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There are practically no elections, and it is a sham legislature." Then, as if wandering from his subject, Riel broke forth and said: "I was ready at Batoche; I fired and wounded your soldiers. Bear in mind, is my crime, committed in self-defence, so enormous? Oh, Jesus Christ! help me, for they are trying to tear me into pieces.
And without further delay, the servant took his departure. Quietude then reigned in the cabin. Little Blanche recited her prayers to Zulma, and was put to bed by her, when she went to sleep directly. Her strange manners and remarkable discourse had been a source of great interest to Cary. Batoche retired to his alcove, whence he did not issue for a long time.
He had come expressly to see Cary, and, while condoling with him on his accident, testified to his joy that he was on a fair way of recovery. He speedily commended the conduct of his daughter under the circumstances, and, in a long conversation with Batoche, took occasion to declare his cordial approval of the course which he had thought fit to pursue in the war.
Lawrence, a faint illumination floated over Quebec from its hundred lights, and the camp-fires of the Continental army broke out here and there in the distance. They reached a rough part of the road where the horse was put on the walk. "Batoche," said Cary hoarsely. "Yes, Captain," was the calm reply. "The end is at hand." "Alas! sir." "You see those fires yonder? They will soon be extinguished.
Batoche durst not give his name even in a whisper, for the winds of suspicion might bear it to headquarters. "What do you want at this hour?" "Fear nothing. Open the door and I will tell you." "I will not open." M. Belmont was not a timid man, but evidently these precautions had become necessary in the present demoralized condition of the town.
When he had attained about the middle of the distance between the two banks of the river, Batoche paused and stooped at the mouth of an aperture which would admit only his bent body. Without faltering, and as if sure of his locality, he thus entered into the subterranean cavity.
"There is something I would like to ask, mademoiselle, but should never have dared if you had not suggested it." "What is it, Batoche?" "I have a granddaughter, little Blanche." "Yes." "She has been my inseparable companion from her infancy." "Yes." "Now that the war has broken out, she is much alone, and that troubles me." "Where is she?" "In our cabin at Montmorenci.
The complexion was bronze and the face beardless. This last feature is said to be characteristic of low vitality, but it is also frequently distinctive of eccentricity, and Batoche was clearly eccentric, as the expression of his eyes showed. They were cold grey eyes, but filled with wild intermittent illuminations. The reflection of the fire-light gave them a weird appearance.
Zulma turned to M. Belmont with a sweet smile, while he awoke from his stupor with indications of fear. "Heavens! are our enemies so soon upon us?" he exclaimed, rising. "Never fear," said Zulma, rising also. "It is our friends." She went to the door and admitted Cary Singleton and Batoche. They were both haggard and travel-stained. It required but a glance to reveal the situation to them.
Batoche had found his way there after dismissing his associates, and, without disturbing the inmates, had entered by means of a private key given by his friend. He had gone to sleep at once, and it was eleven o'clock in the forenoon before he arose. His first step was to seek the presence of M. Belmont.
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