“The demand under present circumstances is most extraordinary. As General Proctor didn’t send me a summons to surrender, on his first arrival, I had supposed that he believed me determined to do my duty. His present message indicates an opinion of me that I’m at a loss to account for.” Major Chambers’ face flushed as he hastened to say: “General Proctor could never think of saying anything to wound your feelings, sir. The character of General Harrison, as an officer, is well known. General Proctor’s force is very respectable, and there is with him a larger body of Indians than has ever before been embodied.” General Harrison drew himself stiffly erect. His keen eyes flashed as he answered: “I believe I have a very correct idea of General Proctor’s force; and it is not such as to create the least apprehension for the result of the contest, whatever shape he may be pleased hereafter to give to it. Assure the General, however, that he will never have this post surrendered to him, upon any terms. Should it fall into his hands, it will be in a manner calculated to do him more honor, and give him larger claims upon the gratitude of his government, than any capitulation could possibly do.” Major Chambers did not push the matter further, but, after an arrangement for an exchange of prisoners had been made, bowed and withdrew. The afternoon passed quietly; hostilities were not renewed. No further communication was held between the opposing forces; and at nightfall Bright Wing and Farley had heard nothing of their absent friend. [Illustration] CHAPTER XVII. When Colonel Dudley disembarked his men upon the northern bank of the Maumee, Ross Douglas was among them. It was he who led the way toward the British batteries—his faithful four-footed friend at his side. When the charge was ordered, he was among the officers who headed the attacking columns, and his gun was among the first discharged. With a cheer, he clubbed his empty rifle and helped to put the English gunners to rout. It was an easy victory; the startled and terrorized artillerymen did not wait to fire a gun, but precipitately retreated toward their encampment down the river. As soon as he saw the British in full flight and the Americans possessed of the batteries, Ross called Duke to him and seated himself upon a gun-carriage. He felt that the fight was over; and he was ready—as soon as the cannon should be spiked—to return to the boats and cross over to the fort.