distributed among their people, proceeded to their city home--their
seigniorial residence, when they chose to live in the capital.


CHAPTER V.

THE ITINERANT NOTARY.


Master Jean Le Nocher the sturdy ferryman's patience had been
severely tried for a few days back, passing the troops of habitans
over the St. Charles to the city of Quebec. Being on the King's
corvee, they claimed the privilege of all persons in the royal
service: they travelled toll-free, and paid Jean with a nod or a
jest in place of the small coin which that worthy used to exact on
ordinary occasions.

This morning had begun auspiciously for Jean's temper however. A
King's officer, on a gray charger, had just crossed the ferry; and
without claiming the exemption from toll which was the right of all
wearing the King's uniform, the officer had paid Jean more than his
fee in solid coin and rode on his way, after a few kind words to the
ferryman and a polite salute to his wife Babet, who stood courtesying
at the door of their cottage.

"A noble gentleman that, and a real one!" exclaimed Jean, to his
buxom, pretty wife, "and as generous as a prince! See what he has
given me." Jean flipped up a piece of silver admiringly, and then
threw it into the apron of Babet, which she spread out to catch it.