Elsie's Journey on Inland Waters Page 10

  CHAPTER X.

  The drip, drip of rain was the first sound that greeted Lucilla's earson awaking the next morning. She started up in her berth and listened.The _Dolphin_ was not moving.

  "Oh, we must be anchored at Montreal, and it's raining," she saidto herself. "There will not be much sight-seeing for us to-day, I'mafraid. Dear, dear! I hope we won't have to hurry away without seeinganything. Though in that case, perhaps papa will bring us here againnext year."

  She did not linger long over her toilet, and was soon with her fatheron the deck.

  "Oh, papa!" she exclaimed, after the usual morning greetings had beenexchanged, "aren't you sorry it has turned out a rainy day?"

  "A bright one would seem pleasanter to us, as we had planned to do somesight-seeing," he replied, "but let us remember who sends the changesof the weather, that He knows what is best for us, and that we maysafely trust in His knowledge, power, and love for us?"

  "Yes, papa, that is how I ought to feel about it, and I will try to,"she said, a sweet smile replacing the slight frown that had marred thebeauty of her face for the moment.

  "I think," he went on presently, "that it is not going to be a lastingrain. Probably showery for some hours, which we can spend withadvantage in a short review of the history of Montreal, and consideringwhat parts of it are most worthy of our attention; for we cannot taketime to visit every locality."

  "Oh, what a nice idea, papa! It quite comforts me!" she cried, lookingup into his face with a bright, glad smile, "I do think I have just thevery best, kindest, wisest father----"

  "There, there! that will do!" he said, stopping her flow of words witha kiss full upon her lips. "I am afraid my eldest daughter is a decidedflatterer."

  "Oh, papa, the truth isn't flattery, is it?" she asked with a roguishlook up into his eyes.

  "Ah! but silly young things, like my daughter Lucilla, oftentimes havevivid imaginations. But to change the subject, Montreal, you know, ishistoric ground."

  "Yes, sir; I remember that the first white man who visited it wasJacques Quartier or Cartier, a French navigator. And didn't he discoverthe Gulf and River St. Lawrence? and give them those names?"

  "Yes; and named the place here Mount Royal--in honor of his king,Francis I. The city is built upon an island thirty miles long andtwelve wide, and upon the site of a noted Indian village calledHochelaga. Cartier's visit was paid in 1535. In 1640 a white settlementwas gathered there. The Indians, friendly at first, afterward becamejealous, then hostile. The whites at first defended their town with astockade and slight bastions, but later with a strong wall of masonryfifteen feet high, with battlements and six gates."

  "What an old, old town it is!" exclaimed Lucilla. "Did it become alarge city very quickly, papa?"

  "No; its growth was gradual, but when in the middle of the last centuryhostilities were begun between the French and English colonies,Montreal was an important frontier town. It was threatened by theEnglish under Amherst in 1759, and in the autumn of the next yearpassed out of the possession of the French into that of the English."

  "And they have kept it ever since?"

  "Yes; though our people invaded it in 1775, after the capture of FortsSt. John and Chambly."

  "Oh, yes, sir! under Montgomery and Arnold, wasn't it?"

  "The first attack was under Ethan Allen, and was made a month earlierthan the taking of those forts," replied the captain. "Montgomery hadsent him to arouse the people in favor of the rebellion, as our causewas then styled by our foes. Allen was active and brave, and soon hadgathered 250 Canadians to his standard. He wrote, Lossing tells us, toMontgomery, that within three days he would join him, with at least 500armed Canadians, in laying siege to St. John's.

  "He was marching up the east side of the St. Lawrence when he fell inwith Major Brown, at the head of an advanced party of Americans andCanadians, and Brown proposed that they should make a joint attack uponMontreal; telling Allen it was weak and defenceless. Allen agreed andthey made their arrangements. Allen was to get canoes and cross theriver below the city with his troops, while Brown was to cross abovewith 200 men, and they were to attack the city simultaneously.

  "But for some unexplained reason Brown failed to keep his part of theagreement, and Allen's party made the attack alone.

  "It was at night, a rough, windy night, that they, 80 Canadians and 30Americans, crossed the river, and they had so few canoes that threecrossings were necessary to carry the whole party over. That wassafely accomplished by daylight, at which time Allen expected to hearBrown's signal, telling him that he too had crossed with his men. Butthe signal was waited for in vain. He did not come at all.

  "Allen would have retreated if the boats could have carried all overat once; as it was, he placed guards on the roads to prevent peoplefrom carrying the news of his presence into the city. But in spite ofthat precaution the inhabitants somehow became aware of it, and soontroops were seen issuing from the gates. They consisted of a force of40 British regulars, 200 Canadians, and a few Indians.

  "Two to one of the Americans, if not more!" exclaimed Lucilla.

  "Yes," said her father, "but so brave were our men that they foughtfor an hour and three-quarters before they would surrender. At last,however, they all deserted but 28, 7 of whom were wounded, and Allenagreed to surrender upon being promised honorable terms."

  "The prisoners were marched to Montreal and well treated until GeneralPrescott got them in his custody, when he behaved toward them in themost brutal manner. Learning that Allen was the man who capturedTiconderoga, he flew into a rage, threatened him with a halter, andordered him to be bound hand and foot in irons and placed on board thewar schooner _Gaspee_. A bar of iron eight feet long was attached tohis fetters, his fellow-prisoners were fastened together in pairs withhandcuffs, and all were thrust into the lowest part of the ship, wherethey were allowed neither bed nor seat."

  "Oh, papa! what a monster of cruelty that Prescott must have been!"exclaimed Lucilla. "Was he not the same Prescott who had command of theBritish troops in Rhode Island some two years later?"

  "The very same; a most unfit man for such a position as he held thenand there. A cowardly wretch, a petty tyrant, with a callous heart, anarrow mind, and utterly destitute of benevolence or charity."

  "But what became of Allen finally, papa? If I ever knew, I haveforgotten."

  "He was kept for five weeks in that deplorable condition, at Montreal,on board the _Gaspee_; then the vessel was sent down to Quebec, and hewas put on board of another vessel, where he was treated humanely. Hewas sent to England to be tried for treason, and landed at Falmouth,where his grotesque garb attracted a great deal of attention. He wasafterward sent to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and thence to New York, where,in May 1778, he was exchanged for Colonel Campbell."

  "There is not nearly so much to be seen here as in Quebec, is there,papa?" she asked.

  "No," he replied, "and we will not stay very long here, but will spendmore of our time there."

  "Oh, papa, didn't General Montgomery come to Montreal some time afterthe events you have been telling of?"

  "Yes; after the fall of St. John's. Carleton knew the place was weak,and at once retreated on board of one of a number of small vesselslying in the river, as did General Prescott, several officers, and120 private soldiers. But Montgomery, as soon as he was aware thatthey were trying to flee, sent Colonel Baston with continental troops,cannon, and armed gondolas to the mouth of the Sorel, where they wereposted so advantageously that the British fleet could not pass, so werecompelled to surrender. But Carleton escaped, in a boat with muffledoars, past the American post to Three Rivers, from which place he soonreached Quebec in safety."

  "What a pity! I wish the Americans had been more watchful!" exclaimedLucilla.

  "They were watchful in their guard boats," replied her father, "buta dark night and secret way were in Carleton's favor. They securedPrescott, who certainly richly deserved to be made prisoner and treatedfar worse than he was, but that was by no means the
loss to the Britishthat the taking of Carleton would have been, for Prescott's conduct onmany occasions made him a disgrace to their army. But we have had along talk, and there is the call to breakfast."

  In spite of the drip and splash of the rain outside the faces thatsurrounded the breakfast table were bright and cheery.

  "There will be no going ashore to-day, I presume," remarked GrandmaElsie, when the blessing had been asked, and the filling of plates andcoffee cups had begun.

  "I do not despair of it, mother," returned the captain, in cheerfultones. "It does not seem to me like a settled rain. I think it willclear by noon, and that then we can go about the city and its environsin carriages."

  "Yes," said Mr. Dinsmore, "though our own are beyond reach at present,it is altogether likely the city, in the persons of some of itsinhabitants, supplies vehicles for those willing to pay for their use."

  "No doubt of it," said the captain.

  "Where is Walter, mamma?" queried Violet, noticing that the boy's seatwas unoccupied.

  "I do not know. I fear he has overslept himself," replied her mother.

  "No, mother," said the captain; "he was early on deck and beggedpermission of me to go into the city in quest of our mail. Ah, herehe comes," as a blithe boyish voice was heard at the head of thecompanion-way.

  In another moment the lad entered, looking rosy and exultant.

  "Mail for us all, not to speak of telegrams," he said, in lively tones,emptying his pockets as he spoke, and handing letters and papers to oneand another. "Mamma, your share is a large one, as it ought to be; thetelegram, from my brothers, I presume, to announce their safe arrivalat home; it is the one at the top of the pile, as you may see," handingher a number of missives.

  "Yes; and most satisfactory," she said, with a smile and a sigh ofrelief, as she opened and read it at a glance. "'Just arrived safely.Hear that all the relatives are well.' Ah, what cause for gratitude tothe Giver of all good!" she exclaimed low and feelingly. "There havebeen so many accidents, yet we and our dear ones have escaped them all."

  "It is indeed a cause for gratitude," responded her father. "We willtrust in Him and not be afraid; for wherever we go we are under Hiskind care and protection."

  "A most comforting and cheering thought," said the captain.

  Grandma Elsie was opening a letter post-marked Newport, R. I.

  "Ah, this is from our dear Molly!" she said. "She dates 'ParadiseValley.' Where is that?"

  "It is on the island of Rhode Island, a few miles out from the City ofNewport," replied the captain.

  "Ah, yes; so she tells me," responded Mrs. Travilla, her eyes stillupon the letter. "They have taken a furnished house for some months,there is another within a few yards of it, now empty, and they want usall to come there, help fill the two, and have a pleasant time for afew days, or weeks, enjoying the lovely scenery, the sea breeze, andeach other's society. What do you all say to the proposition?"

  "I think we might spend a short time as pleasantly there as anywhereelse," said Mr. Dinsmore.

  "As I do," said his wife.

  "I only wish I could be of the party," sighed Walter, assuming a verydepressed expression of countenance; "but my college duties will claimmy attention before that."

  "For which you may be very thankful, laddie," said his sister Rose."Remember it is not every boy--or young man--who attains to theblessing of a college education, without having to earn it by hardwork."

  "I expect and intend to do hard work," returned Walter, stirring hiscoffee, for he had seated himself and was beginning a hearty breakfast.

  "On which side is your vote to be cast, Violet, my dear?" asked thecaptain in his pleasant tones, turning inquiringly to his young wife.

  "I think a brief visit there, on our homeward route, might be veryenjoyable," she replied; "but if my husband prefers to go directly homeI shall be entirely content."

  "Thank you, my dear. I do not see any need of excessive haste inreturning home, and it shall be just as you say, whether we acceptCousin Molly's invitation or decline it."

  "Then suppose we leave it to Lu and Gracie to say what shall be done,so far as our immediate family is concerned."

  "Very well," he said. "Speak freely, daughters, in regard to yourpreferences for accepting this invitation or going directly home aftervisiting Quebec."

  "I shall be perfectly satisfied with my father's decision," saidLucilla, with a smiling look up into his face. "I have no doubt thelittle visit to Paradise Valley would prove very enjoyable, yet home isto me the sweetest place on earth, and we have been away from it a goodmany weeks already."

  Captain Raymond looked not ill pleased with her reply, but turnedinquiringly to Grace.

  "I can echo my sister's sentiments, father dear," she said, with herown sweet smile; "keep me with you and I shall be content and happywherever that may be."

  The captain's answering smile seemed to say he thought no other man haddaughters quite equal to his, but turning to Evelyn he asked what wereher wishes in regard to the matter.

  "I have no doubt a visit to Paradise Valley would be very enjoyable,captain," she replied, with a smile, "that is, if the place is at allsuggestive of the name, but like your daughters, I shall be perfectlycontented whether we stop there for a time or go on directly home."

  "There!" exclaimed Rosie, "were ever such accommodating girls seenbefore? Now, Brother Levis, when I am asked that question I shall givea different reply, if only to furnish a trifle of the spice of variety."

  "Consider it asked then, my dear young sister," he returned, withassumed gravity, but a twinkle of fun in his eye.

  "I do, and my answer is, that I am decidedly in favor of acceptingCousin Molly's invitation. I have a great desire to see Paradise, sincethe thing may be so easily accomplished, and nobody seems to have anyobjection to going there."

  "Then we will consider the question decided in the affirmative," saidthe captain, "and make our arrangements accordingly."

  "Not allowing among them an avoidance of Quebec, I trust," said Walter;"for I own that I very much want to see that old city."

  "Set your mind at rest on that point, my boy," said the captainpleasantly; "I hardly think there is one of us who would willingly missthat visit."

  "I am glad to hear you say that, captain," said Evelyn, "for I, forone, am looking forward to our visit there with a great deal ofinterest."

  The little ones now asked to be excused, and went away to their plays,but the others sat about the table reading their letters--now and thena few sentences aloud, for the benefit of the company--until Walterhad finished his meal, when they all gathered in the saloon for theirregular morning service of prayer, Bible reading, and sacred song.

  When that duty had been duly attended to, the gentlemen and some ofthe ladies went upon deck for a time. Rain was still falling, but lessheavily than in the earlier hours, and Captain Raymond and Mr. Dinsmoredecided to pay a visit to the city, promising to return in an houror two, bringing vehicles for a drive, in case the weather should soimprove that a little excursion might be taken with safety and pleasure.

  Mrs. Travilla, Violet, and the young girls and Walter stood upon thedeck, watching their departure.

  "I hope they may enjoy themselves, but I shouldn't like to walk out inthis drizzle," sighed Grace. Then in a lower, livelier tone, "Mamma, areyou not proud of your husband? I think he is very handsome, even inthat unbecoming waterproof coat."

  "And I am decidedly of the opinion that everything becomes him,"returned Violet, with a low, pleased laugh. "Well, mamma and you girls,how shall we pass the morning? It really seems to me that the saloon ismore inviting and comfortable at present than the deck."

  The others agreed with her, and all went below, where they found thetwo little ones begging Grandma Rose for a story to while away thetime.

  "Ah," she said, "here comes your Grandma Elsie, who is far better thanI am at that business.

  "Oh, yes!" cried little Elsie. "Grandma, won't you please tell us nowabout t
hings that have happened at Montreal and Quebec?"

  "Yes, dear; I promised you, and there will be no better time than thisfor the telling of the story," Mrs. Travilla answered pleasantly, asshe seated herself and took up her fancy work, while the children drewtheir chairs to her side, each young face full of eager expectancy.