14 



myself ? I meekly nodded assent to Madame's views, and ex- 

 pressed a hope that the inspiration, froin whatever source, 

 would see us through. 



Towards evening the dreaded barricade hove in sight, 

 which we found, by close inspection, was guarded by about 

 150 armed men. That formidable obstruction, "That Blasted 

 l-'ence," that closed sesame which had defied entrance to a 

 gallant officer and a plenipotentiary, and had so far kept Can- 

 ada out in the cold ! Could we have hoped that these poles 

 would yield to any charms we might possess ? 



II^TO DANGER— AISTD OUT. 



Approaching the obstruction with less address than had 

 been done by others in the face of Kiel's swarthy soldiers, we 

 were immediately surrounded. Then began a second enact- 

 ment of hand-shaking and a general fraternizing, during 

 which the doctor achieved a brilliant triumph. An aged vet- 

 eran. Captain Landry, approached, demanded where we were 

 going ; we having respectfully asked to be allowed to pass, the 

 bars were imjtnediately set aside and we were on the other side 

 of Jordan. Bowing our thanks, a movement was made forward. 

 The veteran instantly waved his sword, which intimated "not 

 so fast," strangers were not allowed to gO' unchallenged. Was 

 "Paradise lost ?" Captain Landry explained in polite French 

 that the provincial government, which assembled at St. ISTor- 

 bert, compelled to take us for examination. If I had not been 

 present the party would have been turned back. A guard 

 stepped forward, took hold of the bridle, led the way down 

 a narrow avenue flanked on each side by tall poplars. We 

 should have seen something romantic in the surroundings 

 under different circumstances. To add to the gloom which 

 bad begun to overshadow us, a cold, cheerless rain began to 

 fall ; the air became chilly and raw, there was a dismal look 

 about things. 



The gloom was instantly dispelled on reaching the rectory. 

 Father Ritchot, a burly, brusque gentleman, a Chesterfield in 

 manners, received us most graciously, and we were treated to 

 an excellent tea. In due time we reached Fort Garry and 

 home. 



A cordial vote of thanks to Mr. Fonseca was moved by 

 T^r. Brvce, seconded bv W. J. McLean and unanimously car- 

 ried. After other business the meeting adjourned. 



