted but sub
dued hustle on the English fleet as
well. Men were being paraded and
hustered on the decks, arms and
equipments looked to. ammunition
pouches filed 10 repletion and the
hayersacks and canteens Of the men
provided with food and water, for it
was hardly known when and where
they would get anything 10 eat after
they left the ships.
Far down he river the distant lights
on Cape Diamond were almost hidden
in clouds of smoke, and the nufTled
yet continuous 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 the end
of the line.
Four bells in Che first night watch
had just been struck on the 5o-gun
ship Sutherland. carrying the flag of
Admiral Holmes. commanding the
squadron Of Cap-Rouge. when a boat
was seen making its way through the
water approaching the starboard gang
way Of the ship Halls passed between
the Sutherland and the approaching
cutter
Boat ahoy!"
"The Porcupine!" promptly an
swered a rather small man in the
stern-sheets Of the boat giving the
name of the vessel he comma- ded
and following his reply with the sharp
command. way enough! T. bows"
AS he spoke he motioned to mid
shipman who sat beside him Follow
ing his officers direction, the helm
was put over and the boat swept gent
~ alongside the gangway, the men
Onshipping the oars at the same time
Leave a keeper in the boat and let
the men 20 aboard the ship" con-
tinued tho officer, rising, then have
the boat dropped astern. You will
follow ne on deck. Mr.. Robson" he
added, as he seized the manropes and
ran rapidly up the battens TO the gang
way,
Good evening, Capt. Grafton" said
the officer of the deck, removing his
cap and bowling low to the newcomer
as he stepped aboard. THE general
has Ipno aelin fOv van
"Ah, good evening, Hatfield! You
say the general Is waiting for mo?
Where is he?'
I'm the cabin yonder sir"
That's well. VIII you have me an
nounced?'
"Mr. Giles" said Hatfield. turning TO
his midshpman. present my compli-
ments to the general and say that
Capt. Grafton is here TO see him"
LAY, ay, sir!' replied the boy, touch
Ing his cap and sprinstng aft toward
the cabin
"Tis a fine night Hatfield" re-
marked Grafton, as they stood wait
Ing.
Indeed yes, sir"
And a good time for our enterprise
believe it is set finally for this even
Ing"
81 believe so, sir The orders have
been sent around TO all the ships"
"And time enough" responded Graf
Fon. we cannot stay in this cursed
river much longer, Winter will soon
be on Us.
The generals compliments 10 Mr..
Hatfield and will Capt Grafton please
come below in the cabin?" interrupted
the midshipman.
by the way, Hatfield" said Graf
ton, as he turned to follow the mid
shipman, where are Capt. Rous and
the admiral?"
Below sir, in the admira.s cabin
supervising the details for the even
ing. DoSou go with them captain"
81 believe that | am 10 have charge
of the debarkation," answered Grafton
heartily; would you like 10 go?"
Indeed would, sir"
every Well, I'll speak to Capt Rous
shall doubtless sec you again in q
few moments"
Presently Grafton entered the cabin
"Ah, Grafton, glad to see you!" sait
a tall. thin man seated at table, who
appeared to be very i'll. Prompt al