And
if we beat St. Luc without the aid of a strong fort, why shouldn't we
beat you with it, Colonel de Courcelles?"
Colonel de Courcelles frowned once more, and Captain de Jumonville
frowned with him.
"You don't know the wilderness, Captain Colden," he said, "and you
don't give our demand the serious consideration to which it is
entitled. Later on, the truth of what I tell you may bear heavily upon
you."
"I may not know the forest as you do, Colonel de Courcelles, but I
have with me masters of woodcraft, Mr. Lennox and Mr. Willet, with
whom you're already acquainted."
"We've had passages of various kinds with Colonel de Courcelles, both
in the forest and at Quebec," said Robert, quietly.
Both De Courcelles and Jumonville flushed, and it became apparent that
they were anxious to end the interview.
"This, I take it, is your final answer," the French Colonel said to
the young Philadelphia captain.
"It is, sir."
"Then what may occur rests upon the knees of the gods."
"It does, sir, and I'm as willing as you to abide by the result."
"And I have the honor of bidding you good day."
"An equally great honor is mine."
The two French officers were ceremonious.
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