Herkimer so desired, or opposed it.

As for my part, having really given up all hope of seeing Peter Sitz again
in this world, the probable fact of his being alive quickened the blood in
my veins until I forgot that our services were required for anything save
the rescue of the prisoner.

Sergeant Corney gave no token either of joy or indifference; he kept in
mind only the duties of a soldier, and prepared himself for the dangerous
mission by asking:

"Can you tell me, sir, what force the enemy have in front of Fort
Schuyler?"

"Near one thousand seven hundred men--regulars, Tories, and Indians. St.
Leger is in nominal command; but it is reasonable to believe that Sir John
Johnson and Brant have much the same authority as he. Certain it is that
they and none other can control their followers. Colonel Gansevoort has
nearly a thousand men, with a six weeks' supply of provisions and
ammunition for the small arms; but there is in the fort no more than four
hundred rounds for the cannon, which is his most important means of
defence. The situation is not yet critical, but may become so very soon,
and we have more chance now for communicating with the commandant than is
likely to be the case a week hence, when the besiegers have settled down
to their work."

"When shall we set out, sir?" I asked, as the general ceased speaking.

"As soon as you have recovered from the fatigue of the journey. There is
no time to be lost, unless you are eager to encounter more danger than is