As George knew the impossibility of getting the Indians off without the guns, he consented with the utmost readiness to remain; but he would have given half his fortune to have got off. The day was one of intense nervous strain on him. His sole dependence in managing the Indians were Tanacharison and Black Bear. And what if they should betray him? But at night the old chief and his son came to him and promised most solemnly to get the chiefs away as soon as the guns should arrive in the morning. George had a luxurious bed in his rude though comfortable quarters, but he slept not one wink that night. By daylight he was up. Soon after Lance sidled up to him in the courtyard, and said: “Sir, the guns have come--I saw them myself; but the Frenchies will not say a word about it unless they are asked.” Just then M. de St. Pierre, wrapped in a great surtout, appeared, coming out of his quarters. “Good-morning, Major Washington!” he cried. “Good-morning, M. de St. Pierre!” replied George, gayly. “I must give orders to my party for an early start, as the guns you promised the Indians have arrived, and I have no further excuse for remaining.” “Sacre bleu!” burst out M. de St. Pierre; “I did not expect the guns so soon!” At which he looked into George’s eyes, and suddenly both burst out laughing. The Frenchman saw that his _ruse_ was understood. The party was soon collected, and after a hearty breakfast George took his leave, and, much to the chagrin of the French, succeeded in carrying off all his Indian allies with him. They rapidly retraced their road, and when they made their first halt, ten miles from Fort Le Bœuf, George exclaimed, aside to Lance: “This is the first easy moment I have known for twenty-four hours!” “’Tis the first I have had, sir, since we got to the first post, fourteen days ago!” It was now the latter part of December. The horses, gaunt and starved, were no longer fit for riding, and George set the example of dismounting and going on foot. Their progress with so large a party was not rapid, and George determined to leave Captain Vanbraam, with the horses and provisions, to follow, while he, in his health and strength, set off at a more rapid gait, in order that he might reach Williamsburg with M. de St. Pierre’s defiant letter as soon as possible. Lance, with his experience as a foot-soldier, easily proved his superiority when they were reduced to walking, so George chose him as a companion. Christmas Day was spent in a long, hard march, and on the next day George, dressing himself in his buckskin shirt and leggings, with his gun and valuable papers, and giving most of the money for the expedition to Captain Vanbraam, struck off with Lance for a more rapid progress. The two walked steadily all day, and covered almost twice as much ground as the party following them. At night with their flints they struck a roaring fire in the forest, and took turns in watching and sleeping. By daylight they were again afoot.