A considerable number of the troops from the province will accompany it." "But that will leave the frontier here altogether open to the enemy," James said in surprise.
"That is my own opinion, Walsham.

Louisbourg is altogether outside the range of the present struggle, and it seems to me that the British force should be employed at striking at a vital point.

However, that is not to the purpose.

It is the Earl of Loudon's plan.

However, it is manifest, as you say, that the frontier will be left terribly open, and therefore two companies of each of the regiments going will be left.
Naturally, as you are the only officer in the regiment who has had any experience in this forest warfare, you would be one of those left here; but as an ensign you would not have much influence, and I think that it would be at once more useful to the service, and more pleasant for yourself, if I can obtain for you something like a roving commission.
What do you think of that ?" "I should greatly prefer that, sir," James said gratefully.
"The general is a little vexed, I know," the colonel went on, "at the numerous successes, and daring feats, gained by Rogers and the other leaders of the companies of scouts, while the regulars have not had an opportunity to fire a shot: and I think that he would, at once, accept the proposal were I to make it to him, that a company, to be called the Royal Scouts, should be formed of volunteers taken from the various regiments, and that you should have the command." "Thank you, sir," James said, "and I should like it above all things; but I fear that we should have no chance, whatever, of rivalling the work of Rogers and the other partisan leaders.