"Vive le Roi!" was the response, an exclamation that came
spontaneously to the lips of all Frenchmen on every emergency of
danger or emotion of joy.

A sturdy habitan came forward, and doffing his red tuque or cap,
addressed the Governor: "This is a good battery, my Lord Governor,
but there ought to be one as good in our village. Permit us to
build one and man it, and we promise your Excellency that no
Englishman shall ever get into the back door of Quebec while we have
lives to defend it." The old habitan had the eye of a soldier--he
had been one. The Governor knew the value of the suggestion, and at
once assented to it, adding, "No better defenders of the city could
be found anywhere than the brave habitans of Beauport."

The compliment was never forgotten; and years afterwards, when Wolfe
besieged the city, the batteries of Beauport repelled the assault of
his bravest troops, and well-nigh broke the heart of the young hero
over the threatened defeat of his great undertaking, as his brave
Highlanders and grenadiers lay slain by hundreds upon the beach of
Beauport.

The countenances of the hardy workers were suddenly covered with
smiles of welcome recognition at the sight of the well-known
Superior of the Recollets.

"Good morning!" cried out a score of voices; "good morning, Father
de Berey! The good wives of Beauport send you a thousand
compliments. They are dying to see the good Recollets down our
way again. The Gray Brothers have forsaken our parish."