His own people and the life that he loved were waiting for him at home.

Why should he linger here for the sake of folk whom he had known but a few months?
It was not to be expected, and yet De Catinat could not realise it, could not understand it.
But what was that?
Above the gentle lapping of the river he had suddenly heard a sharp clear "Hist!" Perhaps it was some passing boatman or Indian.

Then it came again, that eager, urgent summons.
He sat up and stared about him.

It certainly must have come from the open port-hole.

He looked out, but only to see the broad basin, with the loom of the shipping, and the distant twinkle from the lights on Point Levi.