human
If Carleton had not returned to Quebec the war would perhaps be ended now. He was beaten everywhere in the upper country, at Isle-aux-Noix, at Chambly, at Longueuil, at St. Johns. He fled from Montreal without striking a blow. All his men surrendered there and at Sorel. All his ships were captured. All his stores were seized. And do you know how he escaped?
gpt
In an open boat, I am told.
human
Yes, in an open boat. He passed at Sorel, where the Americans were watching for him, and the oars were muffled in their locks so that he could not be heard. The boat was even paddled with open hands in the most dangerous places.
gpt
Wonderful!
human
And do you know who piloted him?
gpt
Captain Bouchette, I believe.
human
Yes, Joseph Bouchette. And what is Joseph Bouchette?
gpt
A French Canadian!
human
Aye, mademoiselle, a French Canadian. But for this Joseph Bouchette, a French Canadian, Carleton would never have reached Quebec, and the war would now be ended.
gpt
By this you mean that the Americans would have Quebec, the only place in all Canada that is not theirs already,
human
Just so. Now, it is about this Joseph Bouchette that I have come to see you.
gpt
Bouchette has committed a great crime. He has been guilty of treason against his countrymen. He must perish. There are hundreds who think like me, but are afraid to strike. I am not afraid to strike. He will suffer by my hand. The only question is the mode of punishment. Murder is repugnant to my feelings. Besides it would not be polite. The man was perhaps sincere in his devotion to Carleton, though I believe that he rather looked to the reward. But if sincere, that ought to be considered in mitigation of his sentence. Furthermore, he is a friend of M. Belmont, and that too shall count in his favor. I had intended to seize him and deliver him as a prisoner of war to the Bastonnais.
human
Are you serious, Batoche?
gpt
Serious?
human
Bouchette is safe.
gpt
Not from me.
human
He is well guarded.
gpt
I will break through any guard.
human
But you cannot enter the town.
gpt
I can enter whenever I like.
human
When inside, you will not be able to come out.
gpt
The weasel makes an invisible hole, which is never filled up.
human
You will kidnap Bouchette?
gpt
I will.
human
And fetch him to the American camp?
gpt
Yes.
human
Well, what of that? Bouchette is no friend of mine. I know him only by name. How does all this concern me?
gpt
Precisely. That is just what I have come for.
human
I have come from, and in the name of, M. Belmont. He knows of my plan and has tried to dissuade me from it. But in vain. He might warn Bouchette or betray me to the garrison, but he is too loyal to France for that. He respects my secret. This, however, does not prevent him from striving to help his friend. He said to me, 'Batoche, if you must make a prisoner of Joseph Bouchette, go first to Sieur Sarpy and ask him whether he would receive him in his house on parole. He would thus be relieved of much unnecessary suffering, at the same time that he would be out of the way of doing you further mischief.' After some hesitation, I accepted this proposal of my friend, and here I am to communicate it to you.
gpt
I do not accept, said M. Sarpy curtly and decidedly.
human
I would be ashamed to have a countryman of mine a prisoner in my house. If I took part in this war, I should do so openly, but so long as I remain on neutral ground, I will not allow my premises to be violated by either party. If Bouchette deserves to suffer, let him suffer to the full.
gpt
Then he will suffer to the full,
human
No, he will not, exclaimed Zulma also rising and facing the old soldier.
gpt
M. Bouchette did only his duty. He has his opinions as you and I have. He has been faithful to those opinions. He has done a brave deed. He has shed glory on his countrymen instead of disgrace. Who constituted you his judge? What right have you to punish him? M. Belmont keeps your secret? I am surprised. I will not keep it. I do not consider it a secret. Even if it were, I would violate it. Promise me that you will desist. In the name of France, in the name of honor, in the name of religion, I call upon you to abandon your project. If you do not, I will this moment leap into a sleigh, drive to Quebec, find my way within the walls, seek M. Bouchette and tell him all. What do you say?