"I thought that his instructions were precise, that he was to permit himself to be taken prisoner, and was to remain quietly in Quebec, until we could either exchange him or take the place." "That was how he understood his instructions, sir," James said; "but I would rather that you should question him, yourself, as to his reasons for escaping.

I may say they appear to me to be perfectly valid, as an occurrence took place upon which it was impossible for Captain Peters to calculate, when he gave them." James then finished the report of his proceedings, and General Wolfe expressed his great satisfaction at the result.
"I will put you in orders, tomorrow, for your brevet-majority," he said; "and never was the rank more honourably earned." The admiral rang a hand bell.
"Send Mr.Middleton to me.

Where is he ?" "He is having supper in Captain Peters' cabin." "Ask Captain Peters if he will be good enough to come in with him." A minute later Captain Peters entered, followed by the midshipman.
"I suppose, Peters, you have been asking young Middleton the reason why he did not carry out his instructions ?" "I have, admiral," Captain Peters said gravely, "and I was only waiting until you were disengaged to report the circumstance to you.

He had better tell you, sir, his own way." Captain Peters then took a seat at the table, while the midshipman related his story, in nearly the same words in which he had told it to James.

When he told of the account the Canadian pilot had given of his escape, the admiral exclaimed: "But it seems altogether incredible.