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238 "A little change of language will do your holy ears good, if you are a monk," was the answer.

"Where do you wish to take us?"

"Why, to the Governor."

"Come, then," said Gerard in a tone of almost submissive readiness.

"Have they caught the rascal yet, Louis?" asked the sergeant, and the man addressed turned his head to look.

"Now," cried Gerard, and on the instant hurled himself on the sergeant, who was taken entirely by surprise. Gerard wrenched his musket from him and clubbing it, knocked him senseless to the ground. Dubois, divining Gerard's intention, had edged close to the second man and dealt with him in much the same fashion, while Pierre engaged the third.

The struggle lasted scarcely more than a few seconds, and as soon as it was over, Gerard and Dubois ran to the assistance of Babillon, whom the soldiers had captured.

Seeing help coming, they released him and levelled their muskets at the onrushing men. But Babillon with ready wit jostled one against the other so that the shots were fired in the air.

The rest was easy. The two men broke and fled, but were soon caught and treated like the rest of the party, in order to prevent the danger of pursuit.

"Now for the wall," said Gerard.

"It is impossible, monsieur. The boat must have been seen, and the further bank of the river is alive with soldiers," said Babillon, "and they have seized the boat. It was that made me return."

"We must get away, then. Those shots will soon bring a whole company to the spot. Did the men know you, Babillon?"

"No, monsieur."

"Good! then lead us back to your house. You have