As these were better terms than were expected, the English officers did not hesitate to accept them. They marched out accordingly, and that very day set out upon their journey for Fort George. It was noon when they left the fort, and night before they paused. Wearied with their toilsome march, they soon laid themselves down to rest. Just as they were doing this, they perceived that the whole body of Indians were leaving them. The object of this movement they were unable to explain; but, well knowing how cunning and treacherous the Indians were, they could sleep no more. A few, perhaps, more weary than the others, were occasionally lost for a few minutes; but the painful state of anxiety in which they were, made their sleep short and unrefreshing. Several hours passed in this state of suspense; but as no Indians came near them, they began to indulge the hope, that the enemy had left them, to return no more. They, therefore, generally laid themselves down, and one after another became lost in sound sleep. About the dawn of day, one of the men, who had been placed as a guard, came running, in great haste, to inform them that a large body of Indians were secretly approaching. The alarm was instantly given, and the men ordered to stand to their arms. The summons, however, was so sudden, and the terror so universal, that not a single soldier had his gun loaded when the tremendous war-whoop broke upon them. The onset of the savages, upon this comparatively feeble and unprepared band, was so furious, that resistance was in vain. Some were killed, and the rest taken prisoners. Captain Stewart had his hands tied behind him, and at the head of the others, was led back to the fort. On their arrival, an Indian chief, taking Captain Stewart by the hand, conducted him to his own hut, unbound his arms, and fed him from his own bowl. This was _Attakullakulla_. A few days following, the Indians held a great council about the disposal of the prisoners. The chiefs were all present, and, though some differed for a time from others, in conclusion, they sent for Captain Stewart, and informed him that they were about proceeding to the attack of Fort George. “You and your men,” said they, “will accompany us. You will fight with us. This is the result of our talk!” “You must do more,” added they. “Write to the captain of Fort George――tell him of our coming――tell him that if he surrenders the fort peaceably, it is well――if not, we will strip his friend Captain Stewart, and burn him before his eyes.” This was indeed cruel. Captain Stewart seated himself; and, in the presence of the savages, wrote the letter required; but he thought within himself, that before he would fight his brethren, he would undergo the pains, even of savage torture. On returning home, said he to Attakullakulla, “You are my friend. You have shown your friendship, in the hour of danger and of trial. Now, can you show it again?――I cannot fight my brethren――I must escape, or I must die.”