“He was.  The finest figure of them all.  A brave and generous man and a great leader.  He stood at the right hand of the Marquis de Montcalm, while I talked and he listened with attention, because the Chevalier de St. Luc is always willing to learn from others.  No false pride about him!  And the Marquis de Montcalm is like him.  I gave the commander-in-chief much excellent advice which he accepted with gratitude, and in return for you, whom he expects to put to use, he has raised me in rank, and has extended my authority over the western tribes.  Ah, I knew that you were a prize when I captured you, and I was wise to save you as a pawn.”

“How can I be of any value to the Marquis de Montcalm?”

“That is to be seen.  He knows his own plans best.  You are to come with me at once into his presence.”

Robert was immediately in a great stir.  He straightened out, and, with his hands, brushed his own clothing, smoothed his hair, intending, with his usual desire for neatness, to make the best possible appearance before the French leader.

After breakfast Langlade took him to the great marquee in which Montcalm sat, as the morning was cool, and when their names had been taken in a young officer announced that they might enter, the officer, to Robert’s great surprise, being none other than De Galissonniere, who showed equal amazement at meeting him there.  The Frenchman gave him a hearty grasp of the hand in English fashion, but they did not have time to say anything.

Robert, walking by the side of Langlade, entered the great tent with some trepidation, and beheld a swarthy man of middle years, in the uniform of a general of France, giving orders to two officers who stood respectfully at attention.  Neither of the officers was St. Luc, nor were they among those whom Robert had seen at Quebec.  He surmised, however, that they were De Levis and Bourlamaque, and he learned soon that he was right.  Langlade paused until Montcalm was ready to speak to him, and Robert stood in silence at his side.  Montcalm finished what he had to say and turned his eyes upon the young prisoner.  His countenance was mild, but Robert felt that his gaze was searching.

“And this, Captain Langlade,” he said, “is the youth of whom you were speaking?”

So the Owl had been made a captain, and the promotion had been one of his rewards.  Robert was not sorry.

“It is the one, sir,” replied Langlade, “young Monsieur Robert Lennox.  He has been a prisoner in my village all the winter, and he has as friends some of the most powerful people in the British Colonies.”

Montcalm continued to gaze at Robert as if he would read his soul.

“Sit down, Mr. Lennox,” he said, not unkindly, motioning him to a little stool.  Robert took the indicated seat and so quick is youth to warm to courtesy that he felt respect and even liking for the Marquis, official and able enemy though he knew him to be.  De Levis and Bourlamaque also were watching him with alert gaze, but they said nothing.