"Mon dieu, but we have had a great meeting!" he cried. He was
perspiring with excitement and fast walking; leaning on the staff
he mopped his face with a blue handkerchief.
"We heard much shouting and noise," said Madame Godere, "M.
Roussillon's voice rose loud above the rest. He roared like a
lion."
"Ah, he was speaking to us; he was very eloquent," Rene replied.
"But now they are waiting at the fort for the new flag. I have
come for it."
"It is ready," said Madame Godere.
With flying fingers Alice sewed it to the staff.
"Voici!" she cried, "vive la republique Americaine!" She lifted
the staff and let the flag droop over her from head to foot.
"Give it to me," said Rene, holding forth a hand for it, "and I'll
run to the fort with it."
"No," said Alice, her face suddenly lighting up with resolve. "No,
I am going to take it myself," and without a moment's delay off
she went.
Rene was so caught by surprise that he stood gazing after her
until she passed behind a house, where the way turned, the shining
flag rippling around her, and her moccasins twinkling as she ran.
At the blockhouse, awaiting the moment when the symbol of freedom
should rise like a star over old Vincennes the crowd had
picturesquely broken into scattered groups. Alice entered through
a rent in the stockade, as that happened to be a shorter route
than through the gate, and appeared suddenly almost in their
midst.
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