“Thank you, sir,” James said, “and I should like it above all things; but I fear that we should have no chance, whatever, of rivalling the work of Rogers and the other partisan leaders.  These men are all trained to the work of the woods, accustomed to fight Indians, equally at home in a canoe or in the forest.  I have had, as you are good enough to say, some experience in the work, but I am a mere child by their side, and were I to lead fifty English soldiers in the forest, I fear that none of us would ever return.”

“Yes, but I should not propose that you should engage in enterprises of that sort, Walsham.  My idea is that, although you would have an independent command, with very considerable freedom of action, you would act in connection with the regular troops.  The scouts are often far away when wanted, leaving the posts open to surprise.  They are so impatient of any discipline, that they are adverse to going near the forts, except to obtain fresh supplies.  You, on the contrary, would act as the eyes of any post which you might think threatened by the enemy.  At present, for instance, Fort William Henry is the most exposed to attack.

“You would take your command there, and would report yourself to Major Eyre, who is in command.  As for service there, your letter of appointment would state that you are authorized to act independently, but that, while it would be your duty to obey the orders of the commanding officer, you will be authorized to offer such suggestions to him as your experience in Indian warfare would lead you to make.  You would train your men as scouts.  It would be their special duty to guard the fort against surprise, and, of course, in case of attack to take part in its defence.  In the event of the provincial scouts making any concerted movement against a French post, you would be authorized to join them.  You would then have the benefit of their skill and experience, and, in case of success, the army would get a share of the credit.  What do you think of my plan?”

“I should like it above all things,” James replied.  “That would be precisely the duty which I should select had I the choice.”

“I thought so,” the colonel said.  “I have formed a very high opinion of your judgment and discretion, from the talks which we have had together, and I have spoken strongly in your favour to the general, who had promised me that, in the event of the army moving forward, you should have an appointment on the quartermaster general’s staff, as an intelligence officer.

“Since I heard that the main portion of the army is to sail to Louisbourg, I have been thinking this plan over, and it certainly seems to me that a corps, such as that that I have suggested, would be of great service.  I should think that its strength should be fifty men.  You will, of course, have another officer with you.  Is there anyone you would like to choose, as I may as well take the whole scheme, cut and dried, to the general?”