The story of the execution of Scott is so graphically told in his "Manitoba Memories," by Rev. Geo. Young, who was with him till the last, that it may be here repeated:

once.

The eleventh hour had now come, and as we were engaged in spiritual exercises, Scott inquiring and I answering, and both pleading with God for the mercy and grace so much needed, we were interrupted and startled by the entrance of several guards, who were sent to bind and blindfold the prisoner and to lead him out to the place appointed for his execution. All hope of deliverance vanished at At my request the guards withdrew for a few minutes to allow us another opportunity for prayer, but this delay gave annoyance to Riel, who came to the door vociferating his reproofs and orders as if intent on hurrying up the execution, or murder, about to be perpetrated. The only request made by Mr. Scott was to be permitted to bid his fellow-prisoners "good-bye," which was granted. As I led him to their rooms and opened the doors, he with wonderful calmness and tenderness said "Good-bye, boys." We were

then conducted down the outside stairway and through the east gate of the fort to the spot where the sentence was to be carried out. As we were moving slowly forward, the following words were uttered by him, which I can never forget, and which I have often repeated since that sad hour: "This is horrible! This is cold-blooded murder. Be sure to make a true statement." Twenty-seven years have elapsed, and on many a platform and frequently through the press I have tried to obey, as I am now obeying, that solemn injunction. At my request we were again allowed a brief season of prayer, and kneeling in the snow we unitedly lifted our hearts to God for help in this time of special need. "Can you now trust in Christ for salvation?" I asked. To my great comfort he replied, "I think I can." And after advising him to remain kneeling, and by his request placing the blindfolding cotton more directly over his eyes, we bade each other a solemn "good-bye.' Immediately after, I spoke to the captain commanding the firing party, urging him to spare his life at least a day longer. I was told promptly, "His time is come and he must

die," and then speaking to O'Donohue I said, "I know you have the power to stay the execution for a day longer. Will you not do so? It is dreadful to send a soul into eternity with so little time for preparation." He admitted that it was, but simply said, “It is very far gone," and did not interfere. The poor,

brave Loyalist was then placed in such a position as they desired, a few yards east of the present track of the street railway, when he again knelt in the snow. Then, at the signal given, several rebel bullets were sent on their mission of death, into and completely through his breast, causing the snow to be stained and saturated with his heart's blood, while his spirit quickly passed from the presence of his murderers to the presence of God. Immediately after the firing I approached the prostrate body, then quivering in death, and saw a half-drunken guard fire a revolver at his head. Thus it was, in brief, that those who were responsible for this tragedy reached a terrible climax in crime and cruelty.

After this bloodthirsty exhibition of power none cared to dispute the authority of Riel, and he ruled the settlement with a rod of iron. His act, of course, put an end to all negotiations, and henceforth any peaceful settlement of the difficulties was out of the question. When the news of this cold-blooded murder reached Canada it created intense indignation. Public meetings were held throughout Ontario, and strong resolutions passed urging the government to despatch a force to Red River to restore the Queen's authority and punish the murderers of Scott. When the delegates from Fort Garry arrived at Ottawa with the Bill of Rights, two of them— Father Richot and Alfred Scott-were arrested as accessories to the murder, but after a formal examination they

were set at liberty, as nothing could be proved against them. To the previous desire to possess the fertile prairies was now added a deep feeling of sympathy with the relatives of the murdered man, and a longing to avenge the death of one whose only crime was loyalty to his Queen and devotion to his country.

In the Province of Quebec a different feeling was manifested. While the murder of Scott could not be condoned, the sympathies of the people were with Riel, their fellow-countryman of French extraction. The French members of parliament would not consent to the necessary appropriation to send out an armed force if coercive measures were to be employed, and as it would be next to impossible to carry the measure in the face of their opposition, fair promises were resorted to. They were assured that the troops, when they arrived in Manitoba, would be used only for the protection of property and the maintenance of law and order, in fact, that they were going more in the capacity of police than of soldiers. Had a force not been sent, the people of Ontario would undoubtedly have taken the matter into their own hands, and organized an armed body of emigrants sworn to avenge the death of Scott.

The government was between two fires, kindled by their own maladministration. But public opinion in Ontario was too strong to be resisted, the money was voted, and the organization of the expedition proceeded with.

HANN

CHAPTER VII.

THE ASSAULT.

ANNIBAL had carried on his preparations with vigour, and before noon of the second day a monster ram was propelled towards the city under cover of a testudo. A section of the wall facing the camp, but not too close to the gate, was chosen as the point of attack. Those apportioned to work the engine, though they numbered nearly five score, were also protected by the testudo, and were thus enabled to advance without serious danger. In their wake marched a mixed body of slingers and light infantry, who, however, halted just beyond range of the enemy's missiles. They formed a small vanguard to the army proper, drawn up in order of battle further back. On either wing was

posted the cavalry, and the foot soldiers were massed in the centre. All were held in readiness as the opposing walls were loosely built, if massive, and none could foretell when a breach of sufficient importance might be made to warrant a storming. It was, moreover, expected that so imposing an array would make the enemy afraid to exercise any open manoeuvring.

Though late in November, the air was balmy and pleasant. The sun had risen unseen behind a bank of voluminous clouds, but by degrees its gleams penetrated the more filmy portions and peeped through the rifts, dispelling the early winter gloom, and emblazoning the arms of the soldiers.

Every eye was turned on the testudo as it crept slowly forward. It was of necessity large-nearly forty feet deep, and little less in width-and while

roughly built, was fitted to withstand much. In shape it resembles a hut, but in order to permit the workings within of the ram, it was open at either end, though the front was protected by a short roof that slanted outwards. The frame was of heavy wooden beams. Over the sides and roof were stretched numerous fresh hides stuffed with chaff and weeds which had been soaked in vinegar. This process rendered the structure well nigh fire proof, Small, heavy wheels were attached to the base and enabled a body of men to push it forward without much effort, though the ram which ran the length of the testudo, and extended behind and before, added much to the weight. This instrument of attack, though simple in device, was rapid and effective in its work. A single beam-in this instance the trunk of an ash-some hundred feet in length, was suspended by chains to another beam fixed transversely over it against the roof of the testudo. It could thus be moved to and fro without the weight resting on the soldiers.

Hannibal smiled at the assurance so prevalent on all sides, for he read in it an early victory. He personally directed the placing in position of the testudo, and from nearby superintended its operations for some time. He saw that the masonry would not long bear up against the attack, and he exhorted his followers with encouraging words.

"Spare not your strength," said he. "To-morrow the city will be ours."

None doubted that his prophecy would come true, and a ferocious enthusiasm pervaded the army.

The workers of the ram were relieved at short intervals, and there was no weakening in the blows. Men of every nationality threw aside their clothes before seizing the beam, and with wild shouts hurled the rudely shaped head against the wall of stone.

Meantime the besieged were inactive. They had watched the approach of the engine in wonderment. Few, save Agates, had ever seen a testudo; yet none were afraid, for they possessed an unwarranted confidence in the strength of the defences.

"The army is assembled as though a storming were intended," remarked Britomar, while he surveyed the mass drawn in line of battle.

Agates called attention to the testudo that had halted about sixty feet from where they stood. A little later the ram was seen to draw back, then shoot forward with a terrific force, propelled by a hundred pairs of arms. The metal head struck the wall with a dull thud that echoed like thunder. Pieces of loose clay and stone became displaced, and rattled down the sides with much noise.

At an order from the chief a jagged rock was rolled to the edge of the battlements, and when the ram next advanced, this was hurled upon it. But the beam was a heavy one, and nothing was effected, except that the force of the blow was slightly weakened.

Soon the engine began to work more rapidly, and the prolonged poundings startled the inhabitants. They assembled in prominent places, followed by their wives, and excitedly discussed the impending danger. The children left. alone in the huts crept to the openings and cried piteously. Many among the warriors were thoroughly alarmed, for they disliked this strange mode of warfare.

Some of the women encouraged the violent to organize a sally and destroy the enemy's machine-a plan that appealed to their restiveness. But the wiser knew this would be fatal in the face of the army, though they experienced difficulty in making their caution prevail.

The ram pounded away without cessation, and when a breach was at last made, terror spread throughout the city. Though the opening was small there were many who imagined it more serious, while others feared, and with reason, that it signified the beginning of the city's downfall. Inner defences were rapidly constructed at the weakening spots, and men were apportioned off to repair the damage as soon as darkness fell.

Ducaria attended her father whenever possible. With the increase of

danger she seemed to become filled with an enthusiasm that gradually communicated itself to those with whom she mingled.

"Be patient," she said, "and act according to my father's orders. He is a wise leader and will advise you to do what is best."

Aneroestes had watched the movements of the women for some time, though his eyes rarely moved from Ducaria. Her attractiveness and rare beauty seemed to exercise a spell over him of which he could not rid himself. Barbarian though he was, his better instincts revolted at the idea of giving up these creatures to the despoiling hand of the conqueror. In the precipitous ravines of the Alps he had once been mighty, a leader and the son of a chieftain, but he had seen the homes of his tribe destroyed, and many of the bravest killed or taken prisoners. He had been willing to inflict similar punishment upon the warriors of another nation to free those of his own, but the thought-the sight-of Ducaria stayed his intention. To war against women was distasteful to him, and he grew troubled when he thought of what the morrow would bring forth.

He gazed abstractedly about him. The day was now on the wane and the sun poured its rays upon the backs of the Carthaginian soldiers, gilding their helmets and throwing long war-like shadows against the city.

As his gaze again swept the plain the figure of Hannibal, surrounded by several of his staff, loomed up distinctly.

"Yes, it is he," he muttered. "Who?" asked Agates. The mountaineer started in surprise for he had unconsciously spoken what was passing in his mind.

"My sight is good," he replied, "and though the light from the sun is strong, I can discern the Carthaginian general."

"Where?"

"Directly in the centre, not far behind the testudo. He is riding a black horse. You can distinguish him by hist purple mantle and his size. He is much the largest of the group."

Agates looked as directed as did many of the others. Ducaria made a shade of her hand and gazed long at the hostile army.

"Is he as noble as some say?" she asked.

"He is noble," answered Aneroestes, "but when balked in a design he is fierce and cruel. We could hope for but little mercy from him."

"It would be well if he were killed," remarked Concolitanus savagely.

"He has captains more ferocious than himself."

"but

"But he is the head." "True," assented Aneroestes, he lives," and his eyes again became fixed on Ducaria.

Concolitanus was not slow to perceive this, but a cry from below prevented him from saying anything. A large stone had been dislodged and had crushed two men.

The Taurini anxiously waited for nightfall. It came none too soon, for the wall was sorely damaged when the last blow was struck for the day. The breach was not sufficiently large to threaten a further falling away of the stones, but a close inspection showed that it would poorly stand another day's battering. Repairs were instituted without delay, and the light from the pine torches revealed anxiousfaced warriors toiling under heavy burdens.

Britomar, who well understood the art of building, superintended the work. The jagged hole was repaired after several hours and an inner wall erected some thirty feet in length. This would practically take the place of the main structure in front when it should tumble. All now saw that their safety lay not in the walls.

Aneroestes was almost continually with Agates, for the latter, while at first suspicious, had since found confidence in the muscular mountaineer. He had all along secretly admired the fearlessness that had marked his entrance into the city, as well as the manner in which he had defied Concolitanus. Now he trusted him completely, and he further valued his