National feeling against that proud foe was beginning to rise high.

The Continental war had quickened it, and Wolfe, who had served against the armies of France in many a closely-contested battle, felt his pulses tingling at the recital of her successes against England's infant colonies.
Men were wanted for the service, the paper had said--men of courage and proved valour.

We had had too many bunglers already out there; it was now time that men of a different stamp should be forthcoming.
In his ears there seemed beaten the sound of a question and its reply.

Where had he heard those words, and when?
"Who will go up to battle against this proud foe ?" "Here am I; send me." The light leaped into his eyes; his long, thin hands clasped and unclasped themselves as stirring thoughts swept over him.

He knew that there was a great struggle impending between England and her French rival upon the other side of the world.