Here was a point gained for the French, but the danger was not passed. The Ottawas could disavow the killing of the Iroquois; and, in fact, though there was a great division of opinion among them, they were preparing at this very time to send a secret embassy to the Seneca country to ratify the fatal treaty. The French commanders called a council of all the tribes. It met at the house of the Jesuits. Presents in abundance were distributed. The message of Frontenac was reinforced by persuasion and threats; and the assembly was told that the five tribes of the Iroquois were like five nests of muskrats in a marsh, which the French would drain dry, and then burn with all its inhabitants. Perrot took the disaffected chiefs aside, and with his usual bold adroitness diverted them for the moment from their purpose. The projected embassy was stopped, but any day might revive it. There was no safety for the French, and the ground of Michillimackinac was hollow under their feet. Every thing depended on the success of their arms. A few victories would confirm their wavering allies; but the breath of another defeat would blow the fickle crew over to the enemy like a drift of dry leaves. CHAPTER XI. 1690. The Three War-parties. Measures of Frontenac • Expedition against Schenectady • The March • The Dutch Village • The Surprise • The Massacre • Prisoners spared • Retreat • The English and their Iroquois Friends • The Abenaki War • Revolution at Boston • Capture of Pemaquid • Capture of Salmon Falls • Capture of Fort Loyal • Frontenac and his Prisoner • The Canadians encouraged.