So a mighty power is lodged in his hands and it's also true here, as well as elsewhere, that he who holds the purse holds more than the sword." "Will Colonel de Courcelles and Captain de Jumonville be there ?" continued Robert.
"Undoubtedly.

They belong to the military arm, of course, but they are both favorites of Bigot, and they neglect no opportunity to strengthen their position with him.

Be careful what you say before them." Robert thanked him for his caution, although it was not needed, as he had already resolved to be very wary in the presence of de Courcelles and Jumonville, and the Onondaga also made a mental note of it, knowing that de Courcelles was willing to plot in the dusk with a savage Ojibway.
De Galisonniere did not stay long, and after his departure Robert and his friends reconsidered their determination, deciding that it was best to brave Quebec and whatever it should have to offer in the full light of day.

The hunter's apprehensions that a quarrel might be forced upon them were not justified, as Canadian and French politeness held true, and they were received only with curiosity and interest.
They gazed again at the great stone buildings and also took a brief view of the Intendant's palace, where they expected to dine in the evening.
It was a palace in extent, but not in beauty, a great rambling building of both timber and masonry, with a green lawn and flower gardens near by.

It was said that Bigot and his predecessors had spent huge sums on the interior decoration, but that Robert expected soon to see for himself.
Returning to the Inn of the Eagle late in the afternoon, they began to array themselves for Bigot's dinner, not wishing the Bostonnais to appear at a disadvantage before the _noblesse_ of Quebec.