CHAPTER XXVI
I CLOSE ONE ACCOUNT AND OPEN ANOTHER
Portentous as were its results, I have never been able to look uponthe battle of the 13th of September as adding anything of value tomilitary knowledge. From a technical view it never attained thedignity of battle at any point, and only exceeded a skirmish inthe heavy losses and the deaths of the leading generals on eachside.
The recognition of their efforts, and of those who so ably replacedthem by their respective governments and contemporaries, read asa sorry commentary on the popular distribution of honours.
Wolfe, almost a tyro, at one bound won immortality and immediateapplause from his countrymen; Montcalm, almost a veteran, thoughmourned by those about him, was persistently vilified, even afterdeath, by the very man who should have been his most loyal supporter;I do not hesitate to name M. de Vaudreuil--and I am not aware ofeven a head-stone having been raised to his memory.
On the other hand, his successor, the Chevalier de Levis, met withfitting reward and honourable advancement in his profession, andthe titles of Duke and Marshal of France are now borne with dignityby one whose natural nobility of soul renders him eminently worthyof such honours.
To complete the contrast, the Honourable James Murray, who succeededWolfe, held an unprotected city in an enemy's country throughouta distressing winter, handled his slender troops with contagiousenthusiasm, fought and lost a desperate battle like a gallantsoldier; later on he governed a conquered people with a consummatetact, and still serves his country with distinction--to meet withno other reward, that I ever heard of, than the approbation of hisconscience and the admiration of all honest men.
In writing thus openly I must disclaim any intention of carping,for I would scorn to deprive either of the illustrious dead of asingle laurel in the crown so nobly won, but the very generosityof contemporary admiration has a tendency to work injustice towardsthe survivors.
I know personally, for I afterwards had abundant opportunity ofjudging, with what stoutness of heart did that admirable soldier,General Murray, support his misgivings, when he saw the last Englishfrigate sail from Quebec in the late autumn of '59, bearing hismore fortunate comrades to the reward of their gallantry, while heand his little garrison were left in a ruined town to face all thechances of war, to which were added the unknown dangers of a dreadedwinter season.
On our side we made our headquarters in Montreal, where the militarywere busy enough, while the officials and other unemployedclasses--priests, women, and school-boys--beguiled their inaction,and cheated themselves into hopefulness by the most chimerical andfantastical projects for the retaking of Quebec that ever deludedthe human mind.
The truth is, we were as miserable a lot of devils on both sidesas one could well imagine. In Quebec, the English were half-starved,half-frozen, wholly without pay, and without reliable information.In Montreal, we had enough to eat, we were as gay as the clergy,M. de Vaudreuil, and our miserable plight would permit; we werewithout pay, it is true, but to that we had been long accustomed;but we had the most exact information as to what went on in Quebec,thanks to friends within its walls, while our non-fighting orders,ever at the height of certainty or the depth of despair, had sobefooled themselves with their infallible schemes of conquest, thatthey looked forward to the spring campaign with a confidence almostpitiable in the eyes of thinking men.
Early in April, M. de Levis gathered together his motley army; theremnants of the brigades of Bearn La Reine, La Sarre, RoyalRoussillon, Berri, and La Marine, less than four thousand in all,with about three thousand militia and volunteers, and, supportedby a few miserable cannon, marched forth to sit down before Quebec.
We were disappointed in our first plan of attack, but on the 28thof April, 1760, we had the good fortune to meet Murray face to facealmost on the very ground where Wolfe and Montcalm had fought inthe previous September.
Murray's force was somewhat smaller than ours, but more than equalledit in quality, being all regular troops, besides which he hadsomewhat the advantage of position; but, falling into the sameerror as Montcalm, he abandoned this to begin the attack, and thesame result followed.
The battle of Ste. Foye will always command the respect of men ofdiscretion without regard to the side which may engage theirsympathies.
There we met a foe as brave as the heart of soldier could desirewho for hours disputed every foot of ground with us, and the oneerror of the action on our part was rectified with a precision soadmirable that it but heightened the honours of the day. Before Irecord this, I must note a personal incident.
Immediately in front of our left, where the regiments of Bearn andLa Sarre were stationed, stood a mill and its dependencies, belonging,I believe, to one called Dumont, and though its possession was notof the slightest strategical importance, by one of those strangechances of battle it became the centre of the most obstinate fightingon both sides. Our grenadiers took possession of it, and held ituntil driven out at the point of dirk and claymore by the Highlanders,who in turn were dislodged after a desperate hand-to-hand struggle,whereupon the whole contest recommenced. M. de Levis, annoyed bythe useless waste of men and the danger of expending such effortand attention on so misleading an object, sent me with orders tohave our men withdrawn.
When I arrived the struggle was again at its height, both sideswere fighting with the simple ferocity of savages, unmindful ofevery rule of war. There was neither direction nor command; it wasman against man in a mad, unmeaning struggle for the pleasure ofmastery.
"Pardon, monsieur," I said to the Chevalier d'Aiguebelle, whocommanded the grenadiers, "but M. de Levis sends positive ordersthat you must withdraw your men. You are distracting the attentionof the whole left."
Then catching sight of the officer in command of Fraser's I rodeforward and saluted. As he answered my salute I saw it was my onceprisoner, Nairn.
"Call off your men, Captain Nairn!" I shouted. "This is simplymurder! I have given orders for ours to withdraw. There is no lossof honour on either side."
"Call off your men Captain Nairn."]
Without a moment's hesitation he rushed among them, commanding andstriking up swords right and left, while we did the same. When ourobject was attained, he turned to me and said:
"Hark you, sir! I am ready enough to join in avoiding uselessslaughter, but I have an account to square with you, for whichthere shall be no calling off when we meet. Remember that!"
I laughed and saluted, mightily intrigued at what his meaning mightbe, and then rode off to attend on the General.
Meantime the fighting along the line had been severe, and theenemy's artillery had told on us with such effect that at last ourcentre wavered and began to give way. Supported by a wood, ourleft stood firm within about twenty paces of the foe, when a flurriedadjutant ran along the line with orders to make a half-turn to theright and retire to some houses in the rear.
M. Malartic, major of La Sarre, stood aghast; it virtually meantretreat, and retreat in such a position invited certain destruction.He hurried over to M. de Barroute, a captain of Bearn, which stoodnext to the right, and repeated the order. They agreed at once amistake had been made, and an ominous murmur arose from the men asthe news was whispered from one to another. On this M. Dalquier,their colonel, as fine and experienced an officer as ever drewsword, rode up, and, inquiring of their difficulty, swept it asideby crying, "I will take it upon me to disobey the order. Fixbayonets, mes enfants!" The command was executed in an instant;then, rising in his stirrups, he swung his sword above his headand roared in a voice that could be heard all along the line,"Charge!"
The effect was indescribable; there was one quick, sharp shout of"Vive le Roi!" and the men went on like so many demons.
"Look at La Sarre!" cried Poulariez, with the Royal Roussillon onthe right, as we marked the sudden confusion and then the charge."The English have advanced too far! Ride to the Canadians, Maxwell!Half-wheel to the left, and we fall on their flank!"
It was the deciding-point of the
battle. The English line was throwninto complete disorder, and thence forward there was nothing buthand-to-hand fighting of the fiercest description, which lasteduntil it ended in the utter rout of the enemy.
At one point I saw M. de Boucherville, who carried the flag of theMontreal troops, go down in a melee, but the colours were saved bythe determined gallantry of M. de Sarennes, who carried them offamid a storm of cheers.
"Bravo, Sarennes!" I called to him as he rode past a moment later."Your lady-love should have seen that!"
"Go to the devil!" he roared back at me, with the voice and gestureof the boor he really was at bottom, but my hands were too fulleither to wonder at his insult or demand an explanation.
I will make no attempt to follow the detail of the action; it isenough to say the honours rested with us. We stood victorious overthe same foe that had defeated us on the same ground six monthsbefore. We had regained the Heights, regained the General Hospital,and it remained to be seen how soon we might sweep over its ruinedramparts into Quebec and hold it once more for King Louis.
As I entered the Hospital towards evening to report to M. de Levis,one of the sisters addressed me: "Pardon, monsieur, but are youthe Chevalier de Maxwell?"
"Yes, ma soeur."
"M. Dalquier wishes to speak with you. He lies here."
I found that fine old soldier lying on a bed faint from a wound hehad received at the very moment he made his decisive charge, butwhich had not prevented him holding his place for some time later.He smiled bravely as he held out his hand to me.
"These confounded surgeons will not allow me to speak in person,but I wish you, Chevalier, to thank the General for me. Did youhear about it? No? Then, listen. Just after our charge was made,and we had formed again, he rode up. 'Here is the devil to pay,'I said to myself, and was framing my defence in short order, when,'M. Dalquier,' he said, so that all about could hear, 'the Kingowes you his thanks for not making that half-turn. Hold your positionfor five minutes, and I will answer for the battle.' Did you everhear anything like it? Think of a general making such anacknowledgment, and before my men, too! Mort Dieu, Chevalier! Tellhim I would rather have this to remember than wear the Cross ofSt. Louis. Go!" And he turned away his face, to hide the tears thatspake of his overwhelming satisfaction.
"I will see him as soon as I can find a moment," said M. de Levis,when I repeated my message, almost as moved as the old soldier."Now, Chevalier, as soon as it falls dark, do you go over the groundalone, and as close to the town as possible, to see what dispositionswe are to make for our trenches. Mark what Murray has attempted inthe way of defences or outworks. Let me, or M. de Pontleroy, hearfrom you to-night, no matter how late the hour. But get somerefreshment before you set out," he added, thoughtful as ever ofthe wants of others.
I sate down for a few moments' rest, and ate something the goodnuns provided, and then borrowing a cloak to serve as a protectionagainst the drizzling rain which had again set in, I sallied forth.
When I reached the Heights it was puzzlingly dark, though the hourwas early, and I had the utmost difficulty in finding my way.Corpses of men and horses hindered me, more than once the woundedappealed to me for help, but I went on unheeding, trying to determinemy exact whereabouts, in order to begin my task. I had approachednear enough the town to see the lights, and could even catch soundsfrom the no doubt terrified population, but paid no attention toanything save my object in hand.
Suddenly a voice shouted in the darkness, "Halte la!" to which Ipromptly replied:
"Etat-major, aide de M. de Levis."
"Damn your Etat-major!" was the astonishing reply. "Why don't yousay 'Mistaire Maxwelle'?" in an undescribable attempt at an Englishpronunciation of my name.
"Come, come, Sarennes," I said, for I recognised the tall Canadian,"have you not got over your ill-humour yet? You nearly insulted meto-day in the field."
"I intended to. Do you wish me to repeat my words, or do you notknow when you are insulted, unless you are struck?"
"Are you mad, or only drunk, Sarennes? Get back to camp, man, andsleep off your fit. We cannot afford to quarrel after such a dayas this."
"No! you cannot afford to fight at any time. Do you think I am awoman like her whom you deceived, to be tricked by your lyingtongue?"
"Stop, sir!" I commanded. "I am on duty, but my duty must waituntil I have read you a lesson, which, I regret, you will not liveto profit by."
We could hardly see each other, and it was utterly impossible tofollow the sword-play save by feel; it was not a duel at all; itwas death, sure and swift, for one or perhaps both of us in thedark.
Sure and swift it was. I lost touch of his blade, and as he lungeddesperately, I avoided his stroke by dropping on my left hand, andstraightening my sword-arm _en seconde_, ran him clean through thebody as he came forward, his blade passing harmlessly over me. Itwas a desperate chance to take, but the stakes were high.
I knelt beside the fallen man and spake to him, but he could notanswer, and in common humanity I rose and hurried off to find somehelp.
I had not gone fifty yards before I almost ran up against a mancautiously making his way over the field. To my astonishment, Isaw he was an officer of Fraser's Highlanders, and commanding himto halt, I advanced, pistol in hand, and recognized Nairn.
"You are my prisoner, sir," I declared, covering him as I spake,and then, the drollery of the situation coming over me, I droppedmy arm and said, "It seems I am in for settling accounts to-night,Captain Nairn. You were good enough to remind me of some indebtednesson the field to-day, though what it was I am at a loss to determine.Perhaps it was my refusal of your handsome offer to me in Louisbourgthat I should turn traitor. No? 'Pon my soul, you are strangelyquiet in private for a gentleman who was so insistent in company!
"Come, draw the sword which you flourished to so little purposeto-day, and you will find I can pay in the only coin a soldiershould demand or take.
"What! Not ready yet? Would you have me produce my commission asan officer, or establish my right to arms, before you can crossswords with me? By God, sir! I will stand no more of your preciousfooling. Do you think you are going to roar out at me in publiclike some scurvy shopkeeper, and then stand like a stock-fish whenI do you the honour to ask your pleasure? Draw, sir, draw, beforeI am forced to strike you like a coward!"
To my amazement, instead of answering my words as they deserved,he threw up his hands with a weak cry and covered his face.
"He threw up his hands with a weak cry andcovered his face."]
Supposing him to be wounded, I melted in a moment, and, steppingforward, held out my hand to him.
"Come, sir, come! You are unnerved. Tell me, are you hit?"
As I spake I still advanced to support him, and was surprised beyondmeasure when the supposed officer retreated before me and cried,in a voice of intense womanish entreaty, "No, no; do not touch me!"
I burst out laughing. "'Pon my soul, madam! you came near beingsomewhat late, with your embargo, and you have betrayed me into anexhibition of the vilest humour, for which I most humbly apologise."
She seemed somewhat uncertain how to take my drolling, whereuponI changed my tone, and asked, with every appearance of curiosity,"May I inquire how I can be of service to you?"
"Am I within the French lines?"
"No; you are on what may still be considered debatable ground. ButI cannot give information to a lady whose masquerade is at leastsuspicious."
"I only ask, sir, to be taken within your lines. Will you do thisfor me?"
"I doubt it, madam, unless you can show me you have good right tobe there. You are not a Frenchwoman."
"No, I am not, but I carry important information for your General."
"Pardon me, madam, but the General is fully occupied," I said, inmy most repelling manner.
"Sir, I have come thus far at great risk to myself, and my news isof the utmost importance. Let me go on alone, if you will not takeme in yourself."
"Madam, I have not the honour t
o be known to you, but, believe me,my advice is of the best when I tell you that your way is open tothe town again. Take it, madam, and think nothing more of thisescapade, but that you were fortunate to have fallen in with onewho could advise so soundly."
"This is no escapade, sir; it has been a matter of life or deathto me, and it is almost as much to your General," she said, withsuch earnestness that I could not doubt her intentions.
"Then, madam, if you are determined, I will take you. You cannotpossibly go on alone; there are too many Indians engaged in theirusual pastime of looking after white scalps. But first I must seekfor help for a wounded officer, and then must complete my work.Follow me closely, but give me your word you will not attempt anytricks," I said; for I have never been prepossessed in favour ofadventurous damsels, and I misdoubted the value of her allegedinformation.
"That will not answer. I must go on at once! I cannot wait."
"It seems to me you are hardly in a position to choose, madam," Ireplied, amused at her decision.
She hesitated a moment, and then said, desperately:
"Do you know who I am, Hugh Maxwell? I am Margaret Nairn!"
Had the solid ground opened beneath my feet I could not have beenmore confounded.
"Margaret!" I cried, when I could find my voice. "Margaret--here?I cannot understand. Speak to me again!"
"Yes, Hugh, I am Margaret--Margaret Nairn. I am Mme. de St. Just."
"You have been here all along and never let me know? I cannotunderstand."
"Do not try to understand now. Hugh! I beseech you to take me ontrust and help me to go on."
But as she spake I caught sight of a moving light.
"Do not speak another word. Some one is coming. Crouch down hereuntil I see who it is."
Advancing cautiously, I discovered the light came from a lanthorn,by the aid of which a priest was examining the bodies, hoping, nodoubt, to discover some unfortunate who needed his ministrations.He would serve me for Sarennes.
"Mon pere," I said, advancing, "may I beg your assistance for awounded officer?"
"Willingly. Lead me to him. Who is he?
"M. de Sarennes."
"Ah, I know him well."
I directed him to where Sarennes lay, and then returned to Margaret.
"I must wait until I see if anything can be done here before wego. Come with me for a moment."
The priest took no notice of us as we knelt beside the dying man,and Margaret, exclaiming with pity as she saw him, lifted his headand supported it in her lap.
Sarennes opened his eyes and looked up into her face. He tried tospeak, but no sound came from his moving lips.
"Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, Et lux perpetua luceat ei,"
prayed the priest, and even as we responded the unhappy spirit tookits flight. Margaret bowed her head, and her tears fell on the deadface in her lap.
Most of us have been in circumstances where the killing of a manwas a necessity, and have suffered no qualms of conscience thereat.I certainly had no compunctions on the outcome of my meeting withM. de Sarennes, and yet, at the sight of Margaret's tears, thenatural feelings triumphed over the intellectual, and I joinedfervently in the prayers of the priest.
He now appeared to notice Margaret for the first time, and liftinghis lanthorn, he held it so that the light shone full upon her; asshe raised her head in surprise, I could see he recognised her.
"Lifting his lanthorn, he held it so that thelight shone full upon her."]
"Marguerite!" he cried, in a voice of reproach.
"Why do you speak to me thus, mon pere? Why do you speak thus?"she repeated, with alarm in her accents.
"Marguerite, is it possible you do not know me?"
"Know you? Why do you ask? Why do you call me by my name? You arele pere Jean."
"I am le pere Jean--but I was Gaston de Trincardel!"
"What!" she cried, almost with terror, as she sprang to her feet.
"I am Gaston de Trincardel," he repeated, unmoved.
"Oh, why do you tell me this? At such a time..." she moaned, andI stepped to her side, for her cry went to my heart.
"I tell you this because I must try to bring you to your senses.Why are you here in disguise? A shameful disguise," he repeated,scornfully. "Whose hand slew this man before us?"
"Mine!" I interrupted, for I could not stand by and see her meethis attack alone.
"Why are you here beside one who may be little better than amurderer?" he continued to her, without heeding me in the least.
"Sir, you are free to put any construction on my act you choose,as I cannot make you answer for your words," I interrupted again.
"One from whom I have striven with all my power as a priest to keepyou?" he went on, still ignoring me. "Since that has failed, Imust try and appeal to your gratitude towards her who was yourprotector when you were but a girl. In some sense I stand as herrepresentative, and I charge you by her memory to renounce thislast folly which has led you here."
"Stop, Gaston!" she cried. "Every word you say would be an insultdid it come from another. But I have too high a reverence for youas a priest, the remembrance of your unfailing charity is toostrong, to answer except by an explanation. Never mind appearances!I am here in this disguise because it afforded the only possibleescape from the town, and my object is to carry word to M. de Levisthat everything within the walls is in the most complete disorder,the garrison is mad with drink, and he has but to march on the townat once to effect its capture."
"Are you dreaming?--the town helpless?"
"Yes, it is his, if he can but advance without delay."
"Then, forgive me! I was wrong--a hundred times wrong!"
"Just one moment. My meeting with M. de Maxwell is as much by chanceas your meeting with me," she added, with a decision which I thoughtperhaps unnecessary.
"Forgive me, Marguerite," he repeated, in his usual tone; "and youtoo, Chevalier. I wronged you both. Now to make amends. Will youlead us to the General?" he said, turning to me.
"Come," I said, and we each held out a hand to Margaret.
"Stand!" thundered a voice in English at two paces from us. "Youare all covered!"