“For the moment, yes,” said Fritz, still in the same stern tone; “but, Pringle, there is a God above us who looks down upon these things, and who will not suffer such deeds to pass unavenged.  We are His children; we bear His name.  We look to Him in the dark moments of despair and overthrow.  I am sure that He will hear and answer.  He will not suffer these crimes against humanity and civilization to go unpunished.  He will provide the instrument for the overthrow of the power which can deal thus treacherously, even though the treachery may be that of their allies, and not their own.  It is they who employ such unworthy tools.  They must bear the responsibility when these things happen.”

There was a long silence between the two men then, after which Pringle said: 

“If they had only sent us reinforcements!  I know that we shall hear later on that the reserves were on their way.  Why do we do everything a month or more too late?  It has been the ruin of our western frontier from first to last.  We are never ready!”

“No; that has been the mistake so far, but I think it will not always be so.  There is an able man in England now whose hands are on the helm; and though full power is not his as yet, he can and will do much, they say.  Even the more astute of the French begin to dread the name of Pitt.  I think that the tide will turn presently, and we shall see our victorious foes flying before us like chaff before the wind.”

“You think that?”

“I do.  I have seen and heard much of the methods of France in the south—­her ambition, her presumption, her weakness.  Here in the north she has a firmer grip, and Canada is her stronghold.  But if once we can shake her power there, all will be gone.  They say that Pitt knows this, and that his eyes are upon the Western world.  France has her hands full at home.  A great war is raging in Europe.  A few well-planted blows, ably directed from beyond the sea by England herself, might do untold harm to her western provinces.  I hope to live to see the day when those blows will be given.”

Young Roche began to stir in his sleep, and presently sat up, bewildered and perplexed; but soon recollection swept over him, and he stumbled to his feet, and joined the other two by the fire.

“Tell us all,” he said, as they began to think of supper; for he and Fritz had scarcely broken their fast all day, and nature was now asserting her needs.  “I would learn all, horrible though it is.  Tell us—­did Fort William Henry surrender?”

“Yes; there was nothing else for it.  New batteries opened upon us, as well as the old ones.  There was a great breach in the wall which could have been carried by assault at any moment, and our guns were all burst, save a few of the smaller ones.  They gave us lenient terms.  We were to march out with the honours of war, and keep one of our guns; they were to give us safe escort to Fort Edward; we were to take our baggage with us.  The Marquis showed himself a generous foe—­of him we have reason to think well; but the Indians, and even the Canadians—­well.  I will come to that in its turn.  Thank Heaven, I did not see too much; what I did see will haunt me to my dying day!”