But Frenchmen! the greater the peril the greater the
glory of our defence! And I feel a lively confidence,"--Bigot
glanced proudly round the table at the brave, animated faces that
turned towards him,--"I feel a lively confidence that in the skill,
devotion, and gallantry of the officers I see around this council-
table, we shall be able to repel all our enemies, and bear the royal
flag to fresh triumphs in North America."
This timely flattery was not lost upon the susceptible minds of the
officers present, who testified their approval by vigorous tapping
on the table, and cries of "Well said, Chevalier Intendant!"
"I thank, heartily, the venerable Abbe Piquet," continued he, "for
his glorious success in converting the warlike savages of the West
from foes to fast friends of the King; and as Royal Intendant I
pledge the Abbe all my help in the establishment of his proposed
fort and mission at La Presentation, for the purpose of dividing the
power of the Iroquois."
"That is right well said, if the Devil said it!" remarked La Corne
St.
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