"For my part," declared Miss Sally, hardily, "I shall go to Lerryn."
"Sally!"
"It used to be great fun. In later years mamma disapproved, but
there is (may I confess it?) this to be said for war, that beneath
its awful frown--under cover of what I may venture to call the
shaking of its gory locks--you can do a heap of things you wouldn't
dream of under ordinary circumstances. Life, though more precarious,
becomes distinctly less artificial. Two years ago, for instance,
lulled in a false security by the so-called Peace of Amiens, I should
as soon have thought of flying through the air."
"Has it occurred to you," Miss Pescod suggested, "what might happen
if the Corsican, taking advantage to-night of our dear Major's
temporary absence--"
"Don't!" Miss Sally interrupted with a shiver. "Oh, decidedly I
shall go to Lerryn to-night! On second thoughts it would be only
proper."
On the dark waters below them, beyond the Quay, a hoarse military
voice gave the command to "Give way!" One by one on the
fast-dropping tide the boats, keeping good order, headed for the
harbour's mouth. The Major led. _O navis, referent_ . . .
Think, I pray you, of Wolfe dropping down the dark St. Lawrence; of
Wolfe and, ahead of him, the Heights of Abraham!
CHAPTER VII.
THE BATTLE OF TALLAND COVE.
"Now entertain conjecture of a time
When creeping murmur and the poring dark
Fills the wide vessel of the universe.
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