The drip, drip of rain was the first sound that greeted Lucilla's ears
on 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 said
to herself. "There will not be much sight-seeing for us to-day, I'm
afraid. Dear, dear! I hope we won't have to hurry away without seeing
anything. Though in that case, perhaps papa will bring us here again
next year."
She did not linger long over her toilet, and was soon with her father
on the deck.
"Oh, papa!" she exclaimed, after the usual morning greetings had been
exchanged, "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 some
sight-seeing," he replied, "but let us remember who sends the changes
of the weather, that He knows what is best for us, and that we may
safely 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 the
beauty of her face for the moment.
"I think," he went on presently, "that it is not going to be a lasting
rain. Probably showery for some hours, which we can spend with
advantage in a short review of the history of Montreal, and considering
what parts of it are most worthy of our attention; for we cannot take
time to visit every locality."
"Oh, what a nice idea, papa! It quite comforts me!" she cried, looking
up into his face with a bright, glad smile, "I do think I have just the
very best, kindest, wisest father----"
"There, there! that will do!" he said, stopping her flow of words with
a kiss full upon her lips. "I am afraid my eldest daughter is a decided
flatterer."
"Oh, papa, the truth isn't flattery, is it?" she asked with a roguish
look up into his eyes.
"Ah! but silly young things, like my daughter Lucilla, oftentimes have
vivid imaginations. But to change the subject, Montreal, you know, is
historic ground."
"Yes, sir; I remember that the first white man who visited it was
Jacques Quartier or Cartier, a French navigator. And didn't he discover
the 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 and
twelve wide, and upon the site of a noted Indian village called
Hochelaga. Cartier's visit was paid in 1535. In 1640 a white settlement
was gathered there. The Indians, friendly at first, afterward became
jealous, then hostile. The whites at first defended their town with a
stockade and slight bastions, but later with a strong wall of masonry
fifteen feet high, with battlements and six gates."
"What an old, old town it is!" exclaimed Lucilla. "Did it become a
large city very quickly, papa?"
"No; its growth was gradual, but when in the middle of the last century
hostilities were begun between the French and English colonies,
Montreal was an important frontier town. It was threatened by the
English under Amherst in 1759, and in the autumn of the next year
passed 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 Forts
St. 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 earlier
than the taking of those forts," replied the captain. "Montgomery had
sent him to arouse the people in favor of the rebellion, as our cause
was then styled by our foes. Allen was active and brave, and soon had
gathered 250 Canadians to his standard. He wrote, Lossing tells us, to
Montgomery, that within three days he would join him, with at least 500
armed Canadians, in laying siege to St. John's.
"He was marching up the east side of the St. Lawrence when he fell in
with Major Brown, at the head of an advanced party of Americans and
Canadians, and Brown proposed that they should make a joint attack upon
Montreal; telling Allen it was weak and defenceless. Allen agreed and
they made their arrangements. Allen was to get canoes and cross the
river below the city with his troops, while Brown was to cross above
with 200 men, and they were to attack the city simultaneously.
"But for some unexplained reason Brown failed to keep his part of the
agreement, and Allen's party made the attack alone.
"It was at night, a rough, windy night, that they, 80 Canadians and 30
Americans, crossed the river, and they had so few canoes that three
crossings were necessary to carry the whole party over. That was
safely accomplished by daylight, at which time Allen expected to hear
Brown's signal, telling him that he too had crossed with his men. But
the signal was waited for in vain. He did not come at all.
"Allen would have retreated if the boats could have carried all over
at once; as it was, he placed guards on the roads to prevent people
from carrying the news of his presence into the city. But in spite of
that precaution the inhabitants somehow became aware of it, and soon
troops were seen issuing from the gates. They consisted of a force of
40 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 fought
for an hour and three-quarters before they would surrender. At last,
however, they all deserted but 28, 7 of whom were wounded, and Allen
agreed to surrender upon being promised honorable terms."
"The prisoners were marched to Montreal and well treated until General
Prescott got them in his custody, when he behaved toward them in the
most brutal manner. Learning that Allen was the man who captured
Ticonderoga, he flew into a rage, threatened him with a halter, and
ordered him to be bound hand and foot in irons and placed on board the
war schooner _Gaspee_. A bar of iron eight feet long was attached to
his fetters, his fellow-prisoners were fastened together in pairs with
handcuffs, and all were thrust into the lowest part of the ship, where
they 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 the
British troops in Rhode Island some two years later?"
"The very same; a most unfit man for such a position as he held then
and there. A cowardly wretch, a petty tyrant, with a callous heart, a
narrow mind, and utterly destitute of benevolence or charity."
"But what became of Allen finally, papa? If I ever knew, I have
forgotten."
"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 he
was put on board of another vessel, where he was treated humanely. He
was sent to England to be tried for treason, and landed at Falmouth,
where his grotesque garb attracted a great deal of attention. He was
afterward 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 spend
more of our time there."
"Oh, papa, didn't General Montgomery come to Montreal some time after
the 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 vessels
lying in the river, as did General Prescott, several officers, and
120 private soldiers. But Montgomery, as soon as he was aware that
they were trying to flee, sent Colonel Baston with continental troops,
cannon, and armed gondolas to the mouth of the Sorel, where they were
posted so advantageously that the British fleet could not pass, so were
compelled to surrender. But Carleton escaped, in a boat with muffled
oars, past the American post to Three Rivers, from which place he soon
reached Quebec in safety."
"What a pity! I wish the Americans had been more watchful!" exclaimed
Lucilla.
"They were watchful in their guard boats," replied her father, "but
a dark night and secret way were in Carleton's favor. They secured
Prescott, who certainly richly deserved to be made prisoner and treated
far worse than he was, but that was by no means the loss to the British
that the taking of Carleton would have been, for Prescott's conduct on
many occasions made him a disgrace to their army. But we have had a
long talk, and there is the call to breakfast."
In spite of the drip and splash of the rain outside the faces that
surrounded the breakfast table were bright and cheery.
"There will be no going ashore to-day, I presume," remarked Grandma
Elsie, when the blessing had been asked, and the filling of plates and
coffee cups had begun.
"I do not despair of it, mother," returned the captain, in cheerful
tones. "It does not seem to me like a settled rain. I think it will
clear by noon, and that then we can go about the city and its environs
in 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 its
inhabitants, 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 seat
was 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 begged
permission of me to go into the city in quest of our mail. Ah, here
he comes," as a blithe boyish voice was heard at the head of the
companion-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 one
and another. "Mamma, your share is a large one, as it ought to be; the
telegram, from my brothers, I presume, to announce their safe arrival
at home; it is the one at the top of the pile, as you may see," handing
her a number of missives.
"Yes; and most satisfactory," she said, with a smile and a sigh of
relief, as she opened and read it at a glance. "'Just arrived safely.
Hear that all the relatives are well.' Ah, what cause for gratitude to
the Giver of all good!" she exclaimed low and feelingly. "There have
been so many accidents, yet we and our dear ones have escaped them all."
"It is indeed a cause for gratitude," responded her father. "We will
trust in Him and not be afraid; for wherever we go we are under His
kind 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 'Paradise
Valley.' Where is that?"
"It is on the island of Rhode Island, a few miles out from the City of
Newport," replied the captain.
"Ah, yes; so she tells me," responded Mrs. Travilla, her eyes still
upon 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 us
all to come there, help fill the two, and have a pleasant time for a
few days, or weeks, enjoying the lovely scenery, the sea breeze, and
each other's society. What do you all say to the proposition?"
"I think we might spend a short time as pleasantly there as anywhere
else," said Mr. Dinsmore.
"As I do," said his wife.
"I only wish I could be of the party," sighed Walter, assuming a very
depressed expression of countenance; "but my college duties will claim
my 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 the
blessing of a college education, without having to earn it by hard
work."
"I expect and intend to do hard work," returned Walter, stirring his
coffee, for he had seated himself and was beginning a hearty breakfast.
"On which side is your vote to be cast, Violet, my dear?" asked the
captain in his pleasant tones, turning inquiringly to his young wife.
"I think a brief visit there, on our homeward route, might be very
enjoyable," she replied; "but if my husband prefers to go directly home
I shall be entirely content."
"Thank you, my dear. I do not see any need of excessive haste in
returning home, and it shall be just as you say, whether we accept
Cousin 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 your
preferences for accepting this invitation or going directly home after
visiting Quebec."
"I shall be perfectly satisfied with my father's decision," said
Lucilla, with a smiling look up into his face. "I have no doubt the
little visit to Paradise Valley would prove very enjoyable, yet home is
to me the sweetest place on earth, and we have been away from it a good
many weeks already."
Captain Raymond looked not ill pleased with her reply, but turned
inquiringly to Grace.
"I can echo my sister's sentiments, father dear," she said, with her
own sweet smile; "keep me with you and I shall be content and happy
wherever that may be."
The captain's answering smile seemed to say he thought no other man had
daughters quite equal to his, but turning to Evelyn he asked what were
her 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 all
suggestive of the name, but like your daughters, I shall be perfectly
contented whether we stop there for a time or go on directly home."
"There!" exclaimed Rosie, "were ever such accommodating girls seen
before? Now, Brother Levis, when I am asked that question I shall give
a different reply, if only to furnish a trifle of the spice of variety."
"Consider it asked then, my dear young sister," he returned, with
assumed gravity, but a twinkle of fun in his eye.
"I do, and my answer is, that I am decidedly in favor of accepting
Cousin Molly's invitation. I have a great desire to see Paradise, since
the thing may be so easily accomplished, and nobody seems to have any
objection to going there."
"Then we will consider the question decided in the affirmative," said
the 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 captain
pleasantly; "I hardly think there is one of us who would willingly miss
that visit."
"I am glad to hear you say that, captain," said Evelyn, "for I, for
one, am looking forward to our visit there with a great deal of
interest."
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 then
a few sentences aloud, for the benefit of the company--until Walter
had finished his meal, when they all gathered in the saloon for their
regular morning service of prayer, Bible reading, and sacred song.
When that duty had been duly attended to, the gentlemen and some of
the ladies went upon deck for a time. Rain was still falling, but less
heavily than in the earlier hours, and Captain Raymond and Mr. Dinsmore
decided to pay a visit to the city, promising to return in an hour
or two, bringing vehicles for a drive, in case the weather should so
improve that a little excursion might be taken with safety and pleasure.
Mrs. Travilla, Violet, and the young girls and Walter stood upon the
deck, watching their departure.
"I hope they may enjoy themselves, but I shouldn't like to walk out in
this drizzle," sighed Grace. Then in a lower, livelier tone, "Mamma, are
you not proud of your husband? I think he is very handsome, even in
that 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 is
more inviting and comfortable at present than the deck."
The others agreed with her, and all went below, where they found the
two little ones begging Grandma Rose for a story to while away the
time.
"Ah," she said, "here comes your Grandma Elsie, who is far better than
I am at that business.
"Oh, yes!" cried little Elsie. "Grandma, won't you please tell us now
about things that have happened at Montreal and Quebec?"
"Yes, dear; I promised you, and there will be no better time than this
for the telling of the story," Mrs. Travilla answered pleasantly, as
she seated herself and took up her fancy work, while the children drew
their chairs to her side, each young face full of eager expectancy.