upon the gateway; and behind these were artillerymen,
holding their lighted matches, supported again by files
of bayonets, that glittered in their rear. In the
block-houses the same formidable array of field-pieces
and muskets was visible; while from the four angles of
the square, as many heavy guns, that had been artfully
masked at the entrance of the chiefs, seemed ready to
sweep away every thing that should come before them. The
guard-room near the gate presented the same hostile front.
The doors of this, as well as of the other buildings,
had been firmly secured within; but from every window
affording cover to the troops, gleamed a line of bayonets
rising above the threatening field-pieces, pointed, at
a distance of little more than twelve feet, directly upon
the gateway. In addition to his musket, each man of the
guard moreover held a hand grenade, provided with a short
fuze that could be ignited in a moment from the matches
of the gunners, and with immediate effect. The soldiers
in the block-houses were similarly provided.

Almost magic as was the change thus suddenly effected in
the appearance of the garrison, it was not the most
interesting feature in the exciting scene. Choking up
the gateway, in which they were completely wedged, and
crowding the drawbridge, a dense mass of dusky Indians
were to be seen casting their fierce glances around; yet
paralysed in their movements by the unlooked-for display
of a resisting force, threatening instant annihilation
to those who should attempt either to advance or to
recede. Never, perhaps, were astonishment and disappointment