The silence that had so far been maintained was broken by a rapturous cheer, which the rough frontiersmen could not suppress.

Its tones were by no means offensive to Clark. They spoke of gratitude to him, not of triumph over him.

The adjutant drew his sword and retired to his post behind his commanding officer, while the latter executed a few simple movements and then returned his sword. The adjutant resumed his regular duties, took the reports of the sergeants in due form, announced the dismissal of parade, and came up with the officers in the stiff military form that has descended to the present day.

At such a time, it is usual for the colonel to say a few words to his officers, and after such a scene as had recently taken place, all expected a severe lecture from Clark.

But he merely returned their silent salute, and said:

“Officers will meet at my quarters an hour after sunset, to discuss matters of importance. Good-evening, gentlemen.”

He turned coldly away, and the parade broke up in silence, a wet blanket being thrown over all parties by the distant demeanor of their commander.

The little adjutant alone seemed to be quite happy over his release. When Clark was not twenty feet off, and the officers were still gloomily looking at each other, the boy spoke in a jesting tone to Harrod, saying:

“Well, Captain Bill, you see we pulled through in spite of our love-sick chief. What fools some men are!”

Harrod cast a curious glance at the boy, an apprehensive one at Clark. The colonel heard every word, and—halted.

Frank stood, with a derisive smile on a very pale face, watching his commander’s back.

But Clark did not deign to turn his head. He stood there, for nearly a minute, like a statue, the officers watching him[95] in silence. Then he slowly nodded his head, and pursued his way to his quarters.

Then the officers broke up and departed, leaving the boy adjutant standing alone. His face grew sad and thoughtful, for not one of the men who had lately fought such a battle to save him, remained near him. Even from the ranks they had witnessed the flippant gesture with which he had pointed at his commander; and every one seemed to be somewhat disgusted with him for the nonce.

With slow steps and hanging head the young officer went to his quarters in the arsenal once more.

In the spacious drawing-room of the government house sat Clark, in a new uniform, surrounded by his officers, all renovated in their personal appearance. A number of wax candles lit up the apartment, and the center-table was littered with papers. Father Gibault sat among the rest of the officers as if he had been a chaplain all his life, and the conversation was general but desultory, as if in expectation of the arrival of some one before ope............