The governor, who was a fussy but well-meaning man, began, as soon as the formal greetings were over: “Major Washington, I have work in hand for you. I am told by my Lord Fairfax and others that you are the fittest person in the colony for the expedition I have in hand. It requires the discretion of an old man, but it also requires the hardiness and strength of a young man; and you see, therefore, what a burden I lay upon you.” George’s face turned quite pale at these words. “Sir,” he stammered, “you ask more of me than I can do. I will give all my time and all my mind to my country; but I am afraid, sir--I am very much afraid--that you are putting me in a position that I am not capable of filling.” “We must trust some one, Major Washington, and I sent not for you until I and my council had fully determined what to do. Here are your instructions. You will see that you are directed to set out with a suitable escort at once for the Ohio River, and convene all the chiefs you can at Logstown. You are to find out exactly how they stand towards us. You are then to take such a route as you think judicious to the nearest French post, deliver a letter from me, sealed with the great seal of the colony, to the French commandant, and demand an answer in the name of his Britannic majesty. You are to find out everything possible in regard to the number of French forts, their armament, troops, commissariat, and where they are situated; and upon the information you bring will depend to a great degree whether there shall be war between England and France. When will you be ready to depart?” “To-morrow morning, sir,” answered George. CHAPTER XVIII