Montcalm and St.Luc, walking up and down, began to talk together again.

They looked no longer toward the crest of Defiance, but watched the southern wilderness.
The work with the ax increased.

Montcalm had no mind to lose the precious hours.

More trees fell fast, and they were added to the formidable works.

The sun grew hotter and poured down sheaves of fiery rays, but the toilers disregarded it, swinging the axes with muscles that took no note of weariness.