"You bet your life they are, Sir," they cried.

"Well, boys," I said, "I think that I prefer to spend the night walking about the village and trying to compose a poem." Once more I made my way down the dark street, examining closely every door and window.

At last I found a crack of light which came from one of the houses.

I knocked at the door and it was opened by an officer from Quebec, who had been engaged with some others in a quiet game of cards.

He was amused at my homeless condition and kindly took me in and gave me a comfortable bed in his own room.