“I shall have to send for my second in command, Captain Reparti,” he said, “who left us this morning to visit another post.” “I hope, monsieur, that you will send for him at your earliest convenience, for my orders are peremptory--to deliver the letter and return with an answer at the earliest possible moment.” “If I send this evening,” remarked M. de St. Pierre, “my messenger might lose his way in the darkness.” “If you will kindly give me the directions, sir,” answered George, with much politeness, “I have men in my party who can make the journey by night, although they have never traversed this part of the country before.” “I will send, however, immediately,” said M. de St. Pierre, coloring slightly, and comprehending that he was dealing with a natural diplomatist. After a very agreeable dinner George was shown to his room, where Lance, as his servant, awaited him. Scarcely was the door closed before George began, anxiously: “Where are the Indians?” “In the barrack-room, sir. The French soldiers are promising them guns and powder and shot and hatchets, and pouring liquor down all of them except Tanacharison and Black Bear, who won’t drink, and who mean to be true to us. But, sir, you can’t blame the poor devils for taking what the French give them.” “We must get away from here as soon as possible,” cried George. “What have you noticed in the fort, Lance?” “That it’s mighty well made, sir; the mounseers are fine engineers, and they know how to build a fort. They have eight six-pounders mounted in the bastions, and a four-pounder at the gate-house. But they have got a lot more places pierced for guns, and you may depend upon it, sir, they have a-plenty more guns than they choose to show stowed away somewhere.” Next morning, Captain Reparti having arrived, M. de St. Pierre and his officers considered the governor’s letter privately, and then, admitting George, with his interpreter, Captain Vanbraam, an answer was dictated denying the right of the English to any part of the country watered by the Ohio River. This was an important and dangerous announcement, and, although not a word was said about war, yet every man present knew that if this contention were maintained England and France must fight, and the country must be drenched with blood. George, with perfect composure, received the letter, and, rising, said: “My mission, sir, is accomplished. I have delivered the governor’s letter, and your reply, M. de St. Pierre, shall be conveyed not only to the governor but to his Britannic majesty. I am now ready to take my leave.” “Do not be in so great a hurry to leave us, Major Washington,” said M. de St. Pierre, suavely. “Some of my young officers promised a few guns to your Indian allies, by way of making them satisfied to remain during our negotiation, which I thought would be longer, and the guns cannot arrive until to-morrow morning.”