Robert was sure that it was going to fall, and M.
de Chatillard at the end of a long, long life would be spared a great blow.

But what a life! What events had been crowded into his three generations of living! He could remember Le Grand Monarque, The Sun King and the buildings of Versailles.

He was approaching middle age when Blenheim was fought.

He could remember mighty battles, great changes, and the opening of new worlds, and like Virgil's hero, he had been a great part of them.

That was a life to live, and, if Quebec were going to fall, it was well that M.de Chatillard with his more than ninety years should cease to live, before the sun of France set in North America.