Page:Helen Leah Reed - Napoleons young neighbour.djvu/32

12 they were so fond of the Governor that they did not wish to lose him.

Their fears were well grounded, for when Sir George Cockburn landed it was found that he had received an appointment that gave him the chief civil and military power on the island, while Governor Wilks took secondary rank. Later it was learned that on account of the distinction of the prisoner, a governor of higher rank than Colonel Wilks would be sent from England to supersede him, a governor who held his appointment directly from the Crown.

Two or three days after the visit of the officer to The Briars, Betsy and her brothers and sister were in a state of great excitement.

"Ah, I hope papa will not be killed," cried little Alexander.

"How silly you are!" responded the older Jane. "Why should he be killed?"

"Because Napoleon is such a monster. If he should suddenly take out his sword—"

"Yes, or open his mouth and swallow papa, how terrible it would be!" added Betsy mockingly.

"Of course Bonaparte is a monster, but he