26
Exploring the French lines had taken longer than MacKim thought, so the night was already fading when the Rangers merged with McAlpin’s men and hurried back to Quebec.
“Who goes?” The Rangers expected the challenge.
“Friend!” Kennedy shouted.
“Aye, right. What’s the parole?” The voice was distinctly Highland as it demanded the password.
“Pikestaff!” Kennedy shouted.
“Wolfe!” The sentry gave the countersign. “Pass, friend,” and the gate opened a moment later.
When the Rangers scrambled through the gate, they found that General Murray had assembled most of the garrison. Amherst’s, Lascelles, Townshend’s and Anstruther’s regiments, together with the Highlanders, the grenadiers and the light infantry, all stood ready to file out and attack the French.
“Sir!” Lieutenants McAlpin and
