and massacre the unprepared soldiery, while the chiefs
despatched the officers in council.

It was the proximity of the period allotted for the
execution of their cruel scheme that mainly contributed
to the dismay of Captain de Haldimar. The very next day
was appointed for carrying into effect the first part of
the Indian plan: and how was it possible that a messenger,
even admitting he should elude the vigilance of the enemy,
could reach the distant post of Michilimackinac within
the short period on which hung the destiny of that devoted
fortress. In the midst of the confused and distracting
images that now crowded on his brain, came at length one
thought, redolent with the brightest colourings of hope.
On his return to the garrison, the treachery of the
Indians being made known, the governor might so far, and
with a view of gaining time, give in to the plan of his
enemies, as to obtain such delay as would afford the
chance of communication between the forts. The attempt,
on the part of those who should be selected for this
purpose, would, it is true, be a desperate one: still
it must be made; and, with such incentives to exertion
as he had, how willingly would he propose his own services!

The more he dwelt on this mode of defeating the subtle
designs of the enemy, the more practicable did it appear.
Of his own safe return to the fort he entertained not a
doubt; for he knew and relied on the Indian woman, who
was bound to him by a tie of gratitude, which her conduct
that night evidently denoted to be superior even to the