OCR Text |
Show 172 THE LILY AND TilE TOTEM. "For the best of reasons. You can have no faith in this savage. Jf there be this abundance of gold in the country, why brings he so little. Where are his proofs? But this is not all. But lately our enemy, jealous of our presence, and only respectful because of hie fears, we can have no confidence in him, as an ally. He will lead the men whom you give him, into ambuscade -int-o remote lands, where provision will be found with difficulty, -require to be fought for at every step, and where the best valor in the world, and the best conduct will be unavailing for their extrication." "To prevent this danger, Alphonse, you slmll have command of the detachment," said Laudoonierc, with a dry accent, and a. satirical glance of the eye. "I thank you, sir, for this proof of confidence," replied the other, no ways disquieted, "and shall do my best to avoid or prevent the evils that I apprehend from it; but - 11 " I have every confidence in your ability to do so, Alphonse,'' sn.id the other, interrupting him in a tone which still betrayed the annoyance which be fcl~ from the expostulations of his favorite. The latter proceeded, after a slight but respectful inclination of the bead. "But there is another consideration of still greater importance. Your security in La Caroline is still a matter of uncert:t.inty. You know not the extent of the late conspiracy. You know not who arc sound, and who doubtful, among your men. Lo GcnrC, Fournea.ux, Lo Gcnevois, and La Raquette, are still in tho woods. You are weakening yourself, lessening the resources of the fortress, and may, at any moment-" "Pshaw !" exclaimed Laudonnierc, with renewed impatience. "You o.re only too suspicious, Alphonse. You mo.ke too much •fJI£ SF.DITION OF LA CAROLINE. 173 of this conspiracy. It docs not seem to me that it was ever so dangerous. At a.U events, the danger is over, the ringleaders banished and in the woods, and will rot thoro, if the wolves do , not devour them. They, n.t least, shall not be made wolves of forme." D'Erlach bowed in silence. His mouth was scaled against all further expostulation. He S.'l.W that it was hopeless-that his captain ho.d got a fixed idea, and men of few idco.s, making one of them a favorite, arc generally a.s immovable aa deo.th. Besides, Alphonse saw that the obligations which he had so lately conferred upon his commander, in baflling the conspiracy of Le Genre, by his vigilance, bad somewhat wounded his amour propre. It is a. misfortune, sometimes, to have been too useful. The consciousness of a benefit received, is apt to be very burdensome to the feeble nature. The quick instinct of Alphonse D'Erlaeh readily perceived the condition of his captain's heart. A momentary pause ensued. Lifting his cap, he again addressed him, but wilh different suggestions. "Am I to hope, sir, that you really design to honor me with this command ?" "Certainly, if you wish it, Alphonse." u I certainly wish it, sir, if the expedition be resolved on." u It is resolved on," S!lid Laudonnicrc, with grave emphasis. "I shnll then feel myself honored with the command." "De it yours, lieutenant. In one hour be ready to receive your orders." ''One minute, sir, \Vill suffice for all personal preparation;" nnd, with the formal customs of military otiquctt.e, the two offiocrs bowed, as the younger of them withdrew to his quarters. In one |