42 OVER ON THE ISLAND

authorities at Louisburg. The request is fruitless. Boscawen and Amherst are determined on the evacuation.

Tradition relates that the non-combatants gathered in the little Church of St. John, and as twilight deepened, they fervently joined in the Litany, repeat- ing with reverent and awe-filled voices Ora pro nobis. While they were thus engaged, Rollo, with a detach- ment of soldiers, burst into the building, and dispersed the congregation, telling them to meet him at the barracks on the following morning.

Sometimes, to-day, strange lights are seen passing to and fro in that vicinity. As the evening star appears, the outlines of an old church becomes Visible

Through the windows gleam the tapers and amidst the rustle of the winds bending the dark pines and roar of the waves dashing against the rocky beach, there comes wafted across the waters supplicating voices, still repeating Ora pro nobis. The pastor and his flock have returned to complete their orisons so

rudely interrupted by Rollo and his men one hundred and eighty years ago.

How many Acadians were deported from Isle St. Jean is unknown. Many escaped from the north shore in schooners. These boats plied back and forth from Malpeque to the mainland, transporting Acadians, goods and animals. Many of the fugitives thus escaped to Canada and carried off great numbers of cattle.

Not all the inhabitants of Isle St. Jean were deported, though. The day before Rollo's arrival at the Island, the priest at Fort la Joye escaped, and the most valuable part of the officers’ effects was taken