Blessed be our Lady, who saved our country from our enemies,--and
will do so again, if we do not by our wickedness lose her favor!
But the arbre sec--the dry tree--still stands upon the Point de
Levis, where the Boston fleet took refuge before beating their
retreat down the river again,--and you know the old prophecy: that
while that tree stands, the English shall never prevail against
Quebec!"
Much comforted by this speech of old Louis the pilot, the villagers
of Tilly rushed to the beach to receive their friends.
The canoes came dashing into shore. Men, women, and children ran
knee-deep into the water to meet them, and a hundred eager hands
were ready to seize their prows and drag them high and dry upon the
sandy beach.
"Home again! and welcome to Tilly, Pierre Philibert!" exclaimed Lady
de Tilly, offering her hand. "Friends like you have the right of
welcome here." Pierre expressed his pleasure in fitting terms, and
lent his aid to the noble lady to disembark.
Le Gardeur assisted Amelie out of the canoe. As he led her across
the beach, he felt her hand tremble as it rested on his arm.
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