He has been a prisoner in my village all the winter, and he has as friends some of the most powerful people in the British Colonies." Montcalm continued to gaze at Robert as if he would read his soul.
"Sit down, Mr.Lennox," he said, not unkindly, motioning him to a little stool.

Robert took the indicated seat and so quick is youth to warm to courtesy that he felt respect and even liking for the Marquis, official and able enemy though he knew him to be.

De Levis and Bourlamaque also were watching him with alert gaze, but they said nothing.
"I hear," continued Montcalm, with a slight smile, "that you have not suffered in Captain Langlade's village, and that you have adapted yourself well to wild life." "I've had much experience with the wilderness," said Robert.

"Most of my years have been passed there, and it was easy for me to live as Captain Langlade lived.

I've no complaint to make of his treatment, though I will say that he has guarded me well." Montcalm laughed.
"It agrees with Captain Langlade's own account," he said.